Owen Sound Committee - Community Services Meeting Transcript — July 22, 2026

00:00:31 Speaker 01: Welcome, everyone.

00:00:32 Speaker 01: It is Wednesday, July 22nd at five thirty p.m., and this is the Community Services Committee.

00:00:40 Speaker 01: I call the meeting to order.

00:00:42 Speaker 01: Number two this evening: Call for Additional Business.

00:00:52 Speaker 01: Does anyone have any additional business?

00:00:59 Speaker 02: Christina, I will have one item respecting the municipal election.

00:01:03 Speaker 02: Okay, thank you, Travis.

00:01:11 Speaker 02: Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:01:27 Speaker 03: I was just hoping to get an update from the Director regarding a few of the playgrounds within the city, as well as Weaver's Creek and the marker tree.

00:01:43 Speaker 03: Okay.

00:01:48 Speaker 01: Thank you.

00:01:51 Speaker 01: Anyone else on this side?

00:01:54 Speaker 01: On this side: no additional business.

00:01:56 Speaker 01: Perfect.

00:01:58 Speaker 01: Declarations of Interest.

00:02:01 Speaker 01: Does anyone have any?

00:02:06 Speaker 01: Go ahead.

00:02:09 Speaker 01: Yes, I have a declaration.

00:02:17 Speaker 01: Declaration of interest for item HB1 regarding the transfer of the artifacts over to the Grey Roots Museum.

00:02:34 Speaker 01: My interest is that I work for Grey County, specifically within the Economic Development, Tourism and Culture Department that oversees that museum.

00:02:43 Speaker 01: So I'll step out during that time.

00:02:46 Speaker 01: Okay, thank you.

00:02:51 Speaker 01: Okay, at number four we have confirmation of minutes.

00:03:03 Speaker 04: These are the minutes of the Community Services Committee meeting held on June 24th, 2026.

00:03:13 Speaker 04: On June 24th, 2026 these minutes were presented to Council at our last meeting just for committee's information.

00:03:31 Speaker 04: The Community Impact Lab report was postponed by Council for more information on funding so we have pushed that one out but everything else was approved.

00:03:48 Speaker 04: So if I can get a motion to receive Travis thank you all those in favor and that carries.

00:04:00 Speaker 04: At number five we have no deputations and presentations.

00:04:06 Speaker 04: At number six public forum: I don't see anyone here this evening.

00:04:20 Speaker 04: Number seven correspondence received for which direction is required: We have none.

00:04:28 Speaker 04: So that brings us to number eight reports of city staff.

00:04:47 Speaker 04: And at 8a under Parks and Open Space, we have report 8A1 CS20673 from the Director of Community Services regarding Harrison Park Rainbow Bridge structural assessments.

00:05:07 Speaker 04: So we will go to Pam.

00:05:12 Speaker 04: Thank you Madam Chair and good evening Committee.

00:05:20 Speaker 04: Harrison Park I think is well known to this group.

00:05:27 Speaker 04: It's our largest city park.

00:05:31 Speaker 04: It's classified as a City Park.

00:05:44 Speaker 04: It's 150 acres, and you'll recall when we were doing the master plan we divided the park into nine sort of functional areas and characterized each of those areas.

00:06:08 Speaker 04: So the area that we're talking about tonight is part of the West Park entry so it's actually an eight-acre section.

00:06:27 Speaker 04: But it's a really important area in terms of vehicular and pedestrian access into the park.

00:06:49 Speaker 04: It provides that connection to the road, and the road comes in through that area then the pedestrian path runs essentially parallel to the road and over the Rainbow Bridge.

00:07:10 Speaker 04: There are about 150 pedestrians who use that trail each year, and we do winter maintenance on that trail.

00:07:25 Speaker 04: The Rainbow Bridge is then sort of that critical access into the park.

00:07:43 Speaker 04: In terms of the master plan there is a recommendation in the plan that we do those biennial bridge and structure assessments which means it's assessed every two years.

00:07:58 Speaker 04: So the Rainbow Bridge was installed in 2008.

00:08:11 Speaker 04: It has a span of 15 meters or if you are like me and think better in feet just under 50 feet in length,

00:08:25 Speaker 04: and it crosses really sort of that man-made channel where it connects with the Sydenham River.

00:08:42 Speaker 05: The bridge based on the description from the structural engineer has hollow structural steel pieces and you see a picture there on the underside.

00:08:57 Speaker 05: The trusses beams angular sides then it has wooden deck and pickets.

00:09:05 Speaker 05: The concrete abutments are just visible in that picture, and they're in good condition.

00:09:24 Speaker 04: So we had a bridge assessment done in 2024 save except for some minor things there wasn't anything identified at that time as being critical so 2026 the assessment was happening a few weeks ago.

00:09:53 Speaker 06: During the assessment the structural engineer called staff to say that the bridge should be closed to any vehicle traffic but it is fine for pedestrians and park staff are the only people who drive vehicles

00:10:14 Speaker 06: over it so that was easy for us to control.

00:10:28 Speaker 07: But they did ask you can see in the pictures shared as an excerpt out of the report that these hollow structural steel pieces have had significant deterioration.

00:10:58 Speaker 04: When asked about what like why or how this would happen their hypothesis is that water was able to get into a small crack sat there and then through freeze thaw cycles has caused those hollow

00:11:14 Speaker 04: steel members to burst.

00:11:17 Speaker 04: So not a great report.

00:11:32 Speaker 04: We did ask the consultant to prepare a report summarizing technical issues and options with respect to repair or replacement of the bridge so staff met the consultant out on site July 13th last Friday we

00:11:44 Speaker 04: got a report.

00:12:01 Speaker 04: There are really two options: The first one is repair at $413,000 with an estimated useful life of forty to fifty years; then replacement is $680,000 with a life expectancy of seventy-five years.

00:12:26 Speaker 01: So staff haven't had enough time thoughtfully analyze and consider these two options as well as other potential options and funding sources.

00:12:51 Speaker 01: So what we'd like to do is basically share this issue with you tonight then review the alternatives in terms of price lifespan how replacement timing impacts use because it really is the only pedestrian route

00:13:06 Speaker 01: into the park that's maintained;

00:13:28 Speaker 08: Options for the deck that would limit or reduce need for snow clearing so open steel web impact on cultural heritage designation.

00:13:39 Speaker 08: I should have mentioned bridge is one of elements in designation as a cultural heritage landscape, one attribute listed.

00:13:51 Speaker 08: So we'll have to think about that accessibility and permitting too.

00:14:03 Speaker 08: Our goal would be look at these potentially some other options funding sources; In interim develop plan for winter snow removal because we can't drive piece equipment over it come back with further report September.

00:14:19 Speaker 08: So recommendation is just you recommend Council receive this report for information.

00:14:25 Speaker 08: Okay thank you for that.

00:14:27 Speaker 08: Does anyone have any questions Pam?

00:14:40 Speaker 08: Sunny go ahead Hi I'm Sunny Go Ahead to you Madam Chair Just quick question my own info purposes There mention in report repairs made way back 2019 if remember not sure timeline Do we know

00:15:01 Speaker 08: financial impact those repairs like how much did pay And second Are there grant fundings available since mentioned part cultural heritage would something cover cost either repairs whatever route council decides Through chair I think repair

00:15:24 Speaker 08: work done 2019 but considered major capital repair more minor Absolutely have grant application right now accessibility grant whether accessibility infrastructure type grant gas tax hope report back September potential funding options Might be

00:15:44 Speaker 05: Does anyone else any questions Marian Go ahead Thank you Through director funding source not sources assessment assessments regarding repair compared replacement really getting whole lot value for replacement when it's little money almost twice lifespan

00:16:04 Speaker 05: keep mind But will move recommendation Allie go Ahead chair Director conversations engineer engineering firm doing this Did provide indication salting causing some corrosion below

00:16:29 Speaker 01: And because I could see that going forward, if repair was chosen, so that was sort of my working theory.

00:16:42 Speaker 09: They're thinking, and certainly the salting of that bridge.

00:16:50 Speaker 09: It probably, you know, I don't think it can't not have an impact.

00:16:58 Speaker 09: They're not considering it the principal cause for that structural failure.

00:17:04 Speaker 09: It was more the freeze-thaw.

00:17:12 Speaker 09: But you know, if we do go with a new bridge option or even a repair, if we can modify.

00:17:28 Speaker 09: So, if you think about the Eagle Bridge that goes from at the Putten Paddle, it's a sort of open web,

00:17:37 Speaker 09: and the bridge out at the Conservation Authority behind their office and shop down to the river.

00:17:49 Speaker 09: There is an open mesh bridge, and much less need for removal [of salt] and sand.

00:18:08 Speaker 09: So it would be something that I'd really like to investigate in terms of maybe having an environmental benefit too, because it is right over the watercourse and help with the longevity of the bridge.

00:18:27 Speaker 09: But yeah, no one was buying my theory.

00:18:36 Speaker 09: So one other follow-up I had just about the cultural heritage landscape portion of it.

00:18:47 Speaker 09: It is listed as a heritage attribute.

00:18:57 Speaker 09: Is it the As a heritage view, is it the crossing or the bridge itself?

00:19:06 Speaker 09: Jackie will be thinking.

00:19:15 Speaker 09: I haven't yet spoken to her, but my recollection from 2008, when we did that bridge, it was more about the shape.

00:19:34 Speaker 09: So it's the bow shape that was really important to, and that's what we tried to replicate in 2008, and I think that's what's important in the designation.

00:19:46 Speaker 09: Nothing further from anyone.

00:19:52 Speaker 09: I'm just curious about the report two years ago because it looks significant, significantly bad.

00:20:07 Speaker 06: Do you have pictures or anything from the report from two years ago to see the difference between what it looked like then and now?

00:20:23 Speaker 09: Yes, yes, we do, and it is significantly different.

00:20:29 Speaker 09: Well, that is fascinating.

00:20:35 Speaker 09: Okay, so if there's nothing further, we have the motion moved by Marion.

00:20:43 Speaker 09: So I will call the question.

00:20:51 Speaker 09: All those in favor, and that is carried.

00:20:56 Speaker 03: Thank you.

00:21:00 Speaker 03: So that brings us to 8B Planning and Heritage.

00:21:18 Speaker 09: At 8B1, we have report CM26072 from the Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness, regarding transfer of artifacts to Grey Roots.

00:21:30 Speaker 09: So we welcome Michelle.

00:21:32 Speaker 09: Thank you.

00:21:45 Speaker 09: For those of you who don't know me, because I don't attend this committee very often, I'm Michelle Palmer, senior manager of strategic initiatives,

00:22:06 Speaker 10: and the bells are something that I've just grown to love over the last couple years.

00:22:16 Speaker 10: So, this report CM26072 is about transferring those artifacts to Grey Roots.

00:22:29 Speaker 10: So there is a quite an extended page around the history of the bells.

00:22:41 Speaker 10: They are from the 1920 city hall, and then they were salvaged after the fire that happened in the 1960s.

00:23:04 Speaker 09: And since that time, they've sort of had a relationship of moving back and forth between the city and what I recall as the old Grey County Museum up behind the administration building.

00:23:30 Speaker 07: And currently, some of the pieces are actually on loan to Grey Roots right now for an exhibit that they're having.

00:23:46 Speaker 09: So it's part of the implementation of the Lean Continuous Improvement Program at the city in the spring of 2025; staff at Public Works and Parks undertook what's called a 5S,

00:24:13 Speaker 09: and that's really around looking at how you store items and where items are stored and being able to access items.

00:24:34 Speaker 01: And they were the ones that identified these items were being housed in an area that wasn't really suitable for artifacts.

00:24:43 Speaker 01: So since that time, discussions have been taken once again with Grey Roots Museum about the potential of transferring these artifacts and transferring ownership of these artifacts to the city.

00:25:05 Speaker 11: So when we looked at this, we looked at well, we really have two options.

00:25:25 Speaker 11: We can either retain the artifacts, but if we need are going to do that, then we really need to do it in the appropriate way, meaning that they're having inspections and assessments,

00:25:45 Speaker 11: and that they're stored or displayed in a manner that is suitable and looks after these artifacts.

00:26:06 Speaker 11: And currently, there is not a project within our five-year plan that contemplates incorporating these items or costs with installing and maintaining etc. So if we were going to retain them,

00:26:19 Speaker 11: we would need to look at long-term storage for those items.

00:26:30 Speaker 11: The other option, which staff are recommending, is donating those artifacts to Grey Roots.

00:26:42 Speaker 11: And really, I think of this as a good news story.

00:26:51 Speaker 11: When we think of Grey Roots, they are the ones who are responsible for maintaining artifacts.

00:27:06 Speaker 11: They have a very significant collection, and it really enables that the community will be able to enjoy these items long-term in a sustainable way.

00:27:21 Speaker 11: And I'm happy to take any questions that you may have.

00:27:25 Speaker 11: Do we have any questions, Suneet?

00:27:31 Speaker 01: Go ahead.

00:27:34 Speaker 01: No questions, just feedback.

00:27:41 Speaker 01: It was really sad to see those bells in that Public Works building.

00:27:55 Speaker 11: I think a couple of years back, when council had a tour there, and I do remember very clearly council kept mentioning that: "Have we considered donating them to Grey Roots?"

00:28:24 Speaker 11: And I'm happy to see them go, and I'm happy to move the recommendation that they be donated to Grey Roots.

00:28:35 Speaker 11: So Suneet has moved the motion.

00:28:38 Speaker 11: Does anyone have any other questions, comments?

00:28:45 Speaker 11: Seeing none, I will call the question.

00:28:49 Speaker 11: Then all in favor?

00:28:51 Speaker 11: And that carries.

00:29:00 Speaker 11: So that brings us to 8B2 report CS26072 from the senior planner regarding CIP grant application for 612 Second Avenue East from Safe and Sound.

00:29:17 Speaker 11: So we welcome Jackie.

00:29:24 Speaker 01: Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:29:30 Speaker 01: And through you, applications to the vacant building conversion, landscaping,

00:29:45 Speaker 01: and property improvement and accessibility improvement grant programs have been received by Safe and Sound for work to be completed at 612 Second Avenue East to convert the existing building to a crisis residence.

00:30:05 Speaker 11: The existing building was formerly utilized as the YMCA daycare, however, has been vacant since approximately 2017.

00:30:20 Speaker 11: The conversion of the building to a crisis residence is permitted by the River District Commercial Land Use Designation and the Core Commercial C One Zoning that applies to the lands,

00:30:38 Speaker 11: and will contribute to community well-being by providing enhanced access to community and support services for vulnerable populations.

00:30:50 Speaker 11: That is consistent with the vacant building conversion and expansion grant program guidelines.

00:31:06 Speaker 01: For the landscaping and property improvement grant, the applicant is proposing the installation of fencing, generally in the locations shown in Schedule B of the staff report,

00:31:32 Speaker 11: to create a rear yard amenity space for the proposed crisis residence and buffer the property from existing parking areas, both behind 612 Second Avenue East and the adjacent property to the north.

00:31:59 Speaker 11: For the accessibility improvement grant program, the applicant is proposing the installation of an accessible exterior ramp along the north side and front of the building, providing barrier-free access to the southern interior side entrance,

00:32:18 Speaker 01: which is also proposed to be equipped with power door operators.

00:32:34 Speaker 12: Installation of a universal washroom and shower room is also proposed on the ground floor.

00:32:47 Speaker 12: All of the proposed improvements are supported by the city's CIP program guidelines, and for the accessibility improvements specifically,

00:33:03 Speaker 12: these are above and beyond the minimum Ontario building code requirements to facilitate change of use of the building.

00:33:19 Speaker 02: The minimum project cost requirements across all three grant programs has been met or exceeded.

00:33:27 Speaker 02: The estimated cost of the building conversion is $136,000.

00:33:33 Speaker 02: The proposed fencing is $20,000, and the proposed accessibility improvements are $105,000.

00:33:45 Speaker 04: The total estimated grant across all three programs is a total of $347,000 [calculated as 136k + 20k + 105k], not $30,000 as stated in the transcript;

00:34:02 Speaker 04: staff are recommending approval of all three grant applications subject to conditions which are outlined in Schedule C and shown here on the screen before you.

00:34:23 Speaker 04: The recommended conditions are standard, including the execution of a financial incentive program agreement with the city, and that the work be completed in accordance with the approved building permit.

00:34:45 Speaker 04: To fund the applications, thirteen thousand dollars remains available in the 2026 budget to allocate.

00:35:01 Speaker 01: Staff are also recommending that seventeen thousand dollars be drawn from the eighty-five thousand dollars currently available in the CIP reserve to fund the remaining grant amount.

00:35:14 Speaker 06: So interest in the city CIP grant programs has been incredibly high this year.

00:35:17 Speaker 06: And approval of this application will result in all of the sixty thousand dollars in capital funding being allocated to approved projects, with some coming from reserve.

00:35:18 Speaker 06: So it is also recommended, as part of the report before you,

00:35:18 Speaker 06: that an additional twenty-five thousand dollars be drawn from the CIP reserve fund to fund any applications that may be received between August and December 2026,

00:35:18 Speaker 06: and this would bring the reserve balance to forty-three thousand dollars.

00:35:19 Speaker 06: So with that, Madam Chair, I'm happy to take any questions.

00:35:19 Speaker 06: Okay, does anyone have any questions?

00:35:19 Speaker 06: Marian, go ahead.

00:35:20 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:35:20 Speaker 06: Through you to Jackie, does this building meet the setback requirements of a lot and property?

00:35:20 Speaker 06: Ah, so the property is Zone Core Commercial C One, which typically doesn't have minimum required setbacks, so a building in the C1 zone could be built to the lot line.

00:35:20 Speaker 06: But it is probably likely, notwithstanding, that this building was built prior to the city's current bylaw being in force and effect.

00:35:21 Speaker 06: So if certain setbacks were non-compliant, it would have a non-complying status applied to it.

00:35:21 Speaker 06: Anyone else have any questions, concerns?

00:35:22 Speaker 06: Royden, go ahead.

00:35:22 Speaker 06: Right, and go ahead.

00:35:23 Speaker 06: On the accessibility upgrades, it mentions that they're going above and beyond the code.

00:35:23 Speaker 06: Do you know for the accessibility part specifically what else they are doing to enhance that space beyond the code?

00:35:23 Speaker 06: So, just in consulting with the city's building division on these grant applications, they've indicated that what is being proposed so the installation of a universal washroom is above and beyond what the code would require.

00:35:24 Speaker 06: So it is consistent with the intent of the Accessibility Improvement Grant Program.

00:35:24 Speaker 06: That program is intended to support those types of improvements that go above and beyond the code or AODA.

00:35:25 Speaker 06: Anyone else?

00:35:25 Speaker 06: Morgan, through you, Madam Chair, I think this is a wonderful idea.

00:35:25 Speaker 06: I think we need it.

00:35:25 Speaker 06: It's going to be great for the downtown core, and I know Safe and Sound is utilized.

00:35:25 Speaker 06: I don't know if this is a question over here or for a later time or anything along those lines,

00:35:26 Speaker 06: but I know Safe and Sound has had problems in the past getting funding to stay open and to do what they do for our community.

00:35:26 Speaker 06: Not that I don't want to give money to them, just in case they, you know, what if they don't get funding?

00:35:26 Speaker 06: Like, I love this idea, but I'm afraid of what happens if they don't get funding is going to happen?

00:35:27 Speaker 06: Do they have funding for the next couple years?

00:35:27 Speaker 06: What does this look like?

00:35:27 Speaker 06: Just a note on process to receive grant funding.

00:35:27 Speaker 06: The conditions of the grant approval will require that a financial incentive program agreement be executed, and then the property owner has to complete the work.

00:35:28 Speaker 06: Staff then inspect it.

00:35:28 Speaker 06: The building permit will have to be closed, and then the grant funds are issued.

00:35:28 Speaker 06: So the grant funds are not issued in advance of that work.

00:35:29 Speaker 06: Ellie, go ahead.

00:35:29 Speaker 06: I just had a question about drawing from the CIP reserve.

00:35:29 Speaker 06: You mentioned there's increased interest this year, which is great.

00:35:29 Speaker 06: I was curious mostly; do we know if this has happened before?

00:35:30 Speaker 06: Is it like a common thing where we have to draw from the reserves?

00:35:30 Speaker 06: Are we trending in any sort of way with that information?

00:35:31 Speaker 06: I will say it varies from year to year.

00:35:31 Speaker 06: So for example last year in 2025, I believe we only spent maybe just shy of half of the $60,000 budget,

00:35:31 Speaker 06: and then that remaining budget carries forward to this year to fund applications where interest is higher.

00:35:31 Speaker 06: That is fortunately the case for this year, where we are seeing a lot of interest in grant programs and private property investment.

00:35:43 Speaker 06: So any other questions?

00:35:44 Speaker 06: Does someone want to move the motion?

00:35:44 Speaker 06: Lance, thank you.

00:35:44 Speaker 06: The motion is now on the table.

00:35:44 Speaker 06: If there's nothing further, I will call the question.

00:35:45 Speaker 06: All those in favor; it carries.

00:35:45 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:35:46 Speaker 06: So that brings us to 8B3 report CS26074 from the Manager of Planning and Heritage regarding public art installation: Intersections Wood Collaborative at 289 10th Street East.

00:35:46 Speaker 06: So we go to Sabine, thank you.

00:35:47 Speaker 06: Through to you, Chair.

00:35:47 Speaker 06: The city has received a proposal for a mural from Intersections Wood Collaborative on July 14, 2026.

00:35:47 Speaker 06: Intersections Wood Collaborative is a not-for-profit woodworking studio located at 289 Tenth Street East.

00:35:47 Speaker 06: The building is located adjacent to the Chicago Building.

00:35:48 Speaker 06: The mural proposed is for the east side of the building facing Third Avenue East and Tenth Street East.

00:35:48 Speaker 06: And the image proposed is a realistic woodpecker, which merges the artist's interest as a wildlife artist with those of Intersections Wood Collaborative.

00:35:48 Speaker 06: Although the city does not have a specific mural policy at this time, the following merits notes: The work will be completed by Sarah Macomb Turbet,

00:35:49 Speaker 06: a professional wildlife artist and marine biologist based in Owen Sound.

00:35:49 Speaker 06: Her work bridges scientific observation and fine art to foster a deeper connection between viewers and the natural world.

00:35:49 Speaker 06: She has created large murals across Ontario and internationally.

00:35:50 Speaker 06: The building is owned by Nathan Groff, who has consented to the work.

00:35:50 Speaker 06: It is estimated that the mural will take four to eight painting days.

00:35:50 Speaker 06: The work will require a temporary encroachment permit as the artist will need to set up on the Third Avenue East sidewalk municipal right of way.

00:35:51 Speaker 06: And the artist and property owner have been made aware of this requirement.

00:35:51 Speaker 06: The artist is an experienced muralist, including having completed outdoor works.

00:35:52 Speaker 06: The mural will be created using brushwork.

00:35:52 Speaker 06: It's in the artist's contract with Intersections and the building owner that the owners or the artist are to be contacted and made aware of any required maintenance on the mural.

00:35:53 Speaker 06: If removal is desired, the mural can easily be painted over to match the siding.

00:35:53 Speaker 06: Staff recommend that the artist provide a final sketch to the satisfaction of the city prior to commencing work; we have received that drawing just today so we can hopefully attach it when we publish.

00:35:53 Speaker 06: It's very realistic woodpecker; it'll look fantastic.

00:35:53 Speaker 06: So staff recommend approval of the mural proposal as detailed in Schedule Two to the report,

00:35:54 Speaker 06: including that the owner will be required to obtain a temporary encroachment permit for work within the city's right of way on Third Avenue East.

00:35:54 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:35:55 Speaker 06: Does anyone have any questions?

00:35:56 Speaker 06: I have a question.

00:35:56 Speaker 06: I was a little surprised to see this come forward to committee.

00:35:57 Speaker 06: If we don't have a mural policy and it's not really part of the public art policy because it's a private building, so what are the guidelines like?

00:35:57 Speaker 06: If I own a private building, am I not able to paint whatever I want on it in the city?

00:35:57 Speaker 06: So we are sort of in between policies right now.

00:35:58 Speaker 06: The community improvement plan does acknowledge that murals are a great addition to the streetscape, particularly in that part of town.

00:35:58 Speaker 06: And the public art policy does include elements to be addressed in a public art submission.

00:36:00 Speaker 06: Because we're sort of in between policies, we did want to bring this forward to committee with the intention that there will be a policy at some point.

00:36:01 Speaker 06: Just because these murals do face significant public intersections; we have policies that encourage them but also consider the mural as a whole.

00:36:04 Speaker 06: And obviously Woodpecker is a great addition.

00:36:05 Speaker 06: If there were proposals brought forward that may be a little bit different, then we would want committee...

00:36:06 Speaker 06: sort of consideration of those.

00:36:06 Speaker 06: Okay, Allie, go ahead.

00:36:07 Speaker 06: Not a question, but just comment.

00:36:07 Speaker 06: This seems great.

00:36:09 Speaker 06: I've seen some of the artist's work, and it's...

00:36:09 Speaker 06: I think it's going to be a great addition.

00:36:09 Speaker 06: Does someone want to move the recommendation, Morgan?

00:36:10 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:36:15 Speaker 06: So, if there's nothing further, then I will call the question.

00:36:21 Speaker 06: All those in favor, and that carries.

00:36:21 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:36:22 Speaker 06: So that ends the staff reports for this evening under section eight.

00:36:22 Speaker 06: So we move on to number nine, matters postponed, which there are none.

00:36:22 Speaker 06: Number ten, motions for which notice was previously given; we have none.

00:36:23 Speaker 06: Under eleven, correspondence provided for information: we have at 11(a) the memorandum from the Chief Building Official and Manager of Planning and Heritage regarding a development update.

00:36:23 Speaker 06: Sabine, did you want to talk about that?

00:36:24 Speaker 06: Sure, I can just really quickly.

00:36:24 Speaker 06: Construction is continuing on Building Two at West Harbor West and the fifth floor of the third building at Skydeck.

00:36:25 Speaker 06: So again, when you're on the west side of the bay and looking across to the east side, you can really see those buildings now, which is fantastic.

00:36:25 Speaker 06: And I think as you drive downtown, seeing the development at Harbour West is really exciting,

00:36:26 Speaker 06: and to see that construction method they're using to put those concrete slabs in place and seeing those buildings basically come out of the ground in a matter of days... yeah,

00:36:26 Speaker 06: I think it's a great boost for the city.

00:36:26 Speaker 06: So we're excited to see that.

00:36:27 Speaker 06: As Jackie mentioned before, we do have a significant year for the CIP applications, and as of date, have received 12 applications and used up most of our budget, which is exciting.

00:36:27 Speaker 06: And so we will continue to use those reserves to build on that momentum.

00:36:28 Speaker 06: There are other applications I think ready to come in; so we will continue to process those applications and support the River District and the city at large.

00:36:29 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:36:29 Speaker 06: Does anyone have any questions regarding the development update?

00:36:30 Speaker 06: I just had a question on the Georgian Heights one here, too: a new addition to Georgian Heights.

00:36:30 Speaker 06: Where is Georgian Heights?

00:36:30 Speaker 06: It's on Tenth Street East, right across from what's the park?

00:36:30 Speaker 06: Sorry, Taylor Park, just past Tim Hortons.

00:36:31 Speaker 06: So between like Tim Hortons and Canadian Tire on that stretch of Tenth Street, up the hill.

00:36:31 Speaker 06: If you're not really looking for it, it's hard to miss; or it's easy to miss.

00:36:31 Speaker 06: And it used to be a former nursing home that was closed down when Southbridge opened, and so it is now being developed by them as they renovate the existing building,

00:36:31 Speaker 06: and then we'll add an addition on to the building.

00:36:31 Speaker 06: The site was subject to a zoning bylaw amendment 18 months ago to rezone it from institutional to residential to facilitate this.

00:36:32 Speaker 06: Okay, great.

00:36:32 Speaker 06: If there's nothing further, then we need a motion to receive.

00:36:32 Speaker 06: So, Marion, thank you; and all those in favor, and that carries.

00:36:32 Speaker 06: So that brings us to number twelve, which is the addition: discussion of additional business?

00:36:33 Speaker 06: So we'll go to Christina first.

00:36:33 Speaker 06: Thank you.

00:36:33 Speaker 06: Just a quick reminder that the 2026 municipal election is coming up this October.

00:36:34 Speaker 06: Nominations for anybody interested in being a candidate are open until August 21 at 2 p.m., so just about four weeks and a little bit away from now, voters:

00:36:37 Speaker 06: please check that you are on the Voters List by visiting registertovoteon.ca by August 12th, where you can confirm, register, or amend your information.

00:36:37 Speaker 06: Voting will take place October 16th to 26th; and check out the website at ONSoundVotes.ca for more information.

00:36:38 Speaker 06: Okay, thank you.

00:36:39 Speaker 06: And next we have Travis.

00:36:39 Speaker 01: Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:36:40 Speaker 01: Chair, caught me off guard... yeah.

00:36:40 Speaker 01: So, anyways, I just wanted: there's been a lot of things going on in the background regarding, you know, the Marker Tree playgrounds.

00:36:40 Speaker 01: There is probably a good announcement that probably the Director would like to say about some of the playgrounds, as well as updates regarding Weaver's Creek.

00:36:41 Speaker 01: So, Pam, I'm going to look to you if you could provide some of those updates.

00:36:42 Speaker 01: Yeah.

00:36:42 Speaker 01: Thank you for the question.

00:36:43 Speaker 01: Some good news, which is different than my earlier report.

00:36:43 Speaker 01: So Owen Heights and Comerat, and Owen Heights and Comoret... hopefully the committee really sees the work that you do showing up in these projects.

00:36:43 Speaker 01: So Owen Heights and Comoret completed last week; was inspected; they were opened.

00:36:43 Speaker 01: There's some minor deficiencies but really minor.

00:36:44 Speaker 01: They were opened last week, and it was really fun for me: I took my granddaughter there Friday night, so... so fun.

00:36:44 Speaker 01: Kelso Beach at Maywash Park based on this committee and council's approval of that design: the landscape architect is really working diligently on the finer final tender documents; it's well underway,

00:36:44 Speaker 01: and we hope to tender by the end of the month.

00:36:45 Speaker 01: We do have two grants that we're waiting to hear about for that project so we'll see how that goes.

00:36:45 Speaker 01: Marker Tree completed today.

00:36:46 Speaker 01: If you're down walking at Harrison Park, stop by: it's really nice improvement in that space.

00:36:47 Speaker 01: And then Weaver's Creek Boardwalk... we had our pre-construction site meeting today; it has been awarded to a company called TDI Land Restoration.

00:36:48 Speaker 01: They hope they will start on August 3rd; they'll be done on August 26th, and it will—it'll be really nice to get back able to walk along that trail.

00:36:48 Speaker 01: So I think that's all of the neat things.

00:36:48 Speaker 01: Thank you for that update.

00:36:48 Speaker 01: Marion has another item.

00:36:48 Speaker 01: Thank you: just wanted if the Director would maybe help me with the dates and so on on this.

00:36:49 Speaker 01: This is regarding the naming of the park on the corner of Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue East,

00:36:49 Speaker 01: and submissions are being accepted now—not for the name itself but voting for the names that have been submitted.

00:36:50 Speaker 01: And I wonder if you could maybe comment on when that deadline is?

00:36:50 Speaker 01: Yes: So the project page for the Park Naming at Eight Twenty Third Fifth Avenue East... and again based on the review and recommendation from committee, I think there was about 25 names;

00:36:50 Speaker 01: you can rank those suggested park names.

00:36:50 Speaker 01: Let me just see when it's open to—yeah, it is August final steps, August 28th.

00:36:51 Speaker 01: Yeah so go on the website pick your three top names: closes Friday, August 28th and then we'll be bringing a report back to this committee with the input received.

00:36:51 Speaker 01: Okay great; So that covers additional business.

00:36:51 Speaker 01: So at number thirteen notices of motion... does anyone have a notice of motion?

00:36:52 Speaker 01: Seeing none, then I will call the meeting adjourned.

00:36:52 Speaker 01: It is six oh eight p.m. Thank you everyone.