Council Meeting Highlights - September 20

Swoop Fiber Introduction
Council received a presentation introducing SwoopFiber, a new fiber internet provider which will service the Elmvale area.

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Presentation
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) presented an overview of their organization, highlighting their various programs and responsibilities. The presentation encompassed details about their services, which include lands and operations management, stewardship and ecological restoration, private land planting and forestry, watershed system management, and environmental education. Furthermore, in response to changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, the NVCA explained the three categories of service: mandatory, municipal, and other programs and services, and the financial implications of each. Staff have been directed to provide a report back to Council, further outlining the different categories and options for Council’s consideration.

NVCA Appointment
Council voted in favor of appointing Councillor Fisher to the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority Board of Directors.

Council Discretionary Funds Policy
The Council Discretionary Funds Policy was adopted by Council. The policy provides each member of Council an annual allotment of up to $4,000 to support eligible recipients for community initiatives, including events, programs, projects, activities, services or causes, which in the opinion of Council would be meaningful, beneficial and worthwhile to residents of their ward or the Township as a whole. The funds will not be available or carried forward in a municipal election year. Any request for funds will be considered and approved by Council as a whole.

Allocation of Springwater Swing Tournament Fundraising Proceeds
The 2023 Springwater Swing Golf Tournament raised $44,265.77! When combined with fundraising revenues from previous years, the Springwater Swing fundraising account balance now sits at $83,265.51. Council has officially approved the allocation of these funds in the following manner:

• Increase the Community Assistance Program budget to $2,000.
• Allocate $12,000 towards physician recruitment efforts.
• Allocate the remaining balance to support charitable and community organizations.

Furthermore, Council has instructed staff to draft a report outlining options for a Grants Program.

Homer Barrett Park Tree and Sound Abatement
Council has directed staff to proceed with planting nine trees at Homer Barrett Park to mitigate noise and privacy concerns raised by residents in the surrounding area. Five of the trees are replacement trees which had previously been removed from the park due to disease and damage and four trees are new.

Heritage Park Signage
Following a Notice of Motion by Councillor Garwood, Staff will prepare a report outlining options for either the replace or refurbishment of the roofed sign located at Heritage Park and include ways to honour community member George Allen within the design.

Automated Speed Enforcement Program
Following a notice of motion by Councillor Fisher, staff have been directed to investigate an Automated Speed Enforcement Program and provide a report outlining details, options, and costs for Council’s consideration.

Installation of Pedestrian Zone Roadway Signs

Council has voted in favor of installing pedestrian zone signage in the roadway at the following locations:

• Kerr Street, Elmvale
• Simcoe Street, Elmvale
• Robinson Road, Elmvale
• Sant Road, Midhurst
• St. Vincent Street, Midhurst
• Finlay Mill Road, Midhurst
• Two signs within each of the Stonegate and Stonemanor subdivisions, locations to be determined in conjunction with staff.

The signs will be installed from May to October beginning in 2024. The pedestrian zone signs were brought forward as a Notice of Motion by Councillors Garwood and Fisher.

This summary is not a full representation of the meeting. For the official record, please refer to the minutes in the next Council Agenda. Past Council Meetings are available for viewing on the Township’s YouTube channel.