P.O. Box 1120 *
Sundridge ON * P0A
1Z0
Phone (705) 384-5819 Fax (705) 384- 5892
Chair: Merlyn Snow: Merlyn.snow@sympatico.ca Vice Chair: Ron Bennison: rbennison@vianet.ca
July 20, 2011
Village South River Municipal Office
Present: Sundridge - Elgin Schneider, Bill de Vries
Strong – Merlyn Snow
South River – Les Mahon, Jeff Dickerson
Machar – Doug Maeck, Ron Bennison
Joly - Betty Barnes
Absent: Jim Coleman, John Newstead
Guest: Ron Begin - FedNor
Staff Present: Caitlin Unger, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 am by Chair Merlyn Snow.
General Discussion:
The Chair provided a summary on 9-1-1 numbering discussed at the June 27th meeting. The Recording Secretary informed the group that Bell Canada does not assist with numbering the highway. The Township of Strong is currently working with CGIS to number the highway every 10 meters on each side, beginning at number 10,000. There was concern raised that starting at 10,000 would create overlap if Magnetawan was to correct their numbering along old Hwy 124. The Recording Secretary was asked to see if it is possible to begin number at 14,000. The group agreed that the numbers on the new Hwy 124 should be consistent the whole way, each Municipality should work on the same numbering system. Bennison reminded the group that the OPP wanted the numbers to remain consistent for those out-of-town drivers who do not know the boundaries when reporting an incident.
A booklet was circulated that the Magnetawan & Area Business Association created, including events, things to see and do, and local businesses. Dickerson shared that Arts Council creates a similar booklet for the Almaguin Area and it may be worth while to partner with them to create a more comprehensive product. Maeck inquired as to whether a study has been conducted to determine if creating these booklets is of value, and if they are used. The group felt that travelers find them useful. Ron Begin shared that booklets in Georgian Bay County have been successful and shared that it may be more work to implement but once started it does not take as much time to continue. The group felt this initiative is something a Regional Economic Development Officer could work on in association with the Arts Council and local businesses.
A handout from the Village of Sundridge was circulated with funding formula options for the Economic Development Officer, and was discussed. Some members felt the funding was already decided upon at an earlier meeting whereas each representative was to go back to respective councils to see which municipalities were interested in the venture and what they were willing to provide financially over three years. Begin reminded that funding could be available for this position as it helps assist with the effects of the highway by-pass, so if each had a number to contribute it could be included on the application for funding. Barnes shared that Joly considered another option which includes looking at the benefit to each and have the EDO track time spent doing projects for each area which would dictate how much each municipality pays. Begin reminded that having an EDO produces a stronger global community which benefits all in terms of creating employment, and properties for new residents. Some sort of formula should be agreed upon if the EDO project extends beyond the three year trial period.
Correspondence:
The Recording Secretary shared that Peter Bell, Price Advertising, was to have a meeting with Eric Doidge regarding highway signage on Monday July 18th. She will email any news from the meeting to the members.
New Business:
de Vries shared he attended an MTO golf tournament where it was hinted that the area would receive good news in regards to the highway signage policy.
Begin inquired as to how much money each municipality was putting into decorative signage (design, permits, locations) and reminded that there could be funding for this initiative as well. He suggested grouping together the EDO position, Communications Policy and highway signage into one lump sum as a group to submit an application for funding for initiatives to assist with the highway by-passing. Begin wants to meet with the representatives next week and urged the group to speak to their council as soon as possible about creating a number they would spend on all of these items. One municipality would need to lead the application process as CAEDA is not considered a legal entity. Begin shared that the group could use the same designer for signage to create a consistent theme for the area, and funding would assist in creating nicer signage.
de Vries attended an DSAB meeting and shared the new service 2-1-1 which is a provincial resource for people who do not know who to call for specific incidences, example: Railway lights flashing for hours after a train goes through. Dialing 2-1-1 connects you with a live representative who will provide you with the number to call to resolve the issue. This service will be coming to Parry Sound area in September. Schneider is to share information on this service with the Steering Committee.
Schneider shared that Judy Kosowan, CAO/Clerk-Treasurer at Township of Ryerson, inquired about sending a delegation to AMO meeting to discuss signage. Dickerson will be attending and will discuss.
de Vries shared that the Perry Information Centre does not have sufficient highway signage, just advertizes a rest area. The information centre needs highway signage to promote their various facilities. Begin shared that is not an financial issues as they secured funding for signage but they have not decided on location or content. The group felt that a letter should be send on behalf of CAEDA to urge them to pursue signage since they also promote the Almaguin Area. Begin reminded that the group should look into municipal membership costs at the information centre.
Adoption of Minutes:
Resolution 2011-20
The minutes of the June 27, 2011 meeting were circulated. It was
Moved by: Betty Barnes Seconded by: Les Mahon
That we accept the minutes of June 27, 2011 as amended.
Carried
Adjournment:
Resolution
2011-21
Moved by: Bill de Vries Seconded by: Ron Bennison
That we now
adjourn at 10:58 a.m. until the next regular meeting August 17, 2011 or at the
call of the chair @ 9:30 a.m. at the Village of Sundridge Municipal Office. Carried.
……………………………….. ……………………………………….
Chair, Merlyn Snow Recording Secretary, Caitlin Unger