Penetanguishene residents will have the opportunity to pitch in with their ideas surrounding the town dock's future.
A presentation by Sajecki Planning, which is part of tonight’s council meeting agenda, refers to the dock as ‘untapped potential’ and an ‘exciting opportunity.'
The secondary plan being brought forward by the consultants will lay the foundation for a town dock, which could be opened up for private-sector investments. While private-sector investments are one option for dock improvements, the town should anticipate significant future expenses. And the plan is a step towards ensuring the money is well-spent, says the presentation.
The next step is to consult with the public to gather feedback on the matter.
Council will also consider various options for winter maintenance of the waterfront trail.
With the different approaches, staff is recommending that the town continue with the current practice, continue to have the Georgian Bay Snowriders groom and run the trail along the Trans Canada Trail for multi-use purposes as a way to minimize risk and liability to the municipality and all park and trail users.
The council meeting begins at 7 p.m and will be followed by a committee of the whole meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Part of the second meeting agenda is a discussion around door-to-door accessible transit service. At council’s direction, staff looked into the different options for a separate accessible transit service in Penetanguishene.
Staff’s report lists three such services that already exist in the town: Community Reach, Red Cross, and Wheels for Wheels. Keeping those in mind, staff is recommending that council take no further steps in this direction.
Council will also consider a change in winter parking hours to address the operational requirements of the roads division. Staff is recommending that town streets and municipal parking be changed from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.0
Staff will also be bringing forward a report around the berthage-fee waiver requested by Argee Boat Cruises. A similar request was made by the owner earlier this year, but was denied because it was in contravention with section 106 of the Municipal Act that states, “a municipality shall not assist directly or indirectly any manufacturing business or other industrial or commercial enterprise through the granting of bonuses for that purpose.”
Now the company is coming back with the same request using the wharf construction project as the reason.
However, staff is right where it was before. They are recommending that the request be denied, not only because of the above Municipal Act section but also because the agreement made with the business owner prior to the construction project clearly outlines the perimeters surrounding construction.
Council is also looking into amending its sign bylaw to include a definition for “lewd,” to clearly prohibit such signs and to grant authority to the town to remove such signage from public or private lands.
The staff report is defining “lewd” as foul, profane or abusive language or derogatory and ethnic references.
The meetings can be viewed via Rogers TV or online. Residents can also view a recording the next day on the town’s YouTube channel.
