Clearview council news

Speeding

Concerns about speed limits and enforcement on area roads dominated the public participation portion of the June 22 meeting of Clearview Township council.
Mayor Doug Measures reported there have been a number of requests from residents, especially in the New Lowell area, for increased enforcement. However, he pointed out the township can establish speed limits but Highway Traffic Act enforcement is the responsibility of the Ontario Provincial Police. The township did include funding for a number of new speed radar signs in its 2020 budget and those have now been installed in various communities. Four additional portable signs were available for temporary placement but two were recently stolen from Concession 10, leaving only two available to handle the many requests the township receives.

ATV access

Council was asked to consider a request for ATV access to all township roads. Measures pointed out that there are designated roads and a trail system currently available for ATV use, and that the province is currently examining the issue of ATV’s on public roads. The request will be considered, and a motion may be introduced at a future council meeting.

Weed control

A question was raised about the use of chemicals in Clearview parks. Measures reported that township staff are using a mixture of horticultural vinegar and dish soap to control weeds and noxious plants including poison ivy. These products are generally considered safe, and do not fall under the provincial herbicide and pesticide legislation.

Pandemic operations

Measures said that while township offices remain closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, township business is still being conducted with staff and councillors available by phone and email to address residents’ concerns. Township staff are working with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to plan for a safe space when Clearview offices eventually reopen.

Creemore Wastewater Treatment Plant

Blue Sky Energy and Consulting will be retained to complete a process review and capacity assessment of the Creemore Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract is worth $35,075.
Concerns about the capacity of the membrane filtration system have put the brakes on future development in Creemore. Until a solution is found, only projects which have been given final approval, such as Phase One of the Alliance development, will be allowed to proceed.

Provincial gas tax revenue

Clearview Township has renewed its agreement with the Province for a share of the provincial gas tax revenue. The agreement is renewed annually, and this year will contribute approximately $127,000 to township coffers.

Sign bylaw passes

Council has approved a new sign bylaw including amendments to increase the setback for billboards from residences from 100 metres to 200 metres, and to ensure any lighting is dark sky compliant.

Communications tower

A lease agreement to permit construction of a new communications tower on 27/28 Sideroad near Stayner was signed with Signum Wireless.

Confederate flags not welcome here

Clearview Township council has unanimously endorsed a resolution by councillor Doug McKechnie to come out in favour of inclusiveness and against racism.
The township was recently approached by a resident requesting that a bylaw be passed to ban display of the Confederate flag in Clearview. Following consultation with Barriston Law which provides legal services to the municipality, council was advised that this falls under the Charter of Rights protection of Freedom of Expression. Therefore it is not within the jurisdiction of local governments.
Mayor Doug Measures says that while council may consider displays of the Confederate flag deplorable and inappropriate, it is out of their hands. Measures says Clearview is a caring and inclusive community as demonstrated through actions. He pointed out that in recent years council has supported requests to fly the Pride Flag. No request was received this year, presumably because Pride events were cancelled due to COVID-19.
In putting forth his resolution, McKechnie pointed out that the Confederate flag has become the symbol of various white supremacist groups, which is not in keeping with the caring, inclusive nature of our community. He says it is important to communicate to residents and visitors alike that all are welcome here. A copy of the resolution will be sent to local Member of Parliament Terry Dowdall.

News from Simcoe County

Clearview Deputy Mayor and Deputy Warden of Simcoe County Barry Burton shared some exciting news with Township Council at their June 22 meeting. Simcoe Manor Village in Beeton, one of four county-owned long-term care facilities has been approved for redevelopment. The facility will grow from the current 126 beds to 160, and will eventually house medical offices, a pharmacy, salon and recreational facilities in a 438,000 square foot complex. The new Simcoe Manor will be modelled after the county owned home in Penetanguishene, which is recognized as one of the “crown princesses” of long-term care facilities in Ontario according to Burton. He says when other municipalities want to see how to build quality long-term care, they should come to Simcoe County. On a more sombre note, Burton advised council that he received word on Monday that a resident of Simcoe Manor has tested positive for COVID-19.
In other county business, Garda World Security has been hired to provide security at county Ontario Works offices. Staff who provide services to those seeking social assistance and housing have been under considerable stress, particularly since the beginning of the pandemic. There have been several altercations that required police intervention.
The County’s Governance Committee continues to work toward reducing the size of county council from the current 31 members to 21. That would include the mayors of each of the 16 member municipalities plus five councillors (one per ward) elected at large. The committee is currently grappling with the issue of representation by population versus representation by eligible voters. If the eligible voter model is chosen the large number of seasonal residents in northern parts of the county could give northern municipalities a greater voice than more populous southern communities
The matter has been referred back to county staff for a recommendation to council at the July meeting.

No pushback on kennel rezoning

A request for input on proposed rezoning to permit construction of a dog boarding kennel on County Road 10 has generated no comments from the public.
The property at 11323 County Road 10 currently operates as a horse boarding facility and is zoned Agricultural (AG). The requested change to Agricultural Boarding Kennel (AGK) would allow construction of a kennel to house dogs in private spaces with indoor runs. The original plan was for a facility to house up to 35 dogs, but the design will be modified to reduce the number of kennel spaces and add a 900 square foot indoor play area.
Notice of the proposed change was mailed to adjacent properties, posted online, and on signage at the site but no comments, for or against, were received. The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority has indicated they do not object to the proposed use. Anyone wishing to weigh in can still contact the Clearview Township planning department to make their views known.
Township staff will consider any comments and then make a recommendation to council, which will then vote to approve or deny the request.