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MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
AGENDA
Thursday,May 10, 2018
Chester Municipal Council Chambers
151 King Street, Chester, NS
1.MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.
2.APPROVAL OF AGENDA/ORDER OF BUSINESS.
3.PUBLIC INPUT SESSION (8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
4.MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
4.1 Council –April 26,2018
5.COMMITTEE REPORTS:
5.1 Committee of the Whole –May 3, 2018 –Warden Webber
(approval of motions only)
5.2 Committee of the Whole –April 10, 2018 –Warden Webber
(receive minutes only)
5.3 Committee of the Whole –April 19, 2018 –Warden Webber
(receive minutes only)
5.4 Any other Committees.
6.MATTERS ARISING:
7.CORRESPONDENCE:
7.1 Letter from Royal Canadian Legion Branch #24, Bridgewater dated April 18, 2018
regarding a letter of support to allow a low-level flyby as low as 1000’ over the
communities at this year’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies.
7.2 Letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs dated April 18, 2018 regarding 12-
months’ notice of any provincial legislation, regulation or administrative actions
that could have the effect of decreasing revenues or increasing the required
expenditures of municipalities for the fiscal year 2019-2020 and beyond.
Page 2 of 2
8.NEW BUSINESS:
8.1 Report for Information prepared by Information Services Department dated April
19, 2018 regarding ESRI Small Government Enterprise License.
8.2 Request for Decision prepared by Recreation and Parks Department dated May 3,
2018 regarding Gold River Property –Community Use.
a)Community Feedback –Gold River Property –April 19,2018.
b)Draft Lease Agreement –Together We Can Community Society.
8.3 Request for Decision prepared by Recreation and Parks Department dated May 3,
2018 regarding Fox Point Community Centre.
a)Letter from Christina MacLean,HHELLPS dated April 28,2018
b)Copy of Warranty Deed –MODC and HHELLPS –March 28,2011
9.IN CAMERA.
10.ADJOURNMENT.
MOTIONS REQUIRING APPROVAL OF COUNCIL FROM
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE –MAY 5, 2018
2018-194 Approval of Agenda/Order of Business
2018-195 Approval of April 10, 2018 Committee of the Whole minutes with amendment.
2018-196 Approval of April 19, 2018 Committee of the Whole Minutes
2018-197 2018/19 CAPITAL BUDGET APPROVAL
MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee of
the Whole recommend to Council to approve the 2018/19 Capital Budget in the amount of
$8,428,425. CARRIED.
2018-198 2018/19 OPERATING BUDGET AND BUSINESS PLAN APPROVAL
MOVED by Deputy Warden Shatford, SECONDED by Councillor Church that the Committee of
the Whole recommend to Council to approve the 2018/19 Operating Budget and Business Plan
in the amount of $27,553,015 less depreciation ($25, 063,795).CARRIED.
2018-199 2018/19 BUDGET –TRANSFERS, TAX RATES, SOLID WASTE RATE, SEWER
EDU RATE APPROVAL
MOVED by Councillor Barkhouse,SECONDED by Deputy Warden Shatford that the Committee
of the Whole recommend to Council to approve the following:
Reserve Transfers as noted in the 2018/19 Business Plan for both Capital and Operating;
Set the Residential Tax Rate at $0.705 per $100 of Assessment;
Set the Commercial Tax Rate at $1.53 per $100 of Assessment;
Set the Solid Waste Rate at $0.1205 per $100 of Assessment; and
Set the Sewer EDU Rate, Private Well Rates,Private Road Improvement and Maintenance
Rates and Street Light Rates as noted in the 2018/19 Business Plan.
CARRIED.
2018-200 In Camera -Section 22(2)(a) of the MGA Land Negotiations for Simms Settlement
property.
2018-201 Adjournment.
REPORT FOR INFORMATI ON
Prepared By:Cliff Gall, IS Director Date April 19, 2018
Reviewed By:Date
Authorized By:Tammy Wilson, MCIP, CAO Date April 30, 2018
CURRENT SITUATION
Our ESRI Small Local Government Enterprise Licence provides uncapped access to ArcGIS
software along with timely and expert assistance from ESRI so that we can focus on building
a successful and scalable enterprise GIS.
The 2018/19 Operating Budget includes $17,500 for this renewal. As per Subsection 4.1 of the
Municipality’s Procurement Policy (P-04), an information report is required to be provided to
Council advising of all Low Value Procurement over $10,000. This report is to advise that
MODC has procured the 2017/18 Licence renewal from ESRI for $17,400 +HST.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) lets us visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to
understand relationships, patterns, and trends.
With the EAL (Enterprise Agreement Licence) we will continue to:
1.Reduce Complexity
a.Unites software licencing for GIS into a single organization-wide agreement
2.Optimize technology spending
a.Lower the costs of software compliance and asset management
3.Increase flexibility
a.Build a scalable system that aligns with our strategic priorities
4.Maximize value
a.Provide mapping and GIS services where it’s needed; when its needed
SUBMITTED BY:Cliff Gall, Director of Information
Services
DATE:Insert Date
SUBJECT:ESRI Small Government Enterprise
Licence
ORIGIN:2018/19 Operating Budget
REPORT TO: Warden Webber and Members of
Council
2
GIS provides the foundation for critical business decisions in every department at the
Municipality of Chester.In the future GIS will play a critical role in our asset management
program.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
Procurement Policy-04, Alternative Procurement (Sole Source, Manufacturer)
Financial/Budgetary
$17,400 plus HST from the 2018/19 Operating Budget
Environmental
N/A
Strategic Plan (Goal)
3) Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services
4) Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By:Chad Haughn Date May 3,2018
Reviewed By:Tammy Wilson, CAO Date May 4, 2018
Authorized By:Tammy Wilson, CAO Date May 4, 2018
CURRENT SITUATION
A public meeting was held on April 19,2018 at the Western Shore & Area Improvement Hall.
The purpose of the meeting was to gather information about what community members would
like to see happen with the former Gold River Western Shore school property as it relates to
two main ideas,a community park and affordable housing.The next step is for Council to make
a decision about the future use of the property.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on feedback from the community, it is recommended that Council enter into a long-term
lease agreement with the Together We Can Community Society for the development of a park
at the former Gold River Western Shore School property.
BACKGROUND
On March 22, 2018, Gina Green from the Together We Can Community Society (TWCCS)
presented to Council the draft conceptual park plan for the Gold River property. Council had
positive comments about the plan, however, before making a final decision about the property,
they requested that a public meeting be held in the community to gather feedback about the
park concept as well as to see if there was any interest in the site being used for affordable
housing.
At the public meeting on April 19th, the draft conceptual park plan was presented to the
community and the affordable housing option was presented whereby the Municipality would
consider retaining a portion of the property for a possible future affordable housing project.
DISCUSSION
A total of 78 people, including councilors and staff, attended the public meeting.The majority
of feedback received was supportive of the park concept as presented by TWCCS. The majority
also suggested that an affordable housing project should not be considered at this location.
There were 41 Post It Notes submitted at the public meeting and between April 12th and May
REPORT TO:Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY:Chad Haughn,Recreation & Parks
Department
DATE:May 3, 2018
SUBJECT:Gold River Property
ORIGIN:Council Request
2 Request For Decision /Direction
1st, 26 emails and three phone calls were received.Attached is a summary of all comments
received as well as the recorded notes from the public meeting .
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
NA
Financial/Budgetary
Council has approved a major project grant to the TWCCS for 2018-19 in the amount of
$15,000.The capital upgrades and regular maintenance would be the responsibility of the
organization, as will be outline in the lease agreement.The TWCCS would be eligible to apply
for future Council grants to support the development and operation of the park.
Environmental
NA
Strategic Plan
Strengthen and support environmental, cultural, and social resources
Work Program Implications
Municipal staff would support TWCCS, similar to other community organizations. It is
anticipated that there will be less staff time requ ired under this agreement compared to the
past few years as the management and maintenance of the park would now be the
responsibility the community organization.
OPTIONS1.Enter into a long-term lease with the Together We Can Community Society for the
development and management of the property as a community park.2.Enter into a long-term lease with the Together We Can Community Society but retain a
portion of the property for a future affordable housing project.3.Deny the request and continue to operate the property as a Municipal park.
ATTACHEMENTS1.Summary of public meeting Post It Notes,emails and phone calls.2.April 19, 2018 Public Meeting Minutes3.Draft Lease Agreement
Page 1 of 8
Gold River Property
Community Feedback
April 19, 2018 Public Meeting: Post It Note Comments
Comments
1.I would like to see apartments for Seniors without emphasizing “Affordable
Housing”. I live in my house.
2.I want a nice place to play.
3.No “Affordable Housing”.
4.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Yes for the playground.
5.No to “Affordable Housing”.
6.No to “Affordable Housing”.
7.No to “Affordable Housing”.
8.Yes to a Park.
9.To Municipal Council:
I know you want the Apartment Revenue. Hope you prove me wrong and help
the local people.
10.No to “Affordable Housing.
11.No to “Affordable Housing.
12.No to “Affordable Housing. I don’t feel comfortable having my child playing in
someone else’s front yard.
13.Yes to a Park.
14.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Yes to a Park.
The property is a treasure and is should be kept that way.
15.No to “Affordable Housing”.
16.Yes to a Park.
17.No to “Affordable Housing”.
18.No to “Affordable Housing”.
19.We need housing but this is not the proper place –not by a Park.
20.No to “Affordable Housing”.
21.Yes to a Park.
22.Yes to a Park.
23.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Yes to a Park.
24.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Yes to a Park.
25.No to “Affordable Housing”.
26.Please keep Green Space for the Community use. Let the children claim
ownership. They will give back to the Community.
27.The Park is a great tribute to the Community and the sign, “Students are our
Treasure” hopefully will again find its place.
28.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Yes to Park.
Page 2 of 8
29.Yes to Park.
30.No to “Affordable Housing”.
31.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Yes to Park.
32.Yes to Park and Green Space only.
33.Yes to Park only.
34.Yes to Park only.
35.No to “Affordable Housing”.
The upper Green Space should stay Green to be used for many functions and
games.
36.No to “Affordable Housing”.
37.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Keep land as community recreation purposes.
38.No to “Affordable Housing”.
39.Yes to Park & Green Space.
40.Yes to Park.
41.No to “Affordable Housing”.
Email Reponses:
Received April 14 –May 1, 2018
1.Hi, I won't be able to attend the planned meeting so thought I'd just send my
opinion this way. I think the proposed apartment structure on the field is a bad
idea, it should stay as a grill I think, but maybe add some nets. The community
garden is a good idea, as well as the benches. Bathrooms would also be a good
idea, we were there the other day but had to leave and come back just to use
the washroom. It'd be nice if something commemorative was put up too, the
school was important to a lot of people.
2.As a resident of nearby Simms Settlement, we often enjoy spending time with
our small children at the GRWS school playground or picnicking. Unfortunately,
many of the other playgrounds in our area are not accommodating of smaller
children, however the playground at GRWS is easily accessible and age
appropriate for my 5 yr old and this summer we look forward to taking our
soon-to-be 1 year old. I was pleased to see that there is a community group
getting involved with planning ideas for the playground, picnic tables, general
green space and the possibility of a community garden area, etc. I was recently
informed that there is a proposal for a development of senior or affordable
living apartments. While I understand the need for these units across the
province, especially our area, I'm not sure if this is the best location for such a
development. Accessibility from the main road with increased traffic through
a lovely green/play space utilized by many families with young children is the
first area of concern. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the meeting
planned for this week, so I'm hoping that there will be more specific
information provided regarding this proposal before anything is decided upon,
and that those details are available online to review so that the public is able
to provide feedback.
Page 3 of 8
3.I like to give my two cents in the proposal of the former Gold River/ Western
Shore School Property. I understand that there are two specific thoughts on
the property...one as a green space for all and the other a combo of green
space/ housing. I completely understand that housing for low income and
especially seniors in this area are of great need. We all know there is a crisis
for these groups. I personally think a long-term solution is needed more...such
as another facility like Shoreham with a care units and separate apartments is
the way to go. With that said...I think a green space of all.... kids, seniors, young
adults....whomever is the best choice for all. EVERYONE will have opportunity
to use it.Did you know that 250,000 Nova Scotian’s are considered over
weight? That 25,000 are obese. That projections that 50% of the population of
Nova Scotia was be considered overweight by 2019. We NEED a safe space for
our health now and for the future. So please be a green space!
4.I just wanted to write in to give my two cents regarding the former GRWS
property. Growing up in Gold River, there was nothing better than looking out
the window and seeing the beautiful ocean. I’m not against a senior complex
on the upper part of the property because thinking of the future, I wouldn’t
mind seeing that view again in my older years. With that being said, I wouldn’t
want to see the park portion for the kids removed either. If there was a way to
keep both and add some benches/picnic tables that would be ideal.
5.I thought it was already decided that the school property would be a park and
green space. This is what I am in favour of and do not support any other
development in that property.
6.Did you know that type 2 diabetes in kids due to obesity is primarily the cause
of diabetes? That obesity itself is on the rise and 50% of Nova Scotian’s are
overweight. Info via Capital Health. As looking through the options for outside
green spaces on the Chester Municipality Website...I noticed one theme. Not
a lot are accessible by all. Individuals with physical limitations might not be able
to go up to Castle Rock, cross a small brook in East River or be able to use the
green gym equipment in Chester Basin. It’s wonderful to have these options
but not all levels of ability can take advantage. Please make this property for
all ages, all levels of physical ability and fitness to use and enjoy.
7.We would like to offer our support for "Together We Can Community Society"
in establishing and maintaining a Community Park at the previous location of
the Gold River/Western Shore School. We are the residents of the white house
beside the former school property. We strongly feel a Community Park would
enhance and benefit the area.
Parks promote healthy living, develop stronger social ties, attract
tourists/residents who can utilize a picnic & garden area, enjoy the scenic view,
watch their children or grandchildren play, etc. Parks are aesthetically pleasing,
create positive energy, relieve anxiety and stress. Allowing the residents of the
Municipality and the Society members to carry out a plan with community
events, promotes inclusiveness and a stronger sense of community.
The area has already lost a part of its history when the school was removed.
Relinquishing the property would speed the process of Gold River/Western
Shore losing further identity. A park stays in the community, whereas placing
a structure which the province could potentially dictate, means a beautiful
piece of community culture may be lost from the residents forever.
Page 4 of 8
8.I seriously think we need more low-income housing it would look great on the
community and people who can't afford high rent would very well benefit from
this. It is important we help each other out.
9.I live in Gold River, and am curious about what the proposals are for the old
school playground moving forward.Unfortunately, I am currently away for
work, and will not be able to attend tonight’s meeting. Any details you could
share would be greatly appreciated as we have a young daughter who loves
the playground.
10.Thank you for the response. I must say that I love the expansion of the
playground idea. But is what they are proposing realistic? If they have funding
in place it would be a 100% no brainer. If not, could we scale this back? Or is it
a 10-year plan? Just leaves a lot of questions open. I think the playground, and
walking track would be amazing if possible for now. Leaving expansion
available if grant money comes in the future. Has it been discussed about
simply leaving the space, cleaning it up and maintaining it? I know we love it as
is. Especially since the area is low on options for younger children.
As for the low-income housing project. I am 100% against this. I know it sounds
nice to say that the council has brought in low income housing. I say that having
lived in low income housing and around that environment for years. If housing
"must " be put in why not look into a retirement housing since we do have the
oldest population in Canada, and the seniors spend the most money in Nova
Scotia. With the condition that they cover the mowing and 50% of the upkeep
of equipment. In conclusion, if it is only between the two proposed options, I
am in favor of the park expansion. With no new housing. Although I think a
more realistic design should be put forward. (Unless they do have strong
funding to back this). This is a great space, just leaving it open, and available
would be great for the community. Change is not always progress or for the
best.Thank you for your work for the community, I hope that someday it is
possible that we do have the proposed park. But I would also be thrilled just to
know the existing space is going to be cleaned up a bit and maintained.
11.I’m not able to make the meeting tonight but I am a member of the community
and lived here all my life. I want to see the property kept for the benefit of the
community for people of all ages to enjoy. Turn it into a park and green space
for everyone. I don’t want to see any apartments or any other structures for
housing/seniors etc.
12.I am a former resident of Western Shore but still own property in the
community and a former student of the Gold River Elementary School. In
regards of the use of the land of the former elementary school in Gold River I
am in favor of developing the land into a green space with facilities to benefit
all age groups such park benches, community gardens, a playground which
already exists, a walking track and a free community dog park.By having these
facilities all age groups can have a common area to meet and be active with
their own age group and / or with other age groups.
Ask yourselves, " what would look beautiful a building or beautiful garden,
walking trails and a public dog park where our loveable dogs can go play and
socialize without a membership.My vote is green space with lots facilities for
young and old, can socialize and learn activities from each other. Thanks for
accepting my email as my voice whereas I cannot make the meeting tonight.
Page 5 of 8
13.I do not want to see any housing or any other commercial buildings on this
property. This should stay as a green space for all to enjoy.
14.I will be unable to attend the meeting tonight, regarding the former school site.
I have heard some news on CKBW about this issue. Personally, the playground
is great to have. I have heard things like a dog park and apartments for seniors.
Dog park not necessary. Seniors apartments, like those at Shoreham are
needed. In saying this, I mean for seniors, and not low income. The last senior
apartment building in Western Shore, is now low-income housing. To the best
of my knowledge my grandfather, Frank Hiltz, donated part or all-of the
property that is up for discussion. He would have been sad to see the school
go, but would approve of senior’s apartments. There is a need for these, and
it would allow people to stay in or close to their communities, where family
and friends live. I would like to see a vote taken on the options, either by
telephone or by a form that could be mailed back to the Municipality. It needs
to be convenient for all to have input into such a major decision. PS: We need
to start doing more for our seniors.
15.I am emailing to express my opinion on the old GRWS School site. As a mother
of 2 children and dog owner I frequent the site often on our walks. I believe
this space has special meaning for the people in this community. My oldest
daughter was lucky enough to attend the school until grade 2 and was
saddened when it was torn down. In our small community this space has
become a place where they can have an open outdoor play which is so
important. It’s a struggle as a parent to find a green space for people to come
together and keep our children active. I feel any development on the back field
will diminish the space. I for one would not feel as comfortable taking my
children there.
I live in Gold River and am lucky enough to also run 2 companies in that area. I
would support the development the together we can have proposed. I could
donate time and resources to that proposal.
16.My husband and I are residents of the community in Western Shore.We have
heard the proposed project that the group Together We Can have put forward
by Gina Green and we support the project and would prefer our community to
a have a green space that is family and youth friendly! We are opposed to any
type of housing unit whether it be senior home /apt or low-income apartments
or expensive housing, we do not want it there! My husband and children
attended the school and we were very saddened by its closure and dismantle.
We want this to remain a child friendly environment! NO HOUSING UNIT!
Please send along our support and opinion. thank you.
17.I vote in favor of turning the previous property of GRWS into a community park
for children to be able to play on and for families of the area to enjoy.I do NOT
wish to see senior housing being built on the property!
18.I would support using the land for families and people to enjoy.I do not think
an apartment build would fit there –it’s not needed.
19.I wholeheartedly support the proposed use of the former GRWS School
property as presented by Gina Greene.So, NO APARTMENTS there.
Page 6 of 8
20.I live in Gold River and I’m emailing to let you know that I am not in support of
any type of apartments being built on the former school property.I fully
support the plans the TWCCS has to develop the site as a park and green space.
21.My name is Fred Swinimer and I live in Gold River.I do not want apartments
built on the school property.A park and a place for kids to play would be nice.
22.Although I am no longer live in Martins Point, I taught at GRWS for many years
and feel I have an awareness of the needs of this hard-working jewel of a
community. The proposed plan, minus the housing unit, would have my vote.
23.I was at the Western Shore & Area Improvement Association Hall last evening
for the meeting. It is unfortunate that the meeting turned into a low-cost
housing debate so early. I wish someone had asked the more pertinent and
difficult questions. For instance, the TWC group talked about $322,000 to
eventually complete the proposed project and $7000 annually to maintain the
park (which was to include liability insurance). One of my questions is what
fund raising is planned right now to start the project.
I heard about needing community support; support from local groups and
businesses. Small business owners have just weathered another winter season
when business is at its slowest. They now need to try and recover in time for
another year. Each year, our small business is asked to donate much from
many groups, how much more are we supposed to afford? As far as going to
other groups in the area, the ones that come to mind are all non-profit groups
who are trying to keep buildings of their own plus meet other obligations, such
as pledges to the OHC. I also don't see 50/50 draws and membership fees,in
our area, making $7000 a year. Another question arises from the issue that I
have never seen any fund raising by the TWC group. Where did the money
come from to fund the plans and maps we were privileged to view at the
meeting? Where did the money come from to pay for all the activities at the
event where it was a celebration and a goodbye to the school (which was
totally free to the public)? I feel that should have been made clear at the
meeting.I wish someone had asked how will this affect our property taxes
because the startup money is very substantial. If not property taxes, from what
source. In the $7000 annual maintenance cost, is there a contingency fund for
vandalism? The plan shows the back field to be a green space and I heard of
letting your dog off the leash to have a good run. If there is a consideration to
make this even a part-time dog park then there needs to be garbage cans in
place along with bags for folks to clean up after their dogs. Who will provide
these and who will collect the garbage and place curbside every two weeks?
Volunteers are wonderful but not so easy to find. Most of us are extended to
capacity and, as noted, we are living in an aging community and many are not
able to volunteer due to physical and health issues. I believe so much that the
school playground should remain with the community but also believe a firm
plan with specifics on what fundraisers will be done, need to be addressed. I
also believe that Seniors apartments are not a bad thing -and I mean Seniors
apartments. I've spoken with two widows who would very much like to sell
their houses and move into an apartment but want to stay in the area where
they now live. I learned of another just this morning. The issue of children's
safety has always been in the forefront for me as I have spent many days at the
playground with my grandchildren. Fencing that area off is a reasonable
Page 7 of 8
solution to keep children from inadvertently running out in front of vehicles. I
don't see that as an issue to stop senior’s apartments from being built. It could
be a co-operative venture with whoever builds and owns the apartments as
they could be asked to maintain the playground/park as well. I see this as a
win-win.
You may ask why I didn't ask these questions last night. Despite the attempts
to keep the meeting about everyone's opinions, this was not the direction it
was taking and I didn't want to be the brunt of others disdain for what I had to
ask or say.I felt the meeting had gone off track and after the first hour I gave
up and left. My husband stayed and tried to fill me in on what was discussed
after I left.
It is so true that you cannot please everyone, but please know that Carson
Swinimer was incorrect when he stood up and said that everyone at the
meeting was against apartments. There were several people there who
believe in having Seniors apartments built in the back field.
24.As we were unable to attend the meeting on Apr. 19, we would like to add our
comments to your list. As we feel that maintaining the existing playground for
the community is an absolute must, we have grave concerns about expanding
it. The costs brought forward are not only staggering (and expecting non-profit
groups to help financially when they are constantly trying to raise money to
keep their own groups functioning is not a viable or practical solution), the
ongoing maintenance costs are also concerning.Even if the costs could be
raised, there are also issues of who is going to keep it clean, take the trash to
the road every 2 weeks, vandalism and damage costs, etc.Fencing the existing
playground completely to keep the children safe, putting in a few picnic tables
& benches for adults to sit and socialize while their children play seems to be
an excellent start. As our community is certainly an aging population with
many seniors living in their house after a spouse passes, having a senior’s
complex on the upper level seems like a win-win solution. The housing
complex would pay for the annual maintenance of the playground and it would
give many, many seniors who would love to stay in their community a safe and
beautiful place to live. The grounds would be kept by the complex and there
could be a stipulation that they must also mow the playground and look after
the trash. We must emphasize that it should be strictly for seniors and not a
low-cost housing project. We know of 5 single senior women right now that
would jump at the chance to sell their oversized homes and move into such a
place if it was built.Although the idea of having a walking track etc. on the
upper level of the property may be appealing to some, we have a large amount
of doubt that it would be used on a regular basis. As stated earlier, our
community population is aging and in many other places in NS, retirement
villages are well and thriving.
25.I would like to add my input to the decision regarding the plans for the site of
the former GRWS school. I wasn’t able to attend the meeting last week, but
want to have my say.
I feel the site should be used for and to benefit of our community. The proposal
by ‘Together We Can Community’ group is by far the best option for this
property.If I had a vote it would be to accept this recommendation.Thank you
Page 8 of 8
for your consideration.PS, I have grandchildren who have and would continue
to enjoy the use of the playground.
Phone Reponses:
Received April 14 –May 1, 2018
1.Kyle thought it was already decided that the property should be a park. This is
not a good location for a housing project, no need for discussion.
2.Marilyn called as a friendly reminder that the Municipal property does not
connect to the trail, her property goes between the former school property
and the trail.
3.Ella would like to see the property used for the children. She would like it to
stay as a park. Housing is needed but it should be a park.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
Prepared By:Chad Haughn Date May 3,2018
Reviewed By:Date
Authorized By:Tammy Wilson, CAO Date May 4, 2018
CURRENT SITUATION
On April 28, 2018 a letter was received from Christina MacLean indicating that HHELLPS is
dissolving as an organization and that they no longer require the building at 419 HWY 329.As
per the agreement, HHELLPS is returning the property and building to the Municipality effective
May 1, 2018.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Council accept the property, building and its contents from HHELLPS.
BACKGROUND
Since March 2011, HHELLPS has operated their organization out of the Fox Point Community
Centre. They have offered community programs, rented space to groups and completed
several community projects.They have kept the building in good condition including regular
maintenance as well as some upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom.
Over the past few months, the Recreation & Parks Director as well as the Executive Director for
the Aspotogan Heritage Trust have been working with the HHELLPS board of directors as well as
a group of interested citizens who want to explore options to continue some of the services
that HHELLPS offered to the community,including the fitness centre.
An Open House was held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 to gather input from the community
about what they would like to see happen in the community and at the centre .Those who
attended were in favour of the facility continuing to operate as a community centre. Many
suggestions were given for programs including yoga, painting classes and various senior’s
programs.There was also a lot of interest to keep the fitness centre operating but with better
access /hours of operation.
REPORT TO:Municipal Council
SUBMITTED BY:Chad Haughn,Recreation & Parks
Department
DATE:May 3, 2018
SUBJECT:Fox Point Community Centre
ORIGIN:Letter from HHELLPS
2 Request For Decision /Direction
DISCUSSION
Since members of the community are investigating options for a new community organization
to be formed and run the community centre, it is suggested that Council provide an opportunity
for these discussions to take place prior to making any final decisions about the future of the
facility.
IMPLICATIONS
Policy
NA
Financial/Budgetary
There will be direct costs related to power and insurance for the facility. Staff resources will be
required to complete regular monitoring. Budget figures are not known at this time.
Environmental
NA
Strategic Plan
Strengthen and support environmental, cultural, and social resources
Work Program Implications
During the period when the facility is owned by the Municipality, staff will be required to
complete routine inspections of the facility for insurance purposes and to ensure there are no
problems. The Municipality will be required to keep the building f unctional and in good repair
including power and insurance.The Recreation & Parks Director will continue to provide
assistance to community members that are exploring options for the centre.
ATTACHEMENTS1.Letter from HHELLPS, April 28, 20182.Copy of the Warranty Deed, March 28, 2011