Committee Agenda Thursday, August 10, 2017 Council Chambers County Administration Centre, Walkerton 1. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest 2. Action Items A. Recommendation for refusal B-33-17.34 (attached) 3. Information Items A. Regional Economic Development Working Group Update (attached) B. Bruce Lens Action Plan (attached) C. Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) (attached) D. Business to Bruce Starter Company Plus Program (attached) E. Business to Bruce CORE Program (attached) F. Email Ministry of Education (attached) G. Emily Miller Explore the Bruce Adventure Passport Video (attached) 4. Closed Meeting A. Approval of Minutes (March 16, 2017) B. That the Committee move into a closed meeting to discuss Ontario Municipal Board Appeals, pursuant to Section 239 (2) (e) of the Municipal Act, 2001, relating to litigation or potential litigation, including maters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. 5. Next Meeting September 21, 2017 6. Adjournment
Corporation of the County of Bruce brucecounty.on.ca Committee Report To: Warden Mitch Twolan Members of the Committee From: David Smith, Senior Planner Date: August 10, 2017 Re: Application for Consent/Severance B-33-17.34 Janssen Recommendation: That Bruce County Consent Application B-33-17.34 for a severance of +/- 0.08 ha (0.2 acres) as modified and recommended by the Planning Department be refused. Summary: The application requests the severance of a vacant lot into two new residential lots with a lot area of 0.2 acres each on the fringe of the Town of Hanover Settlement Area. The creation of a new lot in this location is a poor idea and in general is not in the best interests of the Municipality of Brockton. In this case, the Town of Hanover would be the major beneficiary. New lot creation on the fringe of another County and municipality is a poor idea for the following reasons: X NO benefit to County/Walkerton merchants new lot owners will essentially do all of their shopping in Hanover; X NO benefit to Brockton Recreation as the new lot owners will associate with Hanover and may register children in Hanover programs rather than supporting Brockton programs; X New lot owners will most probably use, and support, the Hanover Hospital and not the South Bruce Grey (Walkerton) facility; X All monies paid for sewer and water services go to the long term improvements to the Hanover system there is no support for Walkerton system;
X There are sufficient residential development opportunities in Walkerton. Additional lot creation in locations like this negatively impact the viability of subdivision and infill lot severances within the established urban areas; X Possible ratepayer complaints about County and Brockton taxes since they use more Grey/Hanover services than Bruce/Brockton; X New landowners would identify with Hanover needs and not with the interests of Brockton; X Encourages sprawl in an unplanned manner. Brockton has many parcels of land that border on Hanover, this is just one of many properties where people could look to capitalize on this situation to the negative benefit of Brockton and the County. There would be no end to the sprawl on the border; X These lots have no local park; no parkland dedication fees to the municipality where the owners (today or into the future) would probably spend the majority of their time; X No link to existing subdivisions or residential areas, dangerous location for additional housing on a major roadway; X Require a car to access any shopping; X Cannot walk to any school; X Lands developed on the fringe of another municipality are not subject to development charges even though the use may impose demands on the services of the abutting municipality; X Valuable highway commercial frontage lost to residential use you cannot get this back; X No stormwater management; X If there is a noise complaint or other cross boundary issues is the Town of Hanover obligated to address them or will it end up with Brockton staff having to deal with it? Allowing new residential development outside of our towns and hamlets undermines efforts to promote and strengthen existing settlement areas. While it is tempting to think of the creation of these lots as a source of municipal tax revenue, the findings of studies that have been completed in North America over the past 20 years on this subject indicate that simply creating new lots outside of our settlement areas is not an effective way to increase municipal revenue 1. In regards to positive aspects of the proposed development, the following were considered: Assessment growth Creation of a new lot will add assessment value to Brockton. Assessment growth is not a valid planning justification otherwise all planning decisions would be solely based on whether the development increased the assessment base. 1 Caldwell, Dodds-Weir and Eckert. (2012). Lot Creation in Ontario s Agricultural Landscapes: Trends, Impacts and Policy Implications.
Infilling Creation of a new lot in an area that has other residential and commercial uses. Common sense would suggest that the Planning Department should support proposals that put the Brockton communities first not somebody else s. Creating new residential lots on the edge of Hanover does not support the long term growth and viability of Walkerton or any of our other existing communities. Background: Related File Owner Legal Description Municipal Address Lot Dimensions Frontage Width Depth Area Lot Dimensions Frontage Width Depth Area Lot Dimensions Frontage Width Depth Area Uses Existing Uses Proposed Structures Existing Structures Proposed County of Bruce Official Plan Amendment BCOPA223-17.34 Municipality of Brockton Zoning Amendment File Z-36-17.34- Teunis (Tim) and Wijnanda (Nancy) Janssen Part of Lot 74, Concession 2 NDR,geographic Township of Brant No municipal address assigned Entire Lot +/- 40.23 m (132 ft) +/- 40.23 m (132 ft) +/- 40.23 m (132 ft) +/- 0.16 ha (0.4 ac) Parcel to be Severed +/-20.1 m (66 ft) +/- 20.1 m(66 ft) +/- 40.23 m (132 ft) +/- 0.08 ha (0.2 ac) Parcel to be Retained +/- 20.1 m (66 ft) +/- 20.1 m (66 ft) +/- 40.23 m (132 ft) +/- 0.08 ha (0.2 ac) Vacant Residential Vacant New single family residence per lot (two)
Servicing Existing Servicing Proposed Access County Official Plan Zoning By-law Surrounding Land Uses Town of Hanover municipal water and municipal sewer No change Bruce Road 10, a year-round County road Agricultural Area with Exceptions (not yet in Force and Effect) General Agriculture Special (A1-91) (with Airport overlay) (last date of appeal August 15, 2017) Residential to the North, South and East; Commercial to the West Subject Lands Matters Arising from Agency & Public Circulation: Ministry of Municipal Affairs/ Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs MMA and OMAFRA staff have reviewed these applications and offer the following comments for the consideration of the County of Bruce and the Municipality of Brockton. It is understood that the applications would facilitate consent to sever an existing undersized lot into two 0.2 acre residential lots on lands designated Agricultural Area. The proposed official plan amendment, if approved, would provide an exception to the Agricultural Area designation to permit the severance. The Provincial Policy Statement, 2014 (PPS) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. Section 3 of the Planning Act requires that decisions affecting planning matters shall be consistent with the PPS. The PPS provides strong policy direction for protecting Ontario s prime agricultural areas, which are defined as areas of predominately Canada Land Inventory (CLI) Class 1, 2, and 3
lands and associated Canada Land Inventory Class 4 through 7 lands, and additional areas where there is a local concentration of farms which exhibit characteristics of ongoing agriculture. PPS policy 2.3.4.3 sets out that the creation of new residential lots in prime agricultural areas shall not be permitted, except in accordance with PPS policy 2.3.4.1(c). Specifically, PPS policy 2.3.4.1(c) allows for the creation of a lot for a residence surplus to a farming operation as a result of farm consolidation, with certain criteria. The proposed applications would facilitate the creation of an additional residential lot, which is not surplus to a farming operation, within a prime agricultural area. Therefore, the County and the Municipality must ensure that decisions to approve the proposed applications would be consistent with the lot creation policies for prime agricultural areas, namely PPS policy 2.3.4.1(c). Municipality of Brockton Chief Building Official: No comments. Fire Chief: No comments. CAO/Clerk: No comments. Works Superintendent: No comments. Grey County Transportation Services have reviewed the subject application and have no concerns or objections. County planning staff have no further concerns with the subject application. The County requests notice of any decision rendered with respect to this application Town of Hanover No concerns or objections. Historic Saugeen Metis No concerns or objections. School Boards No comments. Bruce County Highway s Department Entrance permits will be required. Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Natural Hazard In the opinion of SVCA staff, the property is not designated as Hazard Land Area in the County of Bruce Official Plan (OP) and not zoned Environmental Protection (EP) in the Municipality of Brockton Zoning By-law 2013-26. Natural Heritage Feature It has come to the attention of SVCA staff that habitat of endangered or threatened species may be located in the area of the property. Section 2.1.7 of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS 2014) indicates that development and site alteration shall not be permitted in habitat of
endangered species or threatened species, except in accordance with provincial and federal requirements. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the endangered and threatened species policy referred to in the PPS has been appropriately addressed. Please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for information on how to address this policy. SVCA Regulation Please be advised that the property is not subject to the SVCA s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation (Ontario Regulation 169/06, as amended). A permit from the SVCA will not be required for development proposed on the property. Conclusion All of the plan review functions listed in the Agreement have been assessed with respect to the application. The proposed official plan amendment and proposed zoning by-law amendment are acceptable to SVCA staff. We trust you find this information helpful. Should questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Comments: The applicant has been advised by way of this report that they should contact MNRF to address the endangered and threatened species policy prior to any development. Comment: If the property owner(s) should further develop the lands in the future, they have been informed by way of this report that they should contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for information on how to address the endangered and threatened wildlife species policy. The Hazard Designation and Environment Protection zone are proposed to remain the same. No outstanding concerns from Agency Comments. Public Comments No comments from the public were received at the time of writing this report. Comment: No outstanding concerns. Matters Arising from Provincial Interests, Policy Statements or Plans: Under Section 3(5) of the Planning Act, the Municipality of Brockton shall be consistent with matters of provincial interest as set out in the Provincial Policy Statements (PPS). Since the subject lands are recognized as being outside of a settlement area and designated as part of a larger agricultural area, agricultural policies of the PPS apply. Lot creation outside of settlement areas is discouraged and may only be permitted for agricultural uses, agricultural-related uses, surplus farm dwelling severances, and infrastructure. Lot adjustments in prime agricultural areas may be permitted for legal or technical reasons. The PPS leaves no room for interpretation on this matter new residential lots are not permitted. Summary: In my opinion, the proposed amendment is NOT consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement.
Matters Arising from the Bruce County Official Plan: The County of Bruce approved Official Plan Amendment #223 on July 6, 2017. The Official Plan Amendment designated the Janssen lands as Special Policy Area 5.5.13.77. The Special Policy Area permits the severance of a maximum of two (2) lots; each lot shall have a total area of no less than +/-0.08 ha (0.2 ac). Bruce County Official Plan Amendment #223 is still in its appeal period. Summary: In my opinion, the application is consistent with the policies of the Bruce County Official Plan. Matters Arising from Local Planning Documents: The Municipality of Brockton approved Zoning By-law Amendment 2017-065 on July 17, 2017. The Zoning Amendment rezones the lands permitting a reduced lot area of +/-0.08 ha (0.2 ac) and reducing a number of lot line setbacks. The last date of appeal for Brockton Zoning By-law Amendment 2017-065 is August 15, 2017. Summary: In my opinion, the application is consistent with the policies of the Brockton Zoning By-law. Conclusion: The proposed development is NOT consistent with the PPS. The creation of NEW vacant residential lot on the urban fringe of another municipality does not represent good land use planning. The proposed development conforms to the Site Specific policies of the Bruce County Official Plan and complies with the Municipality of Brockton Zoning By-law, as amended. The Municipality has signed the Verification Form and has no objection to the approval of the application with the noted conditions as they relate to the Municipality. Financial/Staffing/Legal/IT Considerations: Possible appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. Respectfully submitted, David Smith, RPP Senior Planner, County of Bruce Department
Schedule A
Appendix A Provincial Policy Statement 2014 Apply? Policy Area X 1.0 Building Strong Communities X 1.1 Managing and Directing Land Use X 1.1.3 Settlement Areas 1.1.4 Rural Areas in Municipalities 1.1.5 Rural Lands in Municipalities 1.16 Territory Without Municipal Organization 1.2 Coordination 1.2.6 Land Use Compatibility 1.3 Employment 1.3.2 Employment Areas 1.4 Housing 1.5 Public Spaces, Recreation, Parks, Trails and Open Space 1.6 Infrastructure and Public Service Facilities X 1.6.6 Sewage, Water and Stormwater 1.6.7 Transportation Systems X 1.6.8 Transportation and Infrastructure Corridors 1.6.9 Airports, Rail and Marine Facilities 1.6.10 Waste Management 1.6.11 Energy Supply 1.7 Long-Term Economic Prosperity 1.8 Energy Conservation, Air Quality and Climate Change 2.0 Wise Use and Management of Resources 2.1 Natural Heritage 2.2 Water 2.3 Agriculture 2.3.3 Permitted Uses 2.3.4 Lot Creation and Lot Adjustments 2.3.5 Removal of Land from Prime Agricultural Areas X 2.3.6 Non-Agricultural Uses in Prime Agricultural Areas 2.4 Minerals and Petroleum 2.4.2 Protection of Long-Term Resource Supply 2.4.3 Rehabilitation 2.4.4 Extraction in Prime Agricultural Areas 2.5 Mineral Aggregate Resources 2.5.2 Protection of Long-Term Resource Supply 2.5.3 Rehabilitation 2.5.4 Extraction in Prime Agricultural Areas 2.5.5 Wayside Pits & Quarries, Portable Asphalt Plants and Portable Concrete Plants 2.6 Cultural Heritage and Archaeology 3.0 Protecting Public Health and Safety 3.1 Natural Hazards 3.2 Human-made Hazards
Other Provincial Interests Ministry Policy Comment MMAH NA MCul NA MOE NA MTO NA MNR NA OMAFRA NA Appendix B
Committee Report To: Warden Mitch Twolan Members of the Committee From: Chris LaForest Director of Date: August 10, 2017 Re: Regional Economic Development Working Group Update Recommendation: The Regional Economic Development Working Group Update report is for information. Background: The Bruce County Regional Economic Development Working Group is a group made up of two local representatives from each municipality plus staff from the County s Economic Development Division. The goal of this working group is to foster collaboration in three key areas: communication, education and projects that reflect the overall goals of the Countywide Strategic Plan and move these critical areas forward and address the challenges. The group is meeting quarterly and its second meeting was held on June 21, 2017 via teleconferencing. This report is provided to Committee as an update to that meeting. Summary: Over the past few months, members of the Regional Working Group worked together in subgroups to define the scope of each of the seven priority areas and provided ideas on how to move each of the priorities forward. The group will focus on the seven priority areas by developing an Action Plan and Work Plan to move these priority areas forward. The 7 priority areas are as follows: Bucket Communication Communication Collaboration Collaboration Education Projects Projects Priority Electronic Forum / Portal Broader Coordinated Economic Development Communication Collaborate Bruce Branded Products Food, Drink, Shop Local Joint Marketing / Initiatives / Coordinated Branded Area Connecting with schools to improve workplace practices Workforce Development / BR&E Resident Attraction
During the meeting, each sub group shared their ideas on each of the priorities where all members provided their comments and feedback (refer to Appendix 1.0). By understanding each of the scope of the priority, the group were able to develop an Action Plan. The Action Plan below identifies each of the priority areas and when the group will move this Action Plan forward. Each of the priorities will be ongoing projects once they have been developed, as they will take a few years to implement. Bucket / Priority Area Communications: Develop an Electronic Forum Communications: Develop / Implement a Broader Coordinated Ec. Dev Communication Projects: Workforce Development Projects: Resident Attraction Collaboration: Joint Marketing / Initiatives / Coordinated Branded Area Education: Connecting with schools to improve workplace practices Collaboration: Collaborate Bruce Branded Products Food, Drink, Shop Local Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 # of Years to Complete x 1 x 1 x x 2 x x x x 4 x 1 x x x 5 x x 5 This is a working group, and the intent is that projects moving forward from the prioritization will benefit the entire Bruce community. In 2017/2018, the RWG will work on the three priorities: develop an electronic forum, develop and implement a broader coordinated economic development communication plan and develop a workforce development plan. Working in each of these areas will help us in achieving our overall goals for the entire region and overcoming some of the similar challenges in different communities. This coordinated approach should improve the communication amongst all of our local stakeholders and organizations. This draft Action Plan will be reviewed at the working group next meeting and the group will finalize the plan. Financial/Staffing/Legal/IT Considerations: None
Interdepartmental Consultation: None Link to Strategic Goals and Elements: Goal #3: Find creative new ways to engage our public Element C: Make the County fully accessible to the people through access to information Goal #7: Stimulate and reward innovation and economic development Element D: Vocally support all industry in Bruce County Element F: Try small and then go BIG act on ideas and take calculated risks Written by: Manpreet Kaur Sangha & Vicki Ly, Economic Development Officers Approved by: Kelley Coulter Chief Administrative Officer
1. Bucket: Communications Appendix 1.0 Priority: Broader Coordinated Economic Development Communication Scope: The group discussed the need for a broad communication plan that compiles the information from each of our communities. The information will include highlights from each community, updates from the Regional Working group and economic development related information. Bruce County has developed a communication plan for the group. In order for this to be effective, Bruce County, the Municipalities and Local Leaders will all play a role. The Regional Working Group meeting minutes will be noted following each meeting. These will be shared by Bruce County in a Monthly Newsletter (Bruce County Ec. Dev. Template) and to Bruce County s Committee. The municipality and local leaders can share this same communication to their local councils and other organizational groups in their community. 2. Bucket: Communications Priority: Electronic Forum/ Portal Scope: By sharing a consistent message, the group meeting minutes/update will help streamline communication amongst our community through the development of an Electronic Forum. The recommendation is to develop an online electronic forum by creating a LinkedIn Account. 3. Bucket: Collaboration Priority: Collaborate Bruce Branded Products Food, Drink, Shop Local Scope: To work with each community to brand innovative products made in Bruce County. This includes tying this into the agricultural industry and working with local producers to brand their products. Once branded a Bruce County product, it can then be marketed to reach a larger market outside of Bruce County. 4. Bucket: Collaboration Priority: Joint Marketing/ Initiatives/ Coordinated Branded area Scope: The goal is to have a coordinated approach when marketing to attract visitors, prospective entrepreneurs and new residents to the area by grouping common themes and branding using the Spruce the Bruce community brands. Each community has limited funds to promote to visitors, entrepreneurs and residents. We are unable to market to a larger scale due to budget constraints. There would be benefit to have a Bruce County approach align with the community approach and the local businesses approach.
5. Bucket: Education Priority: Connecting to improve work place practices Scope: To collaborate with businesses to offer regional business training opportunity. Topics will vary from leadership training, HR training to skill development training. In addition, connect with School Board / Guidance Counsellors to provide education and informing local students on job opportunities in Bruce County so they can plan their post-secondary plan around it. 6. Bucket: Projects Priority: Workforce Development/BR&E Scope: To attract, retain, and expand business and employment opportunities in Bruce County through the sharing of resources, opportunities and a coordinated effort at recruitment and providing economic security to a potential business owners, creating a highly skilled workforce that will attract employers to come while ensuring organizations have the workers required to remain competitive. 7. Bucket: Projects Priority: Resident Attraction Scope: To attract, through marketing, a population of people who are interested in moving to Bruce County and fostering communities that are welcoming and promoting a lifestyle that is inviting to new residents. A multi layered marketing program will be required to market to different segments of the population: singles, families and retired folks. There will be different reasons why people would move, but two main ones are lifestyle and jobs. This will look at understanding the needs of first tier workings and looking at affordable housing. Additionally, we will need to look at the strong growing retirement communities and residential market.
Appendix 2.0: Community Updates Arran Elderslie: - New businesses opening on Chesley s main street - Paisley has kicked off their summer events with many more to come - Because there has been a reprieve with the school for an additional year, there have been several individuals interested in growing the town to sustain the school for years to come.this group is currently looking for ways to entice and attract new residents to the town Brockton: - The Municipality reviewed their Strategic Plan and will move forward for the next five years - The Community Improvement committee is opening tenders for the construction of a pavilion in the Memory Garden on Durham St. - The Economic Development Committee is creating marketing material to provide to business and industries hoping to relocate - Brockton has applied for RED funding for a BR&E study and are awaiting the results. - The Visitor Information Centre is now open Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm this summer - New businesses have come to Walkerton in the last month, The Mortgage Centre Sunshine Financial, a Chill and Grill Dairy Queen, and Charlie Ray s Clothing Co. - BIA is now hosting after hours events for business owners Huron Kinloss: - New Business in Lucknow: Needful Things and 100 Mile Market - Spruce the Bruce recipient for new downtown banners/flags and Pharmasave Façade Grant - Township Energy Efficiency grant program recipient for Lucknow Pharmasave - The Chamber is purchasing bike racks for the downtown - New Business in Ripley: Ripley Artisan Shoppe and Allure Beauty and Medi Spa - Spruce the Bruce Recipient for Ripley Artisan Shoppe Perpendicular Sign - Cheesy Monkii is re-opening as of June 17 th - Village Pizzeria lighthouse venue has re-opened for the season - Point Clark Lighthouse opens for Doors Open this weekend and on June 29 th for the season - Downtown Improvement Program three grants available to improve façade and signage, accessibility and/or energy efficiency - Working with a producer to create audio for the Ripley and Lucknow historical tours - Working with a designer for the trails brochure - Food Producer project is wrapping up at the end of June - Planning a job fair in Lucknow for beginning of September including Co-op opportunities and volunteer opportunities as well as businesses looking to hire staff - Planning a Networking event for October for all Huron-Kinloss business owners includes food and guest speakers - Currently developing a program to fill vacant downtown commercial buildings hope to launch Fall 2017
Kincardine: - Hosted 9 conference/event planners for three days, promoting our municipality for future conferences - Major reconstruction project underway at the former Aztec Theatre, converting it to 6 new retail units - Major reconstruction of former Sandy's Family Clothing store, converting it to Grey Matter Brew Pub - Individual facade improvement projects underway or scheduled at a number of downtown stores including Beans Bistro, The Bruce Steakhouse, West Shore Clothing - New businesses locating in the downtown including Surf SUP Eco Boards, Sargent & Lundy Engineering, Co-operators Insurance, Harvey Financial Services - Relocation in the downtown of two businesses, Creative Casuals and Sunset Blinds - Installation of a free wifi system throughout the whole downtown, a partnership with the Municipality, Kincardine BIA and Bruce Telecom at a cost exceeding $155,000 Northern Bruce Peninsula: - Implemented Paid Parking - Bruce Peninsula National Park has done a good job so far handling the parking and visitors - New business in Lion s Head: Cindy Lou Ice Cream and Café, Aunt Donkey - This year is Lion s Head 100 th Anniversary - Received a STB Grant for the Beach front pavilion - Most businesses in the downtown are open until 8pm on Friday and Saturday night this summer Saugeen Shores: - Nuclear three more nuclear suppliers have landed in Saugeen Shores. - Tourism local businesses and BIA continue to provide exceptional service to the community through events, retail, dining, shopping and other tourism experiences. - Agriculture continued success - Development StoryMap launched - Community Profile revised to reflect new census data - Continuing to showcase local business on Shore Report podcast and through written profiles South Bruce: - Mildmay received a STB Grant for downtown banner - Working with Gay Lea with their expansion for businesses - Working with NWMO to offer training - Will be working with Bruce County to move the Business to Bruce - Grand Opening of Huron Bay Ace
South Bruce Peninsula: - Epic Adventure Room located at 556 Louisa St is now open - The Round Table European Eatery and Takeout located at 583 Berford St has officially opened after having tested the market as a pop-up vendor during the 2017 Wiarton Willie Festival - Bruce Peninsula General Merchant located at 556 Berford St and is offering great merchandise at great prices - Ascent Ariel Park located at 11 Lakeshore Blvd N in Sauble Beach is set to open mid-june - Clearly Pools and Spas located at 678 Berford St is now open - Howell s Fish located at 153 Division St is sporting a new look and have recently re-opened after completely rebuilding their storefront - Giggles arcade will be offering virtual reality options this year - Lucille s Restaurant located at 624 Berford St has reopened for the summer season - J s Amazing Breakfast located at 591 Berford St has just opened up and will be serving a fantastic all day breakfast with a variety of other menu options - Council have amended their Dynamic Beach By-law to allow dogs on the beach until the end of May - Council recently recognized 28 volunteers at their Annual Volunteer Recognition BBQ - WRC continued to contact potential boat tour operators about running tours out of Colpoy s Bay; three potential operators have come forward - WRC researched and approached 4-season restaurants about locating in Wiarton; no prospects to-date although there are a couple of new restaurants opening on the main street this summer - WRC met with community stakeholders for information sharing e.g. Bluewater Angel Investor Group and the Bruce Futures Development Corporation
Committee Report To: Warden Mitch Twolan Members of the Committee From: Chris LaForest, Director of Planning Date: August 10, 2017. Re: The Bruce Lens Action Plan Update Recommendation: The Bruce Lens Action Plan Update Report is for information. Background: One of the recommendations coming from Strategy Corp s Bruce County Operational Review that has yet to be undertaken, is the development of a Bruce Lens The development of such a lens allows Council to enunciate matters of policy, but it offers an opportunity to review, refine and change where required, procedures and practices within the division. On April 20, 2017 an action plan was approved by the Committee, and a facilitated discussion was held where Council and municipal CAOs were provided the opportunity to flesh out the lens concept and identify preferred procedures, practices and communication methods that are best suited to align the land use planning function with the goals and objectives (enunciation of Values ) of Council; and, to discuss how land use planning should reposition itself to optimize local customer /client needs. Since that time the Land Use Planning Division prepared and has been conducting two surveys as part of Phase 2 of the Bruce Lens Action Plan. The first is a satisfaction survey of landowners, applicants and agents (proponents) who have had land use applications processed by the County in 2015 and 2016. The purpose of this survey is to determine the level of satisfaction with the service. The second survey was delivered to key informants, including municipal staff, Councilors and First Nations, and investigates a range of issues including the individual s values, position regarding the Provincial Policy Statement and County Official Plan; staff communications, staff practices and procedures. To date we have gathered responses from 37 % of our owner/applicant/agents from Planning application in 2016, and some additional data that was obtained from our voluntary satisfaction survey that began in 2015.
The planners are encouraged by the generally high level of applicant satisfaction with the services provided, but will continue to monitor the levels of satisfaction with a goal of turning the curve to improved satisfaction in all areas surveyed. The Key Informant Survey (municipal staff and Councilors) was provided to approximately 80 individuals, beginning July 5, 2017. Three reminders have been sent to encourage individuals to participate. The early response to our Key Informants Survey has been lackluster with one municipality with only one response; two others with only two respondents each, while two other municipalities are weighing in with 40% of the total responses, potentially leading to a poor representation of the general views, wishes and expectations of the area as a whole. At the time this report was prepared, 45% of respondents were from municipal staff with the remainder coming from local councilors. Many of the questions have not provided a clear enough preference or result that would allow us to confidently draw conclusions or make decisions on how to proceed. Also, due to the somewhat lop-sided response, to date there is a danger that we could proceed with incorrect assumptions about the views of our eight municipalities. We plan to continue encouraging individuals to complete the survey until the end of July, at which time we will evaluate data, and plan to develop the Bruce Lens. Upon completion of the surveying, the information will be consolidated and an analysis will be undertaken to determine what initiatives are required to move the procedures, practices and communication methods toward the desired state, where these can be identified. As a preliminary first step a review of the Agricultural Area and Rural Area policies is planned with the goal of bringing forward an amendment(s) by the end of the third quarter 2017, or soon after. Financial/Staffing/Legal/IT Considerations: None at this time. Interdepartmental Consultation: None at this time has taken place Link to Strategic Goals and Elements: Goal 1. Develop and implement tactics for improved communication A) Effectively use staff through department integration (Land Use Planning and Economic Development) Goal 3. Find creative new ways to engage our public A) Expand departmental forums with each municipality to discuss items of shared interest
Goal 5. Eliminate our own red tape (E) Focus on the internal the external customer / client needs first. Written by: Written by Bruce Stickney, Manager of Land Use Planning Approved by: Kelley Coulter Chief Administrative Officer
Bruce Lens Action Plan - Terms of Reference Background The Department recently reorganized roles and functions in response to the recommendations of the strategic plan and operational review. The Department has made measurable and significant process towards the goals enunciated by Council. However, the 2017 Business Plans that were adopted by Council (as part of the 2017 operational budget process) reinforce key elements of where we wish to continue to go as a Corporation (for example, the development of a Bruce County lens, improved communications, elimination of red tape, one County with unified voice). A recent article entitled Build a Community, Not Just an Economy (Doug Griffiths, Municipal World, February 2016) describes his perspective that community building/community planning should be the focus when communities are developing their economy. Strategy Corp. identified in the Bruce County Operational Review that the Planning department should develop a Bruce Lens through which to interpret and implement policy that has not yet been undertaken. There is a desire to review procedures, practices, and communication methods employed by the Land Use Planning division to ensure that they are properly aligned with good community planning, the economic development goals and objectives for the County of Bruce and the 8 local municipalities. In order to accomplish this, County Council needs to first enunciate the goals and objectives for development and then develop the lens. Given the above, a Terms of reference that leads to the development of a Bruce Lens Action Plan is required. Problem Statement There is a need to review procedures, practice, and communications methods employed by the Land Use Planning division to ensure that they support the lens as enunciated by Council. Goal: The Goal is to have Council enunciate the lens and then to adopt, modify or change the operational elements of the division to suit the lens.
Expected Outcomes Expected outcomes should include: Scope 1. A commonly understood statement of goals and objectives and or actions that constitute the lens ; 2. An understanding within the community on roles and functions, particularity, who does what in relation to land use planning; 3. A common understanding of external factors, presented as constraints or opportunities, that impact the lens ; 4. A list of strengths and weaknesses within the existing system, together with recommended actions of changes, and; 5. An implementation schedule for the required changes, that includes monitoring/process improvement feedback loops and revised Key Performance indicators as required. With regard to the facilitated session to explore the lens, the existing documents used in the sessions should be limited to the County Economic Development Strategy and the economic goals in the County Land Use Plan, unless directed otherwise by Council. With regard to the actual review of general operations, process, role and functions, there are no limitations on the scope of the research. Methods Phase 1: Establishing Goals & Objectives with Council: A learning session to allow Council the opportunity to flesh out the lens concept and identify preferred procedures, practices and communication methods that are best suited to align the land use planning function with the goals and objectives (enunciation of Values ) of Council; and, to discuss how land use planning should reposition itself to optimize local customer /client needs.
Phase 2: Survey and Gathering Information: A survey would be undertaken from municipal staff, landowners and or proponents who have had land use applications processed by the County in the past 2 years. The purpose of this survey is to determine the level of satisfaction with the service and seek about recommendations on areas that need improvements. Key informant interviews would be held with elected officials, representatives from stakeholder groups, First Nations, representatives from the elected officials and staff from local municipalities, and with those who work in economic development within the region. Best Practices would also be reviewed by the Land Use Planning division. This can begin at the same time that the survey is in circulation, with possible completion soon after survey results are compiled. A report to Committee/Council is proposed at that stage to outline options on moving forward with a strategy. Phase 3: Development of a Bruce Lens Development of a Bruce Lens through which policy and all of the land use planning responsibilities can be best interpreted and implemented, in a way that works hard to meet the legitimate needs, expectations and priorities of local communities and the elected representatives who serve them. (Strategy Corp Bruce County Operational Review, p. 25) Phase 4: It is proposed that the Warden and Committee chair host a facilitated discussion/workshop with a small group of key leaders working within the development industry in Bruce County (perhaps 10 persons). The purpose of this would be to test the key concepts of the Bruce County lens (after it has been reviewed by council), and to gather information on strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, together with recommendations on changes required to move forward. Other tools for gathering information may be used to augment the primary data set.
Project Team Project Lead: Bruce Stickney Project Staff: Senior Planners Tasks/Milestones Phases: 1. Establishing Goals and Objectives with Council April-May 2. Survey and gathering information July 3. Development of draft Bruce Lens August-September 4. Test and Finalize Bruce Lens - October
Planning and Devlopment Committee Committee Report To: Warden Mitch Twolan Members of the Committee From: Chris LaForest Director, Date: August 10, 2017 Re: Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) System for Agriculture Recommendation: The report on Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) System for Agriculture is for information. Background: The Bruce County official Plan uses a single criteria to define what is considered to be agricultural lands, for the purpose of defining the Agricultural Designation on the County Plan Land use schedules. Department staff have been asked to provided information on alternative methods for identifying what should be mapped as Agriculture and what should be mapped as Rural in the Countryside areas covered by the County Plan. The primary accepted methodology is called Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) System for Agriculture. Analysis: 1. Existing Policy Setting: Country Official Plan The primary goal of Agricultural Areas policies is to protect and strengthen the agricultural community, which is recognized as a major economic component of the County. The policies protect Agricultural Areas from the intrusion of land uses that are not compatible with agricultural operations. Section 5.5 of the Official Plan refers to Agricultural Areas as Agricultural Areas include those areas of the Class 1, 2 and 3 soils as defined by the Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability
Planning and Devlopment Committee Classification for Agricultural Capability that are greater than 80 hectares (200 acres) in size, and pockets of Class 4, 5, 6, or 7 soils that are smaller than 80 hectares in size. As a result, this designation includes a combination of higher capability and lower capability soils. The designation has been determined based upon the 80 hectare majority of the predominant soil type. These areas have been identified as generally prime agricultural soils in the County, based upon the Canada Land Inventory mapping. The Plan states that a local municipality may develop a local strategy to identify agricultural areas through an Amendment to this Plan, or by preparation of a Local Official Plan. In summary, the County uses a single criteria (CLI) to determine what is Agricultural, yet recognizes that other methodologies to define Agriculture may be applied. 2. Existing Policy Setting: The Province The Province s objective is that agricultural areas be protected for long-term use for agriculture. They define Prime agricultural areas are areas where prime agricultural lands predominate. They state that Specialty crop areas shall be given the highest priority for protection, followed by Canada Land Inventory Class 1, 2, and 3 lands, and any associated Class 4 through 7 lands within the prime agricultural area, in this order of priority. The Province says that Planning authorities shall designate prime agricultural areas and specialty crop areas in accordance with guidelines developed by the Province, as amended from time to time. In summary, The Existing County Mapping could be said to meet the requirements of the new and updated provincial policies at some level. However, the Province also recognizes alternative evaluation methods maybe be undertaken (as opposed to just CLI), to define agricultural areas (in their reference to guidelines, as LEAR is a guideline). 3. How Does it work? A LEAR review is a multi-variant analysis that determines the components of an agricultural system, weighs the components, and applies a score. A threshold is applied so that lands are either inside or outside of the system (the map). Two basic steps are undertaken, being Land Evaluation (LE), and Area Review (AR). Land Evaluation (LE) deals only with capability to support crops, with the sole source of this information being the Canada Land Inventory (CLI) mapping. The Canada Land Inventory ranks soil capability into seven classes with the highest, Class 1, having the highest suitability for agricultural use and no limitations for common field crop production.
Planning and Devlopment Committee Area Review (AR) is intended to identify and evaluate those other factors we often hear about that either promote or restrict ongoing agriculture within a certain area. The AR score is devised by the combined impact of these elements. The relative weight given to these factors can vary (and by design, should be set before the data is collected). It should be noted that the LEAR guideline suggests that the Land Evaluation (LE) component be not less than 50% of the combined score. The total of the parcel LE and AR scores are used to determine what lands are included within the agricultural designation. 4. Kincardine Example The Kincardine LEAR was initiated around 2013, lead to BCOPA 58, and resulted in more accurate mapping for agricultural area within a defined area of Kincardine (that area running along Lake Huron to the top of the glacial Algonquin ridge) The objectives of the Kincardine LEAR were: 1) to identify and evaluate soil capability and to determine and evaluate other factors that influence agricultural capability; 2) to use local knowledge to guide the research and analysis of the area; 3) to clearly document the required information, LEAR scores and prime agricultural areas in a digital format; and 4) to produce a concise digital map showing a true representation of the potential Rural and Agricultural designation. The Land Evaluation (LE) component was set equal to the Area Review (AR) components. As such, the CLI criteria accounts for 50% of the scoring, while the combined score of all AR criteria account for the remaining 50%. The Evaluation Unit (the individual area which will serve as the basis for data collection and the analysis of soil capability ratings) was set at 40ha (100 acres) The Area Review (AR) criteria and weighting was set by the Municipality s Agricultural Committee as follows: CLI 50% Topography 10% Arable Land 8% Area of Parcel 7% Surrounding Land Use 7% Drainage 7%
Planning and Devlopment Committee Fragmentation 6% Land Use 5% In Kincardine, A perfect parcel of land would have scored 1000. The maximum calculated score in the study was 993. Lands with a score in excess of 820 were productive agricultural operations, and lands with a score of less than 820 were dominated by wetlands, forest, scrublands, and residential development. Therefore, the Agricultural Committee determined that the threshold score should be 820: Lands above the threshold score should be protected in the Agricultural designation, while lands below the threshold score should be designated Rural. 4. Concluding Observations: 1) It is important to have community input from the early stages. The broader community should assist the Council (or a steering Committee), in setting the criteria and weighting (before the data is collected). Through broad community involvement, there are opportunities for a more definitive, made in Bruce County, solution. 2) Accepted practice shows that Land Evaluation (LE) accounts for 50% of the score. However, the methodology provides a great opportunity to consider those other factors, through an Area Evaluation (AE) that make up an agricultural area. 3) The County does have excellent mapping resource available for a project such as this. However, depending on the range of factors included in the Area Review (AR), additional data will have to be collected. Scale and scope would dictate costs and effort. 4) The Data set and weighting for the Area Review (AR) should be set prior to engaging in a mapping exercise. 5) As the valuation includes factors other than CLI, the end result will be a share/shift change in what is now considered rural and what is now considered agriculture. Given the large amounts of marginal/grass land farms that have been recently tile drained and improved within the County, some preliminary hints regarding such shifts could be predicted. Financial/Staffing/Legal/IT Considerations: None at this time
Planning and Devlopment Committee Interdepartmental Consultation: None Link to Strategic Goals and Elements: Goal #1 Explore Alternative Options to improve efficiency and service Element #N.A. Written by Chris LaForest Approved by: Kelley Coulter Chief Administrative Officer
Committee Report To: Warden Mitch Twolan Members of the Committee From: Chris LaForest Director of Date: August 10, 2017 Re: Business to Bruce Starter Company Plus Program Recommendation: The Business to Bruce Starter Company Plus Program report is for information. Background: Starter Company Plus program is a new program funded by the Province of Ontario and facilitated by the County through Business to Bruce. It is an entrepreneurial training and mentoring program, with grant opportunities for eligible adults who are starting, buying or expanding a business. The program provides eligible participants with an opportunity to get training, mentorship, and a $5,000 grant to start, expand, or purchase a business in Bruce County. Summary: Bruce County has signed a two-year agreement with the Province of Ontario to facilitate this program until 2019. Over this period, the County will provide twenty-six grants over three intake periods. Each Starter Company Plus program intake takes approximately nine months to complete. The program consists of the following components: 1. Training Participants attend a series of seminars and workshops on entrepreneurial topics to help enhance their business knowledge over the period of three months. The full training schedule for Intake 1 is enclosed as Appendix A. Only five of these courses are a mandatory component of the Starter Company Plus program and all courses are open to the public
2. Business Plan Writing Participants work with Business to Bruce staff to write a comprehensive business plan. 3. Presentation Participants present their business plan to the Economic Development Committee who provides feedback and ultimately determines if participants are eligible for grant money. 4. Grant Money - Initial Participants successful to this stage will receive 75% of their grant ($3,750). 5. Mentorship & Monitoring Existing successful business owners or business experts in the area will work with participants as program mentors to support participants through their journey as an entrepreneur. Business to Bruce staff will also continue to provide guidance as monitoring, as require during this six-month period. 6. Grant Money Final Participants successful to the stage will receive their final 25% grant payment ($1,250). Starter Company Plus program s first intake is now in the mentorship stage and eight participants have received their initial grants: 1. Wilma Michael Ripley Artisans Shoppe in Ripley 2. Cindy Kraag Cindy Lou s Ice Cream in Lion s Head 3. Jessica Berg Forever Pawsitive K9 Academy in Red Bay 4. Michael Hueftlein - Grey Matter Beer Company Ltd in Kincardine 5. Janine Eby Lake Effect Juice Bar in Kincardine 6. Kerri Mclean Interior Motives by Kerri in Burgoyne 7. Danielle Berube Epic Room Adventures in Wiarton 8. Tarah Coates SurfSup in Kincardine Photos of the cheque presentations can be seen in Appendix B. Response to the Starter Company Plus program has been overwhelmingly positive and people have learnt a lot from the training and experience. Refer to Appendix C for feedback from the participants.
Financial/Staffing/Legal/IT Considerations: None Interdepartmental Consultation: None Link to Strategic Goals and Elements: Goal #3: Find creative new ways to engage our public Element C: Make the County fully accessible to the people through access to information Goal #7: Stimulate and reward innovation and economic development Element C: Create local small business incubation and innovation centre for local economic development Element D: Vocally support all industry in Bruce County Element F: Try small and then go BIG act on ideas and take calculated risks Written by Manpreet Kaur Sangha, Economic Development Officer Approved by: Kelley Coulter Chief Administrative Officer
Appendix A
Appendix B Economic Development Committee Member Christy Kelly and successful Starter Company Plus participant Kerri Mclean (Interior Motives by Kerri)
Successful Starter Company Plus participants Janine Eby and Don Peddie (Lake Effect Juice Bar) and Economic Development Committee Member Amy Irwin
Successful Starter Company Plus participant Jessica Berg (Forever Pawsitive K9 Academy) and Economic Development Committee Member Jenny Amy
Successful Starter Company Plus participant Cindy Kraag (Cindy Lou s Ice Cream) and Economic Development Committee Member Cherry Wyonch
Successful Starter Company Plus participant Michael Hueftlein (Grey Matter Beer Company Ltd) and Economic Development Committee Member Jenny Amy
Successful Starter Company Plus participant Tarah Coates (SURFSUP Eco Shop) and Economic Development Committee Member Amy Irwin
Successful Starter Company Plus participant Wilma Michel (Ripley Artisans Shoppe) and Economic Development Committee Member Michelle Goetz
Economic Development Committee Member Christy Kelly and successful Starter Company Plus participant Danielle Berube (Epic Room Adventures)
Appendix C