Council Preview
By John Swartz
Orillia council begins its council meeting day at 1 p.m. to accommodate a public meeting on planning matters. They will get details of a proposal to construct an addition to a house at 98 Nottawasaga Street.
The proposal made by Jenna Reid would add 4 living units to an existing house is already divided into 3 units.
The regular meeting will follow. There are no deputations or presentations, so the meeting will go almost straight to the public forum. When that has concluded, council will go into closed session for two items. One item was pulled by councillor Jay Fallis from a confidential report regarding 150 Front Street South. This is the former chamber of commerce office/bus station property. The other item is for more discussion following from the April 23 special council meeting about Strong Mayor Powers and specifically direction regarding the external legal counsel.
Replacing Trees
Mayor Don McIsaac and Councillors Jeff Czetwerzuk and Whitney Smith have a report which has not been circulated at time of writing regarding a plan to replace trees lost during the ice storm.
Staff also have a report regarding funding for clean up from the ice storm, which also has not been circulated at time of writing.
Policy Update
Staff have a report outlining changes to the City’s workplace harassment, workplace sexual harassment and workplace violence prevention and intervention policy. Most of the changes are being made because of changes to the Ontario Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Next staff have a report regarding the name of a new road on the Inch Farm development. Brook Trout Drive derives from a tributary of Silver Creek which Brook Trout are known to inhabit.
The motion directs the intention to name the road be published and public comments be received. The road is expected be serviceable by the end of June.
Housing Grant
Staff have a report asking council to make a grant of $315,034 to Sionito Community Development Corporation for an affordable housing project at 26 West Street North.
The developer is proposing to build 101 affordable units (51 bachelor units, 45 one bedroom units and 5 two bedroom units) for seniors. The grant will cover proposal submission fees, administration fees and building permit fees. Grant money will be handled as transfers from the City’s affordable housing reserve fund to various development and engineering services accounts.
The developer will also be eligible for grants of $25K per unit from the City’s housing accelerator fund and additionally $10K per unit from the City’s affordable housing reserve.
Council meetings are open to the public or can be watched on the City’s Youtube channel.
(Photos by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia; Images Supplied)
