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At this meeting, Council heard presentations on a number of topics, including Huntsville Health Care Clinic, 2024 Budget, Strategic Plan, Rivermill Park Washroom, CAO By-law, Roads, MAHC Community Chats, and other topics.

 

Here’s what happened:

 

  • Deputations and Invited Presentations
    • Bradley Okelly from Bestlife Homes and Lionston Holdings presented regarding his company’s offer to donate a bus shelter for a location on Main St. W. near Station Rd. The Town has accepted the donation and staff will coordinating the placement, maintenance, and next steps.
    • Council heard from Dr. Melanie Mar and Janine van den Heuvel of the Algonquin Family Health Team, regarding the Huntsville Health Care Clinic for Unattached Patients. There are approximately 4,000 patients in Huntsville without primary care (a family doctor) and this is expected to increase soon to 7,500. An application has been made to the Provincial Government for funding so that the Huntsville Health Care Clinic can continue to operate either on a part-time or full-time basis for the next two years.
      • New Business: Council has approved that the balance in the Town’s Community Health Care Reserve in the amount of $12,000 be utilized for costs that are the responsibility of the Algonquin Family Health Team for the purpose of operating the Huntsville Health Care Clinic.
    • As part of a Deputation, Council heard from Peggy Peterson and Shelagh McFarlane, speaking on behalf of Muskoka Canadians For Truth, providing information on governance and climate change.
  • The 2024 Consolidated Budget was ratified by Council at this evening’s meeting. For more information on the Budget and the results of the January 11 General Committee Meeting discussion on the Budget, please see the post-meeting Media Release. Please see below for some of the details of the spending priorities in the approved, Final 2024 Budget.
    • 1. Maintaining Quality Services
      • The Town is making an operational investment of $3,780,000 in Community Services for 2024,
      • This division has seen an 11-100%growth in usership across various programs.
    • 2. Investing in Human Capital
      • Investing in Human capital that supports and provides the services for the Community.
    • 3. Serving the Growing Population
      • Huntsville’s population has grown by 11% (from 2014-2021), which impacts on such areas as parks, roads, sidewalks and emergency services.
      • This year, the Town is making an operational investment of over $8,000,000, for Operations & Protective Services.
      • Huntsville’s Operations Staff maintain approximately 400+ km of roads (of which 250+ km are paved) and 33,470m of sidewalks.
      • Capital Projects approved as part of the 2024 Budget include:
        • $7,000,000 for Roads Capital Projects, including works on: Meadow Park Drive, Minerva Street, Cora Street East, East Waseosa Lake Road, and South Waseosa Lake Road
        • $500,000 for two bridge reconstructions – Old North Bridge and East River/Williamsport Bridge
        • $1,750,000 for Parks projects including the following works: McCulley Robertson Park, Rivermill Park Washroom, Conroy Park Tennis Court, Utterson Park Tennis Court, and Port Sydney Hall Basketball Courts.
        • $1,425,000 for Fire Projects, including new vehicles and equipment.
    • 4. Supporting Town & Community Infrastructure
      • The 2024 Budget includes an overall increase of $672,200 for Capital funding to support the Town's infrastructure, to reduce the Asset Management Funding gap.
      • The five largest areas of investment for 2024 Capital Contributions are: $4,541,250 to Roads, $740,895 to Fleet, $548,500 to Parks, $459,050 to Facilities, and $331,100 to Fire; sixth largest Capital Contribution is to the Library at $125,325.
      • The Town’s 2024 Budget includes our ongoing commitment to the Hospital Local Share, in the amount of $230,000.

  • Staff will present a report outlining the final public engagement results of the Strategic Plan consultation with a recommendation to adopt and finalize the plan. The Town’s Draft Strategic Plan was presented to Council on November 27, 2023 and followed by a two-week survey to see if the draft plan resonated positively with residents. The results of the survey will be presented highlighting the 65-77% approval from respondents.
    • OUTCOME: The Strategic Plan was formally adopted by Council following the final round of public consultation. The new Strategic Plan is based on community input, gained through an extensive public engagement process, and outlines the Town’s vision, mission, and values, strategic priorities (pillars), and foundational statement. The Strategic Plan will guide Council and Town Staff moving forward in the development of budgets, operational plans, and how we serve residents on a day-to-day basis. *Note: more communication will be released shortly regarding the final approval and next steps for the Town’s Strategic Plan.
  • Staff will present a report to recommend a final selection of the River Mill Park Washroom site location, based on soil testing results. The results of the recent tender for the construction and site preparation will also be discussed, along with an award decision to be made by Council. The Town received a total of 6 bids for the two (2) prospective locations.
    • The received bids had a cost range of $92,000-$367,000. Council has allocated funds up to $330,000 for the installation of the washrooms as follows: $235,000 from a parkland reserve that is funded through development and used to enhance parks and $95,000 from Development Charges – Outdoor Recreation Funds. Neither of these reserves are funded through taxation.
    • OUTCOME: Council followed staff recommendations by approving Site #1 for the Rivermill Park Washroom, for the following reasons: in order to maintain close proximity to the children’s playground; in order to retain open space within the park; in order to eliminate the requirement for any tree removal. Staff reviewed the received bid submissions and recommended moving forward with Location #1 with a cost of $121,297, plus 50% contingency for a total of $172,000. This was approved by Council.
  • Staff will present a report recommending amendments to By-law 2011-83 (Responsibilities of the Chief Administrative Officer) and to delegate authority regarding Human Resources Policies and Procedures to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
    • OUTCOME: Council approved the amendments to the CAO By-law in order to enhance operational efficiencies regarding Human Resources management at the Town.
  • Staff will present a report on the feasibility study results and the work completed to date for paved shoulders on Muskoka Road 3 North and Muskoka Road 3 (Aspdin Road) as per Council Resolution 117-23, with the 50% cost sharing breakdown and completion of the work.
    • OUTCOME: Council has directed staff to proceed with the financial obligation of the Town to pay the District of Muskoka its cost share for the Muskoka Road 3 works.
  • MHAC Community Chats – Mayor Alcock shared that important information about the future of healthcare in Muskoka will be presented to the community at the upcoming Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) “Community Chat” public information sessions, with opportunity to ask questions. She strongly encouraged Council & residents to attend the local session on Thursday, February 1 at 7 p.m. at the Huntsville Active Living Centre, or join one of the virtual sessions. For more information, please visit www.mahc.ca/communitychats. To read the Town’s full News Notice on this topic please visit Huntsville.ca

 

Want to dig deeper? Watch the full General Committee discussion about the Draft Budget through the livestream.