2020 Member survey
2020 Member survey Read More »
BMRA serves in an advocacy role with Town Council and staff on behalf of ratepayers to ensure and enhance our community’s quality of life.
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
June 16, 2020 Committee of the Whole Meeting Jim Torrance, President, BMRA
The Town of The Blue Mountains has proposed the development of an Attainable Housing project on Highway 26/Arthur Street East at the old Foodland site in Thornbury. The BMRA recognizes the need for Attainable Housing in TBM and sees the identified site as appropriate for this use. The mixed use with Commercial and Residential is in keeping with the Town’s Official Plan, and in keeping with the Downtown commercial / residential feel.
Our Association does have two broad concerns with the proposal – the potential for the development to require variance from the Town’s Official Plan, and the financial model proposed.
1) Variance to the Official Plan
Consistent adherence to our Official Plan (OP) is critical to maintaining the character of our community and has been a commitment stated by our current Council. Historically, TBM Councils have not been steadfast guardians of our OP.
The TBM OP references height limits as 11m and/or 3 storeys in several locations, including the below:
Section B3.1 speaks to the intent to maintain the community’s low (height) profile and low density feel
Section B3.13 specifies the 11m limit, the intent of which policy is to preserve “the general amenity and character of development within the Town”
Section B2.13, Paragraph 3 states: “Development shall not be permitted at the maximum (11 m) height ….. unless Council is satisfied the proposed buildings and structures are compatible with nature and character of the surrounding area”.
Section B3.3.4 says “the scale……of new development shall maintain and/or enhance the existing character of the Downtowns (by) (d) limiting the height of new buildings to a maximum of 3 storeys in order to maintain consistent facades”.
In approving new developments, the O.P. Section B3.3.4.1 requires Council to be satisfied with many conditions, including but not limited to:
on-site parking
impact on adjacent properties
access points
streetscape and facades
Without the details of a project against which to measure these and other conditions, Council is not in a position to say it is satisfied that the 11 m maximum height limit should be reached, let alone exceeded. We believe it is premature for Council to consider zoning and official plan amendments at this time.
The BMRA does not believe that sound rationale has yet been established to suggest that allowing this project to exceed the three story / 11m height limit is warranted. Our concern is that if this OP variance is granted to allow for a four or five storey building, it would be difficult to prohibit developments in the future that request approval to exceed three stories. We would need to be reassured that such protections could be established and enforced.
We also believe that constructing a four storey, or more significantly a five storey building, would present an imposing presence at the west entry to Thornbury that would not be in keeping with the current character and feel of the town.
It is recognized that a public survey was conducted, asking for town resident responses to the conceptual designs (which we know are not binding) and to provide their perspectives on three, four and five storey options. The results showed a fairly even split across the three options, although it did not appear respondents were clearly informed that the four and five storey options would require variances to the Official Plan, nor were the trade-offs between more / less parking, more / less tree cover thoroughly explained. Responses were not segmented by location of the person providing their input, so it is not possible to ascertain whether those in the Thornbury area, who will be more exposed to the development and the impact on their community, had a different perspective than those residing in other parts of TBM.
Finally, we would like Council to consider amending the OP to incentivize affordable or attainable housing that can be integrated within private sector developments throughout the community.
2) FinancialModel
Ingoing expectations for the Attainable Housing project were that it would be structured as a public / private partnership, with the Town offering incentives – such as waiving of Development Charges – to deliver a viable return to the private partner. Our understanding now is that the Town will be assuming all financial risks, particularly as it pertains to the revenue stream provided through commercial and residential rents, and the design/builder will simply be engaged with a cost-plus construction agreement. The Town’s lack of experience with this kind of financial structure causes concern about our future exposure, and the risk that taxpayers may be on the hook to help fund any potential shortfalls.
Post Script:
Regarding the Global Hospitality Proposal, we strongly urge the Town to help resolve the question of future school needs on the site before any future residential use of the property is considered.
BMRA Position Regarding the Proposed Attainable Housing Projects Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
The Post Pandemic Challenges Our Municipal and County Governments Must Face By Jim Torrance President – Blue Mountain Ratepayers Association It may seem premature to be talking about what will be needed post the Covid-19 lockdown while we are just approaching that period, but the reality is that it can’t be too early to begin contemplating how best to navigate the looming challenges, financial and otherwise, we will be facing. How do we ensure that the economy and individuals receive the assistance they will need to stay afloat as things slowly return to some version of normal, while also recognizing that the massive debt being incurred to fight the pandemic must ultimately be addressed? What is urgently required is for all levels of government to develop strategies to balance the competing needs of generating growth while reducing debt. As Marcus Gee wrote in the Globe and Mail on May 16; “Someone will have to pick up the tab. Cities won’t be exempt either. Even if they get their emergency funds, the transfers they get from above are bound to shrink as higher governments wrestle with their debts. There is only one taxpayer. Like it or not, we are all going to have to pay.” For us to succeed, governments must realize that it cannot be business as usual going forward! We can no longer accept inefficiencies and redundancies. We clearly can’t afford to see our tax dollars (and as stated there will be many demands on our tax dollars) spent ineffectively. It is a positive sign that the Town of Blue Mountains has formed a Community Recovery Task Force with private and public sector representatives. This suggests that our Council understands the need for collaborative approaches to finding new and better ways to function. However, the Community Recovery Task Force will need to focus on more than just getting local businesses prospering again. TBM Council and Staff must take a hard look at the services they offer, how they are delivered and whether they should be maintained. We know they are revisiting the 2020 budget to get a handle on how to adjust to the seismic changes that have occurred, and ensure our finances stay in line. A critical question is whether Grey County has the same mindset. As we’ve indicated before, fully 40% of our tax dollars go to the County, and that number has been increasing. There are also significant Development Charges (DCs) for TBM projects that the County collects. In neither case, for tax levies and DCs, do we feel that the County provides the kind of transparency, accountability and support that has always been demanded of our elected officials. This will be even more important in the future, as the County must evaluate how it operates, to identify, capture and transfer financial efficiencies – simply stated, to work cooperatively in the interests of all municipalities. This urgency was reflected in a statement from Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, related to funding being provided to County and Municipal governments to find better service delivery models: “Taxpayers need their local government to deliver modern, efficient services that show respect for their hard-earned dollars,” Clark said in a news release. “This funding will help small and rural municipalities improve how they deliver services and reduce the ongoing costs of providing those services.” Currently, we are unaware of any substantial efforts having been undertaken by Grey County to find efficiencies, and to our knowledge they have not created a recovery task force as we are seeing at TBM and other municipal / regional governments. The County CAO and Staff have just recently been able to provide an initial response to our late February request for more visibility into their operations and budget management. This must only be the start of the BMRA’s efforts to push for the data that can shed a light on how they are sourcing and spending their revenues, including our contributions. If this cannot be achieved, or the numbers tell us that our ability to effectively deliver the investment required to fund TBM’s growth is being compromised by our financial obligations to the County, we must then seriously question whether the current County structure works for TBM. At that point, we would begin to evaluate alternative governing structures with the Province and other potential regional partners, to ensure a positive future for TBM. Such an approach was in fact contemplated within the TBM Sustainable Path document, which established the goal of exploring the option of a future amalgamated single tier community. That may yet prove to be a viable consideration for us. |
It Can’t Be Business as Usual Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
Through the leadership of the Community Recovery Task Force and with support of Council, the Town of The Blue Mountains is pleased to announce the launch of www.exploreblue.ca, a dedicated website to provide community information and to support local businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
The website features a local business directory that highlights the businesses that are open and operating in the Town of The Blue Mountains. The directory contains links to the individual business websites and also outlines the hours of operation, and special instructions related to online ordering, curbside pickup and delivery.
In addition, the website also features video experiences of The Blue Mountains that members of the public can enjoy from the comfort and safety of home. The videos will inform, educate, entertain and build anticipation about The Town of The Blue Mountains until it is safe to experience all that the community has to offer in person.
Over the coming weeks, additional content will be added to the website, including community volunteer opportunities and information about how to access important community services.
“Exploreblue.ca is an exciting new platform that was designed to help support our local businesses and to engage and inform the public” explained, Mayor Alar Soever. “Through showcasing local businesses and by offering video content, the Town’s Community Recovery Task Force is working hard to ensure that our businesses survive, and the Town of The Blue Mountains maintains its strong and positive identity as a welcoming and friendly community. It is important to make clear that while we are not accepting visitors now, the community will be ready to welcome visitors back when it is safe to visit and explore again.”
For more information, please contact:
Alar Soever
Mayor
(519) 599-3131 ext. 400
Town Launches ExploreBlue.ca Website Campaign Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public that at the March 30, 2020 special meeting, Council approved the recommendation to waive penalties and interest for April, May and June for both residential and commercial property taxes and utility payments. This decision effectively extends the property tax and utility due dates to June 30, 2020.
“The extension until June 30, 2020 is an interim measure that was approved by Council as a means to immediately assist residents and businesses within the community,” explained Mayor Alar Soever. “The Province has already extended the deadline for the Town to remit the June 30, 2020 School Board payment until September 30, 2020. In addition, the Town is actively working with Grey County to finalize a deferral for some of the County taxes that are owed. It is anticipated that these additional measures will be incorporated into an extended deferral period for both residential and commercial property taxes and utility payments.”
Property Tax & Utility Information
It is important to note that the tax monthly pre-authorized payment plan (PAP) will be processed as usual unless written instructions to suspend the payment are received three (3) days prior to the 1st of the month. For the tax due date PAP, the May 27th tax instalment due date withdrawal will be moved to the new tax due date of June 30th. In addition, all tax post-dated tax cheques received dated May 27th will be deposited June 30th.
For utility (water and sewer) account payments, the utility due date pre-authorized payments and post-dated cheques for April and June due dates will be processed as usual.
To change your tax and/or utility PAP or cancel your post-dated cheque, please contact the Finance department or call 519-599-3131 ext. 221.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help answer property tax and utility questions, a sheet of frequently asked questions has been created. Click here to open FAQ sheet.
For more information, please contact:
Finance Department
Phone: 519-599-3131 x 276
Residential and Commercial Property Tax Payments Extended Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
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Dissolution to Task Force Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club asking for Community Volunteers to Help out during Covid-19.
The Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club has responded to the request of Brian Leduc, owner of Foodland Thornbury, for help to provide necessary sanitation and grocery delivery services. This effort began on March 18th and requires lots of volunteers. Please join the Team of Volunteers.
To be clear, Foodland does not have sufficient staff right now and this program is in no way intended to take jobs away from anyone or to enrich Foodland. Brian has publicly committed to making charitable contributions for the volunteer time contributed. When staff resources exceed those necessary to operate the store then our program will be curtailed.
TC Rotary is coordinating both the Cart / Basket sanitizing program at the store front entrance as well as the free home delivery of prepaid grocery orders.
To fully support the Sanitizing program for one week requires 84 volunteers each doing a two-hour shift. The Team is covering each shift and we would appreciate your help to spread the workload.
We have oriented the workspace inside the store entrance to provide space for social distancing, and the store is providing gloves, cloths and the sanitizing solution to clean carts and baskets between use.
Our delivery driver program is staffed to handle the current volume of orders Foodland can process. To date we have given priority to drivers who due to pre-existing conditions are vulnerable but still want to help. Drivers are only unloading prepaid grocery orders outside front doors, minimizing any contact.
If you are interested in volunteering in support of your community or have any questions please let me know.
John White
Thornbury Clarksburg Rotary
Mobile 289 230 5345 E-Mail Johnwhite1250@gmail.com
TC Rotary and Foodland Seeks Community Volunteers Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
Town of Blue Mountains 2020 Budget
Blue Mountain Ratepayers Association (“BMRA”)
Analysis for Members
The Town of Blue Mountains 2020 Budget – A Silver Cloud with a Black Lining
Certainly, the topline numbers for the Town of Blue Mountains budget are quite positive. Given the significant level of residential development, the growth in new assessment dollars have allowed the Town to provide additional services and increase staffing while enabling a slight decrease to our 2020 property tax rate. Unfortunately, the County levy has increased – more on that later – but thankfully the tax bills for TBM residents will be slightly lower when compared to 2019. So, while that does qualify as good news, there are some serious issues that will prove very challenging in the years ahead.
These issues include:
Of course, the other challenge we face in building the required infrastructure is that 60% of our municipal tax dollars leave the Town – 40% go to the County, and 20% to the School Board. With such a significant drain on TBM resources, it becomes that much more difficult to fund the investment we need. For point of comparison, and to clearly illustrate the financial challenge TBM faces with our obligation to the County, the other municipalities in Grey County keep on average almost 60% of their property taxes for their own use. We’re clearly doing a lot of heavy lifting on behalf of Grey. Following the BMRA’s February deputation to the County regarding their 2020 budget, we were to meet with the CAO and Directors of Finance and Planning to push for greater accountability and transparency. That meeting has understandably been delayed due to current circumstances, but we will ensure it happens when our situation allows.
This communication will provide the substance of a submission the BMRA Budget Review Committee will make to Town Council March 30.
Respectfully,
Brian Harkness
Chairman
Budget Review Committee of the BMRA
Town of blue Mountains 2020 budget Read More »
“Keeping the BMRA membership informed”
The Canadian Ski Hall of Fame (CSHF) is proud to introduce our “Class of 2019”. After a successful restart to our induction process in 2018 the CSHF is excited to honor and induct a distinguished group of Canadians into our Hall of Fame. The gala will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at a ceremony in Blue Mountain Resorts in Collingwood, Ontario.
Our 2019 inductees and soon to be Honored Members include:
Athletes
Chandra Crawford, Cross country
Ashleigh McIvor, Ski cross
Jennifer Heil, Freestyle
Lauren Woolstencroft, Para-alpine
Builder and Coach
Malcolm Hunter, builder and coach
Builder
Mike Irwin, builder
Réal Boulanger, builder (Deceased)
William B. Schreiber, builder
Instructor
Lorne McFadgen, Alpine Ski Instructor (Deceased).
This festive evening begins with a cocktail reception and is followed by dinner with an entertaining awards ceremony highlighting each inductee’s achievements. You are most welcome to join us in celebrating these new Honoured Members.
Tickets are $125. and can be purchased at www.skimuseum.ca
For more information contact info@skimuseum.ca
Canadian Ski Hall of Fame event Read More »
In Memoriam – Dorothy Healey Read More »