Terrace Bay council returns after summer break

After a break for the summer and fresh from the AMO conference, Terrace Bay council met for their first September meeting.

CAO John Hall gave an update on the AMO conference. The first meeting was held with the minister of Infrastructure and helped to clarify the options available to the township of Terrace Bay when it comes to financing projects for infrastructure.

Housing was another topic that is becoming even more critical with the recent controversy over the Greenbelt activity and development in rural areas.

Airbnb bylaws and regulations have been discussed during previous meetings as Terrace Bay grapples with the problem of finding housing for temporary employees and new residents. The transitory nature of some of these establishments has lead to many residents voicing concern over safety and security in the neighbourhoods that have Airbnb type accommodation.

The Christmas Social and dinner is being planned for December 8th. These types of events have been increasingly scaled down and are becoming less popular among younger residents while most attendees leave shorty after the meal. 

Luke Bedard presented his report for economic development and highlighted the need for a new vehicle to shuttle patients to the clinic and hospital as part of the Community Transportation initiative. He will be applying for additional funding to help cover the costs of a new vehicle for next year.

Councillor Dube attended a conference focusing on seniors needs. He then went on to present and talk about the Advantage Ontario Advancing Senior Care program. The slide presentation, as well as other information links, will be posted on the towns website. 

A discussion as to the availability of councillors to attend a mining expo was discussed. 

A proposal to have municipal staff identity cards is being considered. There are various reasons as to why and how it could be implemented, and what the costs might be. 

There were no questions for question period.

The meeting was then adjourned.

A special council meeting will held on the 25th of September.