Council Rundown
July 11th
The Regular Meeting of Council of July 11th primarily featured various requests from community groups and two members motions.
Noise Bylaw Exemption Request - Annual Ball Tournament
Council approved the annual request from the "Jays" Men's Baseball Team for an exemption to Municipal Bylaw No. 1189/96, being the Noise Bylaw. This exemption will permit a Homerun competition on Friday August 11, 2023 until 1:00 am and live music at the Red McCarthy Pavilion Saturday August 12, 2023 from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am Sunday August 13, 2023.
Noise Bylaw Exemption Request - Garson Pipe
Council approved the request from Garson Pipe for an exemption to Municipal Bylaw No. 1189/96, being a Noise Bylaw. This exemption will permit the installation of a well point system which is then connected to a vacuum pump. This installation is required to install pipe infrastructure for the work being done in Phase 2 of the Trunk Watermain on Mead Boulevard.
Espanola Pride Presentation and Donation Request
Representatives from Espanola Pride were in attendance to provide a presentation on their plans for a community event on September 8th and 9th. Council approved their donation request to waive the fees associated with the track and field rental, cover the insurance cost for the first annual event and to cover the cost of painting a rainbow crosswalk at a location to be determined by staff in collaboration with the organizers. The estimated donation value from the Town is $1,600. The event has an overall budget of approximately $11,200 and the organizers are actively seeking donations from the community. With this donation from the Town, fundraising efforts so far have reached approximately $6,750 when considering cash, in-kind services, prizes and facilities. The event is expected to feature an outdoor movie night on September 8th, and a day filled with activities for families, youth and adults including bouncy castles, games, relay races, prizes and a pride walk/bike ride on September 9th. The organizers can be contacted at [email protected].
Member Motions
Council passed a member motion moved by Councillor Kallioinen calling on the Federal Government to provide additional funding for Ontario to support municipalities in dealing with shortages of safe and affordable housing.
Council passed a member motion moved by Councillor Massicotte calling on the Province to reinstate legislation permitting municipalities to retain surplus proceeds from tax property sales.
Mayor and Councillor Announcements
Councillor Duplessis commended and acknowledged the great work of the Deputy Treasurer, Cathy Tessier as relates to the recent presentation of the Town’s consolidated financial statements for 2022.
Councillor Kallioinen wished all a happy Canada Day and acknowledged the many community events that took place on July 1st. Kallioinen further commended the hard work of our Public Works Department who are working outdoors in the significant heat recently. Kallioinen further expressed his gratitude to staff for their guidance and direction since the start of the Council term as the start of summer has arrived. Kallioinen also commended his fellow Council Members for their work and dedication to the community. Kallioinen further expressed his enthusiasm for having attended the grand opening of W.P. Foster Park and thanked all involved and sponsors. Kallioinen provided a summary of his activities relating to his initiative “Support Local Saturdays” and thanked those businesses he has visited so far. Finally, Kallioinen spoke to Espanola Minor Soccer Association hosting its annual tournament day on Saturday, July 29 at the Track and Field from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and thanked the Mayor for recently attending a soccer game and participating as a referee in the game.
Councillor Nadeau expressed his enthusiasm for the activities being organized by Espanola Pride and the importance of events that promote diversity and inclusion in our community.
Deputy Mayor Kelly echoed Councillor Nadeau’s comments. Deputy Mayor Kelly also expressed enthusiasm for the organization of the grand opening of the W.P. Foster Park and how great it was to see the late Bill Foster’s family in attendance for this important recognition of his dedication as a community volunteer primarily with the Lions Club. Kelly also thanked the organizations and community members who organized events for July 1st. Kelly further announced that Camp Day at Tim Hortons is July 19th, 2023, that she will be helping out with the event, and encouraged all to come out and help out for a great cause. Kelly further expressed her enthusiasm for the start of the new Manager of Community and Recreation and is looking forward to working with them. Kelly also acknowledged the great work of Deputy Treasurer Cathy Tessier, associated with the 2022 audit and thanked her.
Mayor Gervais expressed the importance of the events being organized with Espanola Pride and thanked the organizers for providing Council with a presentation. Mayor Gervais also expressed the great honour it was to be involved with the ribbon cutting and grand opening for W.P. Foster Park. Gervais thanked staff from the Public Works Department and the Recreation Department for the very well-organized event and all supporters. Gervais further recognized the work of the Elks with putting on their annual activities on Canada Day and further expressed his enthusiasm for his attendance at an Espanola Minor Soccer Association game as mentioned by Councillor Kallioinen.
The Council Rundown provides a summary of each Council Meeting. The official record of each meeting is the Meeting Minutes and can be found in the Council Meetings section of the website. Video recordings of meetings are similarly available in the same section. Any questions regarding Council Meetings can be directed to Joseph Burke, Town Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 705-869-1540.