Council news: Resident presents plan for multiuse recreational park
Stevens, a firefighter with Station 4, is a member of the Creemore Firefighters Association which has created a skating rink behind the firehall for the past few winters for the enjoyment of the community.
Stevens presented a fully thought out, but not costed, park plan that would include soccer fields, pickle ball courts, a playground, skatepark, a memorial tree forest, shaded gathering areas and off-leash dog park. Having studied architecture at university, Stevens presented professional renderings of how the space could look if his plan was executed.
“This plan is focused on creating a more vibrant, accessible, and multi-use community space that will benefit Clearview residents of all ages,” Stevens told council.
During the first phase of implementation, he would like to see a 120-by-60-foot multi-use concrete pad with boards, similar to the one in New Lowell, established behind the arena, to be a base for the skating rink and ball hockey.
The plan was well received by staff and members of council.
“This is long overdue,” said Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren. “We struggle as a council what to do so its great to see some initiative.”
“While this is a great project, we’re going to have to look for some financial partners to help us with that or we’re going to be looking at significant taxes, so thank you for bringing it forward,” said Mayor Doug Measures.
59% of survey respondents supports STRAs
Clearview Township staff presented the findings of its short-term rental accommodation (STRA) licensing survey to council on Monday.
To better assess the community’s receptiveness towards a STRA licensing program and Municipal Accommodation Tax, a survey was circulated between April 23 and May 30.
In total, 213 responses were received with 59 per cent in support of a STRA licensing program.
“The survey results show a majority of the community supports implementing a comprehensive STRA program. This indicates that residents recognize the value of bringing structure and oversight to short-term rental operations while ensuring they complement, rather than disrupt, the character of this community,” states a report by clerk Sasha Helmkay- Playter and Community Economic Development Officer Briar Kelly.
Fifty-six per cent of respondents said they support a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) that would be applicable to all licensed STRAs. The revenue generated from MAT would be directed to support community initiatives, such as enhancing public spaces, implementing destination marketing initiatives, improving facilities and other community-based projects.
“These results suggest that Clearview Township residents are embracing a balanced approach to tourism development. Rather than rejecting short-term rentals outright, the majority are supporting a regulated system that can capture economic benefits while maintaining community standards,” says the report.
Staff said they were particularly interested in reading 154 comments from the respondents, 97 per cent of which identified as Clearview residents, which will be taken into consideration during the drafting of a bylaw that will be presented for public consultation in the fall.
Liability hinders open air alcohol policy
Judging by the comments around the council table, Creemore Village Green will likely not have an open alcohol policy any time soon.
Staff did not make a recommendation either way but the July 14 staff report raises concerns about liability, enforcement and health impacts.
Following a pitch by Creemore Village Green manager Jeremy Mantesso staff was directed to look into the feasibility of allowing an open air alcohol policy in the park.
Mantesso presented the idea in May. He said the concept is modelled on a successful pilot program in Toronto that has resulted in people of legal drinking age being allowed to consume their own alcoholic beverages in 54 Toronto parks after the Liquor Licence and Control Act was amended in 2019 to give municipal councils the opportunity to change their bylaws to designate a public place, including parks, for personal alcohol consumption.
“Liability sure appears like it might be the killer of this project, as the liability world gets worse and worse,” said Councillor Robert McArthur.
Yes, it’s a great responsibility that a municipality has to take on when it comes to our public assets,” said Measures.
Councillor Robert Walker said underage drinking and drinking and driving are also concerns.
“One of the concerns I have is if we start where do we stop?,” he asked. “What parks would be next?”
“There’s no doubt this park is held to a unique standard when it comes to parks because there’s
a management agreement by the [Creemore Community] Foundation but it’s still a public asset of the Corporation of the Township of Clearview,” said Measures, adding that bylaws passed by council impact all areas of Clearview.
Centreline Road construction begins
Council has awarded the tender for the Centreline Road Reconstruction to Arnill Construction Limited O/A Seely Arnill Construction in the amount of $2.9 million.
The reconstruction work is to be completed in two stages: Stage 1 from Concession Road 7 to Sideroad 12/13 is to be completed between September and November. Stage 2, from Concession Road 12/13 to Simcoe County Road 9, is to be completed between May 2026 and August 2026.
Council also approved the purchase of a Rosenbauer pumper truck from City View Specialty Vehicles in the amount of $746,200 in order to replace a 2009 Kenworth Fire Pumper, as per the Clearview Fire and Emergency Services apparatus replacement schedule.
