Owen Sound Committee - Community Services Meeting Transcript — November 19, 2025

00:00:25 Speaker 01: I'll call the meeting to order and ask for any additional business items.

00:00:28 Speaker 01: Council: No business items, Councillor Farmer.

00:00:33 Speaker 01: I'm sorry.

00:00:35 Speaker 02: Through the chair, I'll speak about an upcoming event for Through We Vote Local to give folks more information about running for or supporting campaigns for municipal office in 2026.

00:00:52 Speaker 02: Are there any other additional items?

00:00:54 Speaker 01: Seeing none.

00:00:55 Speaker 01: Are there any declarations of interest?

00:01:00 Speaker 01: Seeing none at this time.

00:01:01 Speaker 01: If one should arise, please indicate so.

00:01:04 Speaker 01: Confirmation of the minutes of October fifteenth.

00:01:07 Speaker 01: Council has approved these minutes; however, the committee still needs to do the same.

00:01:13 Speaker 01: Asking for a mover: Ali, and all those in favour of the minutes, that's carried.

00:01:25 Speaker 01: Next, we have deputation.

00:01:26 Speaker 01: Next, we have deputations, and our first deputation is Dwight Bryant and Peter Debrone of Owen Sound Lacrosse regarding an artificial turf.

00:01:50 Speaker 01: There we are.

00:01:51 Speaker 01: Good evening, Chair, councillors, and members of the Community Services Committee.

00:01:55 Speaker 01: My name is Peter Debrone.

00:01:57 Speaker 01: I'm the Vice President of the Owen Sound Minor Lacrosse Sixes Programmememe, and this is Dwight Bryant; he is the President of our Association.

00:02:05 Speaker 01: Ethan Woods, who is the General Manager for the Owen Sound Junior B Team, is the one who actually put together this presentation.

00:02:12 Speaker 03: Regrettably, I'm here in his stead due to an unfortunate circumstance: well, he's at fire training practice.

00:02:19 Speaker 03: He said, "I'm not quite sure what you mean."

00:02:21 Speaker 03: Fire training practice.

00:02:22 Speaker 03: So, I'll really just cut to the chase with respect to our turf partnership.

00:02:31 Speaker 03: We're requesting a partnership for the purchase of the Albany Firewolves' former turf.

00:02:35 Speaker 03: It was manufactured in 2021 but was only actually used for one season as a practice facility.

00:02:42 Speaker 03: It's $35,000 for the turf itself; this is inclusive of HST, plus approximately $15,000 for shipping, storage, and continual maintenance of it.

00:02:54 Speaker 03: Basically, this partnership is at twenty-five thousand dollars: we're looking for twenty-five thousand dollars from the City of Owen Sound,

00:03:00 Speaker 03: and the other twenty-five thousand dollars will be through Owen Sound Minor Lacrosse and Owen Sound Junior B's through sponsorship.

00:03:08 Speaker 03: Currently, the turf is actually in Calgary.

00:03:11 Speaker 03: I know that seems like a long way from Albany, but that's due to the change in ownership that happened with the Albany Firewolves over the last year.

00:03:21 Speaker 03: First of all, I want to start out by saying what it means to be a North Star: really,

00:03:26 Speaker 03: it's showing up for each other—as I'm showing you right now by showing up for Ethan as he asked me to do so.

00:03:31 Speaker 03: But rallying through tragedies is something that we've unfortunately also had to bear with the passing of Tyson Downs, as well as more recently Matt Eckert; it's something that truly brought us together.

00:03:45 Speaker 03: The Junior B's are also highly involved in The Heights Hospice and do games with dry goods drives as well.

00:03:54 Speaker 03: We really truly do act as one: we're one family and one team is what we usually say.

00:03:59 Speaker 03: The minor teams also attend each of the Junior B games and sometimes even the senior games as ball boys, and they always feel a part of the activities.

00:04:11 Speaker 03: So, what we're trying to build on is what has already transpired over the last year.

00:04:16 Speaker 03: Obviously, we've seen a great renovation happen at Bayshore, which has brought our facility up to the standards that we expect, especially for an OHL centre.

00:04:31 Speaker 03: But by putting turf in it, it would also make it a premier lacrosse facility in Ontario.

00:04:35 Speaker 03: There are actually only six arenas in Ontario that I could think of that currently have turf lined for box lacrosse specifically: Oshawa, Brampton, Six Nations, Whippomohawk (Whip), Peterborough, Oakville.

00:04:50 Speaker 03: If you know lacrosse, those are probably the six hotbeds of lacrosse.

00:04:54 Speaker 03: We would actually love to be the seventh.

00:04:58 Speaker 03: Although I think there's a great testament with the amount of numbers we have for minor lacrosse in this city to suggest that this is another hotbed, although it being slightly smaller.

00:05:09 Speaker 03: The other thing is the fact that Lacrosse Canada and the Ontario Lacrosse Association really only host national championships at facilities with turf on them; now players would rather play on them,

00:05:23 Speaker 03: and it just creates a much better atmosphere for the actual game itself.

00:05:28 Speaker 03: So this would allow the Junior B's to host a Founders potentially for the first time—which is a national championship for the Junior B's—as well as the Senior B's would be in a much better spot

00:05:40 Speaker 03: to be able to host another Presidents Cup;

00:05:41 Speaker 03: they have hosted the Presidents Cup in the past, in 2003 and 2007.

00:05:49 Speaker 03: They hosted those two times.

00:05:52 Speaker 03: You know, other things that can come out of it are we would be able to host NLL preseason games (sorry, not NHL—that's getting ahead of myself),

00:06:04 Speaker 03: and obviously elevating our minor tournament which has been going on over thirty years.

00:06:08 Speaker 03: I'm pretty sure with the Premier Lacrosse Facility: we all know the economic impact this would have on the local community, especially during our minor tournaments.

00:06:21 Speaker 03: One of our biggest issues is actually finding enough hotels for all the people that come to it.

00:06:28 Speaker 03: So, with that being said, the funding plan is what I'd like to discuss next.

00:06:34 Speaker 03: So, our goal is obviously fifty thousand dollars: as I said, twenty-five from the city and twenty-five from Lacrosse through donations, sponsorship, and ad space; we have solidified Lockwood Painting about doing the painting of it.

00:06:51 Speaker 03: So we have a blank slate—it's not there's no existing actual wear yet.

00:06:58 Speaker 03: If you actually go back one year, that is actually it: so it's thirteen rolls of turf that can fit into a 53-foot container.

00:07:14 Speaker 03: This would give us the opportunity to put our logo—the North Star logo—which we're very fortunate to have continuity from minor all the way up to Senior A;

00:07:26 Speaker 03: whereby all four factions (if you want to call them that) have the same logo.

00:07:31 Speaker 03: So we'd have one logo, and you know, the City of Owen Sound's logo can go on there too if we play our cards right.

00:07:44 Speaker 03: I think something has come up just so that you're aware: we've thought this through as much as possible; it is a standard turf dimension—two hundred by eighty-five feet.

00:07:54 Speaker 03: We're very fortunate that Bayshore did undergo its renovations because where the boards are currently have changed from what they were before, and actually the turf wouldn't have fit then;

00:08:06 Speaker 03: it will fit now because it's been standardized for that purpose.

00:08:10 Speaker 03: You can skip over to the next thing: the partnership outline.

00:08:18 Speaker 03: So we have a commitment to use it for the life expectancy of it.

00:08:23 Speaker 03: There is also limited actual maintenance costs involved with it—you know, little tears or whatever may transpire from time to time—but these are things that are easily fixed for those familiar with how turf rules work.

00:08:41 Speaker 03: And finally, the only real concern as yet has come up: it does pertain to storage;

00:08:52 Speaker 03: and we feel that it would be best suited if it was just stored in an actual sea container during non-use months.

00:08:59 Speaker 03: So when basically when the ice is on, it's in the storage container, and when it isn't, it would be on the floor inside Bayshore.

00:09:09 Speaker 03: We're very fortunate that Lacrosse is such a close-knit community; and the reason why I say that is because actually Ethan played for Albany, knows the owner of them,

00:09:23 Speaker 03: and they've given us first rights of refusal to this turf—and which obviously will expire if we don't get approval to go to the next stage: city council for further approval.

00:09:38 Speaker 03: Just to give you also some perspective with respect to how much this would cost if you were to just buy it on the market, it's about one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars;

00:09:48 Speaker 03: so obviously a substantial discount despite what I thought was quite high shipping costs.

00:09:58 Speaker 03: But I've been told by Dwight several times that no—that is actually a really good price for shipping.

00:10:05 Speaker 03: So that kind of concludes my presentation (sorry, Ethan's presentation).

00:10:10 Speaker 03: And at this point, I'd be more than happy to take any questions; and any questions that I may not know the answer to, I will definitely direct them to Dwight because hopefully he does.

00:10:21 Speaker 03: Thank you very much, Travis.

00:10:24 Speaker 04: Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:10:24 Speaker 04: It's funny that you say how connected the North Stars are: like, I played—my brother was a North Star.

00:10:31 Speaker 04: My brother passed away about 10 or 11 years ago; but I keep his North Star team photo from 1993 with my council stuff as just a reminder of what that is.

00:10:42 Speaker 04: So it's funny when you make that comment: Lacrosse is a very small world—it's a big sport, but you know, it's interesting.

00:10:51 Speaker 04: With regards to the presentation, so I had a couple quick questions: how consuming is it to roll that out and have that placed each time?

00:11:02 Speaker 04: The city does host concerts and other events that would need to probably be back on concrete—opposed to being on turf—that costs retail one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars; you don't want people just walking on it.

00:11:14 Speaker 04: So, what's the maintenance like?

00:11:17 Speaker 04: We'll get you to press the button: sorry.

00:11:21 Speaker 04: So it is versatile—we wouldn't have to necessarily pull it up depending on what it is.

00:11:24 Speaker 05: So if there's a concert—obviously with alcohol and liquids—we'd want to pull it up; but it's approximately four people and about six hours, which is what we've been told.

00:11:36 Speaker 05: It can go quicker, but that's the estimate from Albany and Calgary: great to hear.

00:11:46 Speaker 04: That would be the biggest concern—and depending on when they used to put concerts in (when the ice was out), a concert would come, and when the ice was up,

00:11:54 Speaker 04: they'd have to board it all up; all that setup time—that does cost man-hours or people hours for that cost.

00:12:03 Speaker 04: But overall, I think this is fantastic.

00:12:06 Speaker 04: I'll reach out to Minor Lacrosse: "This isn't the first time you've been coming to committee/council looking for a partnership."

00:12:14 Speaker 04: Was it last year?

00:12:15 Speaker 04: The year prior we had an agreement and council/the city didn't provide anything;

00:12:20 Speaker 04: but then you updated everything—you updated a whole bunch of change rooms at Bayshore—and I think that's a great understanding of what a partnership truly is between minor sports and the city.

00:12:33 Speaker 04: What's the time frame on the decision?

00:12:37 Speaker 04: You said we have first right of refusal from Albany, so what does that window look like?

00:12:42 Speaker 04: We have a capital budget coming to council in December; generally when council and the mayor go through our capital budget—"Hey, this sounds like a great idea,

00:12:57 Speaker 04: but where are we funding it from?"—so I just want to make sure if we refer to capital (which I feel is the right place for it) that doesn't hinder or affect your timeline.

00:13:11 Speaker 03: Through you, Madam Chair, to Councillor Kepke: by January would be no problem; so fitting within the time frame outlined would absolutely be a non-issue if December was when you're doing your capital planning.

00:13:25 Speaker 03: Furthermore, just to piggyback on that—although it's not a perfect segue—this does make it a much safer facility.

00:13:33 Speaker 03: For those of you who have ever played lacrosse: know that concrete floors tend to sweat and can be slippery; this actually alleviates that.

00:13:43 Speaker 03: I also think that although Lacrosse is the primary use (and Cross is the primary user) for that facility,

00:13:48 Speaker 03: and the permit holder during those months—I think it would also be more enticing for other uses at that time because of the fact that it would have turf in it.

00:13:59 Speaker 05: And just to add: even for graduations and stuff like that for high schools, we wouldn't recommend pulling it up; we'd recommend actually keeping it down—it's likely a little bit safer with different footwear as well.

00:14:14 Speaker 05: Okay, Lloyd.

00:14:17 Speaker 05: Through you, Madam Chair—just a couple of questions: what months would you be able to use it?

00:14:25 Speaker 06: That's one and two.

00:14:27 Speaker 06: Talking about partnerships—is there an opportunity to use it with other associations?

00:14:31 Speaker 06: I'm thinking immediately indoor soccer; would they want to use it?

00:14:35 Speaker 06: Would there be some recreation opportunities so you can maximize that?

00:14:41 Speaker 06: And the third question is: Is it a rubberized surface?

00:14:45 Speaker 06: In other words, underneath—it—rubber or just carpet?

00:14:47 Speaker 06: Because that's a big difference.

00:14:48 Speaker 06: Now, that sponginess.

00:14:51 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:14:53 Speaker 03: Through you, Madam Chair to Member Lewis: what I can say is that it is rubber first and foremost;

00:15:01 Speaker 03: the second thing is—the months it can be used are basically when ice isn't on—so which would be, I think, during home show in May, then put back usually in August.

00:15:11 Speaker 03: So August through May?

00:15:12 Speaker 03: No: so May to June to July to August—you're talking four months because ice is there for the other eight; let's be honest:

00:15:20 Speaker 03: this is a hockey town first and rightfully so—but we're proud to be second fiddle in that regard.

00:15:31 Speaker 03: To answer members' question pertaining to soccer: as much as they would be more than welcome to use it,

00:15:41 Speaker 03: I doubt they would—and only reason is because soccer players like to play outside during those months from May until August; outdoor fields are available then and utilised.

00:15:55 Speaker 03: It doesn't really necessarily make sense.

00:15:57 Speaker 03: I can't speak on behalf of the Soccer Association but they already have their own facility at Koana Centre or utilise for that purpose—hopefully that answers your question.

00:16:11 Speaker 06: Through you, Chair: indoor soccer is a little bit different though from outdoor; there are some who prefer to play five-side, four-side indoors—but that traditionally is done in winter.

00:16:20 Speaker 06: I understand that and don't know if there was any need but just throwing it out there—that's all.

00:16:28 Speaker 06: Go ahead, John.

00:16:32 Speaker 06: Through the chair: I'm curious—I guess it sounds like the plan?

00:16:37 Speaker 06: The proposal is twenty-five/twenty-five.

00:16:40 Speaker 02: We also have asset management plans and capital needs many times more than funding we have; and this sounds like a great opportunity to get something of high value for reduced price.

00:16:53 Speaker 02: And I'm wondering if possible—if motion going forward: can we consider this in capital budget?

00:17:01 Speaker 02: I'd be interested in other supportive financing opportunities—whether that's connections through Trillium or Community Foundation,

00:17:13 Speaker 02: or there are situations where city (for Grace Albo) was able to hold a loan at good preferential rate for organisation but also removed immediate crunch of selling fifty thousand dollars worth of ads before having

00:17:33 Speaker 02: thing compared to being able to connect twenty-five.

00:17:36 Speaker 02: So I'm curious what timeline and financing—and if intention is move this in capital budget?

00:17:47 Speaker 02: We've heard a lot: I'm first-term councillor but it's been very clear our capital needs are high, opportunities for funding low;

00:17:56 Speaker 02: also every time we get something cool then people get used to having cool thing and that has to be incorporated into asset management plan because really hard to raise generation of lacrosse players on really

00:18:09 Speaker 02: high-quality surface then go back if lifespan at end.

00:18:15 Speaker 02: So I'm interested to hear how this would fit into capital—like multi-year capital plan—and also what those financing options would be.

00:18:23 Speaker 02: Don't know if question you can answer now or staff can answer now or just food for thought for December.

00:18:31 Speaker 01: I will turn to staff in a moment but do believe both organisations working hard getting sponsorships and some funding; I'll turn to City Manager.

00:18:47 Speaker 07: Thank you, Chair Kepke.

00:18:49 Speaker 07: I believe, and I'm going to ask you guys in a minute.

00:18:53 Speaker 07: I don't believe the notion is for you to transfer the asset to the city that Northstar would own; they'd own the turf.

00:19:01 Speaker 07: You're simply here asking for a funding request to help purchase the turf, but you would maintain ownership of the turf for the lifetime of that asset.

00:19:14 Speaker 03: Through you, Madam Chair, to the City Manager.

00:19:17 Speaker 03: Sorry, I don't know your name.

00:19:19 Speaker 03: With respect to that, no, we are looking at it.

00:19:24 Speaker 03: I believe we would donate the turf to the city.

00:19:27 Speaker 03: Yeah.

00:19:27 Speaker 03: So essentially, we would ensure the cost is covered; we would take care of everything outside of the money that you would obviously give us, and then donate it back to the city.

00:19:38 Speaker 03: So I'm not sure if that would then fall under the asset management plan that Councillor Farmer brought up, but essentially that is how that would go.

00:19:48 Speaker 07: Understanding that?

00:19:49 Speaker 07: So thanks for the clarity.

00:19:51 Speaker 07: It's Tim, by the way.

00:19:52 Speaker 07: That makes sense, and I think again,

00:19:56 Speaker 07: if it's the initial funding and looking at the timing—with our capital budgets going forward in December—but you're needing to have something sort of definitive by the end before the end of the year essentially.

00:20:09 Speaker 07: If it moves forward and Council moves forward with this, we would look at whatever agreement we enter into then on the donation aspect.

00:20:17 Speaker 07: We would consider asset repair, replacement, and all of that in that agreement at that time.

00:20:30 Speaker 07: To Councillor Farmer's question:

00:20:31 Speaker 08: I was just going to mention that that agreement with Minor Lacrosse and Junior B Lacrosse could outline—and I think you kind of spoke to it in your presentation if I didn't misunderstand it—that this would

00:20:44 Speaker 08: be a partnership for the life of the asset,

00:20:46 Speaker 08: and I would be interested in hearing what is the life expectancy.

00:20:52 Speaker 08: Wouldn't we commit the city to replacing that asset even though it was ours?

00:20:58 Speaker 08: You know, knowing that there'd be no obligation maybe to replace it in however many years it lasts.

00:21:10 Speaker 08: Thank you.

00:21:11 Speaker 08: Go ahead.

00:21:14 Speaker 09: Through you, Madam Chair... just actually off Pam, and this was one of my questions: A) What is the lifespan of it?

00:21:21 Speaker 09: And then the next question I had was regarding box lacrosse field use; can we have people up here instead of going to Brampton every weekend?

00:21:30 Speaker 09: No. Okay, we'll just ask about the lifespan then.

00:21:38 Speaker 03: I'll get this thing down, I swear.

00:21:40 Speaker 03: Through you, Madam Chair, to Member Kemick:

00:21:44 Speaker 03: The first point is that with a low amount of usage—going to the fact that we're only utilising it for four months in a year—the life expectancy is estimated at about 25 years.

00:21:53 Speaker 03: That's the first thing.

00:21:54 Speaker 03: The second point is as it pertains to field lacrosse; similarly to soccer, it is traditionally played outside on a much larger playing surface.

00:22:11 Speaker 03: The only exception would be what is called U9 and U11 lacrosse, but that would require us to realign lines and do a whole bunch of other things that would have to happen.

00:22:23 Speaker 03: So this... you're talking to the former commissioner of the Ontario Minor Field Lacrosse League.

00:22:28 Speaker 03: I used to be the VP for field in Owen Sound before taking up sixes.

00:22:33 Speaker 03: There's nothing I'd love more than to see this utilised by a multitude of sectors,

00:22:39 Speaker 03: but we have to recognize that—and this is something I've come to realize as someone an outsider coming into Owen Sound—that we are a box lacrosse centre first and very proud of it if I may

00:22:54 Speaker 03: say so.

00:22:56 Speaker 03: So I think that by making it just for [box] heightens the focus and makes it just that much better.

00:23:02 Speaker 03: Anything?

00:23:06 Speaker 10: No, Amy Alley...

00:23:09 Speaker 10: This may be a question that maybe is best hashed out in the agreement part.

00:23:12 Speaker 10: But you mentioned that for storage it would need to be in a shipping container; is that something the city would already have?

00:23:17 Speaker 10: Is that something we have to account for acquiring if this were to go through an agreement?

00:23:24 Speaker 08: Through, through the Chair: We don't have a shipping container.

00:23:27 Speaker 08: We would have to sort that out as part of the partnership.

00:23:33 Speaker 03: Through Madam Chair to the member: This does also include in our cost; it includes the purchase of a shipping container.

00:23:43 Speaker 03: So to reiterate the point made before, essentially that would be included.

00:23:50 Speaker 03: It's just more a matter of where we're keeping this sea container rather than how are we ascertaining it through what means.

00:24:00 Speaker 03: Go ahead.

00:24:02 Speaker 11: Well thank you very much, Madam Chair.

00:24:04 Speaker 11: I'm very supportive of this proposal as long as it goes through the proper capital budget process.

00:24:13 Speaker 11: And in that process, I would presume there'd be discussions with staff to get all those little minutiae details in terms of maintenance and so on.

00:24:21 Speaker 11: I suspect there's all sorts of costs we wouldn't even think of today, and our recreation folks would want to have a look at them.

00:24:29 Speaker 11: But it going through that capital process would be great.

00:24:32 Speaker 11: And I think if you're presenting to Council or any other group, it would be really valuable to consider this as an investment for the community not a cost,

00:24:42 Speaker 11: and to have some stats around the economic generator effect of your tournaments, hotel stays—all that sort of thing—I think would be really beneficial.

00:24:53 Speaker 11: So a $250,000–$300,000 outlay by the city will reap how many more thousands?

00:24:59 Speaker 11: I think that would be well worth putting some thought to.

00:25:03 Speaker 11: Thank you.

00:25:05 Speaker 04: And thank you, Madam Chair.

00:25:06 Speaker 04: I hear you say that you're an out-towner but you're married to a Whip so I think that means you've been around longer—more generations than most.

00:25:14 Speaker 04: So I'd move the recommendation or put the recommendation on the floor that we take this presentation and refer it to our capital budget in December.

00:25:25 Speaker 04: I would note as well some of the other comments about mat tax; probably a good one where this would come into play.

00:25:31 Speaker 04: And I know that board would meet and discuss if that is an option for funding.

00:25:37 Speaker 04: So I agree with...

00:25:41 Speaker 04: I think there's—we're enhancing the facility at a reduced cost, at a reduced level from what it otherwise might be.

00:25:48 Speaker 04: No different than when we go into an attack agreement and say: "Okay, Owen Sound Attack, you're going to come and provide funding;

00:25:54 Speaker 04: we're going to put new boards in to enhance the facility and create safety for that facility."

00:26:00 Speaker 04: So I think it does go hand-in-hand with the agreements we already have with other organisations within the city.

00:26:06 Speaker 04: So I think it's a good one to refer to Council in December.

00:26:14 Speaker 12: John, through the Chair to staff: I'm just looking at the December calendar because I had a small heart attack around scheduling.

00:26:27 Speaker 12: Do we have that December budget?

00:26:30 Speaker 12: Or did this implementation of strong mayor powers and the transition to a Mayor's budget remove the previously scheduled meetings for December 1st and 2nd?

00:26:42 Speaker 12: If we're saying we're moving that to December, I just want to really make sure I know when I'm supposed to show up.

00:26:52 Speaker 08: That's a great question.

00:26:54 Speaker 08: In my mind there's still a capital update for Council in December but we'd have to confirm that with the committee.

00:27:00 Speaker 08: If there isn't one, maybe we would have to bring it to a Council meeting in December given the timeline.

00:27:07 Speaker 08: So if the motion could be to a December meeting—either the Capital Budget or another meeting—that would work.

00:27:19 Speaker 08: Yeah.

00:27:19 Speaker 04: Thank you.

00:27:20 Speaker 04: And yeah, that makes sense because I did notice those meetings got deleted from my calendar but wasn't sure if that was just because of the operating component.

00:27:29 Speaker 04: It's probably just all deleted at once.

00:27:32 Speaker 04: So yes, I'd revise the wording of that motion: Just a note it comes through the Capital Budget meeting or a Council meeting in December.

00:27:44 Speaker 01: Okay thank you everyone.

00:27:46 Speaker 01: I did have a big long list of questions and every one of my questions was asked around the table so I didn't have to leave Chair to do so.

00:27:55 Speaker 01: So that's great; everyone's on the same page, and thank you so much for your presentation.

00:28:00 Speaker 01: But we do have a motion on the floor to refer this to a Council meeting in December or the Capital Budget meeting in December.

00:28:08 Speaker 01: I'd like to see if all those are in favour and it be carried.

00:28:13 Speaker 01: So that will take place, and from there agreements will be made.

00:28:20 Speaker 01: And thanks so much for bringing this to the city; it's a great partnership.

00:28:26 Speaker 01: Thank you very much.

00:28:27 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:28:41 Speaker 01: Our next deputation is from Tasha Schmidt regarding tree opportunities.

00:28:54 Speaker 01: Okay hello everyone.

00:28:57 Speaker 13: So I've just—it's going to be much shorter than that was.

00:29:00 Speaker 13: So I wrote something; it's in your agenda.

00:29:03 Speaker 13: But Owen Sound is a beautiful city largely because of its trees—at least for me—and I wanted to help it remain that way.

00:29:11 Speaker 13: I've noticed that in some areas where there are lots of rentals, absentee landlords have not been requesting that trees which were removed be replanted.

00:29:20 Speaker 13: In other areas I'm not sure owners are aware they can ask to have a tree planted.

00:29:26 Speaker 13: So this is all about boulevard tree planting—not commemorative trees—just planting in the boulevards.

00:29:33 Speaker 13: And in my opinion these areas are much poorer for lack of trees, which bring movement, beauty and shade.

00:29:41 Speaker 13: And I'm just reminded of the City of Goderich; everyone said you know "oh that city square is the most beautiful," and it was just because of the trees.

00:29:50 Speaker 13: And now that the trees are gone anyway, it's not the most beautiful city square anymore.

00:29:56 Speaker 13: So what I'm asking—I put two suggestions down: One is to have a Hug A Tree Month in Owen Sound which would be to advertise that this programmememe exists,

00:30:09 Speaker 13: and as I understand it Owen Sound is acknowledged as being a tree city which is pretty cool—so let residents know via social media, the City website, news articles etc.,

00:30:20 Speaker 13: that they can request to have a tree planted.

00:30:22 Speaker 13: That's one way.

00:30:23 Speaker 13: Another suggestion is to change the policy of requiring landowners to request a tree so that's more reactive;

00:30:31 Speaker 13: instead we'd take a proactive approach where the city determines which trees need planting and notifies landowners if a tree is going to be planted,

00:30:45 Speaker 13: giving them opportunity to tell us what kind they want or if they don't want one.

00:30:49 Speaker 13: So it's more proactive.

00:30:52 Speaker 13: And I did inquire—I sent an inquiry to the Manager of Parks and Open Spaces—and then Nicole Olmstead did some sleuthing for me I guess and gave me an answer:

00:31:05 Speaker 13: The reason this happened is originally the city was just planting trees in boulevards,

00:31:14 Speaker 13: then there was pushback from some owners who said actually you know we didn't want trees for whatever reasons so it kind of swung the other way from "we're going to plant trees without asking" to

00:31:26 Speaker 13: "we're only going to plant if you ask us."

00:31:30 Speaker 13: And I guess the problem is maybe a middle ground might be better: We'll let you know we're planting, and if you don't want us to do it then just tell us.

00:31:44 Speaker 13: That way trees are still being planted and you won't be left with in 30 or 40 years large areas of very young trees because no new ones have been planted anyway.

00:31:59 Speaker 13: So that's my suggestion; that's all of it.

00:32:03 Speaker 13: Thank you very much.

00:32:07 Speaker 01: Thank you so much for bringing the ideas, and I believe from here then it will go on to staff: The suggestions you've made regarding people building... look at trees—I'll let the Director speak.

00:32:26 Speaker 01: Thank you Madam Chair—and I agree with you Tasha; trees make neighbourhoods and commercial areas better places.

00:32:34 Speaker 01: So just for the committee when we're building new subdivisions, boulevard trees are a requirement for developers.

00:32:43 Speaker 08: But as presenters noted often in older residential neighbourhoods over time there may not be trees.

00:32:52 Speaker 08: Just looking at the Boulevard Tree Planting Request Form there's nothing that says "I'm the property owner."

00:32:59 Speaker 08: I wonder if there is a tenant in a rental—if they can request it.

00:33:06 Speaker 08: Certainly I understand the idea around letting the city and the commemorative tree programmememe—which we're going to talk about later tonight—has been amended to let the city plant trees where needed as opposed to having donor

00:33:22 Speaker 08: pick location.

00:33:24 Speaker 08: Just putting one in front of someone's home if they're not a willing host might... you know generate number of tree calls because well my tree's dropping leaves and I don't like it.

00:33:39 Speaker 08: So certainly this is something really of interest;

00:33:42 Speaker 08: so I wonder perhaps the committee may consider a motion with some direction for staff that we look at updating the Boulevard Tree Programmememe as part of the 2026 Work Plan.

00:33:57 Speaker 08: Is anyone, John?

00:34:01 Speaker 08: I'm happy to make that motion.

00:34:03 Speaker 02: I would also ask a question of staff through Chair: There are comments in report around commemorative forest programmememe regarding creating clearer GIS layer for city mapping identifying where commemorative trees are being planted.

00:34:23 Speaker 02: What mechanisms do we have right now to assess our general canopy cover and areas of need?

00:34:32 Speaker 02: Knowing we don't have mechanism to preserve trees on private property—and that means boulevard trees get to provide shade, cooling etc.—how are we tracking that right now?

00:34:49 Speaker 02: And is that level of detail imagined part of suggested GIS layer or would work come as result of motion in 2026 Work Plan?

00:35:07 Speaker 02: Through Chair: I'm not convinced entirely...

00:35:08 Speaker 08: Convinced that I entirely understand question but we do have GIS layer with over 22,000 trees.

00:35:17 Speaker 08: There's bit gap in northwest section where continuing to collect data; updated as we work on trees.

00:35:26 Speaker 08: In terms of how assess areas typically when planting through commemorative programmememe they're placed in parks not necessarily boulevards.

00:35:38 Speaker 08: And right now boulevard programmememe—we are only planting in boulevards where there request.

00:35:44 Speaker 08: So city wouldn't proactively plant in boulevard area save and except new developments which being planted with trees.

00:35:58 Speaker 08: Follow up: How addressing need then acknowledging that trees help make communities more livable—and that livability is unequally or inequitably distributed across city?

00:36:18 Speaker 02: Where trees removed, where city tries to plant them—the limiting factor number of trees can be planted any one year is staff.

00:36:28 Speaker 08: So I wondered if this would come up tonight.

00:36:31 Speaker 08: This year we planted 369 trees: 39 in boulevard and 75 in parks—those were bigger five-to-eight-foot trees—and then 255 saplings to make that 369.

00:36:50 Speaker 08: And there was 160 trees planted with Youth Climate Action Group a few weeks ago when they planted down near Bayshore Community Centre.

00:37:03 Speaker 08: So Park staff assessing need; arborists doing that when out and about.

00:37:09 Speaker 08: But as mentioned boulevards done on request basis.

00:37:13 Speaker 08: But if looking at programmememe next year maybe something we can assess.

00:37:18 Speaker 08: One final follow-up, with grace of Chair: Do we ever have years where turn away or turn down requests for boulevard trees?

00:37:29 Speaker 02: Or are under capacity regarding requests so far?

00:37:34 Speaker 02: We been promoting to encourage people ask for tree—so trying promote that.

00:37:45 Speaker 08: But I'd say if more boulevard trees being planted probably less capacity plant as many in parks.

00:37:56 Speaker 08: So Lord...

00:38:03 Speaker 08: Through you Madam Chair: Naturally all over your suggestions; it's great.

00:38:14 Speaker 06: However think very important get buy-in from homeowner because life of tree critical first two years and need someone maintain—to mulch, water—and makes such difference having that.

00:38:27 Speaker 06: Having said also want make city aware at this point in time when boulevard tree planted there no information given to homeowner as to how stake tree, how maintain it,

00:38:42 Speaker 06: look after it—maybe something say about importance.

00:38:46 Speaker 06: So encourage like attached when job done and wrapping tree too.

00:38:57 Speaker 06: And I think three years ago we did boulevard trees; did about 50 or 60 one year because following for while—and also Neighbourhoods North been going door-to-door handing out cards saying you can have boulevard tree,

00:39:13 Speaker 06: important.

00:39:14 Speaker 06: We actually stopped this year just busy but could continue future.

00:39:22 Speaker 06: I'd like hear little bit more too from idea of Hug A Tree and what talking about?

00:39:32 Speaker 06: And city—Tree City of World concept something think need continue doing though haven't really celebrated it.

00:39:41 Speaker 06: Though believe suggested did four years ago at Grey County—but was there don't remember ever happening.

00:39:48 Speaker 06: But this could part commemorative forest plan probably going talk about in terms celebration.

00:39:55 Speaker 06: So do you mind Tasha just talking Hug A Tree?

00:40:00 Speaker 06: Okay sure through Chair:

00:40:03 Speaker 06: So Hug A Tree something came up with; from my brain—not very well thought out—can be whatever want make it.

00:40:20 Speaker 13: Idea promote for month that Owen Sound tree city and actively let people know what means this city—and part advertising if want tree planted need ask—they can ask hopefully even letting them know tenants can too.

00:40:45 Speaker 13: If case then amazing because spoken number tenants who'd like ask but thought weren't able so wonderful.

00:40:54 Speaker 13: But would be yeah guess month celebration fact Owen Sound has amazing tree canopy—every time drive into city see valley full trees just beautiful.

00:41:26 Speaker 13: So programmememe through social media City website and news articles preferably.

00:41:34 Speaker 13: Yeah Allie go ahead: Yeah think great; better advertisement makes sense.

00:41:42 Speaker 10: Taken part programmememe twice property each time someone goes like "I don't know anything about this what is this?"

00:41:47 Speaker 10: So totally think something could doing more for.

00:41:53 Speaker 10: Curious how currently advertised—assuming social media maybe newsletter or other ways targeting promotion?

00:42:08 Speaker 10: Through Chair information website;

00:42:09 Speaker 08: do social media one metric Tree City of World part communication education so can't speak detail in prepare application but certainly staff work—I think develop fun through comms team they'll have great ideas around celebrate educate

00:42:36 Speaker 08: make sure people aware.

00:42:39 Speaker 08: And we certainly take point care boulevard trees—definitely important—and can better job on that.

00:42:49 Speaker 08: Morgan I used to... just did lot celebrations one organisation considered green company so recalling

00:43:00 Speaker 09: And there is a bunch of annual tree holidays, Arbor Day, which is in April, and then there's National Tree Day in Canada, which is celebrated during National Forest Week in September.

00:43:13 Speaker 09: So there are all kinds of things we can link it to, and it could also be maybe not just a month, but linking with these already predisposed celebrations.

00:43:23 Speaker 09: There's also World Tree Day on June 28th, and National Tree Planting Day.

00:43:27 Speaker 09: So there are all kinds of stuff we could do with that.

00:43:29 Speaker 09: But I think you're right; if we pull it in and link it with the comms people and the different calendars, it could be a good initiative for sure.

00:43:41 Speaker 09: John, did you have something more?

00:43:42 Speaker 09: Just through the chair: for the record, I was just looking at the press release that the City of Owen Sound put out in April for Arbor Day celebrating Tree City of the World designation.

00:43:54 Speaker 02: I know that also went out through social media, and we just wrapped up an external communications survey to update that plan.

00:44:02 Speaker 02: So if we're doing it but people don't know about it, there's a gap somewhere—maybe not on whether are we celebrating or publicly releasing information about that designation.

00:44:15 Speaker 02: Okay, so the suggestion was motion to update the policy.

00:44:21 Speaker 01: Did you move it?

00:44:22 Speaker 01: Okay.

00:44:24 Speaker 01: Any more discussion on it?

00:44:25 Speaker 01: Then all those in favour?

00:44:28 Speaker 01: Okay, that's carried.

00:44:29 Speaker 01: Thank you so much; and we're glad you have the enthusiasm you do.

00:44:34 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:44:35 Speaker 01: Thanks.

00:44:38 Speaker 01: Next item is public forum.

00:44:40 Speaker 01: Are there any members who wish to speak at public forum?

00:44:44 Speaker 01: State your name and where you reside.

00:44:50 Speaker 01: There: Anne Finley Stewart.

00:44:52 Speaker 14: I am an Owen Sound resident, and I just have three quick questions.

00:44:56 Speaker 14: It's all Tree Day and Sports Day today.

00:44:59 Speaker 14: First, I'd like to say thank you.

00:45:01 Speaker 14: I'm really glad to see the work at the playgrounds at Comeret Park and Owen Heights Park, and the enthusiastic workers there, even though the weather was miserable.

00:45:10 Speaker 14: I'm hoping that you'll consider the need for shade for children and caregivers that was brought up—at least at the open house with neighbours at Owen Heights—because I noticed that the bench is going to be

00:45:22 Speaker 14: right out in the blazing sun,

00:45:23 Speaker 14: just like the old bench was.

00:45:25 Speaker 14: And on that subject, I noticed that the hospital has acquired some new trees through Neighbourhoods North from a tree nursery; instead of having discount trees,

00:45:39 Speaker 14: they take their trees that are not top retail and donate them.

00:45:47 Speaker 14: They're getting nine- to twelve-foot or twelve- to fifteen-foot trees—maybe even bigger.

00:45:51 Speaker 14: Okay.

00:45:52 Speaker 14: And I also understand that these are available to municipalities and conservation authorities.

00:45:58 Speaker 14: So I hope that the City would take advantage of that kind of generosity in the future, as well as developing a right-to-shade policy for little Louis, who's blonder than Ally,

00:46:11 Speaker 14: and deserves to be playing in the shade, especially as time goes by.

00:46:16 Speaker 14: I'm sure your son is equally fair-skinned; Matthew is fair too—and yeah, let's have these little boys protected.

00:46:22 Speaker 14: I'm also interested in the status of renaming Ryerson Park or not renaming it,

00:46:30 Speaker 14: and as we approach sledding weather—the 911 sign was back up because it had been on a tree and I didn't see it.

00:46:40 Speaker 14: So I'd like to know what's happening with the name; particularly the signage is important to me.

00:46:47 Speaker 14: I'll let staff answer that.

00:46:51 Speaker 14: Thanks.

00:46:51 Speaker 08: And through the chair, I had a similar question from another member about shade for playgrounds.

00:46:58 Speaker 08: I went back and read—I attended public open houses—and you know, I could recall shade being a theme in the report from the manager that came back to committee with the design.

00:47:10 Speaker 08: It was noted that the City would undertake tree planting outside of contract; so that will happen in spring given the time of year.

00:47:19 Speaker 08: I don't know much about the hospital's new trees or status regarding renaming.

00:47:23 Speaker 08: I believe we have a meeting on Monday.

00:47:26 Speaker 08: The idea is there should be, you know—I don't want to presume the work of committee—but I think our shared goal is to have a recommendation through this committee in December.

00:47:37 Speaker 08: This committee would then make a recommendation to Council; so the decision—or rather, the recommendation—should come forward in December.

00:47:50 Speaker 08: Nine-one-one sign: I had asked before that it be up, but I am going to double-check tomorrow.

00:47:59 Speaker 08: Sorry—if you're at the playground, that's not where the sign was always out at the corner.

00:48:04 Speaker 08: Where?

00:48:05 Speaker 08: Unless you're having a heart attack, you wouldn't actually see it.

00:48:09 Speaker 14: So it was on a tree at one point, but it has to be somewhere people can obviously see it when they need to call 911.

00:48:16 Speaker 14: And the other thing: I was interested in progress on suitable pitch for our cricket-playing neighbours that came up at a previous meeting.

00:48:30 Speaker 14: Through you, Chair, there was a request for a report on capital budget.

00:48:34 Speaker 08: Right now, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces is off; so I'm not sure we'll complete that report in time for the capital budget this year.

00:48:45 Speaker 08: Thank you.

00:48:46 Speaker 04: Now: did they speak with Blue Water District School Board?

00:48:51 Speaker 04: Great point—I'd forgotten about that.

00:48:55 Speaker 08: We connected the Cricket group with the Bluewater School Board because when we talked to them, they indicated a location that works for us.

00:49:04 Speaker 08: The sports field at OSDSS had been identified as a possibility; so we connected with the Bluewater folks and the cricket group but haven't heard anything good or bad out of it yet.

00:49:20 Speaker 08: But we can check where that's at.

00:49:24 Speaker 08: Thank you for those questions.

00:49:27 Speaker 08: Moving on, we have correspondence from the Blue Water Quilters Guild regarding a hall rental fee increase, and they've expressed their concerns in their letter.

00:49:38 Speaker 01: Attached to that was staff's response to their concerns.

00:49:43 Speaker 01: Any comments or questions on this correspondence?

00:49:47 Speaker 01: Go ahead, John.

00:49:49 Speaker 01: Through the chair:

00:49:50 Speaker 01: so I'm curious if there are avenues for us to connect one specific community group like that to other community groups that already have dedicated partnership agreements with the City for discounted rates or certain allotments

00:50:04 Speaker 02: of space—like the Active Lifestyle Centre—or if there are opportunities when grassroots groups with limited funds come forward,

00:50:13 Speaker 02: do we direct folks to the Community Foundation and sources like that?

00:50:19 Speaker 02: Because the cost of owning space is going up; therefore, the cost of renting space is going up—it's pressure all around.

00:50:29 Speaker 02: So is there a way for us to offer suggestions while also maintaining sustainability of fee structures?

00:50:37 Speaker 02: I'll just comment first: I know the Active Lifestyle Centre would definitely not be big enough for sixty to eighty quilters—they need something the size of the Bay Room at least.

00:50:48 Speaker 01: So then I'll let staff comment.

00:50:52 Speaker 01: We can certainly reach out and make sure they are aware of some grants through Community Foundation if they haven't made applications there in the past.

00:51:02 Speaker 08: We can make sure they're aware of those, through the chair.

00:51:07 Speaker 08: Just a follow-up: so in the past, I was under the impression that if a group didn't qualify or didn't have charitable status needed to apply for something like a Trillium grant or other grant streams,

00:51:18 Speaker 02: then historically the City was in a position to support as a flow-through agency.

00:51:26 Speaker 02: Am I right about that, or did I make that up?

00:51:29 Speaker 02: And if I didn't make it up, is it still true?

00:51:33 Speaker 02: I'd have to defer to our friends in Finance.

00:51:37 Speaker 08: I do think we have acted as a flow-through if someone is just in the process of getting their charitable status, but I'd have to check with Finance on the details of how that works.

00:51:52 Speaker 08: Okay.

00:51:53 Speaker 08: All right.

00:51:55 Speaker 01: Do we need a motion to receive this correspondence, staff?

00:51:59 Speaker 01: Okay, Travis.

00:52:01 Speaker 01: Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:52:01 Speaker 01: I just moved to move to receive the correspondence.

00:52:05 Speaker 01: All those in favour?

00:52:08 Speaker 01: That's carried.

00:52:08 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:52:11 Speaker 01: Next on the agenda, we have reports from staff.

00:52:15 Speaker 01: The first one is from Planning and Heritage regarding Bill 60, Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025 update.

00:52:25 Speaker 01: And I presume Sabine is taking this.

00:52:32 Speaker 01: Through Chair.

00:52:34 Speaker 01: On October 23, 2024, the province introduced Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which is an omnibus bill that seeks to amend 18 different acts, including the Planning Act.

00:52:47 Speaker 15: At this time, the bill has been ordered for third reading.

00:52:50 Speaker 15: The bill includes three core themes: building homes and communities, fighting delays at the Landlord and Tenant Board, and keeping people moving.

00:52:59 Speaker 15: The focus of this report is the changes under the Planning Act and the Building Homes and Communities theme.

00:53:06 Speaker 15: And under that theme, the bill proposes a review of the Building Code to reduce regulatory burdens and costs;

00:53:13 Speaker 15: a provincially led feasibility study to explore mechanisms that will streamline municipal land use planning and building code processes through automation and municipal data tracking; IT solutions to improve efficiency and transparency;

00:53:26 Speaker 15: MMH will work with municipalities and key stakeholders in the public to establish simplified and standardized official plans that are more predictable and streamlined.

00:53:35 Speaker 15: It includes changes to the City of Toronto Act and site plan regulations to prohibit requirements for green roofs or green development standards at the lot level during site plan control;

00:53:45 Speaker 15: there are proposed amendments to regulations to remove the need for a Record of Site Condition where there is a low risk of contamination as determined by an expert,

00:53:54 Speaker 15: and for conversion of higher office and commercial buildings to mixed-use developments with residential or other sensitive uses.

00:54:01 Speaker 15: The province is proposing to consult on how to further expand the use of communal water and wastewater systems to allow new development in rural communities that are not serviced by municipal water and sewer services

00:54:12 Speaker 15: at this time;

00:54:14 Speaker 15: and the province is proposing to allow more small-sized septic systems for on-farm housing for agricultural workers, which is regulated through the Building Code.

00:54:23 Speaker 15: The province is currently seeking feedback through the Environmental Registry via the following comment opportunities until November 22, 2024: posting 025-097, which seeks comments on as-of-right variations from performance standards; minor variances;

00:54:42 Speaker 15: policy statements and Minister's decisions; and community improvement plans.

00:54:47 Speaker 15: Another posting is seeking comment on the standardization of municipal official plans, and another posting is seeking consultation on minimum lot sizes.

00:54:57 Speaker 15: The report provided to committee provides an analysis of the proposed changes.

00:55:01 Speaker 15: The recommendation is that the Community Services Committee recommends that City Council direct staff to send this report to the Province of Ontario as the city's comments on Bill 60; forward it to Paul Biggs,

00:55:16 Speaker 15: MPP for Grey Bruce or Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

00:55:19 Speaker 15: The ongoing changes to legislation and related regulations, as demonstrated in the previous report section of this report which is 11 reports in three years,

00:55:29 Speaker 15: are making it challenging for municipalities and municipal planners to keep pace with these changes.

00:55:33 Speaker 15: Municipal staff must review and understand policy changes so that they can be implemented appropriately.

00:55:39 Speaker 15: In municipalities without a dedicated policy department, this diverts time and attention from processing development applications, which may consequently slow the development approval process.

00:55:49 Speaker 15: The proposed changes will necessitate additional staff education and training to ensure successful implementation; updating local policy documents in response to provincial changes requires significant financial investments.

00:56:03 Speaker 15: Efficiency is often a function of predictability.

00:56:07 Speaker 15: The rate of changes to the Planning Act over the last five years does not allow for sufficient time for the changes to be implemented,

00:56:13 Speaker 15: let alone for their impact to be evaluated before the next set of changes is announced.

00:56:18 Speaker 15: These constant changes create an environment of uncertainty and disruption, which does not serve the province's stated goal of getting housing built.

00:56:26 Speaker 15: With all new legislation, understanding of the proposed changes will increase with time.

00:56:30 Speaker 15: Staff are committed to continuing to monitor legislative updates and provide regular updates to committee and council.

00:56:37 Speaker 15: Thank you.

00:56:39 Speaker 15: Thank you.

00:56:39 Speaker 01: Questions or comments, John?

00:56:45 Speaker 01: Oh, I'm sorry.

00:56:48 Speaker 01: Through the chair,

00:56:48 Speaker 01: I'd be happy to move the recommendation with the amendment and amendments to the communications plan to also include the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the leaders of all parties with seats at Queen's Park;

00:57:05 Speaker 02: this stuff just makes me so angry.

00:57:08 Speaker 02: Like it's ridiculous.

00:57:10 Speaker 02: I can't imagine how the province would react if the federal government said, "We're just going to take away some of your jurisdiction because developers have different rules in Manitoba and Ontario,

00:57:24 Speaker 02: and it's slowing them down."

00:57:25 Speaker 02: That's it.

00:57:29 Speaker 02: It would be laughable if it didn't have so many direct and negative connotations to our communities,

00:57:36 Speaker 02: and I'm really grateful for the expertise and patience of staff in our busiest development year in a really long time.

00:57:48 Speaker 02: That stuff was in the pipeline before this mess of changes, and throwing spaghetti on your desks doesn't help move those other things forward.

00:57:57 Speaker 02: And I don't know how we say this more loudly: that when it comes to efficiency, it's like The Princess Bride or like building houses;

00:58:09 Speaker 02: where it's like "I don't think you mean what you think," and if we're not getting the response from our Member of Provincial Parliament,

00:58:18 Speaker 02: then I think it's really up to us to raise a chorus of voices that says this is inappropriate.

00:58:26 Speaker 02: And off, Mike?

00:58:27 Speaker 02: I'd say it with more inappropriate language, but suffice to say, I think we should tell more people.

00:58:33 Speaker 02: And I move the recommendation with those amendments.

00:58:35 Speaker 02: Allie: Yeah, I mean, very much echo all of that.

00:58:41 Speaker 02: Really, I can certainly appreciate what is being thrown at you constantly in this role.

00:58:48 Speaker 10: I had two kind of questions I wanted to ask.

00:58:50 Speaker 10: I noticed that ERO comes or due on the 22nd, as you mentioned; Council doesn't meet until the 24th.

00:58:55 Speaker 10: Is that going to be an issue if we make that recommendation?

00:58:58 Speaker 10: And then next is a bit of a technical question: in terms of as-of-right minor variance applications, my understanding is currently we do get some revenue from those application processes.

00:59:10 Speaker 10: Are we looking at losing a significant amount of revenue?

00:59:15 Speaker 10: And then also the addition of all this staff time going into figuring out deciphering what needs an as-of-right or not a minor variance.

00:59:23 Speaker 10: All that: staff respond to those comments.

00:59:40 Speaker 10: Thank you, through you, Madam Chair.

00:59:41 Speaker 15: I think the sort of plan is that we would send this report ahead of Council if this committee basically tells us to...

00:59:55 Speaker 15: In regards to the minor variants application, so it's an amendment on the last amendment, and so we're really trying to keep up with those changes.

01:00:08 Speaker 15: The thought is that it may reduce the number of Committee of Adjustment applications, which I think is the point of this.

01:00:17 Speaker 15: So that would impact our Committee of Adjustment; impact our Committee of Adjustment application revenue.

01:00:23 Speaker 15: In short, the proposed right-of-way variance is for 10%, and so that's a relatively minor number.

01:00:34 Speaker 15: And so we would have to see if those changes are implemented how that will impact Committee of Adjustment applications for the next foreseeable future.

01:00:46 Speaker 15: Thank you.

01:00:46 Speaker 15: Any others?

01:00:47 Speaker 15: Go ahead.

01:00:50 Speaker 15: Well, I read this with great delight, Madam Chair.

01:00:53 Speaker 11: I spent the first half of my career doing municipal planning, mostly in the development stream but also on the policy side.

01:00:59 Speaker 11: And I fully, fully support the staff and what they've written and how they've written it.

01:01:05 Speaker 11: Although I would say that the municipality, in supporting that, probably through the political stream, could use a little more forceful language.

01:01:14 Speaker 11: The language is appropriate and strong in terms of professional planning speak, but in terms of getting the province's attention, yeah, maybe a firmer hand might be in order.

01:01:30 Speaker 11: If the province truly wants to speed up development, there are ways to do it without doing this standardized bastardization of the process.

01:01:53 Speaker 11: I mean, I worked many years with the Committee of Adjustment at a former employer, and the process is quite detailed; the nuance of context is just so critical to making that decision.

01:02:06 Speaker 11: How can you standardize it?

01:02:07 Speaker 11: Oh, "it's just going to be 10%," and then in a year's time, well, gee, maybe we should just reduce that to five%.

01:02:13 Speaker 11: Well, let's just get rid of it altogether.

01:02:15 Speaker 11: No, it's not appropriate.

01:02:17 Speaker 11: So I see a lot of danger there; it's a slippery slope.

01:02:21 Speaker 11: And also the issue with the provincial policy statement and the Minister's authority to basically ignore it: There's got to be some strong pushback on that.

01:02:31 Speaker 11: I know they have Ministers' Orders and they just do the thing, but there needs to be some way of holding accountability at that level for their decisions to comply with Provincial Planning Statements,

01:02:44 Speaker 11: Policy Statements... old language?

01:02:46 Speaker 11: Old planner?

01:02:47 Speaker 11: Sorry, same again.

01:02:50 Speaker 11: There you go; I think that will be it.

01:02:55 Speaker 11: But just to reiterate: staff have done a tremendous job with this report and the many other reports that have come through, and staying on top of this while still doing their day-to-day jobs—phenomenal.

01:03:07 Speaker 11: And full support for what they recommended as long as we can be a little more punchy in our delivery.

01:03:16 Speaker 11: Thank you.

01:03:18 Speaker 11: Hopefully there will be a covering letter that goes with this that can maybe have the stronger language in it to support staff appropriateness of this report.

01:03:31 Speaker 01: But again, Sabine, thank you so much for all that you have done and all the work into this report.

01:03:38 Speaker 01: The motion's on the floor, and I'll look for approval of that motion.

01:03:43 Speaker 01: All those in favour, and that's carried.

01:03:49 Speaker 01: Yes, go ahead.

01:03:52 Speaker 01: Open to friendly amendments, but I would make a follow-up motion that the committee move that direct council to send a letter to Paul Vickers specifically,

01:04:06 Speaker 02: highlighting the high cost of staff time for the revolving door of policy updates,

01:04:13 Speaker 02: as well as specific concern with the use of omnibus bills to change more than a dozen pieces of legislation at one time, in a way that explicitly limits our ability to provide comment.

01:04:28 Speaker 02: I think that's bad.

01:04:34 Speaker 02: City Manager, is that appropriate?

01:04:35 Speaker 02: Three... through you, Chair.

01:04:37 Speaker 07: Yeah, we could do that if the committee approves that.

01:04:43 Speaker 07: So all those in favour of that motion, that's carried.

01:04:47 Speaker 01: Thank you.

01:04:48 Speaker 01: So we'll look to hopefully have that as soon as possible.

01:05:00 Speaker 01: No. Next report is regarding Derby Camping and the one-year implementation report, and I will move that over to the Director for that.

01:05:18 Speaker 01: Thank you, Madam Chair.

01:05:18 Speaker 08: I'm pleased to provide a sort of wrap-up report on the first year of Derby camping under the new regulations.

01:05:29 Speaker 08: So committee will recall: in February and April, you had reports shared with you about background regarding how the space was used, ownership of the land; and in April there were some options,

01:05:43 Speaker 08: and the committee recommended establishing Derby Camping on the east and west harbor lands—on lands that are actually owned by Transport Canada—as well as at the Westside Boat Launch and the Georgian Shores Marina.

01:06:02 Speaker 08: Just as a reminder: between the east and west sides, the ultimate layout had 40 spaces: 14 on the west side and 26 on the east side.

01:06:13 Speaker 08: The bylaw required a licence.

01:06:15 Speaker 08: You could have up to two permits; but at first you had to be for a trailer, and then you were eligible for a second one for a car.

01:06:25 Speaker 08: You could come into the space 36 hours before fishing started, and you had to leave 24 hours after fishing ended.

01:06:34 Speaker 08: There was a bunch of regulations around fires, alcohol consumption, things like that.

01:06:39 Speaker 08: But another point: the maximum size of trailers was 32 feet, and there were no tents.

01:06:46 Speaker 08: Committee also recommended some other bylaw amendments, including the traffic bylaw, parks bylaw, fees and charges; and then we also developed short-form wording around enforcement.

01:07:03 Speaker 08: So the key benefits in year one—I think when we look back to why did we start this—the first year was really able to reduce that negative impact on how the space was used and the

01:07:16 Speaker 08: public impact of that space.

01:07:18 Speaker 08: There was a lot less garbage Monday this time than last time.

01:07:23 Speaker 08: The public really appreciated access to the wall, so we had access to the walls; thus we achieved the three-metre setback Transport Canada asked for.

01:07:32 Speaker 08: We tacked that onto the six-metre fire route, so you might not have been camping but still wanted to fish—and it felt much more like a public space.

01:07:44 Speaker 08: Staff received a lot of positive comments when we were down there around how the space was organised and laid out; I think that reflects achieving our goal around safety.

01:08:04 Speaker 08: We didn't achieve all of our costs back, but we did achieve some revenue to help offset those costs.

01:08:13 Speaker 08: So what were the key ingredients around success?

01:08:17 Speaker 08: This cross-functional team of staff: clerks, bylaw, finance, fire, facility booking, parks, communications; our Community Services administrator; building as well.

01:08:31 Speaker 08: It really helped to have buy-in from Salmon Spectacular and Transport Canada.

01:08:37 Speaker 08: The communication plan Carly developed really helped both with internal communications and communication with anglers who would be using the space—limiting those access points so that on both east and west sides,

01:08:57 Speaker 08: Transport Canada was amenable on the east side to closing the gate closest to the cement silo.

01:09:02 Speaker 08: So we just had access at the north end; they actually lent us some fencing for the duration of the Derby, which really helped.

01:09:11 Speaker 08: And by having one access point, it helped on days when people were arriving.

01:09:17 Speaker 08: I've already mentioned maintaining that pedestrian access and offset from the wall was really positive.

01:09:24 Speaker 08: Taking an education-first approach to enforcement: there were no charges laid.

01:09:30 Speaker 08: We did have three complaints outside of the Derby area, but staff were able—with updates to other bylaws—to deal with those.

01:09:40 Speaker 08: The support from Transport Canada and the Derby organiser—it was just really important that the Derby organiser, Chris Gabor,

01:09:49 Speaker 08: was on our team in terms of trying to educate people and dispel things that might not have been true regarding use of the space by Transport Canada; we had special licences for them.

01:10:04 Speaker 08: The cost was $763 to use those, so I think it's reasonable and allowed both the organisers and City to be protected.

01:10:14 Speaker 08: Staff came up with this idea: We weren't sold out when the Derby was starting, and our building staff said, "Hey, we have portable computers;

01:10:23 Speaker 08: we can be down there if someone arrives and they don't have a pass—we can sell it on site."

01:10:28 Speaker 08: And people really did appreciate that.

01:10:35 Speaker 08: The cost of the licence ($150) wasn't seen as discouraging about buying a pass.

01:10:42 Speaker 08: As I've mentioned, the on-site layout and signage was really well done; we'll be able to reuse a lot of it next year.

01:10:50 Speaker 08: Next year we'll use a bit more permanent-type paint so it's not washed away after the first rain—and we have to do it twice—but that's a lesson learned.

01:11:01 Speaker 08: Areas for improvement: items in blue would require updates to actual bylaw,

01:11:09 Speaker 08: but having information available earlier this year would allow Sydenham Sportsmen (who attend 27 shows) to start selling passes earlier and allow pickup a bit earlier.

01:11:22 Speaker 08: One idea was to allow people who had a pass last year a one-week window where they could buy an additional pass during that week—sort of preferential treatment.

01:11:35 Speaker 08: Making sure we're sharing FAQs with all staff at City Hall as well as tourism and other locations;

01:11:47 Speaker 08: updating maps online so people can understand how the space would be organised and what to expect when arriving.

01:12:00 Speaker 08: Increasing trailer size from 32 to 36 feet: particularly on the east side, we can accommodate those larger trailers.

01:12:07 Speaker 08: We had a combination of four-metre and five-metre wide widths, and Parks Manager thought that five-metre width worked much better—allowing tents without sides for dining provided they're still contained within their allotted space.

01:12:25 Speaker 08: I thought this was a genius idea by someone during our wrap-up meeting.

01:12:32 Speaker 08: But when giving someone a pass, we have an envelope of information including tourism info encouraging them to get out and see some city attractions while here.

01:12:47 Speaker 08: Creating a waitlist: you could have one vehicle pass if you had a trailer; but if not sold out, do we really care if a family with one trailer wants two cars?

01:12:58 Speaker 08: So we could keep a waitlist and open it up for a limited time before the event to sell a few more car passes.

01:13:12 Speaker 08: And lastly—given our experience—reducing contracted security: security was done by building staff, bylaw staff along with Fairmont Police and Owen Sound Police (I'm sure through that space), but just reducing contracted service.

01:13:31 Speaker 08: So recommendation considering report: we're looking for committee to recommend council direct staff to bring forward a bylaw implementing improvements outlined in the report—those were the blue items.

01:13:44 Speaker 08: Happy to take any questions.

01:13:47 Speaker 08: Thank you for that.

01:13:48 Speaker 01: I heard good things too when I was at Derby about this; so I think it went well.

01:13:59 Speaker 01: Go ahead, John... through Chair: could Director speak just to camping?

01:14:03 Speaker 02: Like for an event like this—is kind of like a balloon—if we push them down in one place, might pop up somewhere else?

01:14:09 Speaker 02: Did we see any benefit in our own camping revenues through Harrison Park or Kelso Beach year-over-year as result of this change?

01:15:06 Speaker 02: Thanks.

01:15:08 Speaker 02: Not sure what happened with my sent items, but for 2024 and 2025—if we look at numbers in Harrison Park and Kelso Beach—generally there isn't notable difference in camping that occurred in those parks;

01:15:28 Speaker 08: so it didn't seem negatively impacted by Derby camping.

01:15:39 Speaker 08: Go ahead... another question through Chair: So back in April, staff report reflected previous year expenses were just over $17,000; we'd hoped to recoup same amount.

01:15:50 Speaker 02: Launching things is hard and working on uptake—but I note financial implications show park staff time and equipment up to $21,000.

01:16:03 Speaker 02: To what extent increase related to more work or... yeah—is that inflation?

01:16:13 Speaker 02: Any specific reason for change?

01:16:21 Speaker 02: Through Chair: Park staff time was primarily related to designing layout then setting it up in field; so we were really lucky week—we didn't have any interments at Greenwood and used cemetrey staff instead.

01:16:40 Speaker 08: So there isn't cost of staff as city cost, although no real budget impact—it just means they're not doing other things when doing these things.

01:16:55 Speaker 08: I did think worth noting signage cost $2,100; drainage costs $2,100—as well enforcement costs.

01:17:01 Speaker 08: If we can reduce those, we'll be much closer to recovering our costs with revenue achieved.

01:17:13 Speaker 08: Other questions or comments?

01:17:16 Speaker 08: There's motion on floor...

01:17:17 Speaker 08: Is there one?

01:17:19 Speaker 08: No—I haven't seen a motion.

01:17:21 Speaker 08: Travis: Thank you Madam Chair.

01:17:23 Speaker 08: I'd be more than happy to move recommendation.

01:17:27 Speaker 08: Okay—recommendations on floor.

01:17:28 Speaker 08: All those in favour, and that's carried.

01:17:32 Speaker 01: Thank you so much for that.

01:17:35 Speaker 01: Next we have report on design and location of commemorative forest; I'll let staff take lead.

01:17:56 Speaker 01: Thank you Madam Chair.

01:17:58 Speaker 01: In 2021 through this committee City restructured memorial tree programmememe and it was reimagined as commemorative tree programmememe: idea being city would select location for a tree, no longer individual markers.

01:18:19 Speaker 08: Several reasons supported decision—improving sort of tree conditions/crowding; ensuring more even distribution.

01:18:31 Speaker 08: Certainly areas of City are favourite spots for memorial trees; also trying reduce staff time installing markers then looking for missing ones and replacing them when happened.

01:18:52 Speaker 08: Since programmememe changed: Staff developed new web page, Christina—if your computer's working—is just going to give glimpse at what that looks like.

01:19:00 Speaker 08: So it talks about commemorative tree programmememe, central monument; Councillor Farmer mentioned there's GIS layer allowing search by name or event.

01:19:22 Speaker 08: We tried this yesterday—here's Frank Jansen—so memorial tree for Frank at soccer complex would show you tree and where located on map.

01:19:39 Speaker 08: Going forward our idea—and we can talk more later—but could have more information rather than just traditional programmememe showing plaque; instead lot more info about person/event being commemorated.

01:19:53 Speaker 08: Staff working with Thomas Dean, landscape architect, on design for monument.

01:20:01 Speaker 08: If go to Map One—you'll see proposed location west of Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre off path—and you likely recall Harrison Park Master Plan: originally planned ski hill and recommended moving it.

01:20:24 Speaker 08: Working with Thomas on design that space—even though along Freedom Trail—still felt bit crowded; really feel location at Bayshore preferable.

01:20:40 Speaker 08: Report talks accessibility: trail there, accessible parking nearby, building close by; space beautiful, capacity underutilised room for growth plus infrastructure/amenities nearby.

01:21:11 Speaker 08: If go next attachment new monument placed to take advantage existing trees—you see tulip tree red oak other plantings—recall asphalt path there so'd develop new semicircular path with soldier course edge along it flush between semicircle

01:21:31 Speaker 08: and back of commemorative monument;

01:21:35 Speaker 08: benches along that semicircle where people could sit enjoy quiet.

01:21:52 Speaker 08: One option name panel structure—and next slide shows—but actual monument itself six feet by four feet, core tan or weathered steel leaf, words "Commemorative Forest Monument" or just "Commemorative Forest", steel posts;

01:22:14 Speaker 08: landscaping around it reverse side QR code with info about programmememe taking you to website Christina sharing evening.

01:22:39 Speaker 08: One thing recommending raised by Thomas: not doing individual names but using QR code taking people to website—report talks why—but certainly long-term costs/maintenance savings allowing prompt recognition without waiting name show up on sign;

01:23:05 Speaker 08: website can contain as much or little information imaginable including pictures appropriate vetted staff before posting.

01:23:18 Speaker 08: Long-term cost savings no ordering plaques/installation worries reducing initial installation plus long-term cost Staff in-house expertise develop keep website current.

01:23:41 Speaker 08: Next steps pending decision committee evening present design County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee prepare detailed design tender package award construct 2026 Recommendation:

01:24:01 Speaker 08: committee recommend council approve location monument west side Harry Lemley Bayshore as outlined Attachment One and approve design monument generally presented Attachment Two excluding individual commemorative panels Thank you Questions Allie?

01:24:22 Speaker 08: Just wondering what happen example brought up there—it does have plaque What plan those?

01:24:29 Speaker 10: If need maintenance don't come back or yeah So those would sort grandfathered long they're there remain We guarantee tree under programmememe three years But beyond city doesn't replant if dies for some reason die—but got

01:25:05 Speaker 10: replacing plaques time to time very expensive endeavor Tried make clear replacement plaque missing vandalized isn't on City but'd remain as long there Plaque info website forever Okay Any other questions Morgan?

01:25:31 Speaker 16: Sorry clarify new trees won't have plaques or will They wouldn't But still donate tree Bill if donated we say Hey Morgan planted donation red maple located here And show GIS layer

01:25:44 Speaker 08: And if someone wanted a plaque, would they be able to purchase through the city, or is that something they need to deal with on the side?

01:25:55 Speaker 09: Can't imagine this.

01:25:57 Speaker 08: So I know it's my tree and...

01:26:00 Speaker 08: I've donated it.

01:26:01 Speaker 08: The programmememe doesn't permit a plaque.

01:26:06 Speaker 08: I know a lot of people will—you know, I see it as you—and I'm sure you have too.

01:26:11 Speaker 08: They'll decorate it for Christmas and special events, maybe somebody's birthday, but the policy wouldn't contemplate that plaques would be permitted.

01:26:22 Speaker 08: Through the chair, I'm just thinking forward to all the possibilities that could be embodied or embedded to tell the story of the person being commemorated.

01:26:33 Speaker 02: Have we thought forward at all to particular windows in which those materials would need to be submitted, or is that an ongoing wrinkle to be ironed out as we're accepting new—yeah,

01:26:46 Speaker 02: new donations and stories under the new policy?

01:26:53 Speaker 02: Yeah, I imagine we would be flexible.

01:26:55 Speaker 08: So maybe it just starts with a name and a short bit of information or a picture.

01:27:01 Speaker 08: If someone was posthumously awarded or recognized in some way, and people wanted to update that, I think we could—you know—continue to update or provide additional information, provided it's given to us.

01:27:17 Speaker 08: We wouldn't be going looking for it.

01:27:19 Speaker 08: It would be the responsibility of the donor to provide that.

01:27:26 Speaker 08: Go ahead, Lloyd.

01:27:28 Speaker 08: Through you, Madam Chair.

01:27:31 Speaker 08: Just for clarification, and also for some comments: just starting with that design with the benches—Are the benches facing in, or are they facing out?

01:27:42 Speaker 06: If it's near the water, I would suggest two face in and one face out, or vice versa, just to add variety.

01:27:50 Speaker 06: I like the location.

01:27:54 Speaker 06: What is the cost of the donation?

01:27:58 Speaker 06: I have other questions too.

01:27:59 Speaker 06: That's the first thing, and then I'll go from there.

01:28:03 Speaker 06: I believe it's three hundred and eighty dollars or thereabouts.

01:28:10 Speaker 06: Okay.

01:28:11 Speaker 06: So I just want clarification: that I give the city three hundred and eighty dollars or so, and I do not know where the tree is gone?

01:28:20 Speaker 06: Is that correct?

01:28:21 Speaker 06: And I don't know the species.

01:28:25 Speaker 06: If that is the case, then I would—I think they should be able to say "that's my tree," and that it belongs to me, and I can...

01:28:34 Speaker 06: I will look after it; I will water it.

01:28:35 Speaker 06: You might get that otherwise, but I'd want ownership for it.

01:28:39 Speaker 06: If I'm going to give you money, that's the way I'd feel.

01:28:42 Speaker 06: And I was going to say something else, but suddenly it disappeared.

01:28:50 Speaker 06: You are—you're definitely told what type of tree and where it's located.

01:28:54 Speaker 08: So it would show up when you click on it; it would say "Lloyd Lewis," celebrating his birthday or something.

01:29:04 Speaker 08: And finally, I like the idea of the website and that it's interactive: you go there, zoom in, and it'll give you a story—of maybe the tree, maybe the tree species—but more important,

01:29:13 Speaker 06: the person that you're commemorating.

01:29:15 Speaker 06: I think that's a great idea.

01:29:16 Speaker 06: Thank you.

01:29:19 Speaker 06: Other questions?

01:29:21 Speaker 06: Looking for someone to move the motion.

01:29:24 Speaker 06: Morgan.

01:29:27 Speaker 06: Question, John.

01:29:29 Speaker 02: Through the chair: Lloyd had asked a question about the orientation of the benches.

01:29:34 Speaker 02: Just to clarify—all the benches do face towards Bay Shore.

01:29:36 Speaker 02: What about a suggestion like that?

01:29:41 Speaker 02: Do we need...

01:29:45 Speaker 02: Yeah, the landscape architect has laid this out in this particular way; are we moving it because I'm also kind of thinking about—like if I'm down by the water and we're sitting on these benches,

01:30:02 Speaker 02: like we are sitting here—we're looking at the information and description of the programmememe, but we're also looking at Bayshore behind it, and behind us is the bay.

01:30:14 Speaker 02: And I guess it might be helpful to hear, in response to that, what the thinking was behind that;

01:30:25 Speaker 02: and if someone does want to make a specific motion to change fine print in the design that we're approving, I think this would be the time.

01:30:38 Speaker 02: As you saw, the recommendation is to go to detailed design.

01:30:43 Speaker 08: If we were going to make some of the benches so they're facing out, I wonder if it—you know—can certainly talk to Thomas and get his insight;

01:30:51 Speaker 08: he has a way of thinking that's different than mine that you know I really appreciate.

01:30:56 Speaker 08: So if I share this idea with him, he'd be likely to have some thoughts.

01:31:02 Speaker 08: I wonder: are there people using the benches in the space?

01:31:05 Speaker 08: If you're there because that is what you want to think about or reflect on, there are a number of benches along this area where you are afforded an opportunity to look at the water.

01:31:18 Speaker 08: The other thing I think about is accessibility; and if we were going to have them facing a different direction,

01:31:27 Speaker 08: the space would likely have to be bigger because we'd have to allow people 1.5 metres in front of those benches.

01:31:35 Speaker 08: So the area would just need to be expanded.

01:31:38 Speaker 08: We'd have to think about that.

01:31:42 Speaker 08: I hope you're finished because I got you up.

01:31:46 Speaker 08: If I had to look at this diagram and interpret it, the ones with stripes on—the darker ones—I would say that is a bench with a back; and the other two, to me,

01:31:58 Speaker 01: would look like they don't have a back and you could sit on either side of them.

01:32:03 Speaker 01: Perhaps...

01:32:14 Speaker 01: I don't know if that's where the plaques are going because I thought there was—it says "future name panel structure" there?

01:32:24 Speaker 01: Name panel structure?

01:32:26 Speaker 01: Okay.

01:32:27 Speaker 01: All right; but anyways, perhaps staff can talk to them about the benches.

01:32:31 Speaker 01: But Lloyd—you had a question—yeah, through you Madam Chair—and you sort of brought this up: what about a bench that has no back so they can sit either way?

01:32:41 Speaker 06: It's up to them.

01:32:45 Speaker 08: Yeah—it's an interesting idea.

01:32:47 Speaker 08: Benches with backs and arms are considered more accessible; but could we have one that doesn't have a back?

01:32:53 Speaker 08: And what if there's one with a back, but a couple without a back?

01:32:57 Speaker 08: Then you can sit whatever way you want.

01:32:59 Speaker 08: You still have to be able to...

01:33:01 Speaker 08: Maybe maybe it is less of a problem in terms of how you access it.

01:33:06 Speaker 08: Thank you, Madam Chair.

01:33:07 Speaker 08: The note was that this is going to come back; this is just a conceptual design.

01:33:16 Speaker 04: The detailed design would actually come back—no, but there's going to be another stage of detailed design.

01:33:24 Speaker 04: So like if you're saying this middle one—for example—that's right in front of the existing red oak, similar to the Reconciliation Garden, there's a lot of stonework;

01:33:33 Speaker 04: you just do stone there where someone has the option to sit on it:

01:33:37 Speaker 04: reflective towards or reflect out—but that'd probably be an easiest way using a landscaping stone or something like that which Thomas already designed at the Reconciliation Garden.

01:33:52 Speaker 04: So I think I'm sure you've taken enough from what we'd like to see, and when you're taking that back to Tom's,

01:34:02 Speaker 04: I'm sure that you'll be able to do something when you get into detailed design.

01:34:07 Speaker 04: Thank you, Morgan.

01:34:10 Speaker 04: Sorry—now that I'm looking at this again under a new lens—and this can go in the detailed design—but the middle part with the little trees: am I assuming correctly that is the only memorial forest?

01:34:21 Speaker 09: Like okay, but we're just making people look at that; this is the monument.

01:34:27 Speaker 09: This is the Forest Programmememe.

01:34:29 Speaker 09: But what about these panels?

01:34:38 Speaker 09: No—so...

01:34:40 Speaker 09: Yeah—it's in—I see what you're saying now.

01:34:43 Speaker 09: Okay, thank you.

01:34:48 Speaker 09: Okay so Morgan—you got it.

01:34:50 Speaker 09: Lawrence, go.

01:34:51 Speaker 09: Lawrence: if we can go back to no—the back of that plaque—that's it.

01:34:58 Speaker 06: There.

01:34:58 Speaker 06: What is um... what is on that plaque and is this an opportunity to promote the commemorative tree programmememe?

01:35:08 Speaker 06: Maybe you have something about the importance of trees—this is what goes there; something that would capture somebody's attention for about one or two minutes, but not too detailed—you know—not get your message across with filler.

01:35:27 Speaker 06: But when would we decide what goes in there?

01:35:29 Speaker 06: Who decides that?

01:35:32 Speaker 06: We haven't written it yet—but just as you described it, it would be a bit of information on the programmememe and how it works, and maybe a little bit of education on trees;

01:35:44 Speaker 08: but probably less is more.

01:35:51 Speaker 08: Okay—gone all around that.

01:35:52 Speaker 01: Morgan has a motion on the floor to approve the recommendation: All those in favour?

01:35:58 Speaker 01: And that's carried.

01:35:59 Speaker 01: Thank you.

01:36:01 Speaker 01: Okay, flipping over the page: there are no matters postponed.

01:36:06 Speaker 01: There are no motions for which notice was previously given.

01:36:11 Speaker 01: And correspondence, we have the Chief Building Official's development update.

01:36:17 Speaker 01: If I could ask someone to interpret that.

01:36:21 Speaker 01: Thank you through chair.

01:36:23 Speaker 01: Just quickly, major permits and projects in October: three new townhouse units at Hadera, which is continuing that development; and I think in the next year or so they will finish up that townhouse development.

01:36:38 Speaker 15: Tent permit was issued for the event at Heritage Place Mall, and a permit was issued to erect the new storage building at the City's Public Works Department.

01:36:47 Speaker 15: In total, just over $1.5 million in construction value, with 23 permits issued, and just over seventy-five building inspections done during the month of October.

01:37:03 Speaker 15: Thank you.

01:37:05 Speaker 15: Questions on that?

01:37:06 Speaker 15: None.

01:37:07 Speaker 15: Okay.

01:37:07 Speaker 01: The next piece of information we have is a site plan for U-Haul at 20 Ten Sixteenth Avenue East.

01:37:21 Speaker 01: So these are staff-delegated site plans; these are staff-delegated site plan approvals provided for information.

01:37:26 Speaker 15: The U-Hall is one of them, and then there was a minor amendment to an approved plan in the industrial park.

01:37:33 Speaker 15: The U-Hall one at the intersection of 16th Street East and 20th Avenue East, which will be across from the new McDonald's.

01:37:44 Speaker 15: So two sort of major big buildings, and then two of the standard mini-storage buildings, along with U-Haul rental of trailers and their standard vehicles;

01:37:59 Speaker 15: and the development I think will be a major addition to that part of the city.

01:38:07 Speaker 15: Thank you.

01:38:09 Speaker 15: Thank you.

01:38:10 Speaker 01: Looking for a motion to receive the information, correspondence for John.

01:38:14 Speaker 01: All those in favour?

01:38:16 Speaker 01: That's carried.

01:38:18 Speaker 01: Additional business, John.

01:38:26 Speaker 01: Thank you through chair.

01:38:26 Speaker 02: Just wanted to let folks know that this coming Thursday at seven o'clock at the Rumpus Room in Owen Sound is the third monthly We Vote Local event,

01:38:33 Speaker 02: which is a grassroots initiative to give folks a chance to meet with current and former elected officials to talk about what it's like to be an elected official and what you might want to do

01:38:47 Speaker 02: if you don't want to be an elected official but you want to support someone who does.

01:38:50 Speaker 02: And at least two of us around the horseshoe have been to previous events.

01:38:55 Speaker 02: It's really informal, and if you or anyone you know is interested, the website is wevotelocal.ca, and it's been a really friendly, informal, kind of curious space for folks to meet other people and ask questions.

01:39:13 Speaker 02: Thank you.

01:39:15 Speaker 02: Are there any notices of motion?

01:39:17 Speaker 02: Seeing none, then I will at 7:25 declare the meeting adjourned.

01:39:23 Speaker 01: Thank you.