Council Highlights - June 15, 2020
Cannabis Control Committee update
Tim Nohara, Chair of the Cannabis Control Committee (CCC), and Nick McDonald of Meridian Planning Consultants provided Council with an update on where the CCC is relative to their schedule of implementation of bylaws and proposed draft Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment.
McDonald noted minor changes in both documents.
View the delegation request and attached draft amendments
Report from Regional Councillor Diana Huson
Regional Councillor Diana Huson provided an update to Council focused on finances, public health and emergency services, community and social services, public works, and economic development as they pertain to COVID-19.
Initial reports referenced a net cost as $9.3 million before funding announcements and a net deficit of $3.9 million. More clarity on eligible expenditures has been received and the Region's finance team was able to match some of the funding against costs incurred. The revised net deficit as of May 21 is projected at approximately $2.9 million.
View the Regional Councillor's full presentation.
Pop Up Patios in Pelham
Pelham Town Council approved the temporary waiving of six parking space requirements for restaurants to allow ‘pop-up’ parking lot patios; up to six parking spaces may be used for this purpose during the pandemic.
Currently, the Town has a Sidewalk Encroachment policy allowing restaurants to apply to the Town for permission to encroach on municipal sidewalks for outdoor patio use subject to meeting the policy requirements related to proof of insurance, provincial licensing requirements, pedestrian accessibility requirements, urban design zoning, and sign and building code requirements. Street parking will not be considered for these patios as the recommendation to waive parking spaces is for private parking lots only.
Approval of sidewalk patios under the Sidewalk Encroachment policy is managed through the Clerk’s Office. It is recognized that outdoor restaurant patios contribute positively to the vitality of downtowns, main streets and public spaces.
It is anticipated that the majority of ‘pop-up’ parking lot patios would occur on private property and be subject to meeting Public Health and Provincial licensing requirements related to food service and serving of alcohol.
Ombudsman and Integrity Commissioner Reports
Reports from the Ombudsman of Ontario and the Integrity Commissioner were on the agenda Monday, both dealing with complaints filed by Councillor Ron Kore against Mayor Marvin Junkin. The full reports can be found below.