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200227 Regular Council Meeting AgendaThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Thursday, February 27, 2020 4:30 PM Council Chambers 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor 1.Call to Order 2.Closed Session Proposed Resolution #1 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT Council move into Closed Session to consider: personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Town employees; (Human Resources) and • a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the Town. (Highway 3)• 3.Adoption of Agenda Proposed Resolution #2 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Council meeting of Thursday, February 27, 2020, be adopted. 4.Moment of Silence 5.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 6.Adoption of Council Minutes of Previous Meeting Proposed Resolution #3 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT the Minutes of the Council meeting of February 10, 2020, be approved. 7.Presentations 7.1 Introduction of Michelle Smibert, Town Clerk 8.Public Meetings 9.Planning Applications 10.Delegations 11.Deputation(s) on Committee Reports 12.Information Items 12.1 Oxford County Report PW 2020-02 - Single-use Disposable Wipes 12.2 Oxford County Report CAO 20-01 - Leading Oxford County to 100% Housed Future Proposed Resolution #4 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT Council receives Oxford County Report PW 2020-02 regarding single-use disposable wipes and Oxford County Report CAO 2020-01 regarding housing, as information. 13.Staff Reports 13.1 Chief Administrative Officer 13.2 Clerk's Office 13.3 Development and Communication Services 13.3.1 DCS 20-02 Dedicate Certain Reserves - Oak Park Subdivision Proposed Resolution #5 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT Council receives Report DCS 20-02 Dedicate Certain Reserves - Oak Park Subdivision. Page 2 of 107 AND THAT By-Law 2020-019 be brought forward for Council consideration. 13.4 Finance 13.5 Fire and Emergency Services 13.6 Operations 13.7 Recreation, Culture & Park Services 13.7.1 RCP 20-04 CSC Facade Renewal Proposed Resolution #6 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT Council receives Report RCP 20-04 CSC Façade Renewal; AND THAT Council directs staff to procure an external consultant team to develop the tender specifications for rehabilitating the exterior façade of the Customer Service Centre at 10 Lisgar Ave; AND THAT the selected design approach is identified as Option _____ in Report RCP 20-04. 14.New Business 15.Consideration of Committee Minutes 15.1 Committee Minutes Proposed Resolution #7 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT Council receives the Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee minutes dated January 8, 2020 and February 12, 2020, the Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee minutes dated February 5, 2020, the Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee minutes dated January 22, 2020, and the Economic Development Advisory Committee minutes dated February 11, 2020, as information. 15.2 Long Point Region Conservation Authority Board of Director Minutes Proposed Resolution #8 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ Page 3 of 107 THAT Council receives the Long Point Conservation Authority Board of Director Minutes dated January 8, 2020, as information. 15.3 Business Improvement Area Board Minutes Proposed Resolution #9 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT Council receives the Business Improvement Area Board meeting minutes dated January 23, 2020, as information. 16.Motions/Notice of Motions Proposed Resolution #10 Moved By: Councillor Gilvesy Seconded By: ________________ THAT the airport feasibility study be forwarded to the Airport Advisory Committee for review and/or comment. 17.Resolutions/Resolutions Resulting from Closed Session 18.By-Laws 18.1 By-Law 2020-018, To Appoint Michelle Smibert as Town Clerk 18.2 By-Law 2020-019, To dedicate certain reserves owned by the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg as parts of public highways in the Town of Tillsonburg Proposed Resolution #11 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT By-Law 2020-018, To Appoint Michelle Smibert as Town Clerk, and By-Law 2020-019, To dedicate certain reserves owned by the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg as parts of public highways in the Town of Tillsonburg, be read for a first, second, third and final reading and that the Mayor and the Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the corporate seal thereunto. 19.Confirm Proceedings By-law Proposed Resolution #12 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT By-Law 2020-020, to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting held on February 27, 2020, be read for a first, second, third and final reading and that the Mayor and Page 4 of 107 the Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the corporate seal thereunto. 20.Items of Public Interest 21.Adjournment Proposed Resolution #13 Moved By: ________________ Seconded By: ________________ THAT the Council Meeting of Thursday, February 27, 2020 be adjourned at ______ p.m. Page 5 of 107 1 MINUTES Monday, February 10, 2020 6:00 PM Council Chambers 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor ATTENDANCE: Mayor Molnar Deputy Mayor Beres Councillor Esseltine Councillor Gilvesy Councillor Luciani Councillor Parker Councillor Rosehart Staff: Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer Donna Wilson, Town Clerk Kevin De Leebeeck, Director of Operations Dave Rushton, Director of Finance Rick Cox, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks Terry Saelens, Acting Fire Chief Amelia Jaggard, Deputy Clerk _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Closed Session 3. Adoption of Agenda Resolution # 2020-070 Moved By: Councillor Parker Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Council meeting of Monday, February 10, 2020, be adopted. Page 6 of 107 2 Carried 4. Moment of Silence 5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared. 6. Adoption of Council Minutes of Previous Meeting Resolution # 2020-071 Moved By: Councillor Parker Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine THAT the Minutes of the Council meeting of January 27, 2020, be approved. Carried 7. Presentations 8. Public Meetings 8.1 Application for Zone Change ZN 7-19-16 (Tillsonburg Ready-Mix Inc.) Eric Gilbert, Senior Planner, County of Oxford, appeared before C ouncil to provide an overview of the application. Opportunity was provided for comments and questions from Council. The applicant was not in attendance. The agent, Andrew Gilvesy, appeared before Council in support of the application. No other members of the public appeared before Council in support of the application. No members of the public appeared before Council in opposition to the application. Council passed the following resolution. Resolution # 2020-072 Moved By: Councillor Esseltine Seconded By: Councillor Parker THAT Council approve the zone change application submitted by Tillsonburg Ready-Mix Inc., whereby the lands described as Part Block A, Page 7 of 107 3 Plan 966 and Part 1, Plan 41R-1272, be rezoned to ‘Special Low Density Residential – Type 3 Zone (R3-14) to coincide with the lands to which they will be added, to the immediate southwest, to facilitate the development of four street fronting townhouses. Carried 9. Planning Applications 9.1 CP 2020-33 Application for Draft Plan of Condominium and Exemption from Draft Plan Approval CD 19-03-7 (Escalade Property Corporation) Eric Gilbert, Senior Planner, County of Oxford, appeared before Council to provide an overview of the application. Opportunity was provided for comments and questions from Council. Council passed the following resolution. Resolution # 2020-073 Moved By: Councillor Esseltine Seconded By: Councillor Parker THAT Council advise County Council that the Town supports the application for draft approval of a proposed condominium submitted by Escalade Property Corporation, (File No. CD 19-03-7), prepared by MTE Ontario Land Surveyors, dated November 20, 2019, for lands described as Part Lots 382 & 384, and all of Lot 383, Plan 500, in the Town of Tillsonburg; AND THAT Council advise County Council that the Town supports the application for exemption from the draft plan of condominium approval process, submitted by Escalade Property Corporation, (File No. CD 19 -03- 7), prepared by MTE Ontario Land Surveyors, dated November 20, 2019, for lands described as Part Lots 382 & 384, and all of Lot 383, Plan 500, in the Town of Tillsonburg, as all matters relating to the development have been addressed through the Site Plan Approval process and a registered site plan agreement with the Town of Tillsonburg. Carried 10. Delegations Page 8 of 107 4 11. Deputation(s) on Committee Reports 11.1 CLK 20-07 Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee Year-End Report Erin Getty, Vice-Chair, Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee, appeared before Council to provide an update from the Committee. Opportunity was provided for comments and questions from Council. Resolution # 2020-074 Moved By: Councillor Luciani Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Beres THAT Council receives Report CLK 20-07 Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee Year-End Report, as information. Carried 11.2 CLK 20-08 Economic Development Advisory Committee Year-End Report Jesse Goossens, Chair, Economic Development Advisory Committee, appeared before Council to provide an update from the Committee. Opportunity was provided for comments and questions from Council. Resolution # 2020-075 Moved By: Councillor Luciani Seconded By: Councillor Parker THAT Council receives Report CLK 20-08 Economic Development Advisory Committee Year-End Report, as information. Carried 11.3 CLK 20-09 Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee Year-End Report Sherry Hamilton, Chair, Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee, appeared before Council to provide an update from the Committee. Opportunity was provided for comments and questions from Council. Page 9 of 107 5 Resolution # 2020-076 Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Luciani THAT Council receives Report CLK 20-09 Tillsonburg Transit Advisory Committee Year-End Report, as information. Carried 12. Information Items 12.1 Oxford County Public Notice - Trans Canada Trail Bridge 12.2 Oxford County Correspondence - Oxford County Transportation Master Plan 12.3 Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services - Poverty Reduction Strategy Resolution # 2020-077 Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Luciani THAT Council receives the correspondence from Oxford County regarding Trans Canada Trail Bridge dated January 16, 2020, the correspondence from Oxford County regarding the Transportation Master Plan dated January 20, 2020, and the correspondence from the M inistry of Children, Community and Social Services regarding Poverty Reduction Strategy dated January 30, 2020, as information. Carried 13. Mayor's Reports 13.1 MYR 20-01 Update - ROMA Resolution # 2020-078 Moved By: Councillor Rosehart Seconded By: Councillor Gilvesy THAT Council receives report MYR 20-01 as information. Carried 14. Staff Reports Page 10 of 107 6 14.1 Chief Administrative Officer 14.2 Clerk's Office 14.2.1 CLK 20-06 Retail Cannabis Policy Resolution # 2020-079 Moved By: Councillor Rosehart Seconded By: Councillor Gilvesy THAT Council receives Report CLK 20-06 Municipal Retail Cannabis Policy update, as information. Carried 14.2.2 CLK 20-10 Additional Appointments to Tillsonburg Dog Park Advisory Committee Resolution # 2020-080 Moved By: Councillor Gilvesy Seconded By: Councillor Rosehart THAT Council receives Report CLK 20-10 Additional Appointments to the Tillsonburg Dog Park Advisory Committee; AND THAT By-Law 2020-014 to amend Schedule A of By-Law 4247, to appoint Mark Cheron and Doris Koepke to the Dog Park Advisory Committee, be brought forward for Council consideration. Carried 14.2.3 CLK 20-11 Emergency Shelter Resolution # 2020-081 Moved By: Councillor Gilvesy Seconded By: Councillor Rosehart THAT Council receives Report CLK 20-11 Emergency Shelter in Tillsonburg, as information. Carried 14.3 Development and Communication Services 14.3.1 DCS 20-01 Animal Care and Control By-Law - Urban Chickens Page 11 of 107 7 Geno Vanhaelewyn, Chief Building Official, appeared before Council to answer questions. Resolution # 2020-082 Moved By: Councillor Parker Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine THAT Council receives Report DCS 20-01; Animal Care & Control By-Law – Urban Chickens as information; AND THAT staff not proceed with public consultation of the animal control by-law to determine if chickens should be allowed to be kept in rear yards of properties in the Town of Tillsonburg. Carried 14.4 Finance 14.5 Fire and Emergency Services 14.6 Operations 14.7 Recreation, Culture & Park Services 15. New Business 16. Consideration of Committee Minutes 16.1 Committee Minutes Resolution # 2020-083 Moved By: Councillor Parker Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine THAT Council receives the Parks, Beautification and Cemeteries Committee minutes dated January 9, 2020, the Dog Park Advisory Committee minutes dated January 14, 2020, the Transit Advisory Committee minutes dated January 21, 2020, the Museum Advisory Committee minutes dated January 23, 2020, and the Economic Development Committee minutes dated January 21, 2020, as inf ormation. Carried 17. Motions/Notice of Motions 18. Resolutions/Resolutions Resulting from Closed Session Page 12 of 107 8 19. By-Laws 19.1 By-Law 2020-014, To Amend Schedule A of By-Law 4247 (Committee Appointments) 19.2 By-Law 2020-015, Being a By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law No 3295 (ZN 7-18-11) 19.3 By-Law 2020-016, Being a By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law 3295 (ZN 7-19-16) Resolution # 2020-084 Moved By: Councillor Esseltine Seconded By: Councillor Parker THAT By-Law By-Law 2020-014, To Amend Schedule A of By-Law 4247 (Committee Appointments); and By-Law 2020-015, Being a By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law No 3295 (ZN 7-18-11); and By-Law 2020-016, Being a By-Law to Amend Zoning By-Law 3295 (ZN 7- 19-16), be read for a first, second, third and final reading and that the Mayor and the Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the corporate seal thereunto. Carried 20. Confirm Proceedings By-law Resolution # 2020-085 Moved By: Councillor Esseltine Seconded By: Councillor Parker THAT By-Law 2020-017, to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting held on February 10, 2020, be read for a first, second, third and final reading and that the Mayor and the Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the corporate seal thereunto. Carried 21. Items of Public Interest Upcoming events at the Annandale National Historic Site include "Valentines Day Tea" on February 14, 2020, free Family Day activities on February 18, 2020 from Page 13 of 107 9 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and a "Lunch and Learn" event on February 28, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are still available for the Maple Leafs Alumni Game on February 15, 2020. The Tillsonburg Community Centre will have various Family Day activities on February 18, 2020. For more information visit www.tillsonburg.ca The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) Annual General Meeting will be held at the LPRCA Administration Office located at 4 Elm Street on February 28, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. The next regular Council meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 22. Adjournment Resolution # 2020-086 Moved By: Councillor Luciani Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Beres THAT the Council Meeting of Monday, February 10, 2020 be adjourned at 7:28 p.m. Carried Page 14 of 107 Report No: PW 2020-02 PUBLIC WORKS Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 1 of 4 To: Warden and Members of County Council From: Director of Public Works Single-Use Disposable Wipes RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That County Council support the City of Kitchener and Ryerson University recommendations regarding single-use disposable wipes as attached to Report No. PW 2020-02; 2. And further, that Report No. PW 2020-02 be forwarded to all Oxford County Area Municipalities, the City of Kitchener, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Environment and Climate Change Canada as information. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS  The purpose of this report is to seek Council support of the City of Kitchener’s resolution to bring about change to Federal regulations regarding the false labelling of single-use wipes as “flushable”.  Many municipal wastewater systems, Oxford County included, are experiencing adverse effects and maintenance issues as a result of flushable wipes which are being incorrectly labelled as such by manufacturers.  Recent testing completed by Ryerson University showed that out of 23 wipes which have been labelled as “flushable”, none were actually able to fall apart or disperse safely through the sewer system test. Implementation Points Following Council approval of this report, staff will update the County website in order to provide more information to the public regarding the use of flushable wipes and the issues they pose to the wastewater system. Financial Impact Currently, costs directly associated with this problem are not tracked, but the potential removal of flushable wipes from the wastewater system would be quite beneficial. The cost saving in reduced blockages to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment systems could be substantial. Page 15 of 107 Report No: PW 2020-02 PUBLIC WORKS Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 2 of 4 The Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact informat ion. Risks/Implications Materials continue to be flushed down toilets such as feminine hygiene products, dental floss, diapers and disposable wipes. These materials cause blocked sewers which can lead to backups, flooded basements and the risk of bypasses to the surface waters, all of which have increased cost and potential legal implications to municipal wastewater system operations. Should the problems associated with the use of flushable wipes not be addressed, flushable wipes will continue to enter the market and gain market share, leading to continued and increased potential blockages to the County’s wastewater collection and treatment systems. Strategic Plan (2015-2018) County Council adopted the County of Oxford Strategic Plan (2015-2018) at its regular meeting held May 27, 2015. The initiative contained within this report supports the Values and Strategic Directions as set out in the Strategic Plan as it pertains to the following Strategic Directions: 1. ii. A County that Works Together – Enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens by: - Maintaining and strengthening core infrastructure 3. iii. A County that Thinks Ahead and Wisely Shapes the Future - Demonstrated commitment to sustainability by: - Ensuring that all significant decisions are informed by assessing all options with regard to the community, economic and environmental implications including: o Responsible environmental leadership and stewardship DISCUSSION Many disposable wipes that are currently available are marketed and labelled as being “flushable.” Disposable wipes are manufactured as non-woven sheets of natural and man- made fibers that are marketed as either flushable or non-flushable. The Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry and the European Disposables and Nonwoven Association developed guidelines and test methods to assess a wipe for flushability. However, it was determined that the flushable wipes are more similar to non-flushable wipes than to toilet paper. According to the Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use Group (MESUG), work was attempted to have an International Organization for Standards (ISO) specification for flushables and was nearing completion but was halted due to a challenge from the manufacturers concerning test methods. At that time, a group of water professionals was formed called the International Water Services Flushability Group, which has developed a flushability specification comprised of three core concepts which specify that a flushable product must: 1) Break into small pieces; 2) Not be buoyant; and Page 16 of 107 Report No: PW 2020-02 PUBLIC WORKS Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 3 of 4 3) Not contain plastic or regenerated cellulose, but contain materials that will readily degrade in a range of environments. A study out of Ryerson University (March 2019), shown as Attachment 1, includes the testing of 101 single-use products of which 23 have been labeled as “flushable” by the manufacturer. Results showed that not one single wipe was able to fall apart or disperse safely through the sewer system test, which can negatively impact household plumbing, municipal sewage infrastructure and, consequently, the environment. Products continue to be marketed and sold as flushable to consumers whilst tests indicate that these products are not, in fact, flushable. The wastewater utility industry position is that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. The City of Kitchener Council has subsequently passed a resolution on August 26, 2019 (shown in Attachment 2) resolving that the City lobby the Federal Government to review regulations related to consumer packaging on single-use wipes to remove the word flushable. It is an attempt to protect their wastewater infrastructure which, like all municipal wastewater systems, was never designed for flushable wipes but only for toilet paper and human waste which breaks down. From this, County Council received correspondence at its November 27, 2019 meeting from the Township of Zorra Council (dated November 19, 2019) requesting Oxford County to consider supporting the City of Kitchener’s resolution regarding single-use disposable wipes, and referred to staff for a report. Comments Oxford County currently has information on our website which indicates that any materials other than human waste and toilet paper should be disposed of responsibly either in a composter, garbage bin, recycling container or nearest special waste disposal centre, even if they are claimed to be a flushable product such as cleaning wipes. A co-author of the Ryerson study report is Barry Orr, a City of London sewer outreach and control inspector, who estimates the associated costs of removing blockages caused by flushable wipes to be in the range of $250 million a year across Canada. These wipes are often found throughout the system and can also get into waterways. The local effects of these flushable wipes on the collection systems in Oxford County are as follows:  City of Woodstock staff indicated that these wipes are exacerbating existing maintenance problems;  County Staff at the wastewater treatment plants report that there have been pump blockages at the main lift stations and a buildup of rags within the digesters, some of which is comprised of wipes; Page 17 of 107 Report No: PW 2020-02 PUBLIC WORKS Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 4 of 4  County Staff responsible for the wastewater collection system have found a substantial increase in the number of issues related to pump blockages at the smaller sanitary pump stations, sewage grinder pumps as well as blockages in sanitary laterals. Conclusions Staff are supportive of the recommendations provided by the City of Kitchener and Ryerson University regarding single use disposal wipes. Further advocacy should be directed to Environment and Climate Change Canada in order to appropriately address the product labelling issue of “Flushable Wipes” at a national level. Doing so will address ongoing concerns related to municipal sewage infrastructure and the environment. SIGNATURES Report Author: Original signed by: Don Ford, BA, CMMIII, C.Tech. Manager of Water and Wastewater Services Departmental Approval: Original signed by: David Simpson, P.Eng., PMP Director of Public Works Approved for submission: Original signed by: Peter M. Crockett, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Ryerson University Study, March 31, 2019 Attachment 2: City of Kitchener Council Resolution, September 5, 2019 Page 18 of 107 Final Report Prepared for: Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use Group of Canada Prepared by: Anum Khan, Barry Orr and Darko Joksimovic March 31 2019 Report No. PW 2020-02 Attachment No. 1 Page 19 of 107 i Abstract Evolving ‘flushability’ definitions for consumer products have been introduced over the last decade and a half against a backdrop of a rising number of issues in municipal wastewater systems caused by products that should not be disposed via toilets. This report seeks to shed light on the characteristics of a wide range of consumers’ products and guidance on their disposal. The focus is on products that, if inappropriately disposed in toilets, may cause in issues ranging from clogged pumps, drainline and sewer blockages, and their untreated discharge to lakes and rivers due to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and backups. A systematic approach was undertaken to collect data for over a hundred consumer products from ten different product categories. Consumer products were tested for toilet and drainline clearance, disintegration under the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) specification, and fibre composition. Additionally, an evaluation of product package labelling was performed to determine the degree to which the manufacturers are adhering to the Code of Practice criteria issued by the nonwoven products industry associations for labelling products that do not pass the flushability assessment. Given that most consumer products tested during this project do not sufficiently disintegrate under the IWSFG specification, this report presents a practical approach to tackling the problem around products that may misleadingly and incorrectly be labelled ‘flushable’. The importance of adhering to the industry Code of Practice for package labelling and the IWSFG flushability specification Is stressed, as well as the need for these to be adopted as standards rather than voluntary measures. Page 20 of 107 ii Acknowledgements This project was funded by the Municipal Enforcement Sewer Use Group of Canada (MESUG). We thank MESUG for showing their support throughout the duration of this project by providing insight and expertise that greatly assisted the research. We would like to thank Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) for facilitating the funds associated with this project. We would also like to express our gratitude to Robin Luong, the technical staff in the Department of Civil Engineering at Ryerson University. His efforts in aiding in this project, including the construction of the slosh box and assistance with innumerable technical issues, greatly improved the outcomes. We thank the Ryerson University Analytical Centre (RUAC) technical specialist and RUAC coordinator, Shawn McFadden, for providing access and training on the analytical laboratory instrumentation and software, enabling us to carry out additional assessments that were not initially considered in this project. We would also like to thank all those who have visited the Water Resources Engineering Laboratory at Ryerson University while the project was in progress. Their comments and helpful suggestions resulted in improvements in the testing apparatus and project objectives. Finally, we would also like to thank MESUG and CWWA members for their valuable comments on this project. Page 21 of 107 iii Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................................... i Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... ii Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ iv Table of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. iv 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Objectives, Scope, and Purpose ....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 2 2. Product Inventory ................................................................................................................................. 3 2.1 Products Tested ............................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 Statement on the Industry Code of Practice for Nonwoven Wipes ............................................. 5 3. Results ................................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Drainline Clearance ....................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 IWSFG Disintegration Testing ....................................................................................................... 7 3.3 Fibre Composition ....................................................................................................................... 10 3.4 Adherence to Package Labelling ................................................................................................. 10 4. Conclusions and Recommendations ................................................................................................... 13 4.1 Main Findings .............................................................................................................................. 13 4.1.1 Drainline Clearance ............................................................................................................. 13 4.1.2 Disintegration Testing ......................................................................................................... 13 4.1.3 Fibre Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 13 4.1.4 Package Labelling ................................................................................................................ 14 4.2 Amended Methodology for IWSFG PAS 3 (2018) ....................................................................... 14 4.3 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 16 References .................................................................................................................................................. 18 Appendix A - Detailed List of 101 Consumer Products Tested ................................................................... 19 Appendix B - Summary of Products Evaluated for Fibre Composition ....................................................... 26 Page 22 of 107 iv Table of Figures Figure 1- Universal DNF Symbol .................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2- Overview and Labelling Summary of Products Tested within Each Category ............................... 3 Figure 3- Graphical Representation of Package Labelling ............................................................................ 4 Figure 4- Manufacturing Countries of Products Tested ................................................................................ 4 Figure 5- Schematic of Average Number of Flushes per Product Category.................................................. 6 Figure 6-Distribution of Average Number of Flushes per Product Category ................................................ 7 Figure 7- Graphical Representation of 'Flushable' Products' Performance .................................................. 8 Figure 8- Graphical Representation of Products Deemed PASS or FAIL ....................................................... 9 Figure 9- Example of Cleaning Wipe Disintegration After Testing................................................................ 9 Figure 10- Example of Bathroom Tissue Disintegration After Testing .......................................................... 9 Figure 11- Schematic of Proposed Amendments to IWSFG PAS 3 (2018) Methodology ........................... 15 Table of Tables Table 1- Summary of Product Disintegration................................................................................................ 8 Table 2-Fibre Composition of Select Product Samples ............................................................................... 11 Table 3- Product Adherence to Package Labelling...................................................................................... 12 Page 23 of 107 1 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 1. Introduction Many consumer products are currently available that are marketed and labelled as being ‘flushable’, and more such products are continually introduced to the public (global annual growth of 5.4% is reported by ResearchAndMarkets.com, for example). In addition to providing confusing labeling to consumers, such as “flushable”, “biodegradable”, “eco-friendly” and “natural”, the composition of these products is quite diverse and not entirely disclosed to both consumers and the wastewater industry. Concurrently, sewer system operators are reporting a growing problem that involves consumer products, resulting in sewer and pump station blockages due to the lack of dispersion of these ‘flushable’ products under normal operating conditions. While the manufacturers’ associations have developed guidance for assessing both the flushability and labelling of their products (INDA and EDANA, 2018), it is not clear to what extent the manufacturers have adopted and are adhering to these recommendations. Thus, a comprehensive study of ‘flushable’ products to cover a wide range of products was required. The International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG), comprised of water associations, utilities, and professionals seeking to provide clear guidance on what should and should not be flushed down the toilet, has recently finalized the flushability specifications for products that are marketed as safe to flush down the toilet (IWSFG, 2018a). The IWSFG specifications are recent and many products are yet to be tested to assess their performance. 1.1 Project Objectives, Scope, and Purpose The main objective of this project was to conduct flushability testing of many consumer products in accordance with the recently released IWSFG Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1: 2018 (IWSFG 2018b). The project aimed to incorporate a variety of products to include toilet tissue, facial tissue, moist wipes labelled flushable and ‘Do Not Flush’, toddler wipes, baby wipes, and some other items that have been labelled flushable, such as toilet cleaning brushes, dog poop bags, and diaper liners. The IWSFG criteria are grouped into five categories: environmental protection, toilet and drain line clearance, disintegration, settling, and biodisintegration. This project focused on three of these criteria (IWSFG 2018b) due to budgetary reasons, with a view of implementing other tests in the longer term: 1. Drain line clearance – as outlined in INDA/EDANA 2013, FG501: Toilet and Drainline Clearance Test 2. Disintegration – as outlined in IWSFG 2018: PAS 3 Disintegration Test Methods – Slosh Box 3. Environmental protection – according to TAPPI/ANSI Test Method T 401, Fiber Analysis of Paper and Paperboard. An additional objective, added during the course of the project, was to conduct an evaluation of the adherence of tested product package labelling to the INDA/EDANA voluntary guidance (INDA and EDANA, 2018). Broader goals of the project are to: 1) raise public awareness regarding appropriate disposal methods of products that may misleadingly and incorrectly be labelled ‘flushable’, 2) provide valuable evidence to municipal wastewater system managers on the disintegration and potential environmental impacts of products following the current, international testing specifications, and 3) facilitate the continuance of evidence-based dialogue between IWSFG and manufacturers. Page 24 of 107 2 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 1.2 Methodology The testing in this project followed the IWSFG PAS 3: 2018 Disintegration Test Methods—Slosh Box (IWSFG, 2018c). In the testing, the two criteria - toilet and drainline clearance and disintegration, required two fundamental steps: 1) Preconditioning, and 2) Agitation. These fundamental steps were performed for each of the products tested. A complete test for each product required 5 samples. A physical model consisting of a toilet (6/4.1L) and a private drain connection was set up in the Water Resources laboratory in the Department of Civil Engineering at Ryerson University. The preconditioning step consisted of flushing a product sample down the toilet and allowing it to remain at the end of the drainline in a catch basket for a 30-minute period. However, if the product sample did not clear the drainline in the first flush, additional flushes were used subsequently at 5-minute intervals until the product reached the downstream end of the drain, for a maximum of six flushes. The purpose of this fundamental step was to enable the hydraulic forces and interaction between the water and product to rinse the sample of its lotions. Once the preconditioning step was complete, the sample was transferred from the catch basket to the slosh box. With the sample inside, the slosh box was continuously tilted at 110 ± 0.50 on either side for a 30-minute period for each product sample. The agitation step was performed using a slosh box with specified parameters (IWSFG, 2018c). Parameters such as the tilt angle, and rotations per minute of the oscillating motor were calibrated accordingly. The variables considered in the design of the slosh box, such as Reynold’s number of 20,000 and 4-litres of water at 150C ± 10C, were designed to be closely representative of conditions in existing municipal wastewater collection systems, as per IWSFG (2018c). Finally, a test report detailing the variables and constraints used for calculations as specified in IWSFG (2018c). Page 25 of 107 3 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 2. Product Inventory The comprehensive list detailing all 101 products tested during this project is provided in Appendix A. The selection of products was intended to be representative of consumer products found across local stores in Southern Ontario or available online for purchase to a consumer located in Southern Ontario and may vary considerably in different geographic regions. This section of the report presents various summaries regarding product categories and subcategories, package labelling, and information about manufacturers. The universal ‘Do Not Flush (DNF)’ symbol referred to in the succeeding section of this report is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1- Universal DNF Symbol 2.1 Products Tested Figure 2 shows the number of products tested in each of the 10 categories displayed. Cleansing wipes represent the largest proportion of products tested, and almost half of the products tested within this category are labelled as ‘flushable’. While some product packages display a DNF statement and symbol, others display either the statement or the symbol, or neither. Figure 2- Overview and Labelling Summary of Products Tested within Each Category 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 18 11 4 14 5 32 3 3 6 5 Number of ProductsProduct Category Total Count Displays 'Do not Flush' Symbol Says 'Do not Flush'Labelled 'Flushable' Page 26 of 107 4 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Figure 3 summarizes the usage of the three package labelling statements— ‘flushable’, DNF, and the DNF symbol, across all products tested. Although these products appear alike visually, and may be indistinguishable to a consumer, about a third of the products are labelled ‘flushable’ while a third are labelled ‘DNF’. Figure 3- Graphical Representation of Package Labelling Figure 4 is a graphical representation indicating the various manufacturing countries of the products tested in this project, which include countries across multiple continents, including Asia, Europe, and North America. As represented in Figure 4, the majority of the 101 products tested in this project were manufactured in the USA. As aforementioned, the inventory for this project was designed to be representative of consumer products found across local stores and available for purchase to a consumer in Southern Ontario. Figure 4- Manufacturing Countries of Products Tested 25% 33% 33% Displays 'Do not Flush' Symbol Says 'Do not Flush'Labelled 'Flushable' 12 17 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 61 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Total Number of ProductsManufacturing Country Page 27 of 107 5 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 2.2 Statement on the Industry Code of Practice for Nonwoven Wipes The industry Code of Practice set forth by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA) has been developed in collaboration with various associations, including major North American water and wastewater associations, member and staff representatives from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) (INDA and EDANA, 2017). The intent of the Code of Practice (CoP) is to direct manufacturers to make it evident on product packaging to not flush products that could be problematic for wastewater systems but have the potential to be flushed down the toilet by consumers. Additionally, it was designed to direct manufacturers to clearly indicate the appropriate disposal method of the product on its packaging. The Code of Practice is summarized in a decision tree to indicate whether a product is required to display a DNF symbol. The decision tree indicates that for a product to be ‘flushable’, it must pass an appropriate flushability assessment. It is pointed out that the word appropriate here refers to the current guidance document (GD) 4 testing criteria, which has not been accepted by wastewater professionals in North America, and may not be as robust as other wastewater industry specifications (e.g. UKWIR and IWSFG). Aside from making it evident on product packaging, the CoP directs manufacturers to perform flushability testing on all of their consumer products. Additionally, the CoP provides on-pack consumer criteria for manufacturers, which includes the location, colour, size, wording, and CoP implementation timing of the DNF symbol. The symbol to be used to indicate that the product should not be flushed is the universal DNF symbol shown previously in Figure 1. Using the industry CoP, each of the 101 products tested during this project were systematically examined for adherence to package labelling guidance. The results and analysis of this procedure are presented in Section 3.4 of this report. Page 28 of 107 6 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 3. Results 3.1 Drainline Clearance As per the procedure in the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c), product samples were required to clear the drainline within a 30-minute period. The drainline used in the apparatus of this project was 20 metres in length and consisted of 75mm and 100mm PVC pipes with two 90-degree elbow fittings. Some products were conveyed out of the drainline within the allotted time while others remained inside the drainline. Products that did not clear the drainline within one flush were flushed subsequently every 5-minutes until they cleared the drainline, for a maximum of 6 flushes within 30-minutes. Heavier products, such as those within the product categories of baby wipes, cleaning cloth, cleaning wipes, cleansing cloth, cleansing wipes, diaper liners, and paper towel, often required multiple flushes to clear the line. Figure 5 shown below depicts the average number of flushes per product category, with cleaning cloth showing about 4 flushes on average as the maximum and bathroom tissue showing just below 2 flushes on average as the minimum between the ten product categories tested. Products with a slightly lower mass, such as those within the product categories of bathroom tissue, dog waste bags, and facial tissue, often cleared the drainline in 1-2 flushes. Products that required another flush or two would normally flow past the two elbow fittings and stop quarter-way through the drainline at about 5 metres. Figure 5- Schematic of Average Number of Flushes per Product Category Figure 6 indicates the percentage of products in each category that required x number of flushes. The figure shows that 100% of diaper liners and dog waste bags required 2 flushes to clear the drainline, whereas 80% of cleaning cloth products required more than 2 flushes to clear the drainline. Some baby wipes required more than 5 flushes to clear the drainline. 0 1 2 3 4 Baby Wipes Bathroom Tissue Cleaning Cloth Cleaning Wipes Cleansing Cloth Cleansing Wipes Diaper Liners Dog Waste Bags Facial Tissue Paper Towel Page 29 of 107 7 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Figure 6-Distribution of Average Number of Flushes per Product Category 3.2 IWSFG Disintegration Testing As mentioned in Section 1.2, test reports for each of the 101 products were generated using the template provided in IWSFG PAS 3: Disintegration Test Methods—Slosh Box (2018). Amendments were made to the methodology specified in the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c) and are presented in the latter of this report. Each test report contains information specific to the five test samples used per product. The results from the testing performed in accordance with the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c) are summarized through the figures and tables presented in this section. Table 1 shows that only 17 out of the 101 products tested showed some visible evidence of disintegration. From these 17 products, 11 products fully disintegrated. However, all 11 of these products were from the bathroom tissue category. Other products, such as cleansing cloths, cleansing wipes, facial tissues, and paper towels partially disintegrated, whereas products from the categories of baby wipes, cleaning cloths, cleaning wipes, diaper liners, and dog waste bags did not show any evidence of disintegration. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%Baby WipesBathroom TissueCleaning ClothCleaning WipesCleansing ClothCleansing WipesDiaper LinersDog Waste BagsFacial TissuePaper TowelPercent of products testedProduct Category 1 2 3 4 5 >5 Page 30 of 107 8 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Table 1- Summary of Product Disintegration Product Category Number of Evaluated Product that Fully or Partially Disintegrated % of Products that Fully or Partially Disintegrated* Baby Wipes 0/18 0.0 Bathroom Tissues 11/11 100.0 Cleaning Cloths 0/4 0.0 Cleaning Wipes 0/14 0.0 Cleansing Cloths 1/5 20.0 Cleansing Wipes 1/32 3.125 Diaper Liners 0/3 0.0 Dog Waste Bags 0/3 0.0 Facial Tissues 3/6 50.0 Paper Towels 1/5 20.0 Total 17 * A summation of the % of material passing for 5 test repetitions, as per PAS3 specification. Figure 7 shows the proportion of products labelled ‘flushable’ that disintegrated. While a total of 23 out of 101 products tested are labelled ‘flushable’, only 2 products partially disintegrate, and none of these 23 products fully disintegrate. Bathroom tissue is not included in this count of 23 consumer products. It should be noted that bathroom tissue is not labelled ‘flushable’ but is used as a comparison to show that it fully disintegrates. Moreover, from the 101 products assessed for flushability, 90 (out of 101) products were deemed as FAIL (see Figure 8) according to the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c), as the specification states that at least 95% or more of the material must pass through a specified sieve to be classified as a PASS (IWSFG, 2018). As stated previously and reiterated below in Figure 8, only 11 (out of 101) products fully disintegrated and were classified as a PASS and all of the products that passed were toilet tissue controls. Figure 7- Graphical Representation of 'Flushable' Products' Performance 2 21 Products Labelled 'Flushable' that Partially Disintegrate Products Labelled 'Flushable' that do not Disintegrate Page 31 of 107 9 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Figure 8- Graphical Representation of Products Deemed PASS or FAIL To illustrate the degree in variance of product disintegration during the agitation period (see Section 1.2 for a brief overview of the preconditioning and agitation periods of testing), figures representing two different consumer products labelled ‘flushable’ are presented below. Figure 9 shows a cleansing wipe labelled ‘flushable’ at the end of the 30-minute agitation period. It is visibly evident that this cleansing wipe does not show even partial disintegration. On the other hand, figure 10 is an image of toilet tissue acquired before the 30-minute agitation period of the disintegration test was complete. It is visibly evident that the toilet tissue had disintegrated before starting the test. The time recorded in the slosh box for this product to fully disintegrate was 3 minutes and 24 seconds. From the products tested during this project, 89.1% of products remained fully intact after the completed disintegration test. Hence, majority of the products were classified as a FAIL according to the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c). 11% 89% PASS FAIL Figure 9- Example of Cleaning Wipe Disintegration After Testing Figure 10- Example of Bathroom Tissue Disintegration After Testing Page 32 of 107 10 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 3.3 Fibre Composition As the third objective of this project, an analysis was conducted on the fibre composition of a select number of consumer products. The complete list detailing the 20 products evaluated for fibre composition is provided in Appendix B. Based on the testing results shown in Table 2, the most prevalent fibre type amongst the 20 products evaluated was softwood. The dominant regenerated cellulose material amongst the consumer products evaluated was rayon, whereas the recessive material used was lyocell. From additional research, an estimation of 20-35% composition of polypropylene was made for products #6 and #11, as shown in the table on the following page. Overall, 75% of the consumer products evaluated for fibre composition in this project contain at least one type of man-made material—synthetic or regenerated cellulosic material. Nonwovens’ industry claims that the volume of nonwovens converted into wipes for consumer and industrial applications will rise 6.3% per year from 1.20 million tons in 2018 to 1.63 million tons in 2023 (Steed and Pira, 2018). Given this trend, manufacturers may be increasing the usage of regenerated cellulose and synthetic materials in consumer products to make them more durable. 3.4 Adherence to Package Labelling It is important to note that the industry Code of Practice is currently a voluntary measure. However, because it is evident that manufacturers have been making flushability claims on product packaging, it is plausible to state that the Code of Practice may be followed by manufacturers. The systematic approach to determine whether the products tested adhered to the package labelling criteria utilize the decision tree, exampled in the Code of Practice. Table 3 shows the percentages of each category where a DNF symbol was required versus the percentages of those products which met the specified criteria. As evident from Table 3, specific categories like baby wipes, cleansing wipes, and diaper liners, required that all their products display a DNF symbol. However, none of the products tested adhered to the criteria for package labelling in the Code of Practice, including those which were required to display the symbol. The results indicate that there is a great deal of inconsistency with package labelling as there are varying percentage compositions that display a DNF symbol. Some product categories, such as cleansing cloths, dog waste bags, facial tissue, and paper towel displayed a DNF symbol even though the criteria do not specify that such is required. Other categories like diaper liners, where 100% of the products are required to display a DNF symbol, showed that none of the products displayed a DNF symbol. Page 33 of 107 11 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Table 2-Fibre Composition of Select Product Samples Product # % Fibre Type Natural Man-Made Softwood Hardwood Cotton Regenerated Synthetics Lyocell Rayon Polyester Polypropylene 1 Baby wipe (flushable) 70.5 1.1 28.4 2 Baby wipe (flushable) 75.8 0.3 23.9 3 Baby wipe (DNF) 24 20.8 55.2 4 Baby wipe (DNF) 34 35.5 5 Baby wipe (DNF) 64.5 35.5 6 Baby wipe (DNF) 20-35 estimate 7 Baby wipe (DNF) 29 71 8 Bathroom tissue 41.6 58.4 9 Cleansing wipe (DNF) 100 10 Cleansing cloth (Flush) 99 1 11 Cleansing wipe (DNF) 20-35 estimate 12 Cleansing wipe (Flush) 61.8 0.4 37.8 13 Cleansing cloth (Flush) 73.6 0.1 12.4 14 14 Cleansing cloth (Flush) 59.1 0.2 40.8 15 Cleansing cloth (Flush) 70.7 1.4 27.8 16 Denture wipe (DNF) 87.2 12.8 17 Diaper liner (flush) 100 18 Diaper liner (flush) 100 19 Facial tissue (DNF) 30.1 69.9 20 Paper towel 62.7 37.3 Total count of product tested containing fibre type 11 10 1 5 9 4 1 Page 34 of 107 12 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Table 3- Product Adherence to Package Labelling The following is a statement extracted from the INDA and EDANA Code of Practice (2017): “Because of consumer confusion, it is highly recommended and strongly encouraged that Baby Wipes should not be marketed as ‘Flushable’, and all Baby Wipes are required to display the DNF symbol both on the top or front panel of the package visible to the consumer “on shelf” without the consumer having to touch the package, and also a DNF symbol reasonably visible near the point where individual wipes are taken out of their container”. From this statement, it can be gathered that regardless of how a baby wipe product performs based on a flushability assessment, it is required to display a DNF symbol. As an example, 56% of baby wipes tested in this project, as presented in the Table 3, displayed a DNF symbol. As mentioned on the previous page, the Code of Practice states specific on-pack consumer information regarding the location, colour, size, wording, and timing of the DNF symbol. For example, the symbol should not be obscured by packaging seals/folds or obscured by other package design elements (INDA and EDANA, 2017). Based on the on-pack consumer information, these baby wipes did not meet the criteria due to a lack of adherence to visual criteria, and failure to meet other specifications. A key visual observation made during the evaluation of product adherence to package labelling was that although 19 products displayed a DNF symbol, the symbol failed the stated criteria because of several reasons. These reasons may have included the following:  DNF symbol appears on plastic wrapper that is designed for removal prior to product usage in which case, DNF symbol is not visible to user after wrapper has been discarded  DNF symbol is either too small or hidden  DNF symbol is displayed under the product fold  Symbol displayed is not the universal DNF symbol Product Category % of products that require a DNF symbol % of products that display a DNF symbol % of products that meet DNF symbol criteria Baby Wipes 100 56 0 Bathroom Tissue 0 Cleaning Cloths 25 75 0 Cleaning Wipes 86 15 0 Cleansing Cloths 20 Cleansing Wipes 100 26 0 Diaper Liners 100 0 0 Dog Waste Bags 0 Facial Tissue 17 Paper Towel 0 *Note Greyed out cell indicates that based on Code of Practice, product category does not require a DNF symbol or is out of scope (used for comparison only) Page 35 of 107 13 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 4. Conclusions and Recommendations 4.1 Main Findings The key conclusions are formulated based on the quantitative and qualitative data gathered, observations stated, and analyses presented throughout this report. This project included an inventory of over a hundred consumer products, representative of the variety present on store shelves in Southern Ontario and/or online, and aimed to incorporate a variety of products based on their potential to be flushed. However, there exists countless other products in the consumer market that remain untested and unaccounted for with regards to flushability assessments. The findings presented below are based on the portion of consumer products tested in this project only. 4.1.1 Drainline Clearance Most of the products tested for drainline clearance did not clear the drainline in a single flush, sometimes requiring up to six 6-L flushes. Low-flush toilets consume a significantly smaller amount of water and may be utilized in various residences, including homes and residential buildings, for water efficiency. As observed during the FG501: Toilet and Drainline Clearance Test, the consumer products took several flushes to clear the drainline with a higher volume flush. There is an even higher potential for clogging with low-flow toilets. Lower water flows pose challenges such as less reliable wastewater transportation and frequent clogging in drainage systems (Shuaeb and Han, 2017). Therefore, a consumer product that is potentially incompatible with toilets and plumbing systems may cause delays and blockages in transport to larger sewage conveyance systems (INDA and EDANA, 2018). Although the data on causes of drainline blockages are scarce, these types of blockages remain as a significant cost burden on municipalities due to the need to respond to many of these calls for service by utility customers. For example, a quick review of the published City of Toronto 311 data indicates that close to 10,000 events labelled “Sewer Service Line-Blocked” were reported annually over the 2010-2018 period. 4.1.2 Disintegration Testing The flushability assessment based on IWSFG PAS 3: Disintegration Test Methods—Slosh Box showed that bathroom tissue disintegrated within the test time as specified, while some products showed no visible evidence of disintegration (IWSFG, 2018c). Some of the bathroom tissue tested partially disintegrated during the preconditioning period of the test. All bathroom tissue tested fully disintegrated before the end of the 30-minute agitation period. Overall, none of the products labelled ‘flushable’ disintegrated within the allotted time to an extent required to pass the test. 4.1.3 Fibre Analysis From the sample of twenty products drawn from the total of 101 products tested for other criteria and tested for fibre composition, 75% of the test products contain durable man-made material. These synthetics may be hazardous to the natural environment because of their potential to exist in local water bodies by means of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) where such sewers exist. It is important to note that as mentioned previously, the trend in increasing consumption of wet wipes and other such consumer products may result in the production of stronger and more durable versions of these products. Since synthetics may be used as binders in consumers products like wet wipes, the presence of synthetics in Page 36 of 107 14 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use evolving consumer products may be at a rise. In other words, the increasing consumption of consumer products may indicate a growing number of these products in wastewater collection systems. 4.1.4 Package Labelling Although it is evident that efforts have been made by manufacturers to distinguish products that are ‘flushable’ from those that are not, it appears that there is no significant distinction in product composition based on the TAPPI/ANSI Test Method T 401, Fibre Analysis of Paper and Paperboard. The similarity in the visual aspect of these consumer products along with the inconsistency in package labelling may be a source of confusion for consumers. The confusion around which products are flushable and those which are not is a growing concern for many reasons. The lack of awareness around flushing habits may result in an inability to effectively treat the products prior to their release to the environment and result in sewer overflows that can impact public health and the environment (IWSFG, 2018a). Currently, different versions of flushability specifications are provided by various industries and associations (e.g. UK Water Industry 2019, IWSFG 2018, INDA/EDANA 2018a), which are not consistent with each other. Although these specifications have the shared view on the importance of proper disposal of consumer products, variability between them may be a cause for variability in disintegration performance of consumer products by some manufacturers (UK Water Industry, 2019). 4.2 Amended Methodology for IWSFG PAS 3 (2018) While this application of the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c) serves to provide thorough quantitative data for consumer products labelled ‘flushable’, it may be worthwhile to exclude some steps of the procedure under time constraints. As an example, for 82.2% of the products tested, it was visually evident whether the sample disintegrated or not. As aforementioned, many of the products remained fully intact and this was clear through a visual speculation. Therefore, a visual observation may be enough to classify a product as a PASS or FAIL. In this case, the steps detailing the weighing process for the initial dry mass of the samples and the oven drying process for the dry mass of the samples may be eliminated. Moreover, recording the weights of the samples can often become tedious given the number of times the masses are to be recorded. It may be best to include the weighing process only when products show evidence of disintegration. This does not cause any delays in the procedure as the masses are to be recorded after the testing has been performed. Hence, no repetition of procedure would be necessary. Presented on the following page is a schematic detailing an amended methodology for the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c). The methodology presented is mainly the same as that presented in the PAS 3 (IWSFG, 2018c) with slight modifications. The schematic outlines the procedure for one product sample. However, the procedure should be repeated for five sequential product samples to obtain the total dry mass of the retained material from the sieve and an additional five product samples to obtain the initial dry mass, where necessary. Page 37 of 107 15 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Figure 11- Schematic of Proposed Amendments to IWSFG PAS 3 (2018) Methodology Page 38 of 107 16 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 4.3 Recommendations The following recommendations are made based on the results of the testing conducted in this project: 1. Raise public awareness around flushing habits. Though many Canadian municipalities have spent time, money, and resources developing and delivering educational programs detailing what is and what is not flushable, the problem may be related to a lack of awareness (Orr, 2013). An increase in public awareness of appropriate disposal methods, combined with current efforts, may result in consumers taking more care when disposing these products in order to prevent blockages in their homes which result in inconvenience and expense to the homeowner. 2. Eliminate the use of the word ‘flushable’ on consumer products. The use of the word ‘flushable’ indicates that a product is safe for wastewater collection systems. However, based on the results presented in this report, it is evident that none of the products other than bathroom tissue are ‘flushable’. Therefore, eliminating the use of the word ‘flushable’ from consumer products can help to reduce, if not eliminate, the presence of these products in wastewater collection systems, treatment plants, and the natural environment. 3. Advocate and provide support to government bodies to include the IWSFG specification, and the INDA/EDANA Code of Practice into legislation (IWSFG, 2018c; INDA and EDANA, 2017). Many of the consumer products tested during this project were manufactured outside of North America in countries such as China, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Poland, and Thailand. The need for a global definition of a ‘flushable’ product exists and it is vital that it be brought into legislation in an effort to combat misconceptions around consumer products that may exist internationally. 4. Monitor and communicate with manufacturers and their associations (e.g. INDA, EDANA) to ensure policies and guidance are followed. As mentioned in the Introduction of this report, it is unclear to what extent manufacturers are practicing appropriate methodology in determining the flushability of consumer products as well as their labelling. Regulation of specifications in place may help to ensure that consumer products are correctly labelled with a ‘Do Not Flush’ statement or DNF symbol. 5. Increase efforts to collect the information on the causes of reported sewer blockages. Studies often cited to indicate the low content of ‘flushable’ wipes in sewer systems are hardly representative of the potential impacts of many consumer products that are being flushed on the entire sewerage system, starting from private drains to wastewater treatment plants. Work orders completed by crews responding to sewer blockages often contain valuable information on the potential causes, and these should be collected and processed to gain further insight. In the longer term, a methodology needs to be developed to collect the information on blockage causes in a more systematic and easy way in order to better understand this issue and aid in developing effective control alternatives. Page 39 of 107 17 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use 6. Continue the testing of consumer products with manufacturers’ input. The current study should be expanded to include the testing of products sold in other jurisdictions, as well as other consumer products such as feminine hygiene products, kitty litter, and dental floss. The consumer products that are of interest here undergo changes in terms of the manufacturing process and materials used, and these should be accounted for through closer communication with manufacturers and possible re-testing. In addition, the products that pass the drainline and disintegration tests should be subjected to the remaining tests under the IWSFG Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1: 2018 (IWSFG 2018b). Page 40 of 107 18 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use References Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and The European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA). (2017). CODE OF PRACTICE: Communicating Appropriate Disposal Pathways for Nonwoven Wipes to Protect Wastewater Systems, Second Edition 2017. Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and The European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA). (2018). Guidelines for Assessing the Flushability and Disposable Nonwoven Products. International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG). (2018a). IWSFG Flushability Specifications. http://iwsfg.org/iwsfg-flushability-specification (accessed 31 January 2019) International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG). (2018b). Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1: 2018 Criteria for Recognition as a Flushable Product. International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG). (2018c). Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 3: 2018 Disintegration Test Methods—Slosh Box. Orr, B (2013). The Toilet Toll. Water Canada. https://www.watercanada.net/feature/the-toilet-toll/ accessed (31 January 2019) Shuaeb M.A.M., and Han M., (2018). Clogging potential of low-flush toilet branch drain system, Urban Water Journal, 15:1, 68 74, DOI: 10.1080/1573062X.2017.1395898 Steed, J and Pira, S, (2018). Four Trends Shaping the Future of Nonwoven Wipe Demand. Nonwovens Industry since 1970. 2019 Rodman Media. https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/issues/2018- 4/view_features/four-trends-shaping-the-future-of-nonwoven-wipe-demand accessed (05 February 2019) TAPPI (2018). Fiber analysis of paper and paperboard TAPPI/ANSI Test Method T401 om-15. TAPPI. UK Water Industry (2019). Fine to Flush: Specification for a Testing Methodology to Determine Whether a Product is Suitable for Disposal Through a Drain or Sewer System. Fine to Flush, 1:1, 30. Water UK. Page 41 of 107 19 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Appendix A - Detailed List of 101 Consumer Products Tested Page 42 of 107 20 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Product # Product Category Manufacturing Country Do Not Flush Logo? Says Do Not Flush? Labelled Flushable? Pass Rate Pass/Fail 1 Baby Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 2 Baby Wipes Poland No No Yes 0 Fail 3 Baby Wipes China No No No 0 Fail 4 Baby Wipes Poland Yes No No 0 Fail 5 Baby Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 6 Baby Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 7 Baby Wipes China No No No 0 Fail 8 Baby Wipes USA Yes No No 0 Fail 9 Baby Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 10 Baby Wipes Israel No No No 0 Fail 11 Baby Wipes China Yes No No 0 Fail 12 Baby Wipes USA Yes No No 0 Fail 13 Baby Wipes USA No Yes 0 Fail 14 Baby Wipes UK Yes No No 0 Fail 15 Baby Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 16 Baby Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 17 Baby Wipes USA Yes No No 0 Fail 18 Baby Wipes Ireland Yes Yes No 0 Fail 19 Bathroom Tissue China No No Yes 100 Pass Page 43 of 107 21 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Product # Product Category Manufacturing Country Do Not Flush Logo? Says Do Not Flush? Labelled Flushable? Pass Rate Pass/Fail 20 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 21 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 22 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 23 Bathroom Tissue USA No No Yes 100 Pass 24 Bathroom Tissue USA No No Yes 100 Pass 25 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 26 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 27 Bathroom Tissue USA No No Yes 100 Pass 28 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 29 Bathroom Tissue Canada No No Yes 100 Pass 30 Cleaning Cloth China Yes Yes No 0 Fail 31 Cleaning Cloth USA Yes No No 0 Fail 32 Cleaning Cloth Canada Yes Yes No 0 Fail 33 Cleaning Pad Thailand No No Yes 0 Fail 34 Cleaning Wipes China No No Yes 0 Fail 35 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 36 Cleaning Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 37 Cleaning Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail Page 44 of 107 22 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Product # Product Category Manufacturing Country Do Not Flush Logo? Says Do Not Flush? Labelled Flushable? Pass Rate Pass/Fail 38 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 39 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 40 Cleaning Wipes USA No No No 0 Fail 41 Cleaning Wipes USA No No No 0 Fail 42 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 43 Cleaning Wipes USA No No No 0 Fail 44 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 45 Cleaning Wipes China No No No 0 Fail 46 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 47 Cleaning Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 48 Cleansing Cloth USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 49 Cleansing Cloth USA No Yes No 0 Fail 50 Cleansing Cloth USA No Yes No 0 Fail 51 Cleansing Cloth USA No No Yes 34.98 Fail 52 Cleansing Cloth China No Yes No 0 Fail 53 Cleansing Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 54 Cleansing Wipes USA No Yes No 0 Fail 55 Cleansing Wipes USA Yes No No 0 Fail Page 45 of 107 23 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Product # Product Category Manufacturing Country Do Not Flush Logo? Says Do Not Flush? Labelled Flushable? Pass Rate Pass/Fail 56 Cleansing Wipes USA Yes No No 0 Fail 57 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 48.67 Fail 58 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 59 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 60 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 61 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 62 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 63 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 64 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 65 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 66 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 67 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 68 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 69 Cleansing Wipes USA No No Yes 0 Fail 70 Cleansing Wipes Italy No Yes No 0 Fail 71 Cleansing Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 72 Cleansing Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 73 Cleansing Wipes Italy No No No 0 Fail 74 Cleansing Wipes USA No yes no 0 Fail Page 46 of 107 24 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Product # Product Category Manufacturing Country Do Not Flush Logo? Says Do Not Flush? Labelled Flushable? Pass Rate Pass/Fail 75 Cleansing Wipes China No Yes No 0 Fail 76 Cleansing Wipes China No Yes No 0 Fail 77 Cleansing Wipes USA No No No 0 Fail 78 Cleansing Wipes UK Yes Yes No 0 Fail 79 Cleansing Wipes USA No yes no 0 Fail 80 Cleansing Wipes Germany No No No 0 Fail 81 Cleansing Wipes USA Yes Yes No 0 Fail 82 Cleansing Wipes Korea Yes No No 0 Fail 83 Cleansing Wipes China No No No 0 Fail 84 Cleansing Wipes China No No No 0 Fail 85 Diaper Liners USA No No Yes 0 Fail 86 Diaper Liners China No No Yes 0 Fail 87 Diaper Liners USA No No Yes 0 Fail 88 Dog Waste Bags China No No Yes 0 Fail 89 Dog Waste Bags China No No No 0 Fail 90 Dog Waste Bags USA No No No 0 Fail 91 Facial Tissue USA No No No 0 Fail 92 Facial Tissue China No No No 68.23 Fail Page 47 of 107 25 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Product # Product Category Manufacturing Country Do Not Flush Logo? Says Do Not Flush? Labelled Flushable? Pass Rate Pass/Fail 93 Facial Tissue Canada No No No 0 Fail 94 Facial Tissue Canada No No No 0 Fail 95 Facial Tissue USA Yes No No 68.25 Fail 96 Facial Tissue China No No No 37.78 Fail 97 Paper Towels USA No No No 0 Fail 98 Paper Towels Canada No No No 37.28 Fail 99 Paper Towels Canada No No No 0 Fail 100 Paper Towels USA No No No 0 Fail 101 Paper Towels USA No No No 0 Fail Page 48 of 107 26 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use Appendix B - Summary of Products Evaluated for Fibre Composition Page 49 of 107 27 Final Report - Defining ‘Flushability’ for Sewer Use ID Product Type Category Subcategory Manufacturing Country 1 Nonwoven Baby Wipes Flushable USA 2 Nonwoven Baby Wipes Flushable Poland 4 Nonwoven Baby Wipes Poland 7 Nonwoven Baby Wipes China 10 Nonwoven Baby Wipes Israel 14 Nonwoven Baby Wipes UK 18 Nonwoven Baby Wipes Ireland 27 Bath/Facial Tissue Bathroom Tissue USA 47 Nonwoven Cleaning Wipes USA 51 Nonwoven Cleansing Cloth Flushable - Body USA 56 Nonwoven Cleansing Wipes Body USA 58 Nonwoven Cleansing Wipes Flushable - Body USA 59 Nonwoven Cleansing Wipes Flushable - Body USA 61 Nonwoven Cleansing Wipes Flushable - Body USA 63 Nonwoven Cleansing Wipes Flushable - Body USA 70 Nonwoven Cleansing Wipes Denture Italy 86 Nonwoven Diaper Liners Flushable China 87 Nonwoven Diaper Liners Flushable USA 95 Bath/Facial Tissue Facial Tissue USA 97 Towel Paper Towels USA Page 50 of 107 CHRISTINE TARLING Director of Legislated Services & City Clerk Corporate Services Department Kitchener City Hall, 2nd Floor 200 King Street West, P.O. Box 1118 Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7 Phone: 519.741.2200 x 7809 Fax: 519.741.2705 christine.tarling@kitchener.ca TTY: 519-741-2385 September 5, 2019 Dear Municipal Colleagues: This is to advise that City Council, at a meeting held on August 26, 2019, passed the following resolution regarding single-use disposable wipes: “WHEREAS in 2018 the City of Kitchener implemented a sustainable funding model Water Infrastructure Project (WIP) for the city’s water, sanitary and stormwater infrastructure to ensure the safe delivery of these valued utilities; and, WHEREAS in 2018 a multi-year initiative approved through the WIP has already improved several key measures of water quality, and proactive maintenance has reduced the risk of flooding in high -risk areas; and, WHEREAS in 2018 the City has already seen a number of impacts due to the implementation of the WIP including: 48% decrease in complaints related to discoloured water; Storm main repairs increased by 27 per cent; 300 metric tonnes of sediment removed from catch basins; and, 2,200 properties protected against backflow and cross-connection contamination; and, WHEREAS Single-use wipes are a $6-billion industry and growing, and are now being advertised as the clean alternative to toilet paper and are safe to flush; and, WHEREAS there is no one standard for what the word “flushable” means; and, WHEREAS Single-use wipes are in fact not safe to flush as they are buoyant; are not biodegradable; and, are unable to break down into small pieces quickly; and, WHEREAS Single-use wipes accumulate in the sewer system and eventually clog the sanitary sewer system costing municipalities hundreds of millions of dollars in additional repairs and maintenance costs each year to municipal sewer systems across the country; a nd, 7.7(e)Report No. PW 2020-02 Attachment No. 2 Page 51 of 107 WHEREAS there is a lack of public awareness of the impact caused by non-flushable wipes being flushed down toilets and consumer education and outreach could play a large part in reducing the impact; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Kitchener lobby the Federal Government, to review regulations related to consumer packaging on single-use wipes to remove the word flushable; and, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada; the Honourable Premier of Ontario; the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; the Local Members of Provincial Parliament; the Region of Waterloo; and, all Municipalities within the Province of Ontario.” Yours truly, C. Tarling Director of Legislated Services & City Clerk Page 52 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 1 of 17 To: Warden and Members of County Council From: Chief Administrative Officer Leading Oxford County to “100% Housed” Future RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That Council be presented for adoption, a resolution committing to achieving “100% Housed in Oxford County” as outlined in Report CAO 2020-01 and provided herein as Attachment 1; 2. And further, that Council support the ongoing refinement and implementation actions of the 100% Housed Plan as outlined in Report CAO 2020-01 and provided herein as Attachment 2; 3. And further, that the Future Oxford Partnership, with support from Oxford County, develop and undertake a community dialogue campaign designed as a rally cry for all Oxford community stakeholders to understand and address the issues, actions and goals presented within the 100% Housed Plan; 4. And further, that private sector investors and community partners be encouraged at every opportunity to look to the issues, goals and actions of the 100% Housed Plan to determine how they might do their part to solve the Oxford housing crisis; 5. And further, that strategic public sector investments in housing related initiatives be identified for Council consideration, including as appropriate, pursuit of provincial and federal funding opportunities; 6. And further, that future annual business plan and budget preparations include strategic public sector housing initiatives in support of the 100% Housed Plan for Council consideration; 7. And further, that Report CAO 2020-01 “Leading Oxford County to a 100% Housed Future” be distributed to Area Municipal Councils for their support; 8. And further, that Area Municipal Councils be asked to adopt through resolution their commitment to achieving “100% Housed in Oxford County” as outlined in Report CAO 2020-01 and provided herein as Attachment 1; 9. And further, that the Hon Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MPP Oxford) and Hon Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing be advised of Oxford County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% Housed in Oxford County. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS  This report releases Oxford County’s 100% Housed Plan for discussion, dialogue, ongoing refinement and implementation; Page 18 of 239Page 53 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 2 of 17  The 100% Housed Plan is not a social housing plan. Rather it is a plan that encompasses the full housing continuum (size, type, tenure and affordability) necessary to meet the needs/demands from homelessness through affordable market rent to median income ownership and everything in between;  The need for transformational change to address persistent housing needs that are upon us, it is time for leadership and action; Oxford County’s commitment to transition to a 100% Housed community is achievable; will significantly benefit our community and economic wellbeing; and, will further establish Oxford County as a recognized leader;  The Oxford approach is to engage, involve, assess and learn from/with our partners and stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally. Implementation Points With the adoption of the report, the Future Oxford Partnership, with the support of Oxford County, will engage the community to work together to facilitate, continually refine, monitor, and report the implementation and achievements of the 100% Housed strategy as presented. Community dialogue will be designed and initiated as a rally cry for all Oxford community stakeholders to understand and address the issues, actions and goals presented within the 100% Housed Plan. The successful implementation of the 100% Housed Plan will require public, community partner and private sector action and investment. Private sector investors and community partners will be encouraged at every opportunity to look to the issues, goals and actions of the 100% Housed Plan to determine how they might do their part to solve the Oxford housing crisis. At the same time, appropriate strategic actions requiring public funding will be presented for Council consideration throughout 2020 and considered ongoing through the annual business plan and budget process. Public funding considerations will include, as appropriate, pursuit of provincial and federal funding opportunities. Financial Impact Adoption of this report does not require any expenditures beyond that approved within the 2020 Business Plan and Budget. Any further strategic financial investment or support required from the County through 2020 will be brought forward to Council for consideration. Going forward beyond 2020, annual business plan and budget development will include further strategic housing investments as appropriate for Council consideration. The Treasurer has reviewed this report and agrees with the financial impact information. Public funding considerations will include, as appropriate, pursuit of provincial and federal funding opportunities. Risks/Implications There are no direct risks to the outcome of this report, however there are a number of implications associated with the continued implementation of the 100% Housed Plan. Page 19 of 239Page 54 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 3 of 17 The transition to a 100% Housed Oxford County will drive significant change that will require perseverance and a continued belief by Council, business and residents of the importance and long-term benefits of a transition to a 100% Housed population. Strategic Plan (2015-2018) County Council adopted the County of Oxford Strategic Plan (2015-2018) at its regular meeting held May 27, 2015. The initiative contained within this report supports the Values and Strategic Directions as set out in the Strategic Plan as it pertains to the following Strategic Directions: 1. ii. A County that Works Together – Enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens by: - Maintaining and strengthening core infrastructure, including affordable housing and fibre optic systems infrastructure - Ensuring a full range of housing type and density options - Implementing a healthy community strategy - Adapting programs, services and facilities to reflect evolving community needs 3. i. A County that Thinks Ahead and Wisely Shapes the Future – Influence federal and provincial policy with implications for the County by: - Advocating for federal and provincial initiatives that are appropriate to our county 3. ii. A County that Thinks Ahead and Wisely Shapes the Future – Implement development policies, land uses and community planning guidelines that: - Provides a policy framework which supports community sustainability, health and well- being - Supports healthy communities within the built environment 3. iii. A County that Thinks Ahead and Wisely Shapes the Future - Demonstrated commitment to sustainability by: - Ensuring that all significant decisions are informed by assessing all options with regard to the community, economic and environmental implications including: o Potential impacts to the vulnerable population in our community o Supporting the community implementation of the Community Sustainability Plan 4. i. A County that Informs and Engages - Harness the power of the community through conversation and dialogue by: - Providing multiple opportunities for public participation and a meaningful voice in civic affairs - Fostering greater involvement in County and community events and/or program/project implementation - Understanding and addressing public aspirations for a more livable community DISCUSSION Background Since June 2015, Oxford County Council has adopted the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan, has become the first municipality in Ontario to commit to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050 (100% Renewable Energy Plan), committed to achieving Zero Waste Page 20 of 239Page 55 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 4 of 17 (Zero Waste Plan), supported extensive work to measure and understand our Community Wellbeing and committed to achieving Zero Poverty(Zero Poverty Plan). Collectively these commitments and this body of work represents a community developed strategy which embodies the realization that sustainability can be achieved in a world where a vibrant economy supports strong communities and a healthy environment. Oxford County has been active in undertaking housing studies, needs assessments, and initiatives to better understand housing challenges faced by residents of the County and identify ways to address housing need. Comments The Building Blocks Approach Quality standards such as ISO 9001:2008 and other similar internationally accepted approaches to business and production play a significant role in the ability of diverse and geographically dispersed countries and businesses to conduct themselves along common themes. The rate of change and improvement among global business and industry partners is made possible in part through the adoption of a common approach. Furthermore, when diverse groups are working on a common platform at opposite ends of the world, it becomes critical that they align themselves as much as is possible. An added benefit of common approach and standards is evidenced in the relatively rapid move from research and development to implementation. Prior to common industrial and business standard approaches, differences in policy, procedure and minutia slowed progress to the point of dysfunction. Recognizing the value of such an approach the first draft 100% Renewable Energy and Zero Waste plans were developed using the Kassel International Dialogue report structure which was developed and provides similar benefit to those aspiring to a 100%RE goal. Through international dialogue and to some degree sparked by Oxford County’s application of the criteria to the development of its 100% Renewable Energy and Zero Waste plans, the Kassel Criteria has been adapted to the 100 RE Building Blocks structure. Given the long term, if not generational nature, of key plans such as the 100% Renewable Energy, Zero Waste, Zero Poverty and 100% Housed plans we have continued to similarly evolve our plan development approach to ensure such long term strategic documents follow a “living document” format. The “living document” approach, as the transformational nature of the challenge demands, is a “plan, do, check, act” approach whereby emerging advancements are identified on a continual basis, adapting the Plan to current and future states of the housing crisis. Applying the 100 RE Building Block Standard to the 100% Housed Plan Our 100% Housed Plan has been developed as both a policy and reporting document. Like the Kassel Criteria before it, the 100 RE Building Blocks process is fully applicable to the development of any long term strategic initiative and when properly utilized can provide guidance for policy makers, governments and community champions to develop their own Page 21 of 239Page 56 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 5 of 17 initiative roadmap. The goal is to create a living document that can serve as an interactive tool box for stakeholder implementation and monitoring. To achieve this means creating a set of 10 workable building blocks that can be adapted and modified as appropriate to fit particular contexts. These building blocks serve as guidance when developing long term plans and implementation strategies as well as a monitoring and benchmarking tool for mapping progress towards the achievement of the plan’s goal. Adapting the 100 RE Building Blocks Standard 10 building block elements to the 100% Housed goal led to establishing a plan framework comprised of: 1. Activate Local Resource Potential  Perform preliminary assessments  Mobilize local resources  Identify opportunities for supports and assistance 2. Develop the 100% Housed Blueprint  Define the 100% Housed target  Model a 100% Housed scenario  Estimate the potential economic, community and environmental benefits 3. Formalize Aims and Functions  Identifying targets and milestones  Defining comprehensive legal and regulatory frameworks 4. Establishing relevant oversight Promote Transformation  Understanding human behaviours  Understand existing systems and environments  Identify opportunities to support transformational change 5. Increase and Integrate Strategies Across Sectors  Strategically Increase Full Spectrum Housing Availability  Address the Full Spectrum of Housing Needs  The Housing Toolbox  Supportive Housing and Health Needs  Transportation Relationships  Social Mobility  Education  Infrastructure 6. Identify Financial Resources  Introduce innovative and alternative financial mechanisms  Implement new Mechanisms to Internalize External Influences  Establish Stable, Long- Term Housing Availability Models 7. Support Inclusion  Ensure accountability and transparency  Promote Inclusive Communication and Outreach  Empower a Diversified Housing Transition  Safeguard a social just transition 8. Nurture Vertical and Horizontal Integration  Vertical cooperation  Horizontal cooperation 9. Promote Knowledge Generation and Capacity Building  Generate and Disseminate Specific Knowledge  Make Knowledge and Data Accessible  Promote Capacity Building and Training  Skill development 10. Engage in Networks  Form and engage in local and regional level networks  Engage with Oxford County Housing Groups  Participate in national and international networks Page 22 of 239Page 57 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 6 of 17 Oxford County’s Draft 100% Housed Plan Housing Supply in Oxford Oxford enjoys an existing housing supply system that is active and successful as is consistently evident by new housing starts and residential growth. Notwithstanding, Council has long recognized the short-fall in affordable housing within Oxford County, its adoption of a “Housing First Policy” and investments in affordable housing are clear evidence of that recognition. Annually the Human Services division updates a comprehensive housing needs assessment to identify key demand-side variables and trends such as household characteristics, population trends, income, and employment and economic trends; supply-side variables such as current and forecasted housing stock data; and a summary of social housing gaps in the County. Council has also long recognized LTC bed needs in our community having encouraged staff to work with the SWLHIN, private sector partners and Oxford hospitals, and advocating for additional Long Term Care bed allocations to LTC operators across Oxford. Somewhat anecdotally, what has become more and more evident is the sense that broader housing issues exist in Oxford County. Within that context staff developed a housing continuum in an effort to begin to understand what appeared to be an emerging crisis. The continuum depicts the current housing needs and gaps in Oxford. Household access to the local housing supply requires above median household incomes. Notwithstanding our active and successful housing supply industry, other than social housing related construction, no new Page 23 of 239Page 58 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 7 of 17 housing units of any size, type or tenure are being constructed that are affordable at or below Oxford’s median household income levels. Resales of existing housing can be part of the solution, however, according to the Woodstock and Ingersoll Real Estate Board, only ~20% of home sales have been affordable to the median after tax household income of $63,630, which equates to a home price of under $250,000. The remaining 80% of sales have been at prices above $250,000, and thus not likely affordable to the median-income household. There is a clear need for a range of housing options (size, type and tenure) that addresses unmet demands and is affordable to households at or below median incomes. Continuing to build housing of the type, form, tenure and affordability mix, our current housing supply system will not meet this persistent demand. The Oxford Housing Continuum (2019) data indicates clear gaps arising from the need to meet broader income and support needs than existing housing supply systems currently provide (size, type, tenure and affordability). While the housing gap in Oxford is multidimensional (size, type, tenure and affordability), the most predominant availability factor is affordability. Key Realizations  There is unmet need and demand across the housing continuum  Approximately 10% of households in Oxford County are in core housing need  Significant employment opportunities and unmet workforce demands due to lack of housing options  The unmet social housing demand continues to grow  South Oxford has the lowest number of LTC beds/capita in Southwestern Ontario When the housing supply system fails to meet the full continuum needs of the community the impacts will be felt across the community:  Core housing needs will increase as more households struggle with housing they cannot afford, increasing their financial risks (food, utilities etc.) and other associated factors impacting their wellbeing;  As the housing gaps widen, natural market forces will escalate costs and exacerbate the situation;  Social housing demands and waiting lists will grow;  Social system demands and issues will grow;  Volunteerism and community participation (culture, arts, recreation, social) rates will decline;  Youth, and other prospective employees, will leave the community in search of a community that provides employment and affordable housing options;  Prospective new employees, unable to find affordable housing options, will be unavailable to local employers wishing to expand their workforce, ultimately threatening the local economy. Page 24 of 239Page 59 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 8 of 17 The housing supply system is a critical economic contributor. Not only does the housing supply sector itself generate employment and wealth, it is critical to meeting the needs of the expanding workforce demands of a vibrant economy and robust business expansion. How does housing supply fit into the equation? Consider: Housing Option Monthly Cost Household Income * Availability Annual Rate @ 37.5/week < 20% of existing home sales < $250,000 ~$1,600 ~$65,000 ~31/hr. Limited Market Rental ~$1,500 ~$60,000 ~ $31/hr. No Vacancy Affordable Rental ~726 ~$30,000 ~$15/hr. Wait list No Vacancy Rent-Geared-to-income 30% Monthly income Wait list No Vacancy Special Needs (ODSP) $497 Housing Allowance ~ $14,000 Wait list No Vacancy * In January 2020, Oxford employers are seeking perspective employees for 3,000 vacant positions. Average pay for these available jobs >$18/hr ($35,100 annually @ 37.5 hrs/week) Household Annual Income Thresholds (@ 37.5 hours/week) Living Wage (2 @ $17.34/hr) ~ $ 67,716 Oxford (January 2019) 3,000 vacant (~3,000) ~ $ 35,100 Minimum Wage ~ $ 27,300 A growing business sector creates new employment opportunities. Employment growth requires a growing workforce. A growing workforce requires housing options affordable to the income levels associated with those new jobs. As illustrated above, the current housing supply system outcomes do not provide housing options for below median income households. Addressing this gap is vital to the economic vitality of Oxford. Developing the Draft 100% Housed Plan Development of the 100% Housed Plan included scanning federal, provincial and local programs, services and policy frameworks that may serve as opportunities for furthering the desired outcomes of the 100% Housed Plan. This review included:  Policy Review;  Review of Learnings from Other Jurisdictions;  Review of Available Municipal Strategies;  More Homes, More Choice: Ontario’s Housing Supply Action Plan;  Ontario’s Community Housing Renewal Strategy;  Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI);  Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI);  National Housing Strategy. Page 25 of 239Page 60 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 9 of 17 “Housing: Let’s get into it!” Forum In February 2019, in partnership with the County of Elgin, City of St. Thomas, Southwestern Public Health, and the Oxford Workforce Development Partnership/Local Employment Partnership, Oxford County convened roughly 200 representatives from southwestern Ontario communities to tackle some of the communities’ most pressing housing supply issues. The full day “Housing: Let’s get into it” event (referred to as “the Forum”), held in London, aimed to stimulate thought, discussion, and solutions that may be initiated across the province. The day was planned with the intent of developing and documenting solutions and ideas applicable across small urban and rural municipalities in Ontario. The findings from the Forum are summarized throughout the 100% Housed Plan. The 100% Housed Plan stems from an initial collaboration with system stakeholders and players across Southwestern Ontario at the “Housing: Let’s get into it!” Forum. The 100% Housed Plan represents a compilation of the work completed to date, including:  Research conducted through the Oxford County Shelter Plan and Needs Assessment update;  An analysis of available municipal, provincial and federal housing policies and tools; and  The application of the ideas generated through the “Housing: Let’s get into it!” Forum (Feb 2019). Solutions through partnerships The task of providing safe, adequate, and appropriate housing to all residents is an inter- disciplinary problem, requiring collaboration across stakeholder groups within the existing system and its environments. The following stakeholder groups are key partners in the housing system:  Residents of Oxford County  Oxford County Council and staff  Local municipal housing providers  Non-profit housing providers  Private sector developers  Human services  Community partners  Landowners  Area municipal Councils and staff  Government of Ontario  Government of Canada  Financial institutions  Local employers Page 26 of 239Page 61 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 10 of 17 The “Housing: Let’s get into it!” Forum brought forward a toolbox of proposed preliminary solutions (referred to as “approaches”) to stimulate new housing supply across the continuum. Through the development of this plan, approaches were refined to identify the specific tools that might be implemented in Oxford. As a first step, the proposed housing tools and approaches were evaluated and plotted on a matrix of readiness or level of effort required to implement the tool (from low to high) and level of potential impact on the overall goal and target of the 100% Housed Plan . Throughout the plan, each tool is plotted against this matrix. Only tools identified as “higher level of potential impact” are being considered for implementation. 100% Housed Blueprint Tools and Actions The 100% Housed Plan comprises a series of tools and related actions believed to be of value in addressing the Oxford housing crisis. Actions  Research and develop new funding opportunities with the help of other system stakeholders (e.g. public-private partnerships with local organizations) to promote the creation of a demonstration project to bring profile to this approach.  Implement a demonstration project to bring profile to this tool. As an example, Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation has recently executed a similar pilot project. Actions  Encourage local municipalities to update their zoning by-laws to permit as-of-right a wide range of shared housing forms (including additional residential units, stacked rowhousing, and smaller units) and ensure this is communicated clearly with consistent definitions for all TOOL 1 Encourage the use of advanced construction techniques. The intended outcomes of this tool are to increase the supply of affordable rental housing and market rental housing. TOOL 2 Implement zoning for increased density, additional residential units, or shared housing options. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of market rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 27 of 239Page 62 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 11 of 17 terminology in the Official Plan and zoning by-laws.  Include a more detailed monitoring process and targets for sub-sets of housing options, based on type, size, tenure, number of bedrooms, affordability etc. as a means to inform and/or target investment in housing options in priority areas along the housing continuum.  Encourage local municipalities to relax restrictions on minimum gross floor area (GFA) for more streamlined implementation of smaller units. For instance, the minimum GFA in Tillsonburg, Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra, Tavistock, Norwich, South-West Oxford, and Zorra is 93 (1,001 ft2), compared to 75 m2 (807 ft2) in Ingersoll. In comparison, the minimum size for a studio apartment in the Ontario Building Code is approximately 26 m2 (280 ft2). Any changes to minimum GFA would require consultation with building officials.  Explore the potential for providing grants to promote second/additional residential units.  Undertake education and communication strategies with area municipalities and the public on the need for these housing types in the County and establish County-wide guidance material for homeowners interested in constructing an additional residential unit on an existing property. Action  Identify an area municipality interested in exploring and testing a co-housing model. Actions • Encourage area municipalities to provide relief of parking requirements for affordable housing. • Encourage area municipalities to reduce minimum setback requirements for affordable housing. • Encourage area municipalities to allow for increased density (and height) on sites where an economic and strategic argument can be made for affordable housing (i.e. near amenities and/or transportation). • Update public information to more clearly communicate alternative development standards to developers. TOOL 3 Facilitate the development of co- housing. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of market rental housing. TOOL 4 Formalize alternative development standards for affordable housing through documentation The intended outcomes of this tool are to increase the supply of affordable ownership and affordable rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 28 of 239Page 63 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 12 of 17 Action  Seek out private or non-profit developers to pilot this tool in the County. Actions • Partner with Fanshawe College off- campus housing department to place student renters with households experiencing “over-housing” recognizing the International Student. • Partner with community group to place renters with households experiencing “over-housing”. Actions • Be flexible to allow different utilization of existing rural housing. • Introduce modest ideas that will increase the supply in rural areas with appropriate servicing capacity for higher-density housing without affecting the community character. • Promote the conversion of under- utilized buildings (such as schools, churches, post offices, and hotels) to multi-residential use (this would require leadership from a private, non-profit, or public sector developer to conduct feasibility-phase work and take on the development process). • Introduce a conversion program to incentivize converting low-density housing into higher-density housing. TOOL 5 Promote other tenure forms such as rent-to- own housing models. The intended outcomes of this tool are to increase the supply of market rental housing and market ownership housing. TOOL 6 Develop programs to support those who are “over-housed” to downsize. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of market rental housing. TOOL 7 Introduce specific strategies for encouraging smaller- scale and higher- density housing in rural areas. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of market rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 29 of 239Page 64 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 13 of 17 Action  Pursue development charge, Community Benefit Charge and/or tax revenue streams (Land Transfer tax) to financially support municipal incentives to promote affordable housing construction. Action  Encourage higher levels of government to support the creation of new financing mechanisms for the provision of affordable housing. Actions • Assess the feasibility of requiring unit type split targets, as a parallel requirement to meeting the necessary density targets, for facilitating the development of housing options that are typically sold at more affordable price ranges. This could be accomplished through secondary planning and/or the review of plans of subdivision of a certain threshold size. • Assess the feasibility of implementing a Development Permit System by looking to other examples in Ontario where this has proven successful for affordable housing development. • Evaluate the financial viability and economic impact of implementing an inclusionary zoning policy, including the cost of offering any incentives to ensure units are at the level of affordability required for the local population and the cost of administrating the policy. • Determine the area to which the policy will be applied. In speaking with developers in urban and rural areas, applying the policy to an entire municipal area can be preferable, as it avoids discouraging development in certain areas. TOOL 8 Impose a levy for affordable housing. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. TOOL 9 Introduce a new financing model for affordable housing. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. TOOL 10 Explore the feasibility of implementing an inclusionary zoning policy. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of affordable ownership and rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 30 of 239Page 65 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 14 of 17 Actions • Create a tax increment equivalent grant (financial assistance equal to all or a portion of the municipal property tax increase) and/or expand other options for tax incentives beyond the current CIP. • Investigate the feasibility of establishing a revolving loan fund, tied to a CIP that can be funded with financial assistance from other sources (e.g. the CMHC National Housing Co-Investment Fund, or local industry partners). • This action may also require an Official Plan amendment, as the current policies that outline the intent of CIP speak to using this tool in order to update, redevelop and rehabilitate the physical environment of existing areas and this approach may seek to extend funding opportunities to the development of affordable housing types in newer, undeveloped areas within the County. • If the intent of CIP grants are to incentivize a wide range of housing types across the continuum (including market rental housing), the specific needs and targets should be clearly defined, and funding should be targeted according to the un-met demand in accordance with a revised CIP program. Action  Oxford County will pursue further reduction of the taxation rates on multi-residential rental housing and financial incentives to encourage development of residential rental housing. TOOL 11 Initiate an expanded Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The intended outcomes of this tool are to increase the supply of affordable rental housing and market rental housing. TOOL 12 Consider property tax incentives to reduce the tax burden on residential rental housing The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 31 of 239Page 66 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 15 of 17 Actions • All Oxford municipalities create an inventory or database of available lands that are appropriate for affordable and market rental housing; employ Housing First policies for these lands. • Include potential for partnership with other government facilities (such as libraries, community centres, hospitals, etc.). • Identify related incentives and tools associated with the surplus lands. • Convene other stakeholders willing to participate at an early stage (e.g. CMHC, potential tenants, employers, and non-profit/private sector developers). • Promote the use of public-private partnerships to create mixed-income communities and/or sustainable housing on the sites. Action  Refine the “attainable” needs and gaps through additional studies monitoring and reporting to ensure incentivized developments are meeting specific affordability thresholds of the population. TOOL 13 Create a pipeline of shovel-ready surplus land for affordable housing. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. TOOL 14 Introduce a suite of incentives to promote the development of affordable housing. The intended outcome of this tool is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 32 of 239Page 67 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 16 of 17 Actions • Create communications materials that can be used by all County departments and local municipalities to promote development in the County and to act as communication tools for meetings with developers. • All municipalities should adopt the City of Woodstock’s example, which allows applicants to pursue multiple concurrent application processes (planning and building applications). Next Steps As a first step in the broader dialogue, Oxford County Council adoption of the proposed resolution committing to achieving “100% Housed in Oxford County” (Attachment 1) will signal Council’s commitment to working with federal, provincial, municipal, community and industry partners and stakeholders to achieve a 100% Housed in Oxford County. It is proposed that each of the eight Oxford Area Municipal Council’s be requested to adopt, through resolution, this same commitment. Through the Future Oxford Partnership, and with the support and guidance of the Strategic Communications and Engagement team, a 100% Housed engagement campaign will be developed and employed. This engagement campaign will follow up consultation achieved through the “Housing: Let’s get into it” Forum. The intent of community dialogue will be to inform and engage municipal and community partners, stakeholders, the private sector and the broader Oxford community in the ongoing refinement and implementation of the 100% Housed Plan. Community dialogue will be designed and initiated as a rally cry for all Oxford community stakeholders to understand and address the issues, actions and goals presented within the 100% Housed Plan. Along with the aforementioned engagement campaign, the Future Oxford Partnership will be approached to facilitate the community implementation of the plan with the support of County staff. This implementation will include the identification of partner ownership of key actions, the ongoing refinement, monitoring and reporting of the 100% Housed Plan. The successful implementation of the 100% Housed Plan will require public, community partner and private sector action and investment. Private sector investors and community partners will be encouraged at every opportunity look to the issues, goals and actions of the 100% Housed Plan to determine how they might do their part to solve the Oxford housing crisis. TOOL 15 Communicate the streamlined development approvals process to prospective developers. The intended outcomes of this tool are to increase the supply of affordable rental housing, affordable ownership housing, and market rental housing. HIGHER level of effort to implement LOWER level of effort to implement LOWER level of potential impact HIGHER level of potential impact Page 33 of 239Page 68 of 107 Report No: CAO 2020-01 CAO OFFICE Council Date: February 12, 2020 Page 17 of 17 At the same time, appropriate strategic actions requiring public funding will be presented for Council consideration throughout 2020 and considered ongoing through the annual business plan and budget process, including as appropriate pursuit of provincial and federal funding opportunities. Conclusions The 100% Housed initiative is a transformational economic and community wellbeing based project that will challenge the status quo in many aspects of society and which will ultimately strengthen our economy, our community and our environment. It is important to recognize that the 100% Housed Plan is not a social housing plan. Rather it is a plan that encompasses the full housing continuum (size, type, tenure and affordability) necessary to meet the needs/demands from homelessness through affordable market rent to median income ownership and everything in between. Our transition to 100% Housed in Oxford County will be neither a simple nor a straight path forward, but we believe it is effectively a foregone conclusion that Oxford County must get there. 100% Housed is achievable and we find ourselves at the forefront of this essential change. As leaders, our objective should be to carve out the most cost effective and efficient path forward that will simultaneously empower our citizens and businesses to join with us and become leaders in their own area of expertise. SIGNATURE Approved for submission: Original signed by Peter M. Crockett, P.Eng. Chief Administrative Officer ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 Proposed Resolution, 100% Housed in Oxford County, February 2020 Attachment 2 100% Housed Plan, February 2020 Page 34 of 239Page 69 of 107 Page 1 of 4 Subject: Dedicate Certain Reserves – Oak Park Subdivision Report Number: DCS 20-02 Author: Geno Vanhaelewyn Meeting Type: Council Meeting Meeting Date: Thursday, February 27, 2020 RECOMMENDATION THAT Council receive Report DCS 20-02 Dedicate Certain Reserves - Oak Park Subdivision. AND THAT By-Law 2020-019 be brought forward for Council consideration. BACKGROUND One foot (0.300 m) reserve registered as Block 132 on Plan 41M-144 was laid out during the registration of Oak Park Subdivision in 1994. The purpose of the reserve at the time was to ensure that the subdivision would develop in an organized and phased manner seeing the entire lands were registered at once. Over time, the development process and subdivision agreements have evolved to control phasing and eliminate the risk of sporadic development. Secondly, this development has progressed to the point that the reserve is no longer required. DISCUSSION In order for development to proceed and Beech Boulevard to continue to the south, the one foot reserve known as Block 132 on Plan 41M-144 must be removed and dedicated as a municipal highway. The removal of the reserve will also permit the development of Lot 93 also known as 24 William Street. The reserve is identified in the figures below. Page 70 of 107 DCS 20-02 Page 2 of 4 Page 71 of 107 DCS 20-02 Page 3 of 4 A By-Law has been prepared to remove the one foot (0.300) reserve by dedicating back to the road allowance for Council consideration. CONSULTATION Clerk, Director of Operations and Senior Planner were consulted and support the removal of the reserve noted. FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE Registration costs will be approximately $200.00 and will be funded from 2020 Building Services Operational Budget. COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE 1. Excellence in Local Government ☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives ☐ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government ☐ Demonstrate accountability 2. Economic Sustainability ☐ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment opportunities ☐ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core ☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s economy 3. Demographic Balance ☐ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals ☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive ☐ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship 4. Culture and Community ☐ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community ☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests ☐ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living ATTACHMENTS Appendix A – Oak Park 41M-144 Page 72 of 107 DCS 20-02 Page 4 of 4 Report Approval Details Document Title: DCS 20-02 Dedicate Certain Reserves - Oak Park Subdivision.docx Attachments: - Oak Park - 41M144.jpg Final Approval Date: Feb 19, 2020 This report and all of its attachments were approved and signed as outlined below: Kyle Pratt - Feb 19, 2020 - 7:17 AM Page 73 of 107 Page 74 of 107 Page 1 of 6 Subject: CSC Façade Renewal Report Number: RCP 20-04 Author: Rick Cox, Director of Recreation, Culture & Parks Meeting Type: Council Meeting Meeting Date: Thursday, February 27, 2020 RECOMMENDATION THAT Council receives Report RCP 20-04 CSC Façade Renewal; AND THAT Council directs staff to procure an external consultant team to develop the tender specifications for rehabilitating the exterior façade of the Customer Service Centre at 10 Lisgar Ave; AND THAT the selected design approach is identified as Option _____ in Report RCP 20-04. BACKGROUND The brick façade at the Customer Service Centre (CSC) has failed at multiple points around the perimeter of the building including a West-facing section which had to be removed due to safety concerns. The 2020 Capital Budget includes an allocation to fund rehabilitation of the façade, and Council directed that the project be brought to Council with options prior to being released for tender. DISCUSSION Cracking, spalling and efflorescence on the brick veneer façades of the CSC were identified in the 2017 Facility Condition Analysis (FCA) report as requiring investigation and repairs. The 2018 and 2019 Capital Budgets did not include funding for this work. In September 2019, an investigation of the façade surrounding the west -facing truck bays determined that the veneer along that portion of the facility had failed and needed to be removed for safety reasons. In October 2019 as preparation for the 2020 capital project cycle, at the recommendation of the Chief Building Official (CBO) staff contracted with David Frei/SouthRidge Concept Rendering to develop some concept renderings for the facility that would align with the 2012 Tillsonburg Central Area Design Study. Mr. Frei has been retained by the Façade Improvement Committee to provide concepts for the downtown façade improvement projects and has been involved with several of the improvement concepts over the past year. Page 75 of 107 RCP 20-04 Page 2 of 6 Two base concepts for the new façade were developed, and each base concept provides for variations in the colour scheme. The options are presented for Council consideration on the next several pages. Concept 1 Concept 2 Page 76 of 107 RCP 20-04 Page 3 of 6 Concept 1 Colour Variations Option 1-A Option 1-B Option 1-C Option 1-D Page 77 of 107 RCP 20-04 Page 4 of 6 Concept 2 Colour Variations Option 2-A Option 2-B Option 2-C Staff input was collected from members of SLT and people who work at the Customer Service Centre regarding their preferred option. The overwhelming preference was for Concept 1, and although all four variations did get some support, variations 1B and 1D received the most favourable reaction. If none of the options presented are acceptable to Council, further concept development will be needed from SouthRidge Concept Rendering at a cost of $1,000. Guidance from the CBO has indicated that for a project of this nature on a facility of this size both architectural and engineering stamps will be required on the design before the building permits can be issued. Once Council has selected a preferred look for the facility, staff will prepare a Request for Proposals to procure a lead architectural/engineering consulting team to finalize the design, develop the tender specifications, evaluate the bids and administer the contract for the project . A tender will be issued to secure a general contractor to execute the project. In addition to the façade rehabilitation, some foundation crack repairs and other building envelope repairs identified in the FCA will be incorporated into the specificati ons. The CBO has also noted that this is an opportune time to add additional insulation to the exterior of the building to improve energy efficiency. Page 78 of 107 RCP 20-04 Page 5 of 6 CONSULTATION The Chief Building Official was consulted on the design approach and required building permit process. SLT members and staff at CSC were consulted for a preferred concept. FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE The 2020 Budget includes an allocation of $430,000 funded through the asset management reserve and the Annandale House Trust for work identified in FCA reports at CSC, the Clock Tower, Station Arts Centre and Annandale National Historic Site. This allocation included $180,000 to fund the design and execution of the CSC façade rehabilitation project as estimated in the FCA. Inquiries so far suggest the consulting component for technical design, tender specifications and project review could consume 20-25% (up to $45,000) of that allocation. The allocation did not include funding for an insulation component, but the CBO’s suggestion to include that upgrade when doing the project is good advice . During the design phase the cost/benefit analysis of installing insulation will be evaluated. As the CSC is located in the Downtown BIA area, this project could potentially qualify for consideration under the Façade Improvement Program (FIP) jointly funded by the Town and the BIA. Staff does not recommend the Town submits this project for FIP funding. COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) LINKAGE 1. Excellence in Local Government ☒ Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives ☒ Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government ☒ Demonstrate accountability 2. Economic Sustainability ☒ Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment opportunities ☒ Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core ☐ Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s economy 3. Demographic Balance ☒ Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals ☐ Provide opportunities for families to thrive ☐ Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship 4. Culture and Community ☒ Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community ☐ Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests ☒ Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living Page 79 of 107 RCP 20-04 Page 6 of 6 Report Approval Details Document Title: RCP 20-04 - CSC Facade Renewal.docx Attachments: Final Approval Date: Feb 19, 2020 This report and all of its attachments were approved and signed as outlined below: Dave Rushton - Feb 13, 2020 - 2:22 PM Kyle Pratt - Feb 19, 2020 - 6:16 AM Donna Wilson - Feb 19, 2020 - 7:58 AM Page 80 of 107 The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee January 8, 2020 6:00 p.m. Annex, 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor MINUTES Present: Chris Parker, Dace Zvanitajs, Don Baxter, Susie Wray, Eugene Todd, Carrie Lewis Absent with Regrets: Jeff VanRybroeck, Kim Sage Also Present: Andrea Brown, Chris Rosehart, Laura Pickersgill 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05p.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda Proposed Resolution #1 Moved by: Chris Parker Seconded by: Don Baxter THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting of January 8, 2020, be adopted. Carried 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting Proposed Resolution #2 Moved by: Chris Parker Seconded by: Dace Zvanitajs THAT the Sports & Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of October 9, 2019, as revised be approved. Carried 5. Presentations/Deputations 6. General Business & Reports 6.1. Advertising policy draft – review: Proposed Resolution #3 Moved by: Dace Zvanitajs Page 81 of 107 Committee: Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee Page - 2 - of 2 Date: January 8, 2020 Seconded by: Susie Wray THAT the Recreation & Sports Advisory committee recommend that the Council adopt the proposed Advertising Policy for the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg. Carried 6.2. Maple Leafs Alumni game fundraiser: February 15, tickets for all tickets have been sold, standing room only available; tickets/seats for sponsors are still reserved. Looking for volunteers and sponsors for this event. Online auction is doing well. 6.3. Committee goals and objectives review: 6.4. Meeting times: Continue with 2nd Wednesday of the month, move to 6:00pm 6.5. Laura Pickersgil – Clerk’s department recommendations: committee has been having difficulty meeting with a quorum. Review of to-date committee achievements and recommendations to council. Recommends reducing the number of meetings – Terms of Reference speak to minimum of 4 meetings annually. Review standing of members and develop strategy for absenteeism. Discussion on items brought from Clerk’s and liaisons meeting next week Determine objectives of the committee Dialogue on direction of the committee 7. Correspondence 8. Other Business: council gave pre-budget approval for a new water park slide. 9. Next Meeting: February 12 at 6:00pm 10. Adjournment Proposed Resolution #4 Moved by: Don Baxter Seconded by: Dace Zvanitajs THAT the January 8, 2020 Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 7:00p.m. Page 82 of 107 The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee February 12, 2020 6:00 p.m. Suite #203, 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor MINUTES Present: Chris Parker, Don Baxter, Susie Wray, Eugene Todd, Carrie Lewis, Jeff VanRybroeck Absent with Regrets: Kim Sage, Dace Zvanitajs, Andrea Brown Also Present: Margaret Puhr 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:05p.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution #1 Moved by: Jeff VanRybroeck Seconded by: Chris Parker THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Sports and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting of February 12, 2020, be adopted. Carried 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting Resolution #2 Moved by: Chris Parker Seconded by: Carrie Lewis THAT the Sports & Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of January 8 2019 be approved. Carried 5. Presentations/Deputations 6. General Business & Reports 6.1. Staff liaison/chair/vice chair meeting update – update was given by the Chair and Vice Chair Page 83 of 107 6.2. Year-end report to council – committee reviewed the report ahead of council submission. 6.3. Maple Leaf Alumni game update – the game is sold out, there are 50 volunteers working at the event, “FARE Flurry” team is made of town’s user groups, 50 raffle prizes from local businesses. VIP meet and greet is at 5:30pm; the event is licensed. Warmups 6:40pm, puck drop 7:15 and social after the game for the players. There will be a game vs Bantam Girls for the last 10-15 minutes of the game. 6.4. Future of committee – discussion around general inactivity after a busy start. Committee has energy and experience and can do more. The Master Plan revisions are important and the committee can provide leadership with the update. Resolution #3 Moved by: Chris Parker Seconded by: Jeff VanRybroeck THAT the Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee expects to have a significant role in fulfilling its duty through participation in the revision of the Recreation Master Plan. Carried 6.5. Meeting frequency discussion – the committee agreed to meet 8-9 per year, except in July and August, unless needed. Wednesdays work, 6pm works better. 6.6. Master Plan update/service review – Staff members are going to PRO conference, as is Councillor Parker who will be attending a workshop on how to complete a master plan in-house. 7. Correspondence 8. Other Business: Eugene attended a meeting about the county trail and the bridge, suggestions were provided with the preferred option of redoing culvert and replacing bridge. The Annandale lighting project was approved in the budget, will be tendered out to add new lights on Annandale 2 and improve lights on Annandale 3. The new slide will be installed in time for water park opening in June, the slide will be in blue and green, the town colours. 9. Next Meeting: March 11 at 6:00pm. 10. Adjournment Resolution #4 Moved by: Jeff VanRybroeck Seconded by: Carrie Lewis THAT the February 12, 2020 Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 7:00p.m. Carried Page 84 of 107 The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee February 5, 2020 5:30 p.m. 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Market Room, Suite 203 MINUTES Present: Erin Getty, Carrie Lewis, Vern Fleming, Terry Fleming, Rosemary Dean, Penny Esseltine, Dr. Mark Dickson, Tabitha Verbuyst Staff: Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator Patty Phelps, Culture and Heritage Manager/Curator Absent With Regrets: Collette Takacs, James Murphy 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:32 p.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution #1 Moved by: Terry Fleming Seconded by: Vern Fleming THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee meeting of February 5, 2020, be adopted. Carried 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 4. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting Resolution #2 Moved by: Carrie Lewis Seconded by: Vern Fleming THAT the Minutes of the Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee meeting of January 8, 2020, be approved. Carried Page 85 of 107 5. General Business & Reports 5.1. Tillsonburg 150 Discussion The Committee discussed celebrating the 150th Town Incorporation Anniversary rather than the 200th Anniversary of the Town’s Founding. Staff explained the difference between what the incorporation date means and what the founding date means. 5.2. Cultural Grants Advertising Discussion The 2020 Budget was approved by Council with $6000 for distribution of cultural grants. Discussion was held around further advertising of the cultural grants. The cultural grants are being fully distributed each year and it is not necessary to advertise. Staff could advertise the grants on social media, the Town’s website and through service clubs if necessary. 5.3. Terms of Reference Discussion The amended Terms of Reference were circulated to the Committee as adopted by Council on January 27, 2020. Staff clarified that quarterly volunteer awards do not need to be endorsed by Council but that the Citizen of the Year selection does need to be endorsed by Council according to the Terms of Reference. 5.4. Volunteer Recognition- March 2020 Staff to recirculate the website link to the Volunteer Recognition Program. Advertising for the Q1 Volunteer Recognition award has been completed. 5.5. Citizen of the Year Discussion Staff to verify the budget for the 2020 Citizen of the Year Event. It was noted that the Ontario Senior’s Award no longer exists. 6. Next Meeting Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the Corporate Office in the Market Room. 7. Adjournment Resolution #3 Moved by: Carrie Lewis Seconded by: Mark Dickson THAT the February 5, 2020 Cultural, Heritage and Special Awards Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 6:14 p.m. Carried Page 86 of 107 The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee January 22, 2020 Location MINUTES Present: Joan Weston, Rosemary Dean, Scott Vitas, Eugene Todd, Terry Smith, Jane Ann McLean, Kim Sage, Chris Rosehart Absent with Regrets: Sharon Howard, Ken Patterson, Mike Cerna, Mel Getty Also Present: Rick Cox, Margaret Puhr 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:27 p.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution #1 Moved by: Jane Ann McLean Seconded by: Rosemary Dean THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee meeting of January 22, 2020, be adopted. Carried 3. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting 5. General Business & Reports 5.1. Budget update – the application for 3.5M refurbishment grant was submitted by the deadline and we should hear in the spring, to refurbish water park, indoor pool, create splash pad, expand space in the Zamboni snow dumping area. The council chose to apply for the mid-price grant rather than the full refurbishment grant. The Town’s part of the grant contribution is in the budget, therefore regardless of the grant, the indoor pool can be refurbished to some degree. Draft budget – has been deliberated by council and the final budget is coming to council next week for approval, including pre-budget approval for water park slide replacement, to be ready in time for opening weekend in June. Price for water slide and tower $323,000.00 before tax, $450,000.00 total budget for water park improvements. Some of the money came at cost of improvements to ball diamonds and tennis courts. Page 87 of 107 Council directed for a wheelchair swing to be installed either at the water park or near the tennis courts as well as updating the pavilion. Parking expansion will be re-tendered in spring/summer, including re-attaching water to the cattle barn and extending water to the dog park. Pending council approval. Approval to work with TMBI to bring hydro to the Optimist diamonds and benches on Kiwanis diamonds. Operational budget is mostly unchanged from last year. New Dog Park committee is working on projects to improve the dog park and will be bringing it to this group for discussion 5.2. Signage – there is some money in the budget for the signage; items discussed: Current concept for the outside building signage – include (Lions Den) in brackets in addition to new Arena Entrance name, same with the other doors to better direct the traffic Put things on google maps Perimeter signage in town:  Lisgar/Broadway: Fairgrounds, Memorial park, community centre  Lisgar/hardy: farigrounds, dog park, outdoor rink, ball diamonds - big board listing all the amenities OR just memorial park, fairgrounds, community centre  In front of TCC – parking, hardball, tennis, dog park, fairgrounds, outdoor rink  Board signs at parking lots listing amenities  Sanders/hardy: community centre, memorial park & fairgrounds, water park  Sanders/Broadway – community centre, memorial park, fairgrounds  John/Sanders– memorial park, water park, fairgrounds  John/Broadway – water park, memorial park bandshell  Gowrie/Broadway – boat ramp, lake lisgar  Park/Concession – boat launch, trailhead  Delevan/Bridge – memorial park, water park, community centre – map on the other side of bridge  Lisgar/Concession – community centre  Dog park sign at cattle barn and just past the apartments on Hardy/lisgar  Lisgar/apartment buildings – dog park  Main gate to Memorial park at Sanders – waterpark, outdoor pad, Trans Canada trail, etc. 5.3. Signage on cattle barn – brought for review by Fairboard as attached – 21 x 53 size, will be presented to marketing for branding approval; 6. Next Meeting February 19 at 5:30 7. Adjournment Resolution #2 Moved by: Kim Sage Seconded by: Page 88 of 107 THAT the January 22, 2020 Memorial Park Revitalization Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 7:43 p.m. Carried Page 89 of 107 The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting February 11, 2020 7:30 a.m. 10 Lisgar Avenue, Tillsonburg, ON MINUTES Present: Andrew Burns, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Lisa Gilvesy, Jesse Goossens, Steven Spanjers, Randy Thornton, Cedric Tomico, Mayor Stephen Molnar Absent With Regrets: Jeff VanRybroeck, Collette Takacs, Lindsay Morgan-Jacko, Ashton Nembhard, Jim Hayes, Kirby Heckford Also Present: Kyle Pratt, CAO Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator 1. Call to Order- Introduction to New CAO The meeting was called to order at 7:34 a.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda Resolution #1 Moved by: Lisa Gilvesy Seconded by: Cedric Tomico THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of February 11, 2020, be adopted. Carried 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting The word “appointed” under 5.9.2 be amended to “nominated”. Council provides appointments and the Chamber of Commerce provides nominations. Resolution #2 Moved by: Andrew Burns Seconded by: Cedric Tomico THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of January 21, 2020, be adopted, as amended. Carried Page 90 of 107 4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 5. General Business & Reports 5.1 Monthly Project Updates Development Commissioner provided a monthly projects update. The Van Norman Innovation Park Environmental Compliance Application will be submitted by February 14, 2020. There are plans to have the area serviced with hydro by fall 2020. Staff to provide an update to the next meeting on the industrial land inventory, including a map, with potential areas for developing the next industrial park. It was noted that in the last industrial land inventory there was a lot of available space but the space was unusable. A report went to Council in December 2019 regarding the Town Hall Project Steering Committee and direction was provided for Staff to provide a report to Council in February 2020. Staff are currently drafting a report with various options for a new Town Hall to present to Council in March 2020. 5.2 Retail Recruitment-Environmental Scan Draft Development Commissioner provided an overview of the Draft Plan for Retail Recruitment Environmental Scan. Key recruitment ideas include: • Contracting with a broker to recruit retail • Restricting zoning to limit the amount of permitted uses in the downtown area • Offering technical and business advisory services for downtown retailers, such as a “Store Doctor Program” • Revision of the Community Improvement Plan to reduce or waive fees for targeted retail uses • Providing funding for recruitment of unique, one of a kind retailers • Providing funding to cover recruitment costs and broker fees • Providing leasehold improvement grants or an interest-free loan Opportunity for feedback on the Draft was provided. Mayor Molnar and Kyle Pratt left at 8:15 a.m. It was suggested that the Executive Director of the BIA has been working on this project and could provide further assistance with this moving forward. It was noted that potential investors are made aware of the surrounding population and demographics that use the Town’s retail services rather than just the population of the Town’s residents. Page 91 of 107 Discussion was held regarding the need for updating the zoning by-laws, as the current uses listed in the by-laws are very prescriptive and outdated. Suggestion was made to survey Tillsonburg residents regarding their thoughts on what type of retail is needed. This would help inform recruitment efforts. It was discussed that the results of the survey could be impacted due to the seniors’ population and lack of online shopping with that demographic. Staff to prepare a marketing profile based on data from the retail study to support retail recruitment efforts. 5.2 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. A request has been submitted for a representative from the Hydro Subcommittee to appear as a delegation on March 31, 2020 at the Tillsonburg Hydro Board Meeting to discuss concerns with the revised economic evaluation model and customer service issues. It was suggested that the delegate provides solutions to the customer service concerns rather than just listing the concerns. 5.3 Town Hall Task Force 5.4 Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee 5.4.1 Physician Recruitment Committee Update Staff to reach out to Sandy Jansen, CEO of TDMH, to determine if any recruitment for General Practitioners is underway. It was noted that Stephanie Nevins, Clinic Manager of the Ingersoll Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic is interested in opening a Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in Tillsonburg dependent on funding from the Ministry of Health. 5.5 Community Strategic Plan 5.5.1 Excellence in Local Government 5.5.2 Economic Sustainability 5.5.3 Demographic Balance 5.5.4 Culture and Community 6. Community Organization Updates 6.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association A revised Memorandum of Understanding was recently brought to the Town for review. The façade improvement program is going well and many applications have been received for the rear façade upgrades. Page 92 of 107 6.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce Business after 5 will be held at Millards Chartered Professional Accountants on February 12, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 6.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board 6.3.1 February 2020 Commercial Listings 6.3.2 January 2020 Activity Report 7. Round Table Staff to add information on developing a solution for the vacant properties (old gas stations) on Simcoe Street to the next agenda. Councillor Gilvesy noted that Council has decided to not move forward with a homeless shelter as the costing is not feasible. It was noted that the Salvation Army will transport homeless individuals to surrounding area shelters. Staff to determine if there is any local needle pickup program. 8. Next Meeting Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 7:30 a.m. 9. Adjournment Resolution #3 Moved by: Andrew Burns Seconded by: Steve Spanjers THAT the February 11, 2020 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 9:15 a.m. Carried Page 93 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 1 - LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES of January 8, 2020 Approved February 5, 2020 Members in attendance: Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten and Peter Ypma Staff in attendance: J. Maxwell, A. LeDuc, C. Boothe and D. McLachlan Special Guests: K. Earls, C. Jacobs Regrets: none The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm Wednesday, January 8, 2020 in the Tillsonburg Administration Office Boardroom. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS None DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST None ELECTION OF LPRCA CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN 2020 The Chair and Vice-Chair vacated their seats and Ms. Kimberley Earls, Economic Development Coordinator for South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation assumed the Chair position. The positions for Chair and Vice-Chair were declared vacant. a) Appointment of Scrutineer(s) MOTION A-1/20 moved: J. Scholten seconded: D. Beres THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors appoints Christine Jacob as scrutineer for the purpose of electing officers. CARRIED b) Election of Chair 1) Call for Nominations R. Chambers nominated M. Columbus who accepted the nomination. Chair Earls made two further calls for nominations. There were no further nominations. Page 94 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 2 - 2) Motion to Close Nominations for Chair MOTION A-2/20 moved: R. Geysens seconded: P. Ypma That the nominations for the Chair be closed. CARRIED 3) Distribution and collection of ballots by Scrutineer: Not required 4) Announce Election Results Michael Columbus was declared the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Chair for 2020. 5) Motion to Destroy Ballots: Not required c) Election of Vice-Chair 1) Call for Nominations M. Columbus nominated J. Scholten who accepted the nomination. Chair Earls made two further calls for nominations. There were no further nominations. 2) Motion to Close Nominations for Vice-Chair MOTION A-3/20 moved: D. Beres seconded: P. Ypma That the nominations for the LPRCA Vice-Chair be closed. CARRIED 3) Distribution and collection of ballots by Scrutineer: Not required 4) Announce Election Results John Scholten was declared the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Vice-Chair for 2020. 5) Motion to Destroy Ballots: Not required The Chair and Vice-Chair thanked the Board for their support and were looking forward to the year ahead. M. Columbus assumed the Chair. Ms. Earls and Ms. Jacob were thanked for their service and left the meeting. 2020 LPRCA COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Page 95 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 3 - MOTION A-4/20 moved: P. Ypma seconded: V. Donnell THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following appointments for 2020: Dave Beres as the Land Acquisition Chair; John Scholten and the LPRCA Chair to the Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee; Robert Chambers, Dave Beres, Roger Geysens and the LPRCA Chair to the Backus Museum Committee; AND Dave Beres, Ken Hewitt, Valerie Donnell, the LPRCA Chair and LPRCA Vice-chair to the Audit and Finance Committee. CARRIED DEPUTATIONS None MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS MOTION A-5/20 moved: K. Chopp seconded: S. Patterson THAT the minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting held December 4, 2019 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED BUSINESS ARISING None REVIEW OF COMMITTEE MINUTES a) Backus Museum Committee – November 4, 2019 MOTION A-6/20 moved: D. Beres seconded: R. Geysens THAT the minutes from the Backus Museum Committee meeting of November 4, 2019 be received as information. CARRIED CORRESPONDENCE a) Municipality of Bayham – Re: 30-Day Notice to Affected Municipalities – 2020 Draft LPRCA Budget b) LPRCA – MECP Thank You c) Toby Barrett, MPP Haldimand-Norfolk Re: More Work Needed on Flood Policy article MOTION A-7/20 moved: K. Chopp seconded: S. Patterson Page 96 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 4 - THAT the correspondence outlined in the Board of Director’s Agenda of January 8, 2020 be received as information. CARRIED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS a) Staff Approved applications Staff approved eighteen applications since the last meeting. LPRCA-68/19-REVISED, LPRCA-227/19, LPRCA-236/19, LPRCA-238/19, LPRCA-239/19, LPRCA-240/19, LPRCA-241/19, LPRCA-242/19, LPRCA-243/19, LPRCA-244/19, LPRCA-245/19, LPRCA-246/19, LPRCA-247/19, LPRCA-248/19, LPRCA-251/19, LPRCA-252/19, LPRCA-253/19 and LPRCA-255/19. MOTION A-8/20 moved: S. Patterson seconded: K. Chopp That the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the Staff Approved Section 28 Regulation Applications report dated January 9, 2020 as information. CARRIED b) New applications The Planning Department recommended approval for one application. MOTION A-9/20 moved: R. Geysens seconded: S. Patterson THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following Development Applications contained within the background section of this report: A. For Work under Section 28 Regulations, Development, Interference with Wetlands & Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulations (R.R.O. 1990 Reg. 178/06), LPRCA-259/19 B. That the designated officers of LPRCA be authorized to complete the approval process for this Development Application, as far as it relates to LPRCA’s mandate and related Regulations. CARRIED NEW BUSINESS a) 2020 LPRCA BUDGET VOTE Page 97 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 5 - The 2020 LPRCA Budget was circulated to member municipalities for a 30-day comment period on November 14, 2019. There were no requests for municipal council presentations and no feedback received except the correspondence from the Municipality of Bayham as noted above. K. Chopp requested clarification as to when the special levy to Norfolk is to be paid and when WECI funding approvals are to be announced. The General Manager will follow up. MOTION A-10/20 moved: R. Geysens seconded: D. Beres That the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following recommendations regarding LPRCA’s 2020 Operating and Capital budgets; 1. That the 2020 proposed Ontario Regulation 178/06 Permit Fees and Planning Act Review Fees be approved as set out in Attachment 1; 2. That the 2020 proposed Conservation Area User Fees be approved as set out in Attachment 2; 3. That the 2020 Operating Budget in the total amount of $4,441,340 and requiring a Municipal Levy- Operating of $1,644,960 be approved as set out in Attachment 3; 4. That the 2020 Capital Budget in the total amount of $963,450 requiring a General Municipal Levy- Capital of $386,350 be approved as set out in Attachment 3; 5. That the proposed 2020 Consolidated Budget in the total amount of $5,404,790 and requiring a Municipal Levy –Consolidated of $2,031,310 be approved as set out in Attachment 3. Member Municipality/Group Weight Present? Yes No Valerie Donnell Municipality of Bayham 4.80 Y  Robert Chambers County of Brant 7.06 Y  Stewart Patterson Haldimand County 7.47 Y  Ken Hewitt Haldimand County 7.47 Y  Valerie Donnell Township of Malahide 0.76 Y  Member Municipality/Group Weight Present? Yes No Kristal Chopp Norfolk County 12.50 Y  Michael Columbus Norfolk County 12.50 Y  Roger Geysens Norfolk County 12.50 Y  Page 98 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 6 - Tom Masschaele Norfolk County 12.50 Y  John Scholten Township of Norwich 7.48 Y  Peter Ypma Township of South-West Oxford 7.48 Y  Dave Beres Town of Tillsonburg 7.48 Y  100 100 100 CARRIED b) TIMBER TENDER – LANDON TRACT Two bids were received by the deadline and the winning bid was within the expected range. Staff recommended the highest bid. MOTION A-11/20 moved: R. Geysens seconded: D. Beres THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors accepts the tender submitted by Townsend Lumber Inc. for marked standing timber at the Landon Tract – LP-325-19 for a total tendered price of $49,591. CARRIED While the Public Forest Revenue fell short of the revenue target of $300,000 in 2019 due to a soft market and the pest damage impact, the budget target remains the same for 2020. All tracts anticipated to be harvested in 2019 as per the Forest Management Plan were tendered and recorded in 2019. The updated Forest Management Plan will be presented to the Board at an upcoming meeting. MOTION A-12/20 moved: J. Scholten seconded: V. Donnell THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors does now enter into a closed session to discuss:  Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including employees of the Authority CARRIED Approval of closed session minutes of December 4, 2019. MOTION A-13/20 moved: V. Donnell seconded: R. Geysens THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors does now adjourn from the closed session. CARRIED Page 99 of 107 FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Dave Beres, Robert Chambers, Kristal Chopp, Michael Columbus, Valerie Donnell, Roger Geysens, Ken Hewitt, Tom Masschaele, Stewart Patterson, John Scholten, Peter Ypma - 7 - The Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:30pm. Michael Columbus Dana McLachlan Chair Administrative Assistant Page 100 of 107 1 Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area MINUTES Board Meeting of Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 Carriage Hall 7:30 am – 9:30 am Breakfast at 7:00 am 1. CALL TO ORDER: Time: 7:32 am QUORUM: Yes 7/9 members present – C. Tomico, C. Pepper, J. Tilson, M. Van Geer Truyde, D. Rasokas, D. Gilvesy, M. Tedesco, M. Renaud, K. Slattery, D. Gilvesy Absent: C. Heutinck, A. Hicks 2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA: a. moved by: M. Van Geer Truyde seconded by: D. Gilvesy And resolved that the agenda as prepared for the BIA Board of Management meeting for Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 be adopted. 3. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF: none declared at this meeting. 4. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES from the board meeting of December 19th, 2019 a. moved by: M. Tedesco seconded by: M. Van Geer Truyde “And resolved that the minutes, as prepared for the meeting of December 19th, 2019 be adopted”. 5. DELEGATIONS: none. 6. EVENTS AND MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT: The EMC delivered a report including a visual slide presentation. There were some questions about the four major projects between January and Turtlefest. The general feedback was very positive from the group. The EMC presented various mock-ups and graphics for upcoming initiatives including the work truck, banners, post cards, Page 101 of 107 2 etc. There were no concerns raised and the Board felt very positive about the direction of the marketing efforts. It was agreed to have the EMC provide this type of detailed presentation at each board meeting. The Board was very, very pleased and impressed the K. Slattery’s efforts. 7. FINANCIAL REPORT: Funds on deposit at CIBC: as at 12/31/2019: $98,064.29; Funds on deposit at First Ontario: as at 12/31/2019: $65,853.73; Total funds on hand as of 12/31/2019: $163,918.02. Remaining funds due to the BIA from the Town: Sobey’s: $2,500 + HST rebate of $20,063 +/- . There were no questions or concerns expressed by board members present. The ED will continue to follow-up with the Town’s Finance Dept. on all outstanding matters. 8. 2020 BUDGET: There were no comments or questions by the board members. The ED committed to revising the financial forecasts to reflect the issues with town payments and to follow-up with said concerns with the new Town CAO Kyle Pratt. 9. TURTLEFEST BUDGET & COMMITTEE UPDATE: Councillor Gilvesy and other board members discussed that there was no need for the Co-ordinator position to be approved by the BIA board. There was no discussion about passing the Turtlefest budget and a resolution was not put on the floor. 10. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT: The ED presented the report and there were several questions. The ED will bring back detailed information and recommendation with respect to the payroll service provider; medical/dental/life insurance benefits; the retirement plan option and follow-ups to the financial concerns, MOUD, FIP, town staff interactions and follow-up to progress against the approved BIA budget and business plans. 11. MOUD with the Town of Tillsonburg. D. Rasokas, C. Tomico, M. Renaud and D. Gilvesy agreed to meet immediately following the BIA meeting. These discussions would be the basis for the document to be presented to the Town of Tillsonburg at an upcoming joint MOUD meeting between the parties. 12. Turtlefest MOUD – awaiting final submissions from the BIA board members and ratification by Turtlefest Committee. 13. Façade Improvement Program update: There was no feedback on the report. Page 102 of 107 3 14. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 20th, 2020 at Carriage Hall - 7:00 am breakfast, 7:30 am meeting 15. MOTION TO ADJOURN: Time of adjournment: 9:34 a.m. a. moved by: M. Tedesco b. seconded by: J. Tilson Page 103 of 107 THE CORPORA TION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG BY-LAW 2020-018 A BY-LAW to appoint a Municipal Clerk for the Town of Tillsonburg. WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. C 25, allows for the appointment of officers of the Municipality; AND WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. C 25 Section 228(1) requires the municipality to appoint a municipal clerk; AND WHEREAS The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg deems it is necessary and expedient to appoint a Municipal Clerk for the Corporatio n of the Town of Tillsonburg; BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg as follows: 1. THAT Michelle Smibert is hereby appointed as Town Clerk. 2. THAT this By-Law is passed pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2 001, C 25. 3. THAT By-Law 3446 to appoint a Town Clerk is hereby repealed in its entirety. 4. THAT any previously enacted By-Laws which are inconsistent with the purpose and intent of this By-Law are hereby repealed. 5. THAT This By-Law shall come into full force and effect on the day of passing. READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 27th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2020. READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 27th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2020. ___________________________ MAYOR – Stephen Molnar ______________________________ DEPUTY CLERK – Amelia Jaggard Page 104 of 107 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG BY-LAW 2020-019 A BY-LAW to dedicate certain reserves owned by the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg as parts of public highways in the Town of Tillsonburg. WHEREAS The Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 c. 25, Sections 26 and 31, authorizes municipalities to pass by-laws for establishing highways for public highway purposes; AND WHEREAS the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg is the owner of a certain reserve abutting public highways as listed in Column 1 as shown on Registered Plan in Column 2 of Schedule "A" attached hereto; AND WHEREAS it is necessary to dedicate a public highway over the said reserve listed in Schedule "A"; BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg as follows: 1. That each reserve as listed in Column 1 of Schedule "A" attached hereto shall be dedicated and established as part of the public highway listed opposite under Column 3. 2. That this By-Law is passed pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001 S.O. 2001, and shall come into full force and effect on the day of passing. READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 27th day of FEBRUARY, 2020. READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 27th day of FEBRUARY, 2020. ___________________________ MAYOR – Stephen Molnar ______________________________ TOWN CLERK – Michelle Smibert Page 105 of 107 By-Law 2020-019 Schedule A Page 1 of 1 Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 PIN LEGAL DESCRIPTION ROAD NAME 00025-0323 Block 132 on Plan 41M-144 Sycamore Drive/William Street Page 106 of 107 THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG BY-LAW 2020-020 BEING A BY-LAW to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meeting held on the 27th day of February, 2020. WHEREAS Section 5 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, provides that the powers of a municipal corporation shall be exercised by its council; AND WHEREAS Section 5 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, provides that municipal powers shall be exercised by by-law; AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient that the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg at this meeting be confirmed and adopted by by-law; BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg as follows: 1. All actions of the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg at its meeting held on February 27, 2020, with respect to every report, motion, by-law, or other action passed and taken by the Council, including the exercise of natural person powers, are hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed as if all such proceedings were expressly embodied in this or a separate by-law. 2. The Mayor and Clerk are authorized and directed to do all the things necessary to give effect to the action of the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg referred to in the preceding section. 3. The Mayor and the Clerk are authorized and directed to execute all documents necessary in that behalf and to affix thereto the seal of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg. 4. This by-law shall come into full force and effect on the day of passing. READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 27th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2020. READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 27th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2020. ________________________________ MAYOR – Stephen Molnar _______________________________ TOWN CLERK – Michelle Smibert Page 107 of 107