Fire Department
Northeast Town Fire Chief Darren Bailey reported that there had been two calls for service in October so far. The first was on October 9 when the department responded to a possible propane leak on Draper Street East. The second was on October 17 when the department responded to a fire alarm at the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre. Fire Chief Bailey also reported that the fire trucks and general equipment was in good working order.
Community services and public works
Reid Taylor presented council with the October community services report. In terms of the recreation centre, Mr. Taylor said that the ice schedule is in full swing and staff are busy prepping for upcoming events and completing maintenance, repair and painting tasks.
“This month at the recreation centre there are Skate Canada programs, Manitoulin Panther games and practices, Manitoulin Secondary School (boys) hockey games begin on Friday, Minor Hockey begins their season and user group programs have begun such as ballet, martial arts and fitness programs,” said Mr. Taylor.
Mr. Taylor also reported that all the outdoor buildings are winterized and closed.
“Spider Bay Marina is closed for the season, as is the port of Little Current,” said Mr. Taylor. “All marine buildings are shut down and winterized and the port of Little Current docks are ready to be moved into Spider Bay for the winter. The museum closes at the end of the month.”
Kevin Dunlop presented the public works report to council. He said that ditching and culvert replacement was underway and staff were spot grading on the roads where needed. Staff has also been working on Campbell Street construction. The landfill, he noted, is now open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 3 pm.
“The base preparation is underway for the salt/sand shed for the Little Current yard,” he added.
Building controls
Council reviewed a copy of the building controls report for October. The report noted that there has been a total of 41 permits issued to date and at present there are another two applications that have been submitted and are under review. The total value of construction to date is $3,858,698, with a total building permit revenue of $48,995.61.
Zoning amendments
Council carried a motion to amend zoning bylaw No. 2002-31, permitting the site specific use of an animal hospital with no outdoor housing of animals or kennels within the subject property in a residential zone. The property, 30 Meredith Street East, will be the future home of The Island Animal Hospital. The proponent told council that they are excited to bring this service to Little Current and hope to have the business open in the spring.
Council also carried a motion to amend zoning bylaw No. 2002-31, rezoning 35 Draper Street from residential to multiple family residential. Council discussed how there had been submissions with regards to this property and drainage concerns. Staff assured council that there is sufficient drainage in the area, but that drainage is not a zoning issue and that a site plan will be triggered under the change to multiple family residential.
Transfer payment agreement
Council carried a motion to grant staff permission to enter into a transfer payment agreement with the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to receive $17,284.31 to pay accumulated tax arrears incurred on First Nations’ land in the municipality.
Fuel tender
Council accepted the fuel tender from Manitoulin Fuels as staff identified it as lower overall then the bid from New North Fuels Inc.
