Office of C.A.O. / Clerk-Treasurer Page 2€¦ · Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS), Community Policing Partnership (CPP), and the 1,000 Officers grants will

Office of C.A.O. / Clerk-Treasurer Page 2 Report No.: CAO-2017-07

Not For Release Subject to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

FONOM and NOMA. Look for the Northern Hospitality Suite to make an appearance at the conferment in January. ROMA Mid-Session Meeting 2018 I am very pleased to inform Council that ROMA has agreed to hold their mid-term Board Meeting in Wawa. The meeting will be held in May 2018 (likely the week of May 16). This will be the first time that ROMA has held a Board Meeting in Northern Ontario – a great accomplishment for us. There will be a host of attendees from all across the Province. I will be looking for Council support on a number of matters that will be detailed in a separate report in the near future. AMO Board The Local Share While Council will have a more fulsome discussion on the Local Share initiative being promoted by AMO, you may wish to be aware that all of you were sent covering letters and information on this initiative in May. I have attached a copy of the covering letter and “snapshot” that was provided. This may assist in our discussion.1 Digital Governance Report In 2016, AMO formed a Digital Government Task Force to provide input to the provincial government on digital government transformation, recognizing the potential for impacts to municipal governments and the broader public sector. A key deliverable of the Task Force is the development of a discussion paper that provides the municipal perspective on how to achieve effective and efficient digital transformation. This paper highlights barriers, opportunities, and case study examples to guide municipal governments with their digital development. The discussion paper is now available at: https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2017/AMOReleasesDigitalGovernmentReport

This report is well done and includes some key pieces of information for all of us to think about. This is the way of the future and should be read thoroughly. One-Third Tax Exemption Resolution The Board passed a resolution requesting that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities champion this matter federally and to coordinate other provinces impacted by the federal policy change set to take place January 2019. (FCM has recently advised that it will discuss this matter at its September Board meeting.)

1 Attached are items issued by AMO in May 2017 about the Local Share Program



AMO’s survey responses from municipal treasurers demonstrate that there is a cost impact to municipal governments in Ontario. Bill 148, Fair Workplace, Better Jobs 2017 The AMO Board continues to recommend amendments to Bill 148 to exempt municipal operations. The recent annual conference profiled the legislation and our concerns. The Minister of Labour has assured AMO and delegates that the unintended consequences in the drafting as it relates to municipal governments will be re-examined. Exemptions will be needed to the Bill that would frustrate municipal public safety and emergency activities. If not amended, it would make big changes to the Employment Standards Act and Labour Relations Act. Scheduling, on-call payments, equal pay provisions, vacation entitlements, personal emergency leave, union certification, and successor rights are a few of the issues that would impact municipal operations and budgets. Land Planning Appeals Tribunal (OMB Review) The AMO Board will be advising Ministers Mauro and Naqvi that it supports this proposed direction for a renewed land use appeal process with a couple of suggestions such as:

all provincial land use policies should be transferred to the Provincial Policy Statement where it is easily found and more apparent;

90 days seems too short for the 2nd decision process so 120 days will be recommended;

the effectiveness of the second decision process should be reviewed a couple of years after implementation; and

greater upfront dialogue between provincial and local planning staff at the outset of amendments so that there is better understanding of the application of provincial policy to local circumstances, so the likelihood of appeal is reduced.

Waste Management Update AMO, with its municipal partners and key producers, have been advocating the move of the Blue Box program to full producer responsibility faster than the Ministry’s proposed 2023 date. The advocacy has resulted in an announcement at the recent AMO Conference by MOECC Minister Chris Ballard that he has directed the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority and Stewardship Ontario to amend the Blue Box Program Plan as a first phase of transition to the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016. In addition, municipal comments to the EBR posting of MOECC’s "Discussion Paper: Addressing Food and Organic Waste in Ontario" were recently submitted. Leadership “Onward” Project The AMO Board received an update on the Leadership "Onward" Project. With the critical need for municipal succession planning at the senior leadership staff level, the objectives of this project include the development of programs to respond to leadership gaps that include: creation of champions at the political



level, active promotion of municipal succession planning and talent development efforts, and increased awareness of municipal management as a career choice. Cannabis Control Board to Retail Cannabis Products and its Provincial Cannabis Framework Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa, Attorney General Yasir Naqvi, and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Dr. Eric Hoskins have announced the Provincial government’s plan for the regulation of recreational cannabis use in Ontario. The plan is a response to the federal-level legalization of recreational cannabis slated to come into effect on July 1, 2018. The Government of Ontario’s plan includes:

the creation of a separate and dedicated Crown Agency modeled after the LCBO for the retail and distribution of recreational cannabis;

storefronts with locations determined in collaboration with Ontario’s municipal governments;

online retail to enable consumers to purchase federally licensed marijuana through mail delivery;

adjusting the legal age for consumption to align with Ontario’s liquor and tobacco rules;

prohibiting cannabis consumption in public spaces, workplaces, and in motorized vehicles consistent with existing rules;

new enforcement measures to deter youth from holding, sharing, or consuming cannabis; and

a public education campaign focused on prevention and harm reduction.

AMO has led engagement with municipal, provincial, and federal governments since cannabis legalization was first announced in April 2016. AMO has called for:

Local influence on the location of retail outlets to promote community safety and to ensure the rollout of storefronts begins in willing municipalities.

Adequate funding, training, and resource supports to enable municipal governments to follow provincial enforcement and implementation directions in time for legalization.

Revenue from marijuana sales to finance new municipal responsibilities and other municipal needs.

Collaboration with the Province to ensure Ontario communities and residents benefit from the economic development opportunities arising from regulated legal cannabis.

Moving forward, AMO plans to continue to work with the Province, through the AMO Marijuana Legalization Task Force and staff-level working tables, to ensure the implementation of a safe and effective Ontario model for cannabis regulation. AMO will also be providing input on the Province’s proposed framework once consultations are underway to ensure municipal governments in Ontario have the



ability to act in the best interests of residents and communities. Stay tuned as AMO transitions towards the consultation and implementation phases of marijuana regulation — AMO will be providing members with updates on municipal interests and implications as they arise.

Policing Grants AMO has just been provided details regarding the government’s plan for policing grants in 2018-19. Earlier in September, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) wrote to Police Chiefs and Police Service Board Chairs to advise that for next year, police services will again have the option to apply for funding under the old or new model.

The Ministry has also advised that 2018-19 will be the last year in which the Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS), Community Policing Partnership (CPP), and the 1,000 Officers grants will be offered. For the past twelve years, these three grants have funded the provincial cost share of over 2,000 front-line officers. New granting criteria for 2019-20 will not necessarily be directed to front-line officers in the future.

New Policing Bill – Fall 2017 After five years of consultation through the Future of Policing Advisory Committee, a new Police Services Act is expected to be introduced this fall. Municipal governments have been looking for three key changes to improve and modernize policing and public safety services:

Reforms that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of police spending, especially in smaller communities. Increased police spending does not mean increased public safety and security. New legislation must consider sustainability.

The civilianization of specific functions that do not require a police officer, to manage costs and effective use of resources. Efforts to modernize policing must clearly allow civilians to perform some non-core policing functions that do not necessitate an armed, sworn officer.

Governance reforms that clarify the mandate of police services boards and provide resources to support effective civilian oversight. Designing a successful civilian oversight system through police services boards is a critical part of the future. This must include Ministry resources for board training and support.

Ontarians pay the highest policing costs in the country. This includes both provincial and municipal spending. In 2014-2015, Ontarians spent $347 per capita on policing, which is at least $20 more than Albertans, $38 more than Quebecers, and $58 more than British Columbians. AMO is seeking to modernize policing, so that all Ontario communities can afford police services, along with all the other public programs and services that keep people safe and healthy. An updated report on emergency service costs in Ontario was provided at the 2017 AMO Conference.



Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario's Municipal Legislation Act, 2017 (MOMLA) Timing

The changes made through MOMLA will come into force in phases. While some sections of MOMLA came into force on Royal Assent, many of the sections will come into force on dates to be proclaimed. A phased approach to proclamation has been confirmed, which would bring certain amendments into force on January 1, 2018 and March 1, 2019, respectively.

The changes made through MOMLA that will come into force on January 1, 2018, include provisions respecting small business programs, open meetings, and other provisions.

The second proclamation date is March 1, 2019, and will bring into force changes to municipal accountability and transparency framework that include provisions respecting codes of conduct, integrity commissioner, conflict of interest, mandatory policies and other provisions. This includes the requirement for a policy regarding the relationship between members of council and the officers and employees of the municipality.

AMO opposes Proposed Changes to Public Health System The government is considering far reaching changes to the public health

system based on recommendations made by the Expert Panel on Public Health in their report – Public Health within an Integrated Health System, which was released on July 20, 2017.

After careful consideration by AMO’s Board of Directors and the Health Task Force, AMO does not support the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Public Health and urges the government not to adopt them.

If the Expert Panel recommendations are implemented, it will completely change and dilute over time the mandate of the local public health system by integrating it with the health care system. There was no analysis provided by either the Expert Panel or the Ministry on the implications of this proposed integration from either a patient, program/service, or cost benefit analysis perspective. Further information is available on the AMO website.

AMO is encouraging municipal leaders and councils to review the report and voice their opposition to Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and local MPP’s.

Personnel As the Municipality of Wawa continues to grapple with retirements and vacancies, difficulties in hiring replacement personnel are obvious. The approval of Council has resulted in combing the position of CBO and Fire Chief together and adding the responsibilities of By-law Enforcement. This new position will provide us with new oversight that had previously been absent. Kevin Sabourin will take over these duties and continue to train to provide the full range of services expected of the position. Mr Sabourin will also manage the



animal control officer and work with Tulloch Engineering to provide CBO Services to Dubreuilville, White River and Hornepayne. Mr. James Brown has been hired as a water and sewer technician replacing a vacancy. Mr. Brown comes fully trained and will provide an easy transition. We have advertised for the approved Asset Management Planning position. We are now reviewing resumes and are hopeful that we will find a successful candidate that will also provide services to Dubreuilville, White River and Hornepayne. Lastly, with the movement of Alex Patterson to the position of Director of Community Services, Mr Brian Lachine was interviewed and promoted to the position of Assistant Director of Community Services. Michipicoten Golf Club Council should be concerned with the lack of action and communication from the Michipicoten Golf Club on the large loan provided to them. While the Municipality did obtain the HST refund discussed in the agreement and has received the financial statements, two major matters remaining outstanding as follows:

1. The Golf Club will commit to establishing specific programs for the purpose of repaying the balance of the loan ($133,258.80) which is net of the HST refund. The specific details of the programs mentioned herein will be provided in writing to the Municipality upon execution of this agreement and on an annual basis thereafter.

2. The Golf Club shall provide the Municipality with the proceeds of any

programs or repayment of the subject loan together with an annual report on its operations and such report shall include details on efforts of cost reductions, revenue creation and ongoing membership status.

Staff have continually followed up with these items and have been met with silence or further promises that have not been fulfilled. The original 2010 land exchange with the MGC was intended to allow for the release of the burden of municipal taxation. Unfortunately, the License of Occupation was not accepted by MPAC and taxes continued to accrue. After some research and discussion with MPAC, it was determined that a Capital Facility By-law (as allowed under the Municipal Act) would achieve the goal of alleviating the tax burden. This by-law has now been written and has been presented to Council. The preparation of the by-law still left the burden of the taxes that had accumulated. Some provision for these taxes had been made and a resolution to remove all taxes was presented to Council. Wawa Photo Project



Cheyenne Jenkins, a photojournalist, who several months ago did a piece (also picked up by the CBC in Sudbury) on abandoned businesses along the Highway 17 corridor, has completed a piece on Wawa. Cheyenne visited Wawa this past summer and was quite interested in the history of Wawa and the stories of why some businesses had closed in Wawa along with the story of vacant buildings. She did a more in depth look and completed her work in the past few weeks. It can be found at: https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/9k3ewa/in-between-places-photos-from-wawa-ontario The article shows, through the use of pictures, how the economy and community has been affected by the abandonment by levels of Government and other sectors such as mining and forestry. Policing In late September, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) sent out a notice to all Chiefs of Police and Police Service Board Chairs that for 2018/19, police services will have the option to apply for funding under the old or new model under the 2018/19 Grant Transformation and Policing Effectiveness and Modernization Grant. However, 2018/19 will be the last year in which the Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS) and Community Policing Partnership (CPP), and the 1000 Officers grants will be offered. New granting criteria will not necessarily be directed to front-line officers in the future.

Unfortunately, the Municipality of Wawa will again not be eligible for any of these grants. Previously we were able to participate in the 1000 Officer Program and were misled on the continuation of that program. Instead, the Ministry conveniently used the new OPP billing model to eliminate Wawa from participating in this grant.2 The cost was the elimination of an annual grant of $70,000 or a 1.4% increase to our annual levy. See the AMO update.

DSSAB Review The Ministry of Community and Social Services has committed to undertake a review of the governance and accountability framework for District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs). The Ministry has procured OPTIMUS | SBR to lead the review, as well as to facilitate and manage the logistics of the consultations. Consultations have been held with various stakeholders in the areas services by DSSAB’s including the Algoma District. There were sessions for Board Members and Municipalities as well as others.

2 Council previously received a report on this matter.



Wawa attended the session in Thessalon and has been privy to information collected in other sessions. This is a great opportunity to discuss with the Province the more salient issues of the operation of the DSSAB. Written submissions may be made until October 31, 2017 and must be endorsed by Council. Staff are now preparing a submission on behalf of the Municipality. MPAC – Service Level Agreement (SLA) Council may remember that in 2016, we were asked to participate in the Service Level Agreement pilot project initiated by MPAC. The purpose of the group was to provide input and direction to MPAC on a new Service Level Agreement between MPAC and municipalities across the Province. That work has now been successfully concluded and MPAC has issued a letter to all participants.3 Our staff participated admirably and I believe that the input we provided was of particular use. eSFL Municipal Staff in the region have continued to work with Lorne Morrow and others on the matter of the proposed eSFL. There have been two working group meetings in the past few months and it would appear we are close to an agreement on what the first by-law of Newco should look like. I would expect that once we have a final working draft, it will be vetted through a common legal counsel. At that time, I will be in a position to do a final report for Council on this matter. Housing - Seniors Wawa continues to struggle with its housing stock. While the issue can be seen across the broader spectrum of the community, it is most prevalent with the seniors – typically those over the age of 65. We continue to work with the EDC, the DSSAB, the Ministry of Housing and others as we look for a solution. On October 17, we met with the DSSAB and have received a very favourable response to possible assistance from that organization.

3 Letter from MPAC dated, August 11, 2017 attached



Administrative Services

Emergency Management Compliance In late July, the Municipality received confirmation of its compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Regulation 380/04. While we continue to have lots of experience in the area of emergency management, compliance is not an easy thing and requires dedicated staff time and resources. Our staff have worked hard to ensure that we stay in compliance.

Financial Services

Infrastructure Funding Two major infrastructure funding applications have been submitted. The first application was submitted to the OCIF top-up program. The project as approved by Council will be a re-build of 700 meters of Toronto Ave. This should assist in alleviating the sewer issues at that location over the past several years. The second application was a re-submission of our connecting link application which has failed in the last two years. It is our hope that it will be approved on this third attempt. Federal Gas Tax Audit This past summer, Wawa was selected to undergo an audit of the use of the Federal Gas Tax Funds that we receive annually. This audit was conducted in the summer. The audit is conducted to ensure that the use and management of the funds used by Wawa with respect to the Federal Gas Tax Fund are in keeping with agreements we have executed with AMO and the Federal Government. I am pleased to report that the audit4 found no issues that might be a cause for concern. The audit did mention the qualification5 of our own audit but this is not an issue that would determinately effect our agreement. Wawa Goose Club In the past we have worked with the Wawa Goose Club on grant applications for ongoing funding and other matters. This work has continued and recently staff

4 Federal Gas Tax Audit attached 5 Wawa’s audit qualification is based on the issue pertaining to the undepreciated cost of our rail line.



worked with the club on their application for 2016 / 17. If successful, these funds will be used to offset their annual rent. MEDEI – AMP Regulation We continue to gather information for the implementation of the new Asset Management Planning Regulation. While our new Asset Management Planning position will assist with this new regulation, there is much to be learned and implemented. This should be the subject of a full report to Council in the near future. Budget 2018 Work has begun on the 2018 Budget. The Capital details will be distributed this week and staff should have a first draft back in November. This will be followed by a discussion with Committee to gather further direction. It is hoped that we should be in a position to discuss a final recommended Capital Budget by December or January 2018. Water Meters We continue to run into issues with respect to the Water Meter Project. There are significant problems with the meters themselves and with the interphase with our accounting software. Staff continue to work with the software and equipment suppliers to correct any issues. We now have a draft water rate report and should be in a position to get this to Committee in November or December.

Building Department

Kevin Sabourin is working closely with Tulloch Engineering to obtain the necessary training to execute this position. His knowledge of the community and area will be of advantage in the coming months. Kevin is now developing a training regimen to obtain full certification.

Land Use Planning

Greenhouse Gas Inventories and Reporting There has been considerable work in the municipal sector on greenhouse gases. No doubt, Council will remember that there has been considerable work on this matter at both the AMO and Provincial levels. I am now part of the AMO Greenhouse Gas working group. Staff have been working on matters with respect to greenhouse gas inventory reporting and on grants to various funds.



On a broader interpretation, we need to be ready on how any new protocols and legislation will affect land use planning and other matters such as the asset management.

Municipal Facilities

Collaborative Building Business Case Kresin Engineering has now completed the Business Case for the Community Hub that would house the OPP, courthouse, Municipality of Wawa, Wawa Public Library, Wawa Volunteer Fire Department and Mine Safety Rescue. Staff are now reviewing the report and should be in a position to provide Council with a suggested direction in the next 60 days.

Fire Services

Miscellaneous During the months of May, June, July & August 2017, firefighters responded to 17 emergency calls in our municipality. There were four fire calls, four highway calls, three miscellaneous calls, one CO alarm call and five false alarms. Emergency Responses Type Frequency Loss $ Man Hours Revenue Fire Calls 4 $ 270,000 239 - Highway Calls 4 $ 50,000 93 $ 4,595

Miscellaneous 3 - 52 - CO Alarms 1 - 22 - False Alarm 5 - 81 - Total firefighter man hours responding to emergency incidents was 487 hours. Training There were nine regular training sessions and eight officer’s training/meetings, for a total of 321 volunteer man hours. Fire Prevention/ Public Education The Department participated in Safe Kids Day with tables promoting fire safety material and FireSmart prevention material. They also conducted and followed up on fire safety inspections at businesses, motels and hospital. The Fire Chief completed 106 open air fire permit site inspections while also completing and submitting MTO & OFM reports.



Miscellaneous Activities In June, firefighters participated on Safe Kids Day providing obstacle course for kids and adults to try fire safe practices. In July, firefighters prepared, set up and fired fireworks and in August, firefighters assisted in the setup, take down, suppression and assisted operations for the Provost National Drag Races. End

Documents

Office of C.A.O. / Clerk-Treasurer Page 2€¦ · Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy (PAVIS), Community Policing Partnership (CPP), and the 1,000 Officers grants will