What they promised- Township of Tiny Municipal Election 2022

Prior to the Township of Tiny Elections held October 24^th, 2022, all election candidates were presented with the following questions by LASHA. These are the un-edited responses as received directly from the elected candidates.

LASHA members were requested to take their time to review the response from each of the candidates to assist them in their decision making. LASHA encouraged all of its members to vote for the candidate that addresses their specific concerns.

LASHA did not endorse any candidate as we believe this is a personal choice and were looking forward to some fresh new blood for the next four years. LASHA also hosted a number of candidates meetings which were well attended.

David Evans – Mayor

1. Background and work experience

I am a lifelong resident and a passionate advocate for the Township of Tiny where my family’s roots run four generations deep. I’ve enjoyed a long working career in the consumer products industry and have C-Level experience at Stanley Black & Decker as Country General Manager running a $100M plus division in Canada. My original family cottage was built by my Grandfather in 1942, with nails collected at church (as metal was scarce during WWII), and represented the hard work of immigrant grandparents forging a new better life for their children. With my dog Marlie, I’ve renovated the once cottage and have lived full-time in Tiny since 2013. In 2018, I have volunteered on the Tiny Police Services Board and the Property Standards and Fence Viewers Committee. In addition, I’ve been CEO and a Board member of the Canadian Home and Office Products Trade Association (CHPTA) for over 15 years.

2. Reason for running for office

My whole life has prepared me for the job of mayor. From being a kid who grew up at Ardmore Beach to a full-time resident who visits the dog park or beach every day. From fighting forest fires in my university years (where I learned about trust and commitment to being on a team) to managing a company with 150+ employees and over $100M in sales. My experience successfully resolving shoreline accessibility issues at Ardmore opened a new chapter in my life. Our issue at Ardmore was standing up to a group that attempted to take away our rights and gain something not legally theirs. Today we share beach access because we organized and educated our neighbourhood team to use consensus and determination to do the right thing even if we didn’t always have the support of the Township and OPP. Sometimes you have to fight hard for the things that are right even if it is daunting. Tiny residents rely on me to represent their wishes and I will work tirelessly on their behalf. My experience on the Tiny Police Services Board and Tiny’s Property Standards Committee benefited my understanding of how the Municipality works and how I can make life in Tiny better for everyone whatever the issue may be.

Now I get my chance to give back to the community I love. Thank you for the opportunity.

3. Top 5 issues you feel are facing the council and how you would see addressing them

1. The lack of affordable housing in Tiny

The lack of affordable housing is a devastating problem in Tiny.

A considerable segment of the housing market is seen by some as a financial investment rather than a place to live. The average house price in Tiny has increased 69% between 2019 and 2021 to over $1,000,000 (MLS). The impact on low to middle-income housing availability has been disastrous. Equally affected is the local rental market where properties if available are beyond the reach of those working for minimum wage.

I would support eliminating the current restriction on secondary suites in Tiny if planning guidelines can ensure our natural resources and neighbourhoods are protected and maintained. Successful programs such as in Waterloo, Ontario have been successful in creating low-income and multi-generational housing that seamlessly integrates into the community. Tiny must do more to help those affected by changes in the housing market and ensure all residents can remain in the township they love.

2. Infrastructure Planning

Tiny’s Chief Building Official stated in April 2022; “We’ve seen a steep increase in the number of building permits submitted to the Township, especially in the past 2 years”. Like many neighbouring communities, we must recognize that construction could soon replace tourism as Tiny’s biggest employer.

We need controls in place to protect our natural environment from the pressures of building development. Tiny’s natural resources must always take precedence over development. Planning bylaws that protect our unique ecosystems and local community character must be enacted forthwith to stop irreparable long-term damage. I want my grandchildren to see what my grandparents did and to do that we must act now.

One long-term need is to prepare for major infrastructure investment in Water and Sewage. As we transition from seasonal to year-round our residents will rightly demand the same living standards shared by other areas in Ontario. The council needs to initiate future-ready solutions that lay the groundwork for future investment.

3. Short-Term Rentals

Tiny needs a rational and enforceable way to deal with short-term rentals that negatively impact our communities. I support the efforts of the current council and mayor to pass by-law 22-017 to license, regulate and govern short-term rental accommodation. This bylaw is a step in the right direction to controlling the problem of rentals while allowing law-abiding owners to continue renting and earn seasonal revenue.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are an evolving issue, and the bylaw should reflect that. I support the creation of a new Tiny Township STR Committee that will review and advise the council and rule on appeals regarding the STR bylaw. The Committee must include all points of view with members committed to healthy and respectful dialogue and propose solutions that preserve Tiny’s communities and keep our citizens safe and secure. The STR’s issue is not static and therefore by-law 22-017 should not be either.

4. Aggregate Extraction – Water Quality

Clean water is my number one priority. I am committed to working towards a greater partnership with the Provincial Government to include Tiny in negotiations to plan aggregate operation locations and future development. We must balance industry expectations and citizens’ expectations. The current operation at the Teedon Pit has a strict site plan that has been agreed upon by the current Council. The new council must be a vigilant watchdog and ensure the site plan conditions are met. Any project undertaken in Tiny will have strict water quality standards to ensure water purity now and in the future.

5. Shoreline Accessibility

Shoreline accessibility is a very important issue. The legal complexities are well known, and a single solution is next to impossible given issues going back to 1823. I would never support an approach that ignored real ownership interests, not only of beach-facing homeowners but also the township’s ownership of properties abutting the lakefront. I also believe that ownership of easements and rights of access to beaches, where they exist, should be afforded the same respect.

Tiny has many beaches where the whole community works together to manage shoreline resources. The Cawaja Propertyowners Association (CPOA) is a successful beach management model. Past Councillor Richard Hinton and others in Cawaja were instrumental in creating a new co-ownership agreement between CPOA and Tiny Township that created harmonious enjoyment for all Cawaja residents. The sentiment and direction of this agreement must be included in all future discussions.

4. Issue Ranking

Grouping (1-most important, 3-least)

Issue

1 Nitrates in Lafontaine Water

1 Septage Management

1 Shoreline Ownership / Management

1 Short Term Rentals

1 Speed Enforcement

1 Teedon Pit Expansion

2 Beach Park Management

2 Business Development

2 Council Fiduciary responsibility

2 Severn Sound Environment Association

2 Tree Canopy Management

3 Arenas

3 Library Services

3 Litter Management

3 New Administration Offices

3 Spongy Moth Management

Sean Miskimins – Deputy Mayor

1. Background and work experience: Human Resources Executive for many major businesses

2. Reason for running for office: To bring together and improve our community

3. Top 5 issues you feel are facing council and how you would see addressing them:

STR’s: We need to find a better solution to the By-Law that goes into effect in October. We need to amend this to ensure it fits the needs of the community.

Beach Access: I want to create more beach access, but not by getting into litigations or trying to expropriate private land. I want to have the communities of lake-facing and back lot owners work to create a solution so everyone can enjoy in a respectful, environmentally sustainable way. This does not mean creating one big public beach. We cannot become Wasaga North. We do not have the infrastructure to support this. Nor would I want to invest tax payer dollars on making it Wasaga North.

Affordable Housing: We do not have enough affordable housing in our community and this results in low and middle income families having to leave Tiny. Unfortunately, with that, it means we have a shortage of skilled labour in the area to help with things like property maintenance, skilled trades, etc.

Infrastructure Improvements: Tiny is changing. We now have a permanent population around 60. This is significant and puts additional strain on our infrastructure. We need to make strategic improvements to our infrastructure for the present and for the future. If we don’t do it now, the costs will be grossly inflated when it becomes critical.

Water Protection: Water is Life! We need to ensure that our natural water and aquifers remain clean not only for our generation, but for the generations to come after us. Anything that potentially destroys this needs to be stopped. I will work with the Policy Directors at the Provincial Government level to ensure that they understand our situation in Tiny so that changes can be made to help us protect our most important resource. This is the only way to get the Ministers to pay attention. I know how to get things done with the Provincial Government, as they are the ones who control the Permit to Take Water and the environmental protection protocols that are put into place in places like the Teedon Pit. I am in full support of the Water Study that has just received funding and will be constantly looking for data points that could damage our aquifer.

Rating of the following issues from most to least important

These are my ratings based on speaking with 100’s of community members. I will, of course, let the budget survey results act as a guide to re-evaluating the answers based on the trends that I see.

• Short Term Rentals 4

• Shoreline Ownership / Management 5

• Beach Park Management 11

• Teedon Pit Expansion 2

• Litter Management 6

• Nitrates in Lafontaine Water 1

• Septage Management 7

• Tree Canopy Management 8

• Spongy Moth Management 9

• Business Development 12

• Severn Sound Environment Association 10

• Library Services 13

• Arenas 14

• Speed Enforcement 11

• New Administration Offices 15

• Council Fiduciary responsibility 3

Kelly Peter Helowka- Councillor

Background and work experience

I have been married for more than forty years to Jodi and we have two adult children. We are permanent residents of Tiny and very involved in our community.

I served the citizens of our glorious country as a R.C.M.P. officer for more than thirty-six years. Prior to my recent retirement, I was the Team Leader for Ontario’s Counter Terrorism Unit.

Reason for running for office

Having travelled throughout Canada and most of the world, we are blessed to live in Tiny Township. Based on my abilities to listen, communicate, learn and negotiate, I strongly feel that I can further serve my community in the role of councillor.

Top 5 issues you feel are facing council and how you would see addressing them

1) Teedon Pit Expansion

2) Legal Beach Rights Shoreline Ownership/ Management

3) Short Term Rentals

4) Business Development

5) Nitrates in Lafontaine water

Rating of the following issues from most to least important

1) Teedon Pit Expansion

2) Shoreline / Ownership Management

3) Short Term Rentals

4) Business Development

5) Nitrates in Lafontaine water

6) Speed Enforcement

7) Council Fiduciary Responsibility

8) Beach Park Management

9) Septage Management

10) Severn Sound Environment Association

11) Tree Canopy Management

12) Spongy Moth Management

13) Litter Management

14) Library Services

15) Arenas

16) New Administration Offices

Steffen Walma – Councillor

Background and work experience

I grew up in Penetanguishene and purchased in Tiny in 2012. I have lived worked and played (fastball mainly) in the area since I was a kid. I graduated from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Kinesiology in 2009. Since then I have furthered my education completing a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership at York University and a Certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School. I am currently enrolled at the University of Waterloo’s Mediation program. 

I have served the past 2 terms as the deputy mayor of Tiny Township and Councillor for the County of Simcoe. Through these I have been a member of many boards including Chair of the Severn Sound Environmental Association, Chair of the Simcoe County Housing Corporation, Chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and Director for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

I am currently a full-time firefighter in Toronto and volunteer firefighter in Tiny, running out of Wyevale fire station. Prior to my service in Tiny I worked mainly in Fitness and Health promotion and served as a Ranger in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Reason for running for office

I love Tiny. I live here, work here and play here. My family and friends live here. I want Tiny to be a place for my kids and future generations to thrive. I believe that I possess the skills and experience to help balance budgets, protect our natural heritage, improve community safety and help lead Tiny out of the pandemic and back to a new normal

Top 5 issues you feel are facing council and how you would see addressing them

-Infrastructure Deficit, aging infrastructure has been identified by the province as a risk in Tiny. We need to start budgeting accordingly. Increase contributions to reserves, look into debenturing projects and implement an asset management plan.

-Cost of Living, namely food. With the issues going on over Seas our farmers are facing an astronomical rise in commodity pricing which is going to translate into more expensive food for everyone. I want to start a commodity bulk purchasing program for Farmers in Tiny. Coordinate purchasing in mass so that we pass the savings along. I also want to explore change the farm tax rate from 25% to 23%.

-Climate Change, double edge sword. We need to adjust our building and development practices to adapt to the more severe weather events we are experiencing. Things like banning hardscaping in favour of soft scaping are an easy first step. We also need to follow through on the townships sustainability plan to reduce our GHGs and further electrify our fleet.

-Inflation, Costs are on the rise. The township will need to engage with the residents to balance services vs taxation. Continued public engagement via survey is important but we need to start incentivizing these surveys to garner further participation.

-Affordable Housing Solutions. We need housing not just for those requiring social supports but also young families. We need to continue to advocate to the province for investments in Rural communities to support affordable housing development. Change policies to make lot severances easier for families, making the lot size requirement smaller. We also need to continue working with FCM and the federal government to adjust the National Building Code to make building more affordable from a materials perspective.

Rating of the following issues from most to least important

• Council Fiduciary responsibility
• Beach Park Management
• Septage Management
• Tree Canopy Management
• Nitrates in LA water system
• Shoreline Ownership / Management
• Short Term Rentals
• Teedon Pit Expansion
• Speed Enforcement
• Business Development
• New Administration Offices
• Litter Management
• Spongy Moth Management
• Library Services
• Arenas
• Severn Sound Environment Association

Dave Brunelle – Councillor

1. Background and work experience

Raised in the rural community of Lafontaine where my roots are six generations deep.

Attended Ecole St. Croix Elementary in Lafontaine and Penetang Secondary School. Graduated with a degree in Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Metis and Franco-Ontarian, fluent in both official languages.

Worked most of my life locally enjoying a managerial career in the construction industry and ownership of two restaurants.

Volunteered at community events and coached various sports for 30 years.

Managed local candidate’s campaigns in the recent federal and provincial elections.

Chief Financial Officer for a local provincial riding association.

2. Reason for running for office

To ensure good common sense and fiscal stewardship in our local government. We’ve witnessed a constant erosion of our communities over the years, creating social divisions and economic hardships. As a born and raised local from Lafontaine, I felt the need to restore community values that my ancestors and first families established in the 1850’s that have made Tiny such a wonderful place to live, rest, work and play.

3. Top 5 issues you feel are facing council and how you would see addressing them

1) Erosion of our communities and culture – Preservation of our beaches, farmlands and villages

2) Apathy of residents – Engage residents to safeguard the liberty and prosperity of our communities

3) Residents feeling neglected – Create an open-door forum to the ideas and concerns of every member of our community.

4) Lack of faith in politicians – Ensure common sense and fiscal responsibility in our local government

5) Depletion of our natural resources – Protection of the environment taking precedence over development, including gravel pits and Tiny’s waterfront.

4.Rating of the following issues from most to least important

1 Council Fiduciary responsibility

2 Shoreline Ownership / Management

3 Short Term Rentals

4 Teedon Pit Expansion

5 Septage Management

6 Business Development

7 Beach Park Management

8 Speed Enforcement

9 Litter Management

10 Severn Sound Environment Association

11 Nitrates in Lafontaine Water

12 Arenas

13 Tree Canopy Management

14 Spongy Moth Management

15 Library Services

16 New Administration Offices

Summary

As can bee seen, New Administration Offices, Libraries and Arenas were at the bottom of most lists yet seemed to move to the top quite quickly. From what I have been hearing from residents is that they were totally misled and the entire council needs to go.

Goessman Reserves Backgrounder

Presentation to Tiny Council by Rusty Russell -2002

Council gave first and second reading to by-law 02-027 “Being a by-law to accept the dedication of certain Crown “Reservations” designated as “Road Allowances” in the Letters Patent of Crown Grants in 1823, to John Goessman, Deputy Surveyor, in certain Broken Township Lots lying along the shores of Georgian Bay in the Township of Tiny.” In other words, the Township is preparing to accept from the Province certain Crown reservations on 9 lots scattered along the shore of Tiny but it has not done so yet.

This move is being made as a result of work by the Township’s surveyor David Lambden.

In his presentation, Rusty Russell, a solicitor employed by the Township of Tiny, explained that Goessman surveyed Tiny Township and that in 1823 he was paid for his work in land, nine blocks of it, scattered along Tiny’s shores and now subdivided into several hundred individual lots. The patents for this land (a patent is the word used when the Crown transfers land to the first private owner) had on them the wording “reserving one chain in width as an allowance for Road with free access to the Beach by all vessels, boats & persons.” Mr. Russell said that a chain is 66′ long (indeed he brought along an old surveyor’s chain to show everyone in the audience). The 66′ strip extends inland from wherever the water’s edge was in 1823 on each of the 9 affected lots.

At the moment no one knows where the 66′ strips are. Was the water level significantly lower in 1823 than it is now, as some think? If so, the 66′ or part of it is under water. Was the water level significantly higher than it is now? If so, the 66′ could run right through strings of cottages. Professor Lambden is looking into historical data on water levels and will eventually determine the location of the strips. Russell did not address the issue of what such a reservation means to the owners of affected lots. Obviously, a road allowance is not a park. What does a road allowance mean in relation to boats and vessels and persons? Just what is being transferred?

Over the years some of these Crown Reservations have been forgiven. Unfortunately, good records have not been kept by the Ministry of Natural Resources, though, according to Rusty Russell, the MNR has a list of at least some of the owners in Tiny for whom Reservations were lifted. The individual landowners in the 9 affected areas have been asked to search their records to ascertain whether they have evidence to show that the reservation has been lifted on their lots sometime in the past century or so. If evidence can be produced, then the “reservation” will not be accepted by the Township on that particular individual’s lot.

[It would be a help if the list the MNR has could be made accessible to the affected landowners who might recognize the name of a previous owner. Apparently, the lifting of a reservation may or may not have been recorded in the registry office in Barrie so title searches won’t yield definitive answers, though they might yield some answers.]

The affected lots are;

Lot 18 in Concession 7 ≠ Mountainview Beach

Lot 18 in Concession 10 ≠ the Finley plan north of Balm

Lot 23 in Concession 16 ≠ a short stretch just north of Lafontaine Park

Lot 14 in Concession 18 ≠ part of Thunder Beach

Lot 2 in Concession 20 ≠ a bit of Kettles and part of Awenda

Lots F and G in Concession 19 ≠ Crescentwood Beach and the Adams Point area

Lot E in Concession 16 ≠ part of Coutnac

Lot 2 in Concession 16 ≠ Toanche

Asked whether affected landowners could read the report by David Lambden on the matter of the Goessman lots, Council said that there was no such report.

Council defeated proposed by-law 02-027 which would have accepted the dedication of certain Crown “Reservations”.

The reasons given for this rejection were:

1. There is no guarantee as to what future Councils might do with these road allowances (which stretch 66′ inland from the water’s edge in 1823).
2. Too many difficulties concerning these road allowances have presented themselves since they are sometimes wholly above water, sometimes partially under water, sometimes entirely under water. They therefore present an administrative nightmare.
3. The Ministry of Natural Resources has experience with such road allowances and is better equipped to administer them.

In a closed session in November 2024, the following motion was moved by Councillor Walma and seconded by Deputy Mayor Miskimins:

Whereas Council considered in closed session a confidential update from Jim McIntosh of Barriston Law LLP, regarding the Goessman lots, now therefore be it resolved that Mr. McIntosh proceeds as directed and that staff proceed with a by-law to accept the Goessman lots for consideration at a January 2025 council meeting.

The motion was approved unanimously.

Below is a sampling of some of the letters sent to council over the years.

January 18th 2023

Date: January 18th 2023

To: Tiny Township Mayor and Council Members

Re: Short Term Rentals (STR) in Tiny Township

Firstly, we would again like to congratulate the newly elected Council and assure you that our association looks forward to working cooperatively with all of you over the next four years. We certainly understand the huge learning curve you face and wish you all the best of luck moving forward. LASHA was pleased to have been able to facilitate all the one on ones at the Tiny Hub during the election campaign which gave several members the opportunity to meet you personally and hear your positions.

The following is a reminder of the individual positions put forward during the election.

Mayor Evans

Tiny needs a rational and enforceable way to deal with short-term rentals that negatively impact our communities. I support the efforts of the current council and mayor to pass by-law 22-017 to license, regulate and govern short-term rental accommodation. This bylaw is a step in the right direction to controlling the problem of rentals while allowing law-abiding owners to continue renting and earn seasonal revenue.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are an evolving issue, and the bylaw should reflect that. I support the creation of a new Tiny Township STR Committee that will review and advise the council and rule on appeals regarding the STR bylaw. The Committee must include all points of view with members committed to healthy and respectful dialogue and propose solutions that preserve Tiny’s communities and keep our citizens safe and secure. The STR’s issue is not static and therefore by-law 22-017 should not be either.

Deputy Mayor Miskimins

STR’s: We need to find a better solution to the By-Law that goes into effect in October. We need to amend this to ensure it fits the needs of the community.

Councillor Kelly Peter Helowka – No position, rated 3 out of 5 in importance.

Councillor Dave Brunelle – No position, rated 3 out of 5 in importance.

Councillor Steffen Walma – No position, not a top five issue.

As you are aware, the STR issue is extremely relevant in the LASHA community given that our area encompasses access points to several municipal and private beaches. We serve residents between Trillium Lane and the 18th Concession as far east as Cedar Point Road. As a community association we have been monitoring the issue closely over the years and were represented on the recent Tiny STR Task Force assembled by Council.

The previous Council, in its wisdom, disbanded the STR task force, decided to recognize STR’s as legal entities and established a Bylaw and licensing program to administer it.

As previously communicated, we believe that the requirements of the current licencing program are so onerous that only a minority of the over 1,000 current on-line STR listings will be able or willing to meet the requirements as outlined.

We also understand that most STR’s are not a problem and that they only use their residence for a short period of time each year yet pay taxes and operating costs year-round. To offset these costs, they rent their homes to responsible families and enforce strict codes of conduct. Most STR owners have no issue with a reasonable licensing program if it is fair, addresses the density issue and is strictly enforced.

According to a Tiny Press Release:

“If a Short-Term Rental operator has not filed an online Application by 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2022, the operator will be in contravention of the By-law and must cease operations immediately. No new applications will be accepted by the Township after 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2022.

With respect to the posting of advertisements, all ads must be removed from all advertising sites immediately. It is the intention of the Township to strictly enforce the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licensing By-law. Failure to comply could result in court-assessed fines of up to $100,000.00 per violation.”

As of November15th 2022, the licence registration process was supposed to close off and no more requests would be considered. Apparently 227 licences have been issued with a total value of $340,000 (although the budget presented to Council reflects only $333,000 received). According to Air DNA, there are 356 active rentals currently posted in Tiny, which means that 129 are operating without licences.

Now the Township website indicates:

“Short-Term Rental Licence Applications are being accepted until a total of 300 Applications have been received. Once 300 Licence Applications have been received, the application process will be closed until the number of Licences issued falls below the 300-limit set out in By-law 22-017, as amended.”

It was our understanding that the 300 licences were supposed to be a control cap not a target. However, based on the proposed STR budget, 300 licences would have to be issued in order to achieve a break-even point.

This leaves us with the following questions:

When, and by whom, was the decision made to scrap the Nov.15 close off date for 2023 licences and continue issuing licences?

Is the new Council going to look at addressing the density issue? Would it not seem an appropriate time to address the density issue prior to awarding any new licences?

Have any enforcement activities taken place and if so, does the revenue from the fines come back to the Township?

We would appreciate this correspondence being placed on the agenda and addressed by Council at the February 1st Committee of the Whole meeting.

Best regards,

Chuck Stradling, LASHA President on behalf of the LASHA Board and its members.

c. c. J. Jamieson, Chair

J. Murton, V. Chair

Don Nowak, Treasurer

Belinda Neudoerffer, Director

Brian Holt, Director

January 19th 2016

Date: Friday, 19 January 2016

To: Board of Directors

Re: Presidents Report:

Tiny Township Council Meetings – Jan13th Parking Strategy – Jan 18th 2016 Budget Discussions

I did attend the council meetings on January 13th and 18th but unfortunately was not able to stay for the last half of the parking meeting on the 13th due to a prior commitment. However, I did speak with Dick Wesselo who advised that the matter was referred back to staff for additional information and it will likely be on the agenda for the council meeting on January 25th.

The first hour of the meeting was taken up with deputations of residents which basically was a repeat of the concerns raised at the Town Hall in November. A total waste of time. Council then went beach by beach identifying where no stopping/no parking signage had been installed.They then addressed the question of parking. It was decided that parking at the municipal parks would be paid parking, and at access points, permit parking. It was also decided that permits should be made available to all Tiny residents first, and a limited number to neighbouring communities secondly. We have already offered to sit at the table and offer suggestions for our area since a cookie cutter approach will not be feasible. They are revisiting the permit system and we should also be requesting input prior to them finalizing any changes.

The budget meeting on Jan.18th started at 9:00 am and was the 4th council budget discussion meeting and I assumed a final tax rate would be established. From 9:00 a.m. until noon, there was a lengthy discussion on strategic plan funding. It was noted that the permit process for the groin removal / capping project was still underway and that there was concern the pricing would be affected by the increased water levels. However, approximately $150 K was allotted to Lafontaine Beach Park site upgrades.

After lunch the discussion came around to the tax increase level and how the deficit would be funded. After a number of iterations ranging from 2% suggested by Richard Hinton and Gibb Wishart (Same as 2015) to 3-4%, it was decide that 3% was a number everyone was comfortable with. The deficit would be covered by reserves and limited to capital expenditures.

Since this was a meeting of the whole of council, it was not my place to comment, but now that the meeting was adjourned, we should be officially be putting forth our input, on the record, before a final decision is placed before council.

I did review all of the lengthy budget documents distributed and believe that staff has a very good handle on managing revenues/expenses and the reporting thereof. I certainly do not believe it is our responsibility to scrutinize report details, since that is the job of council. As taxpayers our interests lie in the decision making process and to put forward our observations and comments.

The first comment I would put forward is regarding the cost of living increase. The cost of living increase for most Ontario pensioners in 2016 is 1.3% based on Ontario Teachers and Ontario Pension Board figures. Where the initial 2% and subsequent 1.7% Cost of Living Adjustment was mentioned in budget binder but it was not what I would consider a supportable number. With salaries totalling over $5.2 M., it is the largest line item in the Township budget. If the Township adopted the 1.3% COLA a total of $49,000 could be lopped off the operating budget.

Another discussion that took place was regarding the lease or purchase of heavy equipment. The decision to capitalize the purchase of two large pieces would not only save considerable ongoing costs, it would eliminate almost $148 K. from the operating budget which when added to the COLA savings is $197 K.

To date we have seen nothing to support or justify the nearly $243,000 cost of Library and Arena services the township is paying annually to the adjacent municipalities of Midland, Penetang and Springwater. Not to mention the fact that few residents are even aware of these services, although we do see the availability of these services has been recently added to the Township website. Not that we are saying they are not reasonable expenses, but we would certainly like some assurances that the services are actually being used. It is unfortunate that there was no public consultation on this prior to signing a commitment to 2019.

Policing costs are certainly a big hit to the budget and realize we are probably tied into another long term contract. As I understand it, there is a $1.1 Million increase in policing costs that is being phased in over 3 years which satarted January 1st 2015 at a rate of 40%, 40% and 20%. Again, policing costs are not something you have control over and since there is currently no competition or bargaining position with the OPP, they will just keep draining the county dry until there is. One of the items that is continually coming up in Council discussions is the potential for cooperation between neighbouring municipalities. Perhaps, rather than looking at ways to eliminate the Midland police, we should join with our neighbours to create a unified North Simcoe Municipal Police force that is more cost effective, receptive and reactive to community needs. This obviously cannot be accomplished based on contractual obligations, but it is certainly an area that needs to be addressed prior to the signing of any future contracts with the OPP.

Given the current economic climate, with falling oil prices and increased costs due to the devaluation of our dollar, the Federal government will be forced to reintroduce major infrastructure funding projects over the next few years. One of the discussion items was the hiring of an individual to process grant applications. I certainly believe that given the current climate, this would be an investment that would more than pay for itself. Many of the projects currently in limbo could be accelerated including the replacement of the Township offices.(Also discussed at the meeting) This would be a perfect infrastructure grant opportunity, constructing a new facility next to the existing and possibly including a library. But council needs to be in a position to jump on these things quickly.

I believe that LASHA’s position should be that ideally the rise in tax rates should not exceed the 1.3% cost of living increase. However, I also believe that the initial target set at 2% by councillors Hinton & Wishart is a number that can be supported given the uncontrollable increase in policing costs. We feel that if staff and council are willing to swallow the .7% reduction in COLA, we are prepared to swallow the .7% increase over the COLA.

Best regards

Chuck Stradling

President

June 14th 2021

Mayor Cornell, Deputy Mayor Walma, Councillors Wishart, Hastings and Mintoff

Further to my letters of 12th October 2020 and November 23rd 2020, each of which apparently fell upon deaf ears, the predicted Gypsy Moth invasion is in full swing. Several associations took it upon themselves this year to organize aerial spraying such as Thunder Beach, Kingswood Acres and LASHA since the Township has abdicated any responsibility. Unfortunately, because of Council’s lack of leadership on this issue, many of our LASHA members who had booked spraying were denied the service due to a lack of contiguous coverage, which we only found out about after the siege had begun. We are now left trying to get hold of Btk which is almost impossible. Others are recruiting Mosquito sprayers which apparently kill every bug in site including Gypsy Moth.

In discussion with Zimmer Air, they indicated that had the Township been on board, the cost per household would probably have been in the $100.00 range. They were not asked, nor did they provide a quotation to the Township of Tiny, so I am not sure how it was determined to be too costly an endeavour. And they are the only game in Town. As was previously conveyed to you, our 2020 LASHA survey indicated 98% of members in favour of spraying and many willing to share in the cost. Apparently, that didn’t matter.

Not only is the health of our tree canopy being compromised by an invasive species for the third year, it has resulted in significant health issues with a multitude of residents sporting rashes and showing up at the GBGH Emergency Room. Not only that, after 16 months of Covid-19 restrictions, residents can’t even enjoy their backyard space and are captives in their own homes.

This must be controlled in a proactive and decisive manner and not by hoping some magical virus will appear to take care of it. My research indicates this is most unlikely given the warm dry Spring we are experiencing so a recurrence next year is inevitable. I provided the Township with a comprehensive Gypsy Moth management policy that included a funding mechanism. I would again strongly urge Council and staff to adopt it to avoid what could be a disastrous 2022.

On a personal note, I have lost three 12 -year-old Blue Spruce and am hearing the caterpillar droppings constantly. 80 % of the trees surrounding my property are on municipal property and being defoliated at a rapid pace. And it has only just begun.

I would request this letter be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next Committee of the Whole meeting and that a clear position of Council be provide prior to the 2022 budget discussions.

Chuck Stradling

President

Lafontaine Area Shoreline Homeowners Association

January 31st 2024

To: The Mayor and Council of the Township of Tiny

Re: Tax Levy 2024

At the January 22nd meeting of the LASHA Board, the following motion was passed:

In Attendance: J. Jamieson, D. Nowak, C. Stradling, J. Murton, B. Holt, B. Neudoerffer

Motion by B. Holt seconded by J. Jamieson, that a letter be sent to Council recommending that any budget surplus for 2023 be applied to the 2024 tax rate resulting in a reduced financial impact on residents.

The LASHA Board reviewed the summary of Council deliberations on the 2024 Budget and the Treasurers report presented on December 18th, 2023. We recognize that Council has made its best efforts to keep the increase in taxes as low as practical and acknowledge the actions of staff in presenting a reasonable budget. Given that the current budget has been approved, we would request that Council acknowledge that this increase will have a significant impact on residents given the current economic conditions. And further, we would urge that once the 2023 budget surplus or any unexpected grants are known, they be applied to reducing the proposed increase when setting the final tax rate.

We would appreciate this letter being placed on the agenda for the next meeting of Council.

Best regards,

Chuck Stradling

C. S. Stradling on behalf of The Board and Members of LASHA

Beach Rights Presentation to Council

Below is a copy of an article in Midland Today on June 16^th regarding a presentation to Tiny Council by resident and Beach Rights co-founder, Sean Miskimins. Coun. Tony Mintoff noted the beach access remains a contentious issue and asked if a mayor’s task force could be created to address residents’ concerns and create some relief. Cornell showed interest in the idea. Obviously, it was not followed up. However, if addressing the issue was such an easy fix, why has it not been done under this new council?

New group offers new solution for Tiny’s beaches: Registration June 16, 2021

By Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter MidlandToday.ca

Beach regulation in Tiny remains a contentious issue, but the public’s voices were heard by council during a recent virtual town hall.

Beach regulation in Tiny remains a contentious issue, but the public’s voices were heard by council during a recent virtual town hall.

Representing a group of concerned Tiny residents, Sean Miskimins spoke to Tiny council and staff on behalf of Beach Rights which he recently co-founded. The Facebook group now has more than 4,200 members, with a mission statement vowing to represent backlot owners and Tiny taxpayers.

Miskimins says five percent of township residents now control the beachfront, in opposition to the voices of the rest of Tiny’s residents.

“What about the other 95% of your constituents that are being locked out of their traditional use of these beaches?” Miskimins asked.

“Where’s your concern for your constituents and neighbours? And how can you help us establish, with either provincial or federal government where we know it’s deemed Crown land, and yet the public’s being misled by these beachfront owners that are claiming rights and private property to the water’s edge?”

Not only armed with concerns, Miskimins came with a proposed solution for council to consider.

“What if Tiny township could do a registration of beaches? This would be a chance for beachfront owners to bring all of their documents and show that they have ownership to the water’s edge.”

Miskimins referenced the lawyers and surveyors that Tiny employs adding, “If they could verify, and compare against, the entirety of the title of change for these properties, then they can validate whether any of these beachfront owners have absolute title to the beachfronts.

“This would allow for an expansion of the delineation program that you’re already doing which is establishing the boundaries of the assets of Tiny that you already have.”

Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma showed interest in Miskimins’ proposal.

“It’s an interesting idea, the beach registration aspect,“ he said. ” I’d never considered something like that before.”

Mayor George Cornell urged Miskimins to reach out to Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop and MP Bruce Stanton regarding federally- or provincially-owned land located along the beaches, as Tiny has not been focused on properties outside of their own municipally-owned lands.

“They are for our residents; they’re certainly for our visitors as well,” Cornell said of the public beaches.

Coun. Tony Mintoff noted the beach access remains a contentious issue and asked if a mayor’s task force could be created to address residents’ concerns and create some relief. Cornell showed interest in the idea.

The topic of overbuilding by property owners to the waterline was also brought up by Miskimins, who presented a hypothetical scenario of an incident requiring emergency services along the beachfront that would be unable to act accordingly due to intentional obstructions along the beach.

Miskimins asked what bylaw enforcement would do in that instance.

Steve Harvey, chief municipal law enforcement officer for Tiny, welcomed the question, but lamented that such a scenario involving water directly would be covered by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

Cornell added, “While we aren’t directly involved or responsible, when situations are brought to our attention, we’ve made the call to DFO or MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) to make them aware of that, to encourage them to respond.”

Planning and development director Shawn Persaud also said, “It’s a jurisdiction issue. When you get into in-water works and shoreline works, the township has no jurisdiction. That’s where (MNRF and DFO) get involved.”

To better educate Tiny residents on which beaches the municipality owns, a wayfinding master plan is expected to be enacted this summer with signs installed at various beach park locations.

“It’s not going to change overnight,” conceded Miskinims, “but we’d ask if you would reconsider what other aspects of your long-term, three- to five-year plan on your B.E.S.T. (Beach Enjoyment Strategy) could help delineate these areas.

“And if you want examples to help get you started, we’re more than happy to provide that.”

In a conversation with MidlandToday, Miskimins said he felt that the concerns of the group were heard at the meeting.

“I think there’s a lot more to come,” said Miskimins, expressing concern that none of the three levels of government were taking responsibility for the matter. “Especially the shorelines.”

The next town hall meeting for Tiny township is scheduled for Sept. 17. Information on town hall meetings and other public events are available on the Tiny Township website.

Beach Mapping

Committee of the Whole Meeting Date: 11 Aug 2021

Subject: Municipal Beach Mapping

It is recommended that PWR-036-21, dated August 11,2021 be received; and that Council receives the proposal to provide mapping for Public Beaches for general public access and posting on the Township website.

Background/Analysis

At the Council meeting of July 21, 2021, Resolution 335-2021 was ratified directing staff to review methods to provide the public with mapping that would show where the Township has municipally owned beaches and access points.

Staff then reviewed this request and within the Options below have provided a plan that provides details for a systemic process for each property and a plan for the introduction of Public Beach Areas for the public to review and posting on the Township website for reference.

The following is a systemic plan to start the process and continue to provide details of municipal locations for Public use:

1. Load up all our major beach parks. 5 in all. These parks have Wayfinding signs that will be installed later this year.

2. Load up large beach areas that we know have parking and some level of service such as garbage and porta-potties and also have a level of delineation that is obvious to the users that

is not from the area. These may include the 13th, Cawaja, Concession 9, Edmore, Waterview Road (Concession 4), Asselin, Kettle’s Beach, Tee Pee Park.

3. Recreation did indicate that we could use Park Ambassadors to audit all the shoreline municipal properties. The audit will indicate contents such as the following:

4. Delineation of property.

5. Signage type, content and rules. This will also help us in the future for sign standardization.

6. 911 signs.

7. Open/maintained or not maintained. This would also include if just a foot path or obvious maintenance.

8. Is the access for drainage or can the public use safely.

9. Linkage to Master Plan objectives of use and areas for public use focus areas.

10. After the location audit we can add properties to the map that contain signage, delineation and service offerings review.

11. The balance of the properties that are being used and show evidence of an established path can add to the delineation project for future map additions.

12. Properties that are not marked can be looked at to see if the access is used for items like drainage

and determine future Capital spending to provide access or determine that it will remain natural.

7. Any new properties added to be maintained will be looked at for annual cost for annual maintenance.

There are no financial implications associated with this item at this time. If Council chooses this option, staff will need to assess the cost beyond Park Ambassador Audit as this staff is currently in place within the Recreation Department budget. Once the audit is complete a more detailed report can be provided to outline costs based on Council direction. Additional costs would include legal and survey costs for areas not identified currently and staff time to research and install and maintain areas not currently identified.

Relationship to Strategic Plan

• Deliver Exceptional Municipal Services

• Support Community Health, Safety & Well-Being

• Create an Engaged, Informed & Connected Community

Conclusion

That Council receives the proposal to provide mapping for Public Beaches for general public access and post on the Township website.

Council Meeting September 22,2021

Municipal Beach Mapping.

Upon discussion, the following was recommended:

Moved by Deputy Mayor Steffen Walma

Seconded by Councillor Tony Mintoff

THAT Public Works Report PWR-036-21 regarding Municipal Beach Mapping be received;

AND THAT Council approves Option #1, to develop a systematic plan, as presented,

to start the process and to continue to provide details of municipal locations for public use;

AND THAT staff be directed to consider a colour coding system for identification purposes.

According to the assignment sheet (which used to be attached to all committee of the whole agendas until curtailed by the current council) this project was completed. However, a search of the Tiny.ca website makes no reference to it.

Letters to the Editor Midland Today – downloadable PDF Format

• Budget Surplus – April 2026

• Speed Limit – May 2023

• Mayors Year End Message –

• Draft Budget Letter – TTRA – January 2025 (Midland Today refused to publish)

• Council Meeting Summary – 2022-2026

Other Information – PDF Format

• Municipal Water Infrastructure Funding Estimates

• Axler Property – Sawlog Bay

• Assignment Sheet

FoTTSA Reports on Council

• June 2023
• July 2023
• August 2023
• September 2023
• October 2023
• November 2023
• December 2023

Additional files:

2023-09-21 Letter to C Stradling

Gypsy Moth Letter to Council

Letter to Council LDD Management

Letter to Council Muni Building

Letter to SWIFT