Council Highlights – April 28, 2021
Council highlights provide an update of important information discussed at the previous council meeting. Full agendas and minutes are available at tay.ca/calendar
Council Composition and Ward Boundary Review
A report was brought forward highlighting a previous staff report presented to Council in October 2020, as well as the results from two previous public surveys and a public meeting on the topic of council composition and ward boundary review. Council voted and Option 2 from the report was carried, and reads:
That the Ward System be eliminated and the composition of council in the Township of Tay remain unchanged at seven (7) members for the 2022 Municipal Election:
- Mayor – elected at large
- Deputy Mayor – elected at large
- 5 Councillor positions - elected at large
Grandview Beach and Paradise Point 2020-21 Hydrogeological Study
Council heard a presentation from J.L. Richards and Oakridge Environmental Ltd. Regarding the Grandview Beach and Paradise Point 2020-21 Hydrogeological Study. The in-depth report covers servicing history, interim measures, and hydrogeological study findings. The report recommended that future development occur only with connection to the municipal water system, that any existing lots that utilize a private well should be encouraged to connect to the municipal water system, and that if lots are to be released, an initial set of twenty (20) vacant lots could be released for development for single residential use only (i.e., no communal servicing or multi-unit development). Staff will prepare a report for June Committee outlining a proposed process to release 20 lots (single detached dwelling units) in the area. To view the full presentation, visit tay.ca/calendar
Portarama Family Festival 2021
The Portarama Family Festival Committee presented their proposal for the 2021 event that would take place during the May long weekend. The proposal focused on more programs and activities being offered virtually, including a photo and colouring contest, as well as moving the nominations for Citizen and Youth of the Year online.
While appreciative of the Committee’s efforts to put on an event during the COVID-19 pandemic, Council expressed concerns in relation to the two non-virtual activities proposed, a Garage Sale and Drive-by-Parade, which would not be permitted by the Province if the Provincial lock-down or stay-at-home order is extended past May 20th, and may not be permitted depending on the requirements of whichever “zone” the area is in after the lock-down is lifted.
Council also recognized the importance and value that the Portarama Family Festival provides to the entire Township, and asked that Tay’s Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facility Services work closely with the Committee and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to determine closer to the event date if the non-virtual activities would be able to proceed based on the Provincial and local health measures in place at the time.
Community Space & Recreation Survey now available
Visit tay.ca/input to take the survey. The survey was created by the Community Space Ad-Hoc Committee, and focuses on recreation programs, facilities and community spaces throughout the Township. It is open to all residents, stakeholders and community members, hard copies of the survey can be picked up in the vestibule of our municipal office at 450 Park Street, Victoria Harbour during regular business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To view the entire agenda for the April 28 council meeting, and for minutes of previous meetings, please visit tay.ca/calendar.
Tay Township meets for regular council meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.