Policy and Planning Quarterly
Winter 2022 (Election 2022, Splash Pad, Manager of Community and Recreation)
The Policy and Planning Quarterly provides quarterly highlights of bylaw changes, Council decisions and land-use planning matters that are of public interest.
Featured Bylaws and Resolutions
(Full bylaw/resolution reports available at www.espanola.ca or at the Municipal Office, 100 Tudhope Street)
Municipal Election 2022: Online and Telephone Voting
The new year is well underway and Espanola will head to the polls in October for a Municipal Election along with all 444 municipalities in Ontario. The Municipal Election is fast approaching and is officially to be held on October 24, 2022. This time around however, the polls have evolved with technology and gone are the days where in-person voting is required for the Town of Espanola. In January, Council approved the alternative voting method bylaw to allow for online and telephone voting for the municipal election in October. This October, you will be able to vote from the comfort of your own home from October 17, 2022 to October 24, 2022 at 8pm. Voter Assistance Centres (VAC) will be set up in the Recreation Complex at various times and at the Municipal Office at 100 Tudhope for the duration of the voting period for those who need access to a phone or computer. Details on the VACs will be posted as we approach the election period.
Are you interested in running for Council? We have ample resources to help you learn about what being a Councillor is all about. Give us a call at 705-869-1540 to learn more or visit our election webpage at https://www.espanola.ca/town-government/council/municipal-elections.
Splash Pad Project Contract Award
The recommendation to award the Splash Pad contract to ABC Recreation was approved by Council resolution in March. The approved design expectations feature a 2,480 square foot splash pad with a 1,464 square foot spray area, including 19 features and two wheel-chair accessible activators. The design has a toddler bay, a family bay and a teen bay and has specific components designed for sensory interaction. Construction is scheduled to start in June for a July opening. A contract for the parking area construction and related road work is to be awarded in April. Sponsorship for the Splash Pad has been exceptional, including a $25,000 pledge from the Espanola Lions Club. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please contact the Municipal Office if you are interested in making a donation.
Manager of Community and Recreation
Council approved a recommendation to hire a Manager of Community and Recreation to ensure our comprehensive recreation operations are served by a dedicated full time leadership position. Posting is expected in April with hope to have the position filled by early summer 2022. The position includes the efficient and effective planning, programing, budgeting and management of all municipal recreation/leisure services. Existing organizational structure changes were also approved as part of this recommendation to re-align two existing management positions to create a Manager of Environmental Services and Special Projects position and a Superintendent of Public Works. A detailed media release is available on our website.
Council Decision Highlights:
- Approval of a corporate recognition policy to acknowledge new and expanding businesses in Espanola.
- Approval of the Espanola Lions Club sponsorship of the Clear Lake Beach supervision for Spring/Summer 2022.
- Approval of the new Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan for the LaCloche Foothills region.
- Approval of Police Services Board recommendation for security cameras to capture traffic entering and leaving Espanola on the north and south sides, to be paid for by funds from the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Community Safety and Policing Grant.
- Approval of online and telephone voting for the 2022 Municipal Election.
- Approval of the 5-year Playground Replacement Plan to replace all municipal playgrounds, subject to future budget approvals.
- Approval of audio/video enhancements to the Council Chambers for in-person Council meetings.
- Approval of the Household Hazardous Waste Day contract. Household Hazardous Waste Day to take place on April 30, 2022.
- Approval of Splash Pad construction contract and budget.
- Approval of garbage and recycling collection contract.
Land-Use Planning
While matters before Council as relates to land-use planning have been fairly quiet lately, as is the norm in the winter months, interest in a number of commercial and housing projects is bubbling and the spring is expected to be a busy season.
Winter Planning Act Highlights:
- Consent Application B01/22, lot severance and conveyance west of Yocom Drive, no new lot created, approved with conditions.
- Consent Application B02/22 & B03/22, lot line adjustment and creation of new lot to accommodate three new semi-detached buildings to create six additional dwelling units on Yusko Crescent as part of the final stage of the initial Olivadel Development Agreement approved October 2018, approved with conditions.
- The terms of the site plan agreement for the new catholic schools La Renaissance and Sacred Heart were substantially completed. Updates to the public on pick-up and drop off etiquette are forthcoming.
- The A & W Restaurant opened for business, with the terms of the site plan agreement to be reviewed once the snow is melted for substantial completion.
Reminders
Taking care of our lakes
The spring and summer months bring the opportunity to truly enjoy our many beautiful lakes. Through the work of associations like the Clear Lake Stewardship Association, there has been much success in controlling undesirable aquatic plants such as Milfoil in Clear Lake. This is a shining example of how as a community, we can work together to keep all of our lakes healthy. A primary strategy for supporting lake health is the maintenance of buffer zones – or vegetative shorelines and hillsides that absorb nutrients from field beds and help prevent runoff and erosion, all of which are major contributors to voracious aquatic plant growth like milfoil and increases of algae blooms. The Town’s Zoning Bylaw and Official Plan have specific set back requirements for buildings near water and prohibit certain clearing of trees and other vegetation within a 30m set back. Please contact the Municipal Office for more information and we would be pleased to assist you.
Interested in lake stewardship activities? Contact the Municipal Office for information on how you can get involved.
The Policy and Planning Quarterly is prepared by Joseph Burke, Town Clerk and Manager of Planning Services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 705-869-1540.