November 26, 2013 County Council Agenda Package
Transcription
November 26, 2013 County Council Agenda Package
ORDERS OF THE DAY FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 – 9:00 A.M. ORDER 1st Meeting Called to Order 2nd Adoption of Minutes – October 22, 2013 3rd Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 4th Presenting Petitions, Presentations and Delegations DELEGATIONS: 9:00 a.m. Director of Community and Cultural Services with Introduction of Students Participating in Students’ Day (agenda attached) 9:10 a.m. Dave Phillips, Town Crier Annual Report 2013 (attached) 9:20 a.m. Laura Woermke, Executive Director, St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre – Annual Report 2013 (attached) 11:15 a.m. Tom Marks, St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Board of Governors’ Representative – St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Annual Report November 2013 (attached) 11:25 a.m. Jeff Lawrence, Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector, Year End Report for 2013 (attached) 11:35 a.m. Brent Stewart, Chairman, Land Division Committee – 2013 Land Division Committee Report (attached) PRESENTATION: 11:55 a.m. Ann Wise with John Wise’s Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame 2013 Inductee Video 5th Motion to Move Into “Committee Of The Whole Council” 6th Reports of Council, Outside Boards and Staff 7th Council Correspondence 1) 2) 8th OTHER BUSINESS 1) 2) 3) 9th 10th Items for Consideration Items for Information (Consent Agenda) Statements/Inquiries by Members Notice of Motion Matters of Urgency Ten Year Business Plan, November 26, 2013 PowerPoint (attached) – Director of Financial Services 11th Closed Meeting Items – Chief Administrative Officer’s Annual Performance Evaluation (under separate cover) Please note: these items are scheduled immediately following lunch Recess 12th Motion to Rise and Report 13th Motion to Adopt Recommendations from the Committee Of The Whole 14th Consideration of By-Laws 15th ADJOURNMENT LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED NOTICE: December 10, 2013 Warden’s Election 7:00 p.m. (Official Attire) RECEPTION TO FOLLOW December 12, 2013 County Council 9:00 a.m. (THURSDAY) 1 Draft COUNTY COUNCIL MINUTES Tuesday, October 22, 2013 The Elgin County Council met this day at Elgin Manor at 9:03 a.m. with all members present. Warden McWilliam in the Chair. Warden McWilliam welcomed Councillor McIntyre following his treatment. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT the minutes of the meeting held September 24, 2013 be adopted. - Carried. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF – None. DELEGATION Jeremy Locke, President, Elgin County Railway Museum presented a PowerPoint on the museum. Moved by Councillor Ens Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT the PowerPoint presentation titled “Elgin County Railway Museum” dated October 22, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Jenkins Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. REPORTS Programs and Therapy Services Policy and Procedure Manual (Revised) – Manager of Programs and Therapy Services The manager presented a PowerPoint on the revised policy. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt THAT Council approve the County of Elgin Homes and Seniors Services Program and Therapy Policy and Procedure manual as presented; and, THAT the report titled “Programs and Therapy Services Policy and Procedure Manual – Revised” dated October 5, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Additional One-Time Funding for Fire Safety Improvements - Terrace Lodge – Director of Homes and Seniors Services The director presented the report regarding additional provincial funding for fire safety at Terrace Lodge. 2 County Council 2 October 22, 2013 Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT the report titled “Additional One-Time Funding for Fire Safety Improvements Terrace Lodge” dated September 16, 2013 be received and filed; and, THAT a letter of appreciation be forwarded to the Ontario Minister of Health for the additional 2013-2014 funding. - Carried. Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference - Update – Accessibility Coordinator The coordinator presented the report outlining the new terms of reference for the advisory committee. Moved by Councillor Jenkins Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Council approve the updated Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference; and, THAT the report titled “Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference – Update” dated October 1, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Elgin County Archives - Recent Projects and Activities – Manager of Archives The manager presented the report on the recent activities undertaken in archives through the medium of PowerPoint. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Ens THAT the report titled “Elgin County Archives - Recent Projects and Activities” dated October 8, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Elgin County Council Student Day – Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report on council hosting a student day in November. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Elgin County’s “Student Day” session be held on November 26, 2013; and, THAT the Department of Community and Cultural Services make the appropriate arrangements. - Carried. Progress Report 1- Proposed New Facility For Museum and POA/ Multi-Purpose Council Chamber – Director of Community and Cultural Services The director presented the report regarding progress on the new facility and a recent tour of facilities in other counties. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT the report titled “Progress Report 1- Proposed New Facility for Museum and POA/ Multi-Purpose Council Chamber” dated October 7, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. 3 County Council 3 October 22, 2013 The meeting was recessed for 20 minutes in order to retake the official photograph of County Council and the County’s Management Team. Health Recruitment Activities – Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report outlining a couple of recommendations regarding health recruitment. The information included a report titled “St. Thomas – Elgin Health Recruitment Partnership” from the City of St. Thomas dated October 21, 2013. Moved by Councillor Ens Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Elgin County Council concur with the City of St. Thomas to authorize that a representative of the Elgin Medical Association be appointed to serve on the Health Recruitment Partnership Committee; and, THAT Council acknowledge that Dr. Kellie Scott has fulfilled her obligations to recruit three new physicians into the area as contemplated under an agreement dated April 21, 2008. - Carried. Road User Agreement - Clearbeach Resources Inc. – Deputy Director of Engineering Services The deputy director presented the report regarding the installation of two oil and gas lines across Shackleton Line. Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT the Warden and Chief Administrative Officer be directed and authorized to execute the road user agreement with Clearbeach Resources to install two pipelines under Shackleton Line. - Carried. Bridge Weight By-Law – Director of Engineering Services The director presented the report on the Vienna Bridge which has been reduced to a weight limit of five tonnes per vehicle. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT no vehicle or any class thereof, whether empty or loaded shall be operated over any bridge designated on Schedules No. 1 and No. 2 forming part of this by-law with a weight in excess of the weight limited prescribed in the schedule for such bridge and that this by-law become effective until October 22, 2015; and, THAT this by-law become effective once the weight postings have been posted; and, THAT By-Law No. 11-22 be repealed; and, THAT the report titled “Bridge Weight By-Law” dated September 26, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Plains Baptist Church - Request for Transfer of Road Right-Of-Way Property on Sparta Line at Fairview Road – Director of Engineering Services The director presented the report regarding property options at Plains Baptist Church. 4 County Council 4 October 22, 2013 Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Marr THAT the report titled “Plains Baptist Church: Request for Transfer of Road Right-Of-Way Property on Sparta Line at Fairview Road” dated September 26, 2013 be received and filed; and, THAT the trustees be formally notified of the County’s authorization to continue to utilize the identified area for an indefinite period. - Carried. Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Program - Capital Program – Director of Engineering Services The director presented the report outlining the provincial government’s $100 million infrastructure fund program. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Ens THAT the report titled “Small, Rural and Northern Municipal Infrastructure Program Capital Program” dated October 8, 2013 be received and filed; and, THAT the County of Elgin make an Expression of Interest application for the construction of Dexter Line as a joint application with the Port Burwell Area Secondary Water Supply System; and, THAT the County seek the maximum $2 million on the project; and, THAT the County certifies that the information in the Expression of Interest is factually accurate; that the Corporation of the County of Elgin has a comprehensive management plan that includes all of the information and analysis described in “Building Together: Guide for Municipal Asset Management Plans” in place; that the comprehensive asset management plan will be publicly available, including online on the County’s website by May 30, 2014; and that the construction of Dexter Line project will be completed by December 21, 2015; and, THAT a copy of the report and approved recommendation be sent to Jeff Yurek, MPP, Elgin-Middlesex-London. - Carried. Budget Comparison – September 2013 – Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report noting favourable performance. Moved by Councillor Couckuyt Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT the report titled “Budget Comparison – September 2013” dated October 8, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. West Lorne Heritage Homes Not for Profit Corporation Community Centre – Tax Reduction – Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer presented the report on the request from the Municipality of West Elgin to apply the residential tax rate to West Lorne Heritage Homes. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT Council approve a tax ratio of one (1) for West Lorne Heritage Homes Community Centre, known as “The Hub” located at 146 Munro Street in the former Village of West Lorne, now in the Municipality of West Elgin; and, 5 County Council 5 October 22, 2013 THAT this tax ratio shall apply to taxation as of the effective date of the first supplementary or omitted assessment notice on the property; and, THAT a by-law be prepared with an effective date of January 1, 2011; and, THAT the Municipality of West Elgin be requested to keep the County of Elgin apprised as to the status of assessment on this property. - Carried. CORRESPONDENCE Items for Consideration – None Items for Information (Consent Agenda) 1. Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages responding to correspondence dated June 13, 2013 regarding reinstatement of the National Archive Development Program. 2. Melanie Knapp, Corporate Administrative and Accessibility Clerk, City of St. Thomas, regarding elimination of the City/County Hospital Appointment. 3. Small, Rural and Northern Ontario Municipal Infrastructure Fund: a) AMO communications announcement b) Martin Bohl, Director, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food with information on how to apply to the fund. 4. Serge Lavoie, SWEA with an email regarding the Regional Transportation Summit. 5. Elgin Manor with an invitation to its 10 year Anniversary Celebration and Open House on October 22, 2013. 6. Keri Selkirk, Executive Director, Thames Valley Family Health Team with a copy of the 2013 Annual Report. 7. Bruce Curtis, Manager, Community Planning and Development, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing with a notice of approval of the new Elgin County Official Plan. 8. Invitation to the Mental Health Care Program Update on October 29, 2013 at the Elgin County Administration Building. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT Correspondence Items #1 – 8 be received and filed. - Carried. OTHER BUSINESS Statements/Inquiries by Members The Warden acknowledged the recent receipt of three awards from the International Economic Development Council for the Elginlicious program, the Heritage Guide and the partnership with the Elgin Business Resource Centre regarding the Aylmer satellite office. The Chief Administrative Officer presented the awards. The Warden congratulated the staff and a round of applause followed. Councillor Marr declared his intention to seek the office of Warden for 2014. Councillor McIntyre thanked council and the staff for their support during his period of recovery from health challenges. He was given best wishes by the Warden. 6 County Council 6 October 22, 2013 The Director of Community and Cultural Services thanked the Warden for attending the 20 th anniversary event at the Dutton Library. The director outlined events taking place during Ontario Library Week. Councillor Marr reported that he and Councillor Jenkins attended a meeting at Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) on behalf of council in regard to declining enrolment in schools while there was demands from increasing enrolment in French immersion, which is only offered currently in one school in St. Thomas. The TVDSB is going to seek public response to how this issue will affect some schools in the Council. Councillor Marr and Councillor Jenkins encouraged council to read the report which is posted online. Notice of Motion – None Matters of Urgency – None Closed Meeting Items Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT we do now proceed into closed meeting session in accordance with the Municipal Act to discuss matters under Section 240.2 (d) labour relations or employee negotiations – 2013 Labour Relations Climate; and Section 240.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees – verbal report by the Director of Homes and Seniors Services. - Carried. The Director of Human Resources presented the report. The Director of Homes and Seniors Services gave a verbal report. Moved by Councillor Jenkins Seconded by Councillor McIntyre THAT we do now rise and report. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Mennill THAT staff be authorized and directed to pursue the various labor relations matters as described in the report and to report back to Council; and, THAT the report titled “2013 Labor Relations Climate” dated October 10, 2013 be received and filed. - Carried. Council acknowledged receipt of the verbal update from the Director of Homes and Seniors Services regarding a personal matter involving identifiable individuals. The Warden reminded council of the annual Warden’s Banquet and the Induction Ceremony of the late John Wise into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. He requested council wear official county apparel to the event. Motion to Adopt Recommendations of the Committee of the Whole Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT we do now adopt recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole. - Carried. 7 County Council 7 October 22, 2013 DELEGATION – (continued) The Director of Engineering Services introduced Paula Poirier, Vice President of EMS Operations, Medavie, and Doug Sabean, Vice President Corporate Services and CFO, Medavie to council. They provided background information on their roles at Medavie. OTHER BUSINESS – (continued) The Chief Administrative Officer presented an update on policing services regarding the new proposed funding model by the province for the OPP. The Chief Administrative Officer and Councillor Marr, a member of the Elgin Group Police Services Board will represent the Board at a regional meeting in London on November 14, 2013. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the police services board does not support the proposed new model. Councillor Marr credited the Elgin OPP commander for finding efficiencies in the budget. BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Marr Seconded by Councillor Ens THAT By-Law No. 13-22 “Being a By-Law To Restrict the Weight of Vehicles Passing Over Bridges and to Repeal By-Law No. 11-22” be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Wiehle Seconded by Councillor Jenkins THAT By-Law No. 13-23 “Being a By-Law to Authorize Tax Exemption in Respect of a Municipal Capital Facility Pursuant to Section 110 of the Municipal Act” be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor Mennill Seconded by Councillor Couckuyt THAT By-Law No. 13-24 “Being a By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the October 22, 2013 Meeting” be read a first, second and third time and finally passed. - Carried. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councillor Walters Seconded by Councillor Wiehle THAT we do now adjourn at 11:34 a.m. and meet again on November 26, 2013 at the County Administration Building at 9:00 a.m. - Carried. Mark McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Cameron McWilliam, Warden. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Essential to the success of any organization is the ongoing cooperation of its supporters. The Art Centre wishes to thank the County of Elgin and the City of St. Thomas, its membership, donors, grantors, and sponsors for their generous support. Vision The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a highly valued and respected art centre that is a focal point for the St. Thomas and Elgin community. The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, enriching and engaging environment of art and creativity, inspire, challenge and educate its audiences. Mission To encourage and support the appreciation of the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County through a variety of exhibitions, educational programs and through a permanent collection. 16 Attendance Highlights Visitors to Exhibitions 5102 Openings / Special Events 1316 Facility Rentals 1979 Schools and Youth Children’s Classes 1046 Tours / Offsite Community 1205 Adult Classes 220 Overall Attendance (Jan to Nov) 10868 Members 186 Volunteers 43 Hours donated by Volunteers 2354 On-line Highlights Twitter Followers 906 Facebook Fans 1033 Instagram 213 Number of Website Visits 210036 17 A Brief Overview of the Art Centre in 2013 Established in 1969 and in operation for over 44 years, the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, located in St. Thomas, Ontario, is a public, non profit organization that has a reputation for artistic excellence in its centre, and educational and community programming. Drawing visitors from all over, the Art Centre is 18 considered a cultural asset in Southwestern Ontario, adding substantively to the quality of life for St. Thomas and Elgin residents and to the business viability of the area. It consist of three exhibitions spaces of about 1688 square feet, supported by a small but thriving gift shop which showcases the work of local artists and artisans. The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre receives core funding from the City of St. Thomas and the County of Elgin and operates in a facility that is owned by the Art Centre. With a growing membership base and a committed army of volunteers, the Art Centre stands at the threshold of change. The Art Centre’s Board of Directors reflects a well-rounded group of dedicated individuals, collectively possessing an impressive skill and experience base, many of who are members of the community who have stepped up to the plate - clearly illustrating the support of the community for the Art Centre’s continued sustainability. The STEPAC staff is currently comprised of 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff members with a high level of commitment to the success of the Art Centre. Despite many challenges, the Art Centre has continued to operate in recent years on a sound financial basis, due in part to the generous support of private donors, ongoing operating support from the city of St. Thomas and Elgin County, and the escalating success of the Art Centre’s fundraising plan and gift shop. The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is a highly valued and respected art centre that is a focal point for the St. Thomas and Elgin community. The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is dedicated to fostering a welcoming, enriching and engaging environment of art and creativity, inspire, challenge and educate its audiences. 19 Message from the Executive Director The St. Thomas– Elgin Public Art Centre is in its 44th year of service. Over the years, the Art Centre has earned an exceptional local and regional reputation for its high level of engagement with its community, Its excellence in exhibitions, its significant permanent collection, and its notable level of public programming. The Art Centre continues to fulfill its mandate by developing and holding in trust an outstanding permanent collection of contemporary and historical artworks, providing a program of exhibitions, publishing exhibition catalogues, and offering a wide range of programs. To facilitate the programs and operations, the Art Centre is committed to raising funds from various public resources and private sources (including sponsors, donors and members). There are several indicators showing that the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre succeeded in meeting most of its major objectives in 2013. There were a large number of participants in public and professional programs offered in-house. Within this 2013 annual report, you will see a comprehensive description of the Art Centre’s exhibitions, programs and activities for the year. The Art Centre is fortunate to have a dedicated and enthusiastic, committed and skilled team. I would like to thank the staff members for an amazing year: I am truly impressed by what they have accomplished this year. Special thanks to the artists who have exhibited works and shown great support—without them, we would not exists. Also, many thanks to our dedicated volunteers. They serve the Art Centre in so many ways during the year, with everything from desk reception, to hosting the opening receptions and wrapping gifts in the Art Centre Gift Shop. The Art Centre is very thankful to those who contributed to all of these successes, including the County of Elgin, the City of St. Thomas, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and our many sponsors and donors for their support and commitment. The Art Centre has had a very successful year and I would like to thank the Board of Directors for its guidance and extraordinary leadership. In the year ahead, I look forward to celebrating with our community the 45th anniversary ! Here’s to many good things for the new year! Laura Woermke Executive Director / Curator 20 EXHIBITIONS 2013 EASILY DISTRACTED New paintings by Ian McLean January 12 to March 23, 2013 I am inspired by discrepancies between setting and mood and the use of ornamentation as distraction. The exaggeration or emphasis upon certain decorative elements of comfort is intended to both lure viewers into familiar environments and unsettle them once they are there. Efforts to keep elements of dissolution or entropy at bay are evident in these settings. The success of such efforts is challenged. Currently, I am working on a series of urban landscapes that include swimming pools, hot tubs, and muscle cars. There is an increased emphasis on surface quality as well as further play with colour that is at once hallucinogenic, anxious, impulsive, and seductive. PURE JOY TO SUPERS Roselyn Chues March 30 to May 11, 2013 Celebrating people with challenges and their supporters by accepting and valuing their differences as currency. Understanding how a person with disabilities successfully functions in our society is a universal need. Regardless of your abilities, everyone faces barriers in their life. Let’s celebrate the individuals, their gifts, and the people who assist these outsiders. In my case, interpreting my ideas to the visual form changes my life. DEEP ROOTED Selections from the Permanent Collection May 18 to June 29, 2013 The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre is proud to present, Deep Rooted: Selections from the Permanent Collection; an exhibition that reveals how the tree has been used as a symbol for all of nature and its tremendous magnificence; it is a dominant signifier of Canada’s national identity as well as the individual’s struggle against the wilderness; and currently, it even serves as a reminder of our precarious ecological position. PICTURE A TREE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KETTLE CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY Timken Foundation Gallery May 18 to June 29, 2013 Mayor Heather Jackson officially opened the exhibition by reading Barbara Reid's childhood classic, "Picture a Tree." St. Thomas – Reyden, a grade 1 student from Monsignor Morrison and Paige, a grade 2 student from Port Stanley Public School were named Junior Master Tree Planters. Kettle Creek Conservation Authority planted the one-millionth tree in the watershed in June. To celebrate local school children were asked to draw a picture of a tree. In all 39 pieces of artwork from two schools were received. The winning entries were named Junior Master Tree Planters and assisted in the planting of the one-millionth tree in the watershed. As Junior Master Tree Planters the students’ art was reproduced on invitations and posters for the One Millionth Tree ceremony. The students also received their own copy of a book “Picture a Tree” by Barbara Reid, and another copy for their school’s library. The students planted the one-millionth tree at a community celebration on June 22, 2013 at the Dan Patterson Conservation Area All contest entries were on display at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre at the One Million Trees and Counting: Picture a Tree art show from May 18 to June 29th . EVERY SUMMER HAS A STORY Selections from the Permanent Collection July 6 to August 17, 2013 We pay tribute to the season with a selection of paintings, drawings and prints centered on the theme of summer. Among the works are paintings by Harry Wilkinson, Ron Kingswood, Ballie Stephenson, 21 Duncan de Kergommeaux and Gerald Pedros, each demonstrating their unique memory of a summer past. STAFF PICKS Selections from the Permanent Collection July 6 to August 17, 2013 If every summer has a story then certainly these stories deserve a great soundtrack. As a counterpart to the exhibition in the main gallery space the art Centre is presenting “Staff Picks” in the Wimbush Gallery. To make this exhibition interactive (and a bit more fun) we have linked each of our selections to a song that we feel compliments the viewing experience. Using you phone and the QR codes provided we invite you to stop by and have a look and listen. WEST END ARTS MINGLE Group Exhibition August 24 to September 29, 2013 The St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre kicked off the opening of the “West End Arts Mingle 2012" exhibition with a 2013 West End Mingle celebrating the art that was created, the return of the “Parade of Elephants” and “The Circus is Coming”, a display of Wayne McKinnon’s miniature circus on loan from the Elgin County Museum. Starting at noon, children and families enjoyed circus crafts, face painting, balloon animals and popcorn. From 2-7pm visitors to the gallery could meet the many artists of the 2012 West End Arts Mingle and enjoy live music. The miniature circus on display is just part of the work of model-maker Dr. Max Ryckman. Dr. Ryckman, a St. Thomas physician and surgeon, worked piece-by-piece on the circus for more than a decade but never lived to see it assembled. It was purchased by Wayne McKinnon from Dr. Ryckman’s widow and once was housed for public viewing alongside his Talbot Trail Tea Room where it covered a table measuring twelve feet by fourteen feet. PARADE OF ELEPHANTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ELGIN ARTS TRAIL August 24 to September 29, 2013 The Parade of Elephants is a community partnership with the Elgin Arts Trail. Members of the trail created unique elephants which travelled to their locations through the year - The Art Centre is excited to have all the elephants returned for the finale of the project. BRIAN SABY FROM FRASIER LAKE TO POTRERO BEACH October 5 to 19, 2013 Brian Saby has had two previous one person exhibitions at the St Thomas Elgin Art Centre: in 1998 'Without Consent' dealing with violence on many levels from domestic to international strife. This exhibition was 22 critically acclaimed and we'll attended. In 2006 Brian exhibited large paintings from 1999-2006. This exhibition primarily dealt with human emotions and disorders (e.g. Bipolar syndrome). The abstract paintings expressed emotion thru the use of colour and shape. The upcoming exhibition 'From Fraser Lake to Potrero Beach' deals more with personal friendship and love and joy, so come to St Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre on Saturday, October 5, from 2-5pm and take a walk on the beach with the artist. JOSEPHA VAN DEN ANKER UNPACK YOURSELF November 9 to December 21, 2013 The opening reception was held on November 9 at 7:30pm and featured live music by the West End Trio the newly released publication “West End Arts Mingle”. Artists Statement: I have always been fascinated by the idea of a time-line. I think of it as a capsule that one fits into or “belongs” to within a perceived period. I believe my heightened sense of it comes from being displaced as a young child of six, when my family emigrated to Canada from Holland. We entered Canada via Halifax & Pier 21 in 1950. Often history marks certain periods with labels like: post WW II, baby-boomer, or of a particular monarchy (depending on one’s country). And, although I am not a monarchist, Canada and Queen Elizabeth II are for me, synonymous — her image, after all, has been lifelong from coronation in 1953 to the present. In December 2005 I moved to St. Thomas, Ontario, from Ireland. I had been living for several years in Co. Clare and have incredible memories of the time I shared with those most wonderful of people and beloved of friends: the Irish! Opening of Picture a Tree Josepha van den Anker Unpack yourself November 9 to December 21, 2013 23 SPECIAL PROGRAMS and Events 2013 Special Programs Each year the Art Centre presents a wide variety of programs for both adults and youths. This year our programs have reach 2423 individuals with these programs: Educational Tours for Students at the Art Centre: Discover the diversity, authenticity and depth contemporary art can bring to learning. School programs at the Art Centre offer teachers: . interactive programming for JK-12 . creative ways to meet curriculum objectives in: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Visual Arts . ideas for related pre and post visit classroom activities . field experiences to support your learning objectives. The Students will: . experience meaning in original contemporary and historic art . be curious, active, critical, creative and engaged . Discover new ways to perceive and express their senses . gain valuable skills in visual literacy and artistic creation . participate in a friendly, creative and safe learning environment Educational Tours The Art Centre's art education programs offer in-depth encounters with visual literacy and contemporary culture. Our skilled educators can work with you to adapt programs so they meet your specific learning objectives. January 20, 2013 PAPER CRAT POP INS FREE!!! January 24, 2013 Viewing of: IREMENBER BETTER WHEN I PAINT A documentary by Eric Ellena and Berna Huebner Guest speaker Krista Schneider, Art Therapist Alzheimer Society Elgin– St. Thomas February 13, 2013 St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Women’s Committee 24 COFFEE BREAK Free Admission February 17, 2013 PAPER CRAT POP INS FREE!!! February 18, 2013 FAMILY DAY FREE activities, games and Art projects for the whole Family! March 17, 2013 PAPER CRAT POP INS FREE!!! May 4 and 5, 2013 Elgin St. Thomas Annual Studio Tour This self-guided tour is free of charge. The artists of St. Thomas and Elgin wish to invite you to explore their work and to learn more about the creative process. Watch for the flags at each location! Artists included: Annette Martin, Candy McManiman, Laura Woermke, Katelyn Tippin, Ethel Mitrovic, Romantic Designs Artist Studio, Katherine Medlyn / Janet Medlyn / Maureen Medlyn, Medlyn Stained Glass, Dennis Kalichuk, Mariet Lalonde, Minerva Art Gallery and Custom Framing, Catherine Craig, Clayworks Studio, Rubyeyes Kraftwerks, and Art Emporium Port Stanley. May 11, 2013 Shuug and the Temporary Men Local Live musical performance. June 1, 2013 Redtail Cocktail Party and Silent Auction Teddy Bear Picnic June 6, 2013 June 6 was the day of the annual Teddy Bear Picnic, which was held in Pinafore Park. Children came out to the park to enjoy games, teddy bear crafts, stories, music, face painting, and other fun activities. The Teddy Bear Picnic is a joint effort of the St. Thomas Public Health Unit and Ontario Early Years Centre. June 6, 2013 Viewing of Director James Redford’s film “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia”. Guest Speaker Jeanne McLaws. In partnership with ATN June 15, 2013 Johnny Cash & June Carter Tribute Sarah and Jeff return to the Art Centre for an encore presentation of their critically acclaimed tribute to Johnny Cast and June Carter. June 15, July 6 and August 17 1-6pm Public Meeting Re-visioning our Core Vales Municipal Heritage Committee and Fanshawe College September 28 &29, 2013 Artastic CULTURE DAYS Elgin Arts Trail STREET ART In partnership with the Downtown Development Board FREE Children Activities! October 26, 2013 Start Tuesday July 2 to Thursday Summer Fun Mobile August 22, 2013 Friday November 1, 2013 Annual Art Auction Spirit of St. Thomas myFM 94.1 BEST ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATION The Art Centre participated in a partnership November 14, 2013 with the Ontario Early Years Centre, ElginPresentations by Fanshawe College Urban Middlesex-London, Community Living Elgin, Planners, Interior Design and Landscape and St. Thomas Public Library, with a program Design. that brought valuable resources to children and their families throughout the summer. The programs were offered FREE to the participates which provided fun activities, resource loaning and healthy snacks. All programs are FREE for parents / caregivers and their children birth to twelve years. Offsite programming in the areas of Eastwood Housing Complex, Confederation Housing Complex, Medowdale Coop and Fairview Ave Housing Complex Canada Day at the Park July 1, 2013 June 27 to July 5, 2013 Krista Scniders The Art Hub . Main Gallery Presentation and exhibition September 18, 2013 25 Classes and Workshops for Children PA Day Workshops January 18, 2013 April 19, 2013 Elementary Expressions Instructor Katelyn Tippin Grades: 1-4 February 2 to March 9, 2013 April 6 to May 11, 2013 October 20 to November 24, 2013 Let’s Create Instructor Katelyn Tippin Grades: JK & SK February 2-23, 2013 April 6 to May 11, 2013 October 20 to November 10, 2013 Painting and Drawing Instructor organ Sharopell Grades 5-8 February 2to 22, 2013 April 6-27, 2013 October 20 to November 5, 2013 March Break Workshops March 11—15, 2013 Grades 2-6 Faux Taxidermy A Sculpture workshop June 22, 2013 Instruction: Katelyn Tippin Grades 3 and up Summer Programs July 2-5 The Elements of Design July 8-12 Inspired by Games and Apps July 15-19 Daily Workshops One Monday: Recycle Art Tuesday: Space Wednesday: 3D Thursday: Medieval Friday: Paper Ages 5-9 years July 22-26 Famous Artists July 29-August 2: Daily Workshops Two Monday: Identity Tuesday: Sculpture Wednesday: Mixed Media Thursday: Comic Books Friday: Text August 6-7 Op Art August 8-9 Art of Food August 12-16 Fantasy August 12-23 Animals The Art Centre also offers birthday parties for children! Classes and Workshops for Adults Acrylic Mixed Media January 31 to march 7, 2013 Instructor Heather Keating Printmaking April 24, 2013 6-9pm Instructors: Katelyn Tippin and Laura Woermke This class is suitable for all levels of experience including beginner. Acrylic Mixed Media with Collage May 16 to June 20, 2013 Instructor: Heather Keating Eat, Drink, Create Adult Workshop May 17, 2013 7-10pm Leave the work week behind and join us as we get inspired, enjoy some food, wine and an enjoyable creative night out. This class is suitable for all levels of experience including beginners and those who just want to have some fun! Eat, Drink, Create II Adult Workshop October 5, 2013 7-10pm Leave the work week behind and join us as we get inspired, enjoy some food, wine and an enjoyable creative night out. This class is suitable for all levels of experience including beginners and those who just want to have some fun! 26 Clark McDougall Scholarship Program for Students: Clark McDougall (1921-1980) was a well known St. Thomas artist who painted throughout Elgin County. He remains one of the most significant contemporary artist in this region. His work is part of many public and private collections across Canada. In order to commemorate the life and artistic achievements of Clark McDougall and to encourage and support 27 future generations of artists, a scholarship fund has been established in Clark McDougall's name by his family. Each year two $1000 awards are presented to two graduating secondary school students from St. Thomas and Elgin County, who are pursuing visual or graphic arts at a post secondary level. Scholarship Two scholarships are awarded annually. 1. $1000 for any graduating student entering a traditional post secondary fine arts program which includes studio courses in drawing and painting. 2. $1000 for any graduating student entering any other post secondary visual arts program which includes arts, photography, design and architecture or any other program deemed appropriate by the selection committee. Eligibility Applicants must have completed at least three years in a St. Thomas or Elgin County Secondary School. Applicants must have been accepted to a first year fine arts or visual arts program at a post secondary institution. The program may be at a college, university or a recognized art academy. These scholarships may not be awarded more than once to any applicant. This year’s scholarship was awarded to Zachary Tosswill a graduate of St. Joseph's High School and Madeline Pearce a graduate of Central Elgin Collegiate Institute. Special Thanks to Peter Lemon for his ongoing support and involvement with the Clark McDougall Scholarship. 28 Gift Shop at the Art Centre The Art Centre Gift Shop offers a wide range of hand-crafted items from local and regional artists and artisans. Nestled in the reception of the Art Centre is the Gift Shop. The Art Centre shop is an extension of the Art Centre and is managed by gallery staff and operates with the assistance of dedicated volunteers. The purpose of the Gift Shop is to raise funds for the Art Centre, as well as to provide an opportunity for local and regional artists and artisans to sell their unique art and craft items. Items in the gallery shop are juried before being accepted and are evaluated based on quality, uniqueness and appeal. The Art Centre Gift Shop features the works of: Terry Carroll Frank Cvetich Diane Dobson David Dale Robin Baratta Bendel Productions George Bishop Julie Berry Betty Burrell Sandra England Betty Harmsen Kim Hughson Julie Harding Sheryl Johnstone Roxanne Jervis Kikky Boo Books -Christine Klaus Noble Jim Koudounis Heather Keating Jim Lewis Terry Lanning Ethel Mitrovic David Morris Candy McManiman Gail McNaughton Crystal McMaster Amanda McKay Orphan Grinder-Riley Eichner Lisa Philip-Sterken John Passfield Catherine Prong June Anne Reid Judy Ross Jan Row Aganetha Sawatzky Susan Shurish Susan Skaith Patrick F Smith Timothy Sullivan Vivian Tserotas Suzette Terry Susan Tanton Wildflowers Tea: by Jane Magri Laura Woermke Tennille Will The Wright Sparkle-Lori Wright Permanent Collection Acquisitions 2013 David Blackwood Man Worming Two Boys Etching on Paper Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Brewster Roly Fenwick Contention Oil on Canvas Gift of Mr. Al McGrath Josepha van den Anker Talbot Street #3 Oil on canvas Gift of the Artist Ron Kingswood In the Beginning Oil on canvas Gift of the Artist Ron Kingswood Island Oil on canvas Gift of the Artist Ron Kingswood Fractured Forest Oil on canvas Gift of the Artist Patrick Thibert Avanti Series No. 17 Mixed Media Gift of Dr. McKenzie Ron Kingswood The Garden Yellow Oil on Canvas Gift of the Artist Patrick Thibert Avanti: Series #3 Mixed Media Gift of Billie Thibert Ron Kingswood After Milne Oil on Canvas Gift of the Artist Ed Bartram Precambrian Rock Formation #80 Etching on paper Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Brown Ron Kingswood White Cube Oil on Canvas Gift of the Artist Ed Bartram Island Shore #2 Etching on paper Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Brown Patrick Thibert Avanti: Circle Series No. 14 Mixed Media Gift of Dr. McKenzie 29 Thank you Inspire a Student 2013 Dr. Malcolm Wood and Mrs. Monique Wood Elgin Contracting and Restoration Kinsmen Club of St. Thomas Centennial Sports club of St. Thomas Lion Club of Port Stanley Talbot Trail Optimist Doug Tarry Homes LTD In Memory of Anne Bridge Port Stanley Artists’ Guild Portside Gallery Williams Funeral Home Jerome and Mary Jane Collins John D. Shaw and Catherine Elliot Show Redtail Cocktail Party and Silent Auction Sponsors Doug Tarry Homes LTD GCW Custom Kitchens Masco Dowlar Karn Cedarhurst Day Spa MYfm Annual Fall Art Auction Shawn Jackson Funeral Home Reith and Associates Jennings Furniture and Design MYfm Locke Insurance Dundee Wealth Minerva Art Gallery Ferguson Dimeo Lawyers Aylmer Express Graham Scott Enns Friends of the Art Center Capital Donors Elgin Contracting and Restoration Hazel and Gordon Duncan Charitable Foundation John D. Shaw and Catherine Elliot Show Annual Giving Don and Judith Durkee Dr. John Hofhuis Wendy Tippin John Roberts Gary and Carolyne McLeod Clifford Barwick Dr. Joel Keeleyside Bill and Jean McKay 30 St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Board and Staff Members Board of Directors Ardythe Anderson Laurie Locke John Hueston Tom Hughes Kathy Collier Kevin Morrell Deb Bagshaw Heather Jackson (City Rep.) David Mennell (County Rep.) Executive Committee President Renee Carpenter Vice President Pat Johnson Treasurer Megan Vreman Appointed Secretary Laura Woermke Acquisitions Committee Chair Pat Johnson Elaine McGregor Morris Diane Lademer Kevin Morrell Gerald Pedros Finance Committee Chair Renee Carpenter Brent Shaw Katherine Medlyn Pat Johnson Fundraising Committee Laurie Locke Laura Woermke John Hueston Sponsorship Committee Chair Kathy Collier Katherine Medlyn John Hueston Laura Woermke Administration Laura Woermke Executive Director Sherri Howard Education / Events Coordinator Katelyn Tippin Administrative Assistant / Volunteer Bryanna Ross Part-time Reception Mira Rogosin Lavoie Part-time Reception Olivia Thorton Summer Student Instructor Departing Employees Olivia Thorton Volunteers Stacie Gowan Emmi Coburn Rebecca Williams Amber Johnson Ruth Williams Sharon Little Ellen Luft Elaine McGregor Morris Joan Dennis Ardythe Anderson Connie Greger Suzanne Baehr Wendy Tippin Kevin Morrell Membership Committee Chair Tom Hughes Ardythe Anderson Sherri Howard Laura Woermke Deb Bagshaw Human Resource Committee Chair Renee Carpenter Pat Johnson Brent Shaw Katherine Medlyn 31 2013 Membership Richard & Susan Andrews Eric Atkinson Phillip & Janet Ballantyne Robin Baratta Clifford Barwick Agnes Bennett Agnes Berko George Bishop Dr. Ken & Mrs. Diane Bocking David & Margaret Brewster Marguerite Buckland Renee Carpenter Ann-Marie Cheung Jerome & Mary Jane Collins Jenny Couse Catherine Craig Diane Dobson Carol & Wally Ewaskiw Don Ferguson Ray Galloway Lisa Gerrard Barb & Bruce Green Robin Grindley Mary Gullis Patrick Harding Rita & Jim Herbert Joseph Hubbard Tom & Colleen Hughes Joyce Hughson Dagny Ingolfsrud Sabine Jewell Nancy Johnson Betty Jones Katrina Farrow Jones Dr. Robert & Mrs. Jill Jones Evelyn & Ray Knight John Krygsman Patrick Landsley Dr. Donald & Mrs. Gillian Lawrence Mike & Dana Lindsay Laurie & David Locke Brenda Louws Ellen Luft Annette Martin John & Sally Martyn Brian Masschaele Melanie Mc Bain Amanda McKay Katherine Medlyn Michael & Debra Menear Warden Dave Mennill Christine Barrie- Miller Rob Mise David Morris & Elaine McGregorMorris Miss Marion Orchard Carol Parafenko Margaret Patterson Steven McLarty Payson Erin Porter Denise Ritchie Jan Row Sharron Russell Wendy Saby & Dennis Siren John & Chris Sanders Jeff Sheridan Shirley Shore Susan Shurish John & Lois Smith Sue Fortin-Smith Tony & Bonnie Stacpoole Cindi Talbot Patricia Fortier & Harreson Tanner Wendy Tippin Debbie Underwood Josepha van den Anker Pat White Harry Wilkinson Nicole & Michael Wood Dave & Kim Yurek Contributing Member Fred & Ardythe Anderson Carl & Debra Bagshaw Suzanne Baehr Betty Burrell Beaudry Brian & Mary-Ellen Bolt Kathy Collier Terry Cook Pat & Bob Curtis Darrell & Joan Dennis George & Lynn Disbrowe Don & Judy Durkee Elgin Community Futures Development Corporation Dr. Robert & Mrs. Lois Farley Roderick & Margaret Ferguson Colin & Joyce Ferguson 32 Louise Ferriman Jim Barber & Brenda Fuhrman Art & Kate Gutmanis Sybil Hagerman Bob Hammersley Bob & Mary Anne Heath Sine B. Herold John Hofhuis Allan & Kim Hughson Jean Johnson Kimberley Johnson Roman & Margaret Kuchmak William & Jean McKay Gary & Carolyne McLeod Paul Prevet & Candy McManiman Minerva Art Dan Reith & Brian Helmer Marietta Roberts Helen & John Roberts John D. Shaw & Catherine Elliot Shaw Rowena Spersrud Jim Bundschuh & Suzanne Steed Flora & Ian Tripp Sharon Will Supporting Member Patricia Johnson Wayne & Maxine Kentner Bob & Nonie Ketchum Elizabeth Kitts Sharon Little Dr. Malcolm & Mrs. Monique Wood Sponsoring Member Elgin Contracting & Restoration Ltd. John & Karen Hueston Sustaining Member Connie Greger Frances Tarry & Howard Trusdale Mary Louise White St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Annual Report to Elgin County Council November 2013 Highlights Quality Award STEGH has once again received the Platinum Level Quality Healthcare Workplace Award from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). This is the fourth consecutive year STEGH has achieved this prestigious award. The award recognizes the innovation and teamwork at STEGH that ensures a high quality workplace which ultimately benefits patient care. This award signifies that our ongoing efforts to improve the patient care experience through our focused efforts on quality, safety and on staff satisfaction and engagement are working. Outstanding Features noted in STEGH’s application this year include: Ambulatory move was well done; of note, on move day, staff members united to ensure the move was as seamless as possible without disruption to patient services Excellent integration of healthy work environment strategies into the overall organizational strategy (ie: Tuesday Lunch Box Shake Ups, Volleyball Tournament and high compliance with Influenza campaign) Use of testimonials from patients and staff to demonstrate healthcare workplace efforts and impacts. As STEGH continues its quality healthcare workplace journey, these meaningful connects between quality worklife and quality patient care initiatives will continue to emerge. New patient feedback survey has generated, on average, 45 patient responses each week Lowest Wait Time in ER in the province Outstanding support and participation in community fundraising efforts (ie: United Way) Weekly e-blast communique sent to everyone Lowest wait times in ED STEGH has received top ranking for the lowest Emergency Room(ER) wait times in the province for the fifth straight quarter. This makes STEGH the leader among 74 hospitals participating in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care‟s (MOHLTC) Pay For Results incentive program. The current ranking is based on achieving Ministry set targets in the most recent quarter from April to June 2012. The program uses a number of measures including the time it takes to see a doctor in the ER, and the total length of time a patient spends in the ER before returning home or admitted to a hospital bed. STEGH met or exceeded Provincial targets. STEGH will use the funding ($1.4M)for several initiatives including continuing to focus on optimizing processes to improve patient flow through the emergency department, and inpatient units; as well as focusing on improving systems to allow nurses even more time for 33 direct patient care; and to improve systems of care throughout the organization. STEGH is also receiving just over $1 million one-time funding (spread over 3 years) from the South West LHIN to share these successful strategies with other high volume community hospitals within the South West LHIN. Last year STEGH treated nearly 42,000 patients in the ER. The MOHLTC Pay for Results program is designed to assist those hospitals which receive more than 30,000 ER visits per year to improve patient wait times, and to link that improvement to incentive funding. Home First STEGH is a proud participant and supporter of the Home First Program. Home First is an approach to providing care based on a simple but powerful idea: When a patient enters the hospital, every effort should be made to ensure adequate resources are in place to support the patient to return home on discharge. During 2012 as many as 800 people a month were supported at home rather than in hospital, thanks to the Home First approach. These were people who would otherwise have waited in hospital until a space became available in a long-term care home. For patients and their families, Home First made a big difference in quality of life. They were able to make choices and decide their next steps in comfort and privacy thanks to the Home First approach implemented in the South West by the CCAC and its hospital, LHIN and community partners. By returning home, many patients were able to recuperate and regain strength, surrounded by family and familiar objects. Home First has made a significant impact on on patient care at STEGH for those who stay in hospital because an alternative care option is unavailable (alternate level of care or ALC). Since the implementation of Home First in January 2012, the number of ALC patients at STEGH has decrease substantially from 45 to 12 on average. Patient Experience Office and Council The Patient Experience Office seeks to facilitate the investigation and resolution of patient, family and visitor issues, concerns, suggestions and complaints. We are here to help achieve an excellent patient care experience. It is equally important to receive compliments from patients and families. We have launched both an email address and direct phone extension for the office: 519-631-2030, ext. 7284 or email: patientexperience@stegh.on.ca One of the first strategies being implemented is the formation of a Patient Experience Council (PEC). The PEC is a partnership of community members and hospital personnel committed to ensure an excellent patient care experience through the delivery of Patient and Family-Centred Care in all aspects of care development and delivery. The council serves in an advisory capacity, making recommendations on matters influencing the experience of patients and families. The PEC will help educate staff on family care issues, educate families on health care issues, and provide recommendations to the hospital leadership team. 34 Foundation update In July, the Foundation welcomed Paul Jenkins as our newest Executive Director. Jenkins, a St. Thomas native, joined us from Prostate Cancer Canada, where he led their corporate partnerships portfolio and also worked on the Movember campaign. In October, Bill Brown, took over the role of Vice President, and will replace Susan O’Brien as President when she retires from the Foundation Board of Directors next year. Our Foundation is dedicated to the needs of our donors. In October, the Foundation hosted the Chair Affair, which raised the profile of the Hospital's new mental health program, as well as $25,000 for the simple dignities of life. Mental health is a mission critical area and we are working hand-in-hand with the team at STEGH to help reduce the stigma against this very real health problem. Our focus continues to be on the Redevelopment Campaign, which is chaired by the tireless Ken Monteith and otherwise consists of a cross-section of Elgin’s finest philanthropically-minded citizens. Since the County’s generous commitment, matched only by the City, we have secured an additional $2 million in pledged or paid gifts. The Redevelopment Campaign is not only the largest fundraising campaign in the history of Elgin County, it is an overt investment in ourselves… as individuals, as families and as an entire community. The Foundation wants to thank Elgin County for stepping up so willingly and early in support of our fundraising efforts. Your leadership demonstrates to the entire community what an incredible gem we have in the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Mental Health Mental Health Care Services is moving to STEGH January 13, 2014 and will be located on first floor, west wing. There will be a 15-bed inpatient unit and outpatient services for approximately 500 patients. Construction will be completed in the first week of December and the facilities turned over to STEGH. Furniture is on order and will arrive mid December. Redevelopment After a rigorous selection process, the architectural team consisting of the firms Montgomery-Sisam and Kahler-Slater wasselected this past summerto be the lead designers for the Hospital’s redevelopment project. Since then they have engaged hospital staff and community members in two ‘visioning’ sessions to help understand expectations for the new facilities. They have also worked with staff and physician planning groups to develop schematic drawings depicting how and where services will be located and linked in the new facility to create efficiency and an excellent patient care experience. The hospital is required to make a number of submissions to the 35 Ministry regarding its plans all leading to the formal construction procurement process, expected to begin early 2015. . Construction still on target to be completed by mid 2017. The new facilities will include mental health in-patient and outpatient services, a new emergency department, and a new surgical suite including a supporting sterile processing department. Ambulatory Care Move In April 2013, we opened the new Ambulatory Center in the A & B Wings of the "South Building". The services which moved into the newly renovated and aesthetically pleasing environment of A & B Wings included the sleep lab, respiratory home services, the ambulatory clinic, chemotherapy, cardiology and the pre-admit clinic. The fracture clinic was also taken over from Talbot Trail and integrated into the ambulatory clinic. As well, the ambulatory clinic schedule and times were changed dramatically to further our journey of creating an "excellent patient care experience every time". This was a huge undertaking as it affected all of the staff and physicians utilizing the clinic. 36 37 38 REPORTS OF COUNCIL AND STAFF November 26, 2013 Council Reports – (ATTACHED) Warden Cameron McWilliam – 2014 and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Staff Reports – (ATTACHED) Director of Community and Cultural Services – Library Coordinator Nomination to President, Ontario Public Library Association Accessibility Coordinator – Accessibility Compliance Reporting Accessibility Coordinator – Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Vacancy Appointment Director of Human Resources – County of Elgin 2014 Mileage Rate Purchasing Coordinator – Information Report – Contract Awards April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 Director of Financial Services – Budget Comparison – October 2013 Director of Financial Services – Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Administrator, Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor – Capital Fund Reallocation – Transfer Lifts and Bathing Systems Director of Homes and Seniors Services – Homes Policy Revision – I.C. #3.4 Immunizations – Staff Influenza Director of Homes and Seniors Services – Summary of Amendments to Regulation 79/10 (Regulation) Under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 Administrative Services Coordinator – Schedule of Council Meetings for 2014 Manager of Planning – Cycling Master Plan Chief Administrative Officer – Health Recruitment Partnership Update – East Elgin Family Health Team Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector – Year End Report for 2013 General Manager of Economic Development – Elgin Arts Trail – St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Membership General Manager of Economic Development – Economic Development Progress Report: 39 January – August 2013 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Cameron McWilliam, Warden DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: 2014 and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus INTRODUCTION: Attached for Council’s information is a copy of the Minutes from the October 18, 2013 meeting of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC). There are two specific items in the Minutes that I wish to draw your attention to. The first is the broadband project and the second is the proposed budget for the caucus commencing in 2014. DISCUSSION: The regional broadband project is a massive undertaking that would bring high speed internet service to rural Ontario and thereby enhance and promote economic diversity and viability. The project will require significant senior government support and to that end the Caucus will be asking each participant to provide $25,000 in 2014 to keep the project moving. The money will be used for advocacy, consultation, business planning and some project staffing. Without it, the chances of convincing the provincial and federal governments of its importance will diminish. Staff have included this amount in the preliminary budget for your consideration. The operating budget for the caucus has been discussed and the recommendation for the 2014 in-coming caucus is to raise the fee from $2,000 to $3,500 per annum. This will provide the caucus with some resource dollars to hire expert advice on particular topics if required. Researching issues, developing position papers and focussing advocacy will be enhanced with greater funding. CONCLUSION: The importance of the regional broadband project and the need for greater resources for the WOWC have been emphasised in this report. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “2014 and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus” dated November 4, 2013 be received for information purposes. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Cameron McWilliam Warden Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 40 Meeting Minutes WESTERN ONTARIO WARDENS’ CAUCUS Friday, October 18, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Council Chambers, Middlesex County, 399 Ridout St. London Members Attending: Duncan McKinlay, Chair; Dennis Travale, Vice Chair; Cameron McWilliam, Elgin; George Robertson, Huron; Laura Ryan, Dufferin; Vince Judge, Perth; Don McKay, Oxford; Bernie MacLellan, Huron; Todd Case, Lambton; Brad Richards, Middlesex; Chris White, Wellington; Ron Eddy, Brant; Tom Bain, Essex. CAOs Attending: Sonja Pritchard; Bill Arthur; Paul Emerson; Brian Gregg; Ron Van Horne; Kelley Coulter; Scott Wilson; Mark MacDonald; Lance Thurston Guests: Serge Lavoie, SWEA; Geoff Hogan, Grey County; Campbell Patterson, Broadband Consultant; Jim Gates, Middlesex County. # 1. 2. Agenda Item Welcome Meeting Minutes Discussion and Action Chair McKinlay opened the meeting and welcomed all in attendance MOVED BY Dennis Travale, SECONDED BY Brad Richards; THAT the minutes of the August 18, 2013 meeting of the WOWC be approved and the minutes of the CAOs’ meet of September 20, 2013 be received. CARRIED 3. 4. Business arising from minutes Regional Broadband Project Update None Lance Thurston introduced Geoff Hogan and Campbell Patterson, the project team. The team provided an update on the study process since the last Caucus meeting in August, presented the findings and recommendations of the consultant’s final feasibility study report, including recommended next steps in the process. There was extensive discussion, and questions of the study team. Vince Judge indicated that he wished to advise the group that Perth County may not be able to support the suggested 2014 budget amount of $25,000 per member due to county budget pressures. There was concern expressed about how project capital costs would be distributed among members. It was explained that this and many other details would be fleshed out in the next stage of the development process being recommended. Concern was pointedly expressed about the potential damaging impact the Province’s pending procurement decision on its GO-NET consolidation and refresh project may have on the success of the proposed WOWC broadband network and the social and economic future of the southwest region. This concern is documented in the consultant’s feasibility study report and related WOWC staff reports on the subject. 41 MOVED BY Tom Bain, SECONDED BY Laura Ryan, THAT the Chair write a letter to Premier Wynne formally expressing the concerns of the WOWC on the Province’s pending GO-NET procurement decision and ask that serious consideration be given to selecting a delivery solution that is compatible with the proposed WOWC SWIFT broadband network and supportive of the social and economic development needs and aspirations of Southwestern Ontario, particularly it small towns and rural communities. CARRIED Lance Thurston then outlined the recommendations contained in the related staff report. MOVED BY Todd Case, SECONDED BY Don McKay; WHEREAS the mandate of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is to enhance the prosperity of rural and small urban communities across southwestern Ontario; AND WHEREAS the WOWC understands that for communities to be attractive locations for investment in today’s hyper-competitive global economy, they must have the fundamental infrastructure foundation including robust fibre optic broadband Internet access that will fully support emerging technological applications; AND WHEREAS significant gaps in and inequitable access to high speed broadband Internet services are holding back many rural and small towns across the region from realizing their full economic potential; AND WHEREAS the WOWC hired the firm of Campbell Patterson Communications to study the feasibility of creating a regional fibre optic broadband area network with gigabit backbone and capable of delivering last mile connectivity in the 10-100Mb or better range across the entire south west region; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: 1. THAT the WOWC hereby receives the report entitled, Regional Broadband Feasibility Study, as prepared by Campbell Patterson Communications in fulfillment of the terms and conditions set out in Request for Proposals RFP-WOWC-02-12; AND 2. THAT the WOWC endorses the findings of the Regional Broadband Study, which demonstrate the technical feasibility and regional economic development merits of the WOWC, in partnership with upper levels of government and regional stakeholders, creating a regional area network (RAN) consisting of high capacity, scalable and ubiquitous fibre optic infrastructure deployed throughout southwestern Ontario regardless of population density; AND 3. THAT the feasibility study serve as the basis for : a. Continued efforts through 2013 and 2014 to build 42 awareness and support among key stakeholders across the region for the recommended RAN; b. Advocacy with upper levels of government and other potential partners for financial support and involvement to build the RAN and operationalize the recommended governance and organizational structure; and, c. Proceeding with the recommended next steps in the development process that will enable the project to move forward in a logical sequence including further refinement of the regional area network model, detailing of suitable operating and governance framework options and funding application (business plan) to federal and provincial governments; AND 4. THAT Campbell Patterson Communications be retained on a month to month basis at a rate of $5,000 per month effective November 1, 2013 to be cost shared equally among members until a project budget for 2014 is approved, to ensure work on the project continues; AND 5. THAT the following 2014 broadband project budget plan be recommended to the incoming 2014 WOWC Board of Directors: Activity Advocacy Consultant Business Planning Budget Comment $50,000 Regional stakeholder and upper government outreach, to build awareness and secure interest and commitment across the region. $110,000 $100,000 Project Staffing $90,000 TOTAL $350,000 Continued engagement of Campbell Patterson Communications Hire legal and business expertise required to develop detailed organizational framework for RAN Hire project coordinator to assist study team and consultant in managing the project, and cover some of the costs of county staff and WOWC members engaged in the project $25,000 per WOWC Member CARRIED LUNCH 5. 2014-2018 Proposed Operating Plan The meeting recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and returned at 1:00 p.m. Lance Thurston provided a brief overview of the staff report entitled, Proposed WOWC 2014-2018 Operating Budget Plan dated October 18, 2013, which was followed by discussion. During the discussion there was strong sentiment expressed that the WOWC needs to consider a more focused approach in 2014 in order to be more strategic and engaged in issues of importance. 43 MOVED BY Dennis Travale, SECONDED BY Todd Case; That the staff report entitled WOWC 2014 Operating Budget Proposal dated October 18, 2013 be received and the 2014 operating budget proposed therein be recommended to the incoming Board of Directors at its meeting in January 2014. CARRIED 6. Regional Transportation Initiative Lance Thurston provided a summary of the staff report included in the agenda. He invited Serge Lavoie, CEO of SWEA to expand on the issues. WHEREAS communities in Southwestern Ontario, including Grey County, are alarmed at the declining level of passenger transportation options available in the region; AND WHEREAS the Board of the Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA) has adopted an action plan to spur Provincial and Federal planning and re-investment in passenger transportation services across Southwestern Ontario; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Grey County Council hereby endorses and lends its support to SWEA’s Regional Passenger Transportation Initiative, as outlined below: 1. Cutbacks to VIA Rail passenger service in Southwestern Ontario is a central and critical issue and SWEA, on behalf of the communities of the region, will: a) Demand re-investments and service enhancements in the short term. b) Advocate, for a renewed commitment to passenger rail service across Canada. 2. Lack of inter-city transportation options within the region is an equally critical issue. The following are the key requests that SWEA will make to the provincial government on behalf of the communities of the region: a) That the provincial government support demands to improve VIA Rail services along both main lines. b) That the provincial government immediately address regional passenger transportation issues beyond the current GTHA focus c) That the provincial government supports the establishment of an all-party committee of the Ontario legislature to immediately study regional transportation needs in Southwestern Ontario. 3. That SWEA seek to convene a high profile regional transportation summit in autumn of 2013 to draw attention to the critical issue of limited passenger transportation options in Southwestern Ontario with the intent is to kick-start a broad public debate on the issue and to spur immediate study of options and commitment to reinvestments. 44 4. That SWEA engage all possible stakeholders, in partnership with communities in the region, to build awareness of passenger transportation issues and possible solutions. 5. That SWEA coordinate a meeting with senior VIA Rail management to get an accounting of their service strategy for Southwestern Ontario and to stress the need for the corporation to partner with regional municipalities meaningfully in efforts to improve passenger rail service and ridership levels in the region. CARRIED 7. Other Business Consideration was given to holding the next WOWC Caucus meeting on th November 14 to tie in with the next scheduled CAOs meeting in London. There was insufficient commitment from members due to scheduling conflicts. Dennis Travale advised the group of a Mayors’ Coalition Meeting on October th 24 regarding a new funding model proposal for OPP policing costs. He noted too that the Association of Police Services Boards is holding a meeting on th November 14 to discuss the issue. Mr. Travale also noted that he has had recent meetings with the Premier and Provincial Ministers regarding property tax arrears and the idea of reducing the time frame for municipalities to intervene in a tax arrears situation from two years to one year. 8. Correspondence Duncan McKinlay thanked the group for electing him as Chair for this past term. He will not be a Warden next year and therefore will not be eligible to be Chair of the WOWC. He has enjoyed the job, working on key issues and meeting many wonderful people across the region. Correspondence from Minister of Labour dated September 19, 2013 responding to a letter from the Chair on the issue of Interest Arbitration was received. The Caucus was reminded of a letter date October 17, 2013 that the Chair has sent to the Minister of Health and Long-term Care as a follow-up to the WOWC delegation at AMO related to municipal investment in long-term care. 9. Next Meeting January 2014 To be announced. This will also be the Annual General Meeting of the Board of Directors. Adjournment MOVED BY Vince Judge, SECONDED BY Brad Richards, that the meeting adjourn CARRIED The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:00 p.m. 45 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Brian Masschaele, Director of Community and Cultural Services DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: Library Coordinator Nomination to President, Ontario Public Library Association INTRODUCTION: This report seeks Council’s support for the nomination of the Library Coordinator to the position of President of the Ontario Public Library Association (OPLA). DISCUSSION: In 2009, Council supported the successful nomination of the Library Coordinator as a regional councillor to the OPLA for a four-year term. This term expires in January 2014 and the Coordinator now wishes to pursue the position of President of the organization based on the following understanding: The term will be for three years from 2014-2017, with service of one-year each in the portfolios of Vice-President / President Elect, President and Past President. The first two years will include representation on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Library Association (of which OPLA is a component). Given that there is executive authority associated with such representation, the Library Coordinator will declare a conflict of interest should matters arise that are not in the best interests of the Elgin County Library or the County of Elgin. Attendance at 8 meetings per year in Toronto will be required, with all associated travel costs covered by the association. The library will grant one working day to attend each of these meetings. The Coordinator will also receive complementary registration to the association’s annual Super Conference in Toronto as an added benefit, with all related travel costs covered during the year as President. Staff fully support this nomination as such representation is a further sign of the goodstanding that the Elgin County Library has achieved in the province and will be of great benefit in terms of shaping future library policy, programs and services. Staff are confident that this appointment can be balanced within the Library Coordinator’s current duties. CONCLUSION: Should Council support this nomination, the next step in the process may then involve an election should other candidates apply. Ratification will occur at the association’s Annual General Meeting in late January 2014 and the term will commence immediately thereafter. 46 RECOMMENDATION: THAT Elgin County Council wholeheartedly supports the nomination of the Library Coordinator to the position of President of the Ontario Public Library Association based on the terms outlined in the report titled “Library Coordinator Nomination to President, Ontario Public Library Association” dated November 4, 2013. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Brian Masschaele Director of Community and Cultural Services Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 47 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Coordinator Rob Bryce, Director of Human Resources DATE: November 1, 2013 SUBJECT: Accessibility Compliance Reporting INTRODUCTION: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires organizations to file reports on accessibility standards that apply to them. The following report outlines what the County of Elgin has done to be in compliance with requirements up to December 31, 2013. Additional reports are required every two years. DISCUSSION: The following is a list of questions that the County is required to answer by the end of the year. 1. Is your organization complying with the requirements of the Customer Service Standard, and are you implementing the Customer Service training policy by continuing to train staff on an ongoing basis? 2. Does your organization have written accessibility policies and a statement of commitment? 3. Has your organization established, implemented, maintained and posted a multiyear accessibility plan? 4. Does your organization provide its emergency procedures, plans or public safety information that it makes available to the public, in an accessible format upon request? 5. Does your organization provide individualized emergency response information for employees that require it and does it review the information in accordance with the Employment Standard? 6. Does your organization provide public information about the availability of accessible materials and upon request does your organization provide access to accessible materials where they exist? 7. Do you include accessibility criteria and features in your procurement process, and if applicable, do you incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks? When reporting, the County of Elgin will be able to answer “yes” to all the questions listed above. Reporting is required by two individuals in the organization – one to answer the questions and one to verify that the information is accurate. 48 Even though the County is filing a report to verify compliance, the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario may audit the County at any time to verify the information that has been provided is true. CONCLUSION: The County of Elgin is in compliance with the accessibility requirements dated to the end of December 31, 2013. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Accessibility Compliance Reporting” dated November 1, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jennifer Cowan Accessibility Coordinator Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources 49 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jennifer Cowan, Accessibility Coordinator Rob Bryce, Director of Human Resources DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Vacancy Appointment INTRODUCTION: Due to a recent vacancy on the Elgin County/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC), staff have initiated the recruitment process for a new member. DISCUSSION: An advertisement was placed in several local newspapers by way of the “Central Elgin Buzz”. Local newspapers include: St. Thomas Times Journal, Lake Erie Beacon, Weekly News and Aylmer Express. The advertisement was also included on the website for both Central Elgin and Elgin County and was picked up by the local radio station, myFM. Members of the public who were interested in being part of the JAAC received an application from the Accessibility Coordinator. Once applications were returned, the process for short listing the candidates began. The Accessibility Coordinator used a ranking system to determine the best candidates to interview. From the applications, three candidates were chosen for interviews. Interviews were conducted by Dave Marr, Elgin County Councillor and Central Elgin Deputy Mayor, Dianne Wilson, Central Elgin Clerk and Jennifer Cowan, Elgin County Accessibility Coordinator. Based on a number of factors, including experience with municipal committees, professional experience in customer service with the Ontario Public Sector and an understanding of cross disability issues, the preferred candidate to fill the vacancy is Douglas Mayer, resident of Central Elgin. CONCLUSION: Staff respectfully requests that County Council and Central Elgin Council approve the recommended appointment to the County of Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council approve the appointment of Douglas Mayer to serve on the County of Elgin/Central Elgin Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (JAAC) effective immediately for a three year term. 50 All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jennifer Cowan Accessibility Coordinator Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources 51 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rob Bryce, Director of Human Resources DATE: November 1, 2013 SUBJECT: County of Elgin 2014 Mileage Rate INTRODUCTION: In accordance with Human Resources Policy 10.50, employees who do not have a County-supplied vehicle will be paid a mileage rate for use of their own vehicle on County business. For the last four years, the current rate has remained unchanged at 49.5 cents per kilometre and is market-competitive. DISCUSSION: Until 2006, staff reviewed the mileage rate annually and recommended any changes to County Council for approval. Effective 2006, Council directed staff to implement the same kilometric rate established by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat on an annual basis. The current Treasury Board rate for travel in Ontario is 55.0 cents per kilometre. A review of mileage rate reimbursements provided by other municipal employers suggests the County’s current rate of 49.5 cents per kilometre is competitive. A survey of 19 area municipalities resulted in a large range of responses showing reimbursement rates of 42 to 54 cents per kilometre. The average rate was 49.0 and the median response was 50.0 with half the municipalities providing greater reimbursement and half providing less. The mode or most common response was 54.0 cents per kilometre. CONCLUSION: The County’s mileage rate is competitive and should remain unchanged for 2014. RECOMMENDATION: THAT County Council direct staff to freeze the mileage rate for 2014 at the current level of 49.5 cents per kilometre. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rob Bryce Director of Human Resources Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 52 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Mike Hoogstra, Purchasing Coordinator DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Information Report - Contract Awards April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 INTRODUCTION: As per the County of Elgin's Procurement Policy section 10.1, an information report containing the details relevant to the exercise of delegated authority for all contracts awarded that exceed $15,000 including amendments and renewals is to be prepared and reported to Council. This report covers the period from April to September 2013. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin delegated authority to the Directors to award contracts as follows: Value Greater than $15,000 but less than $50,000 Greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000 Report Status No report to Council required if within 10% of the approved budget allocation No report to Council required if within approved budget Council also approved that an information report would be brought forward containing details of the award of contracts including amendments and renewals. The detailed report of the award of contracts is attached as Appendix A. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Information Report - Contract Awards, April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013” dated November 8, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Mike Hoogstra Purchasing Coordinator Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Jim Bundschuh Director of Financial Services 53 APPENDIX A Purchases/Projects greater than $15,000 April 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 Department Budget Allocation Community and Cultural Services Engineering Services Capital Engineering Services Engineering Services Engineering Services Capital Engineering Services Capital Information Technology Operating Capital Capital Operating Project Award Bid Price (HST extra) 2013 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van – Library Sprinkler System and Landscaping – Bobier Villa Pressure Treated Posts for Road Signs Regulatory Road Signs Disbrowe Motors $ 27,858.81 Second Nature Land Design $ 26,959.00 Springfield Tim-Br Mart Owl-Lite $ 40,283.75 Port Stanley Lift Bridge Repairs and Maintenance Dutton EMS Station – Engineering & Architectural Services Point Click Care Upgrades Dielco Industrial Contractors $ 29,871.32 Spriet Associates $ 34,000.00 Wescom Solutions $ 28,548.97 54 $ 46,137.79 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh – Director of Financial Services DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Budget Comparison – October 2013 INTRODUCTION: Attached is the budget comparison for October 2013 for the County with favourable performance for the month of $218 thousand; bringing year-to-date performance to a favourable $843 thousand. DISCUSSION: Once again the major contributor to the favourable performance is the Homes with favourable performance for the month of October of $129 thousand. Spending on project costs is $63 thousand less than budgeted, operational costs are $26 thousand better than budgeted and hours worked are better than budgeted resulting in a further $20 thousand of favourable performance. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Budget Comparison – October 2013” dated November 8, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Director of Financial Services Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 55 YTD County of Elgin Income Statement As of October 31, 2013 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Current Month Actual Revenue 10 TAXES (20,151,309) INTEREST CHARGES & INCOME (59,900) SOCIAL SERVICES - ST. THOMAS HEALTH UNIT GRANTS RENTAL INCOME (156,885) PROPERTY ASSESSMENT ONTARIO MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP FUN (1,770,900) PROJECTS (11,150) Total Corporate (22,150,144) 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 WARDEN AND COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FINANCIAL SERVICES HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION BUILDING CORPORATE SERVICES ENGINEERING SERVICES 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 HOMES FOR SENIORS SERVICES MUSEUM/ARCHIVES LIBRARY SERVICES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES PROVINCIAL OFFENSES COLLECTIONS - POA AMBULANCE & EMERGENCY SERVICES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM 26 27 Expenses Total 125,294 16 2,280,987 781,966 807,915 109,922 719,640 166,780 4,992,520 Actual Perform. Net (20,026,015) (59,884) 2,280,987 781,966 807,915 (46,963) 719,640 (1,770,900) 155,630 (17,157,624) Net Revenue Expenses Total Perform. Net Net (238) 564 7,263 (1,000) (0) 2 0 6,590 (6,827) (15,689) (442,725) (465,241) 703,587 78,197 6,000 179,910 967,693 (6,827) 703,587 78,197 6,000 (15,689) 179,910 (442,725) 502,453 70 59,163 (1,000) (0) 58,233 (380) (29,680) (22,113) 24,261 56,794 56,636 55,222 55,377 29,095 374,945 24,261 56,794 56,636 54,842 25,697 29,095 352,832 5,142 3,800 12,016 1,881 2,953 2,834 9,807 (23) (14,275) (20,667) (336,387) (1,088,971) 247,179 385,361 438,219 416,059 582,574 463,082 10,534,741 247,157 371,086 438,219 395,392 246,187 463,082 9,445,770 30,111 35,684 26,461 22,102 51,626 17,351 58,459 Total Departmental (14,653,342) (69,569) (175,754) (15,065) (1,402,628) (316,425) (5,065,321) (110,643) (23,269,071) 17,760,839 363,118 2,250,581 680,317 1,107,812 300,405 7,389,015 1,074,523 43,993,825 3,107,497 293,549 2,074,828 665,251 (294,816) (16,019) 2,323,694 963,880 20,724,755 443,511 6,474 12,777 40,161 (6,927) 72 34,815 64,005 836,682 (1,449,778) (18,484) (119,737) (2,809) (199,132) (510,022) (1,987) (2,354,122) 2,133,249 41,259 255,797 74,383 (47,516) 0 733,963 122,265 3,965,730 683,471 22,776 136,060 71,574 (246,648) 0 223,941 120,278 1,611,609 129,201 3,186 2,193 4,014 (0) (5,404) (11,406) 160,215 Total (45,419,214) 48,986,345 3,567,131 843,273 (2,819,362) 4,933,424 2,114,061 218,449 56 J:\Common\Finance\Monthly Performance\Financial Services\Summary Report 08/11/2013 3:36 PM REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jim Bundschuh, Director of Financial Services DATE: November 20, 2013 SUBJECT: Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) INTRODUCTION: The 2014 allocation notice for Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) is attached. Although there is a drop in funding, the combined benefit, which includes social service costs being uploaded by the province, results in a negligible impact on the county. DISCUSSION: The OMPF allocation for 2014 of $1,505,300 is $265,600 less than that received in 2013. The province has calculated that they will be uploading $312,600 in cost for a combined benefit improvement of $47,000. CONCLUSION: This slight improvement in the combined benefit will be used to fund the county’s share of social service cost increases. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF)” dated November 20, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jim Bundschuh Director of Financial Services Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 57 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Allocation Notice County of Elgin 44000 2014 Highlights for the County of Elgin • The County of Elgin's estimated benefit of the 2014 provincial uploads totals $3,537,700 which is the equivalent of 6% of all municipal property tax revenue in the County. • In addition, the County of Elgin will receive $1,505,300 through the 2014 OMPF. • The 2014 uploads combined with the OMPF exceed the 2013 combined benefit by $47,000. A Total 2014 OMPF $1,505,300 1. Assessment Equalization Grant 2. Northern Communities Grant 3. Rural Communities Grant 4. Northern and Rural Fiscal Circumstances Grant 5. Transitional Assistance B $1,505,300 2014 Combined Benefit of OMPF and Provincial Uploads (Line B1 + Line B2) 1. Total OMPF (Equal to Line A) 2. Provincial Uploads (see 2014 Upload Notice Insert) $5,043,000 $1,505,300 $3,537,700 C Other Ongoing Provincial Support $3,093,600 1. Public Health 2. Land Ambulance $1,477,500 $1,616,100 D Key OMPF Data Inputs 1. Households 2. Total Weighted Assessment per Household 3. Rural and Small Community Measure 4. Northern and Rural Municipal Fiscal Circumstances Index 5. 2014 Guaranteed Level of Support 6. 2013 OMPF (Line A from 2013 Allocation Notice) 20,242 $239,627 84.2% n/a 85.0% $1,770,900 Issued: November 2013 58 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Allocation Notice County of Elgin 44000 2014 OMPF Allocation Notice - Line Item Descriptions A The OMPF grants are described in detail in the OMPF Technical Guide – this document can be found on the Ministry of Finance's website at: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ompf/2014 A5 If applicable, reflects the amount of transitional support provided to assist the municipality in adjusting to the redesigned OMPF program. See the enclosed Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert for further details. B1 Sum of 2014 OMPF grants. (Equal to Line A) B2 Estimated 2014 benefit of the Province's upload of social assistance benefit program costs. For further details see the 2014 Upload Benefit Report. The estimated 2014 municipal benefit of the Province's 75 per cent share of public health funding relative to its 50 per cent share in 2004. Actual municipal savings may not correspond with the Allocation Notice due to budget approvals made by the local C1 Boards of Health. Municipalities may provide additional funding beyond their obligated cost share. Any additional municipal funding is not included in the calculation of the public health figure. The estimated 2014 municipal benefit of the Province's 50 per cent share of land ambulance funding is relative to its share in C2 2005. This incremental increase in land ambulance funding delivers on the Province's commitment to strengthen land ambulance services and maintain the 50:50 sharing of land ambulance costs. D2 Refers to the total assessment for a municipality weighted by the tax ratio for each class of property (including payments in lieu of property taxes retained by the municipality) divided by the total number of households. D3 Represents the proportion of a municipality's population that resides in rural areas or small communities. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. The northern and rural Municipal Fiscal Circumstances Index (MFCI) measures a municipality’s fiscal circumstances relative to other northern and rural municipalities in the province, and ranges from 0 to 10. A lower MFCI corresponds to relatively positive D4 fiscal circumstances, whereas a higher MFCI corresponds to more challenging fiscal circumstances. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. D5 Represents the guaranteed level of support the municipality will receive from the Province through the 2014 OMPF. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. D6 2013 OMPF allocation. Note: Provincial funding and other ongoing provincial support initiatives rounded to multiples of $100. Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial-Local Finance Division Issued: November 2013 59 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert County of Elgin 44000 $1,505,300 A 2014 OMPF Transitional Assistance (Line B2 - Line B1 if positive) B Supporting Details 1. Sum of 2014 OMPF Grants, Excluding Transitional Assistance $0 2. 2014 Guaranteed Support (Line B2a x Line B2b) $1,505,300 a. 2013 OMPF (Line A from 2013 Allocation Notice) b. 2014 Guaranteed Level of Support $1,770,900 85.0% Issued: November 2013 60 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert County of Elgin 44000 2014 Transitional Assistance Calculation Insert - Line Item Descriptions A Represents the total Transitional Assistance the municipality will receive in 2014. B1 Sum of 2014 Assessment Equalization, Northern Communities, Rural Communities, and Northern and Rural Fiscal Circumstances Grants. B2 Guaranteed amount of funding through the 2014 OMPF. B2a 2013 OMPF allocation. B2b Represents the guaranteed level of support the municipality will receive from the Province through the 2014 OMPF. For additional information see the 2014 OMPF Technical Guide. Note: Provincial funding and other ongoing provincial support initiatives rounded to multiples of $100. Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial-Local Finance Division Issued: November 2013 61 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Upload Notice County of Elgin A 44000 Estimated 2014 Provincial Uploads $3,537,700 1. Ontario Drug Benefits 2. Ontario Disability Support Program - Administration Component 3. Ontario Disability Support Program - Benefits Component 4. Ontario Works - Benefits Component 5. Ontario Works - Administration Component (Additional Support) B 2013 Provincial Uploads $569,600 $216,500 $1,741,900 $395,600 $614,100 $3,225,100 C Increase in Provincial Uploads Compared to 2013 (Line A - Line B) $312,600 The removal of these costs off the property tax base benefits all taxpayers residing in the County of Elgin. Issued: November 2013 62 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 2014 Upload Notice County of Elgin 44000 2014 Upload Notice - Line Item Descriptions A Estimated 2014 municipal benefit resulting from the Province's upload of Ontario Drug Benefit Program; Ontario Disability Support Program; and the phased upload of Ontario Works benefits, as well as additional support in respect of municipal Ontario Works administration costs. B Equal to Line A of the 2013 Upload Notice. Note: Provincial funding and other ongoing provincial support initiatives rounded to multiples of $100. Ontario Ministry of Finance Provincial-Local Finance Division Issued: November 2013 63 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Michele Harris, Administrator, Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Capital Fund Reallocation - Transfer Lifts and Bathing Systems INTRODUCTION: In 2012, the lift vendor for the County of Elgin homes provided a “Capital Planning Assessment Report” which outlined recommended replacement timelines for mechanical lifts and bathing systems for the three (3) homes. Based on the analysis of the Capital Planning Assessment Report, the homes budgeted for the replacement of several lifts/bathing systems on an annual basis. DISCUSSION: A capital budget was developed to replace mechanical lifts and bathing systems at the homes. Staff at Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor identified a need to accelerate the replacement of additional lifts in 2013 to ensure resident and staff safety and well being. In order to fund the purchase of the identified equipment needs, staff is requesting the reallocation of funds from three projects: Bobier Villa 4103-13-01 Additional Rolling Shelving $2457.79 (project not started); Elgin Manor 4601-11-05 Four Season Room $19801.55 (project not started); and Elgin Manor 4201-12-02 Nursing Equipment $20,729. CONCLUSION: The accelerated purchase of the equipment will ensure resident and staff safety for lifts, transfers and bathing. The replacement plan will be updated to reflect the accelerated purchases. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve the reallocation of capital funds as identified to procure the Lift and Tub replacements; and, THAT the report titled “Capital Fund Reallocation - Transfer Lifts and Bathing Systems” be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Michele Harris Administrator, Bobier Villa and Elgin Manor Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda L. Duffy Director of Homes and Seniors Services 64 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Rhonda L. Duffy, Director Homes and Seniors Services DATE: November 4, 2013 SUBJECT: Homes Policy Revision – I.C. #3.4 Immunizations – Staff Influenza INTRODUCTION: The Elgin County Homes and Seniors Services promote the well-being of residents and staff through its support of a comprehensive infection control program. Infection control includes routine practices for the surveillance and prevention of infections. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Elgin County Homes will provide influenza vaccination to staff members as protection for residents and staff, and to ensure an appropriate staffing complement for resident care. The National Advisory Committee states “Health Care Workers and their employers have a duty to actively promote, implement and comply with influenza recommendations in order to decrease the risk of infection and complications in the vulnerable populations they care for.” Changes to the policy include; unimmunized staff will not be accessing vacation and available stat pay when not at work in the event of outbreak, reporting requirements changed from November 15 to November 30, addition of detailed Health Practitioner Influenza Vaccination Exclusion Form and staff will no longer be sent home with pay while on shift when an outbreak is declared. Supporting the health and well-being of the Residents is the main focus of the policy and taking a more proactive approach to vaccination expectations across the Homes is needed and in keeping with industry norms. CONCLUSION: In order to ensure the Homes are meeting it’s obligations to the health and safety of its residents, staff has revised the existing policy in keeping with industry standards of practice and Public Health reporting requirements. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approve the changes to Homes policy I.C. #3.4 Immunization – Staff Influenza and corresponding form titled Health Practitioner Influenza Vaccination Exclusion Form; and, 65 THAT the report titled “Homes Policy Revision – I.C. #3.4 Immunization – Staff Influenza” dated November 4, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Rhonda L. Duffy Director of Homes and Seniors Services Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 66 DRAFT REVISIONS HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control-Screening SUBJECT: Immunization – Staff Influenza & Surveillance of Infections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 1 of 4 PURPOSE: Elgin County Homes will provide influenza vaccination to staff members as protection for residents and staff, and to ensure appropriate staffing complement availability for resident care. The National Advisory Committee states “Health Care Workers and their employers have a duty to actively promote, implement and comply with influenza recommendations in order to decrease the risk of infection and complications in the vulnerable populations they care for.” PROCEDURE: 1. Elgin County Homes will promote and provide the influenza vaccine to staff in the Home. 2. Promotional material regarding the vaccine and this policy will be made available in the workplace in the fall of each year. 3. An on-site influenza vaccination clinic, where sanctioned by the Medical Director through a signed medical directive, will be provided for staff members who have signed consents. 4. The nurse giving the injections will obtain written consent from each staff member. Adrenaline 1:1000 IU 1 ml will be available on the injection tray in case of adverse reaction. Registered staff to read the medical directive for dosage of Adrenalin prior to vaccination. 5. Staff members must provide proof of influenza vaccination to the Home by the end of November, or earlier in the event of an influenza outbreak. A list of immunized staff will be compiled in each Home by the MRC. 6. Staff members who receive their vaccine at the Home will be recorded on the list of immunized staff members in each Home. Upon request by the staff, a record of immunization will be provided by the Home. 67 DRAFT REVISIONS HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control-Screening SUBJECT: Immunization – Staff Influenza & Surveillance of Infections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 2 of 4 7. Staff members who receive their vaccine at a physician’s office or clinic shall will be expected to provide documentation of the immunization to the Manager of Resident Care no later than November 30. If appropriate proof of vaccine is not provided, the staff member will not be recorded on the list of immunized staff for the Home. In the event of an Influenza outbreak, the staff will be sent home without pay until appropriate documentation indicating the employee had been previously vaccinated and/or the outbreak is declared over by the Medical Officer of Health, whichever occurs first. 8. Staff members who are unable to receive the influenza vaccine for medical reasons will provide a note to the Manager of Resident Care from their physician documenting the specific reasons (i.e. anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or known anaphylactic hypersensitivity to eggs). The Home will provide the employee with the appropriate fFORM # IC3.4 for the physician to complete. The Home will reimburse the staff member for such expense incurred in completing the form by the physician. 9. Pregnancy is not considered a contraindication for the influenza vaccination. 10. Staff members who have not provided proof of influenza vaccination by November 30 will be contacted and advised of the exclusion policy that would take place during an outbreak. Documentation of such discussion and alternatives during an outbreak will be made on the Influenza Vaccine Refusal form, ref: FORM #IC3.4 If proof of vaccine is not provided, the staff member shall not work during an influenza outbreak. Time off work shall be covered by vacation credits, stats as available, emergency leave days/unpaid leave days, or in the contrary, shall be unpaid leave. 11. When an influenza outbreak in a long-term care home is confirmed by the Medical Officer of Health, staff who is asked to leave work cannot work because they haven’t been vaccinated will be paid the remainder of that scheduled shift or will be reassigned to non-resident care duties for the remainder of that shift or as directed by Medical Officer of Health may complete their shift using approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Un-immunized staff members will not be allowed to return to work at the Home until: 68 DRAFT REVISIONS HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control-Screening SUBJECT: Immunization – Staff Influenza & Surveillance of Infections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 3 of 4 a. They receive the vaccine and two (2) weeks have passed, OR b. The outbreak is declared over, OR c. They begin alternative anti-viral measures for the influenza outbreak (as outlined below). 12. Alternative anti-viral measures include: a. Un-immunized staff who HAVE NOT had any contact with the affected facility in the period commencing twenty-four (24) hours prior to the onset of the first case of influenza may take antiviral treatment and return to work four (4) hours after ingesting their first dose as long as they do not have influenza-like symptoms or as directed by the Medical Officer of Public Health. b. Un-immunized staff who HAVE HAD contact with the affected facility in the period commencing twenty-four (24) hours prior to the onset of the first case of influenza, may take the alternative measures available and return to work seventytwo (72) hours after their last contact with the facility (one incubation period) and at least four (4) hours after ingesting their first dose, as long as they do not have influenza-like symptoms or as directed by the Medical Officer of Public Health. c. Staff members taking antiviral medication will provide evidence satisfactory to the Home that they received and filled a prescription for antiviral medication. d. Un-immunized staff members WITH an appropriately documented medical reason (refer to FORM # IC3.4) for not receiving the influenza vaccine and who cannot take the alternative measures or cannot tolerate the alternative measures will be assigned alternate work and hours within the home until such time the outbreak is declared over. This will be done in accordance with direction from Public Health, on a case by case basis provided that the staff member does not have direct resident contact and/or provide direct resident care. , i.e. reassigned to administration offices. Re-assignment will be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with provisions of the collective agreements in force in the Homes. 69 DRAFT REVISIONS HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES POLICY & PROCEDURE NUMBER: 3.4 DEPARTMENT: Infection Control-Screening SUBJECT: Immunization – Staff Influenza & Surveillance of Infections APPROVAL DATE: April 2004 REVISION DATE: October 2009 REVISION: November 26, 2013 Page 4 of 4 e. Un-immunized staff members WITHOUT an appropriately documented reason for not receiving the influenza vaccine and do not take the alternative measures available will remain off work unpaid until the outbreak is declared over. Staff may use vacation, stats (as applicable) as available, emergency leave days/unpaid leave days or will be off work without pay. 13. The Management of the Home will advise the staff member of the need to remain off work until the criteria in #12 above has been met. Staff shall remain on unpaid leave until criteria described in #12 is satisfied. 14. Exclusion of un-immunized staff members will be applied as per this policy or if necessary, by the Medical Officer of hHealth through an order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The Section 22 will order the Director of the Home to exclude un-immunized staff members. 15. In the event of a Pandemic, as declared by the Medical Officer of Health, un-immunized staff will be required to report to work within the home as scheduled and/or necessary. 70 HOMES AND SENIORS SERVICES Health Practitioners Influenza Vaccination Exclusion Form I, ________________________________, provide consent for the release of information by the (print name) Physician regarding my inability to take the Influenza Vaccination and/or Tamiflu. Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Dear Physician, Please provide complete information as indicated below. Please note that you will be reimbursed for any normal or customary fees for completing this form. Patient Name: _________________________________________ Date of visit:______________ Please complete the following: Does this patient suffer from a medically recognized condition that prevents him/her from obtaining the Influenza vaccination? Yes No If yes, what is the general nature of the medical condition? ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ What are the specific contra-indications of receiving the influenza vaccination for this patient? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Is this patient able to take Tamiflu in the event of an Influenza outbreak? Yes No If No, what are the specific medical reasons for not being able to take Tamiflu? Are there any medically based concerns that would prevent this patient from wearing a protective mask during an outbreak in order to continue working? Yes No If yes, what are the medical concerns? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Physician Signature:____________________________________Date:_____________________ I.C. Form #3.4 71 72 73 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Susan McConnell, Administrative Services Coordinator DATE: November 7, 2013 SUBJECT: Schedule of Council Meetings for 2014 INTRODUCTION: Every November a meeting schedule for Elgin County Council is prepared for the new year. BACKGROUND: Traditionally, council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Attached for council’s consideration are suggested meeting dates of Elgin County Council for 2014. Please note: council has the ability to change meeting dates at any time with advance notice. CONCLUSION: An Elgin County Council meeting schedule is required for 2014. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Schedule of Council Meetings for 2014” dated November 7, 2013 be adopted. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Susan McConnell Administrative Services Coordinator Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 74 SCHEDULE OF COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR 2014 MEETING DATE TIME January 14 January 28 2:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - Special Budget Meeting February 11 9:00 a.m. - One meeting due to OGRA/ROMA (February 23-26 in Toronto) March 11 March 25 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. April 8 April 22 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. May 13 May 27 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. June 10 June 24 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. July 8 July 22 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. August 12 August 26 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. September 9 September 23 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. October 21 9:00 a.m. November 25 9:00 a.m. December 9 December 11 7:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - Meetings may not be required in August (AMO Conference Aug 17-20 in London) - AMO Counties Regions and Single Tiers Conference. Actual date will be announced in February 2014. - Warden’s Election - Regular Council Meeting Council Meetings are normally held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month and are subject to change. 75 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Steve Evans, Manager of Planning DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Cycling Master Plan INTRODUCTION: This report will provide County Council with information about an Elgin/St.Thomas Cycling Master Plan that is being promoted through the Healthy Communities Partnership. The Elgin St. Thomas Healthy Communities Partnership is a local community group that works to identify and advocate for healthy public policies that ensure the healthy choice is the easier choice in our community. The Partnership is funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport and membership includes staff and/or elected officials from most area municipalities, community members and local developers. DISCUSSION: About a year ago, the Healthy Communities Partnership completed the Elgin/St.Thomas Active Transportation Initiative (ATI). The ATI has been instrumental in raising awareness and building a broad level of support from the community about the merits of active transportation and making it a part of a healthy lifestyle. The Cycling Master Plan is an opportunity to identify the next steps for cycling by confirming a county-wide cycling network and moving towards the establishment of a “Bicycle Friendly Community”. Such recognition comes with incentives and hands-on assistance through the Share the Road Cycling Coalition and would enhance tourism attraction in Elgin/St. Thomas. Cycle tourism is a growing market and studies show that cycle tourists stay longer and spend more when travelling. The Cycling Master Plan will create a County wide cycling network based upon Route Selection Principles and is not prejudiced towards jurisdiction. Therefore it will be imperative that approval is obtained by all municipalities across the County in order for the plan to be successful. However, implementation and construction of facilities will be scheduled at each road authority’s pace. For example, 2 metre wide paved road shoulders will be required for cycling routes implemented on County roads at a cost of $60,000 per kilometre plus additional ongoing operating costs (i.e. while edge lines, mechanical sweeping, etc.). Although the proposed cycling network has not yet been created, the total long term capital costs for the County of Elgin could be as much as $5 million and will form part of the 10 year capital plan. It is anticipated that the Cycling Master Plan will cost $47,053 (+HST). Elgin St. Thomas Public Health has funds in the amount of $38,000 from the Province that can be put towards this project. The Health Unit is requesting that the County and the City share the additional costs in the amount of $5,000 each. (see attached letter) 76 CONCLUSION: The Cycling Master Plan is the logical next step in our Active Transportation Initiative which will do the following: Confirm a County-wide cycling network Identify and confirm a proposed facility type for each route Identify a prioritized approach to implementing the network Identify infrastructure costs Communicates the plan with residents, staff and Councils This Master Plan will provide the solid base upon which the City and County builds its cycling network. It will set out the priorities for implementation and allow each municipal jurisdiction to proceed at its own pace. RECOMMENDATIONS: THAT County Council endorse the proposal to prepare a Cycling Master Plan in partnership with the City of St. Thomas and the Healthy Communities Partnership; and, THAT funds, matching the City of St. Thomas, not to exceed $5,000 be provided to complete the project. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Steve Evans Manager of Planning Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 77 78 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer DATE: November 8, 2013 SUBJECT: Health Recruitment Partnership Update – East Elgin Family Health Team INTRODUCTION: The East Elgin Family Health Team approached the Health Recruitment Partnership Committee in 2010 requesting funding to assist them in attracting new physicians to the eastern area of Elgin County. Partnership funding was provided to aid in equipment purchases to help attract physicians. With this funding assistance, the Family Health Team has successfully met their obligation and three new physicians have joined their team. DISCUSSION: Council is aware that the Health Recruitment Partnership program allows for existing medical centres to request a forgivable, interest free loan in the amount of $33,000 for each doctor they recruit to the area. The City, on behalf of the County, administers the partnership and the East Elgin Family Health Team has approached the city, once again, requesting recruitment funds for 2 physicians. They have secured space in Straffordville and would like to move forward with this recruitment initiative. The Health Recruitment Partnership has recommended that funds in the amount of $66,000 for two physicians be provided. The Partnership has set aside funds in its existing budget to cover this allocation. The St. Thomas City Council has authorized this loan and will enter into an agreement with the East Elgin Family Health Team on behalf of the partnership. CONCLUSION: The Health Recruitment Partnership has succeeded in attracting new physicians to the Elgin-St. Thomas area and looks forward to future success with this program. RECOMMENDATION: THAT Elgin County Council concur that the Health Recruitment Partnership (through the City of St. Thomas) enter into an agreement with the East Elgin Family Health Team for the recruitment of 2 physicians according to the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement; and, THAT the report titled ”Health Recruitment Partnership Update – East Elgin Family Health Team” dated November 8, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 79 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Jeff Lawrence Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector DATE: November 13, 2013 SUBJECT: Year End Report for 2013 INTRODUCTION: The following is a summary of activity related to the Elgin Woodlands Conservation ByLaw for the period of November 1, 2012 and October 31st, 2013 and weed inspection activity for the 2013 season. DISCUSSION: Logging Activity/Applications to Harvest: A total of 144 applications to harvest were submitted from November 1, 2012 to October 31, 2013. This number is up from 110 in 2012. Applications were filed by municipality as follows: West Elgin 29 (23), Dutton/Dunwich 36(26), Southwold 19(12), Central Elgin 15(7), Malahide 25(25), and Bayham 20(17). The total volume harvested remained consistent last year at roughly three million board feet. The total forested area involved in these harvests was approximately 2900 acres. (2012 totals are in brackets) Applications for Woodland Clearings: There were four applications received to clear woodlands within the county in 2013, for a total area to be cleared of 3.28 hectares (~8.1 acres). All were approved conditional upon conformity with Elgin County’s “No Net Loss” policy. Violations: There were a number of situations where trees were cleared by landowners without first receiving the required permit or authorization. Although most of these situations were considered minor and were resolved, two of these cases did proceed into the court system as directed by the County Prosecutor and await resolution by the courts. Weed Complaints and Orders: A total of 15 weed related complaints were received over the summer of 2013. All of these complaints were resolved by the landowners without the issuance of a Weed Order. Consistent with the past few years, the bulk of the complaints were concerns of potential Giant Hogweed. One new Giant Hogweed location was identified in Malahide in 2013. However, most Giant Hogweed complaints were actually Giant Ragweed. 80 Meetings and Workshops: The Tree By-law Enforcement Officers annual two day workshop was hosted by Huron County this year. Topics of discussion included “Land values and pressures on Ontario’s Woodlots”, “Requests to Remove Ash from By-laws due to the Borer”, and “EAB Parasitoid Release”. The Elgin-Middlesex Woodlot Owners Association annual meeting and the Western Fair Farm Show were two venues where the Woodlands Conservation By-law was promoted. The “Measuring Up” presentation was given at the Carolinian Forest Festival. Promotional Campaign: Advertising efforts in 2013 appear to have improved public awareness of the Elgin County Woodlands Conservation By-law. To continue upon these efforts, new mini-posters advertising the By-law will be created and distributed at various locations through-out the county in the winter of 2013/2014. The tri-fold brochure produced in spring 2013 will continue to be distributed through the libraries and partner municipality offices, the Conservation Authorities and farm supply stores. Training: Successfully completed the October 2013 session of Provincial Offenses Officer training offered by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report title “Year End Report for 2013” dated November 6, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Jeff Lawrence Tree Commissioner/Weed Inspector Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer 81 82 83 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development Kathryn Russell, Tourism Development Coordinator DATE: November 14, 2013 SUBJECT: Elgin Arts Trail - St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre Membership INTRODUCTION: The Elgin Arts Trail is positioning Elgin to take advantage of the growing trends in the art tourism sector and in turn meet the tourism goals of the County. Since 2011 when the Elgin Arts Trail was launched, both the City and the County have partnered together on the program and budget. Members of the Arts Trail have included both Elgin County and St. Thomas businesses, which have enjoyed the same benefits for the annual fee of $500 (+ HST). However, as a result of the City withdrawing from its tourism partnership with the County, the Arts Trail membership structure in 2014 will reflect the new Fees and Charges for Tourism Services. The membership structure includes an increased membership fee for Elgin Arts Trail members located outside of the County of $3,017 (+HST) and no change to the current annual fee for Elgin County Arts Trail members ($500 +HST). The increased membership fee takes into consideration that the City is no longer subsidizing the Arts Trail members who are located in St. Thomas. Three Elgin Arts Trail members will be affected by the fee increase, including the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre (STEPAC). DISCUSSION: In 2013, the Elgin Arts Trail consisted of a total of 15 members, of which 12 were located in Elgin County, and three were located in St. Thomas. All 15 members paid the $500 (+HST) annual fee to participate in the program. The fees for the Arts Trail members located in St. Thomas did not change in 2013, as a result of the City choosing to subsidize the program costs and pay the $2,517 per member fee or a total of $7,551 for the three St. Thomas members, as outlined in the Fees and Charges for Tourism Services. The 2013 Elgin Arts Trail membership is in effect from May 1, 2013 to May 1, 2014. The City has decided to opt out of subsidizing the 2014 Elgin Arts Trail program and as a result, St. Thomas based businesses will be required to pay a higher fee of $3,017 (+HST). This change will affect the following businesses; The Little Red Mitten, Medlyn Stained Glass and Jewellery Studio, and STEPAC. Since the inception of the Elgin Arts Trail program, STEPAC has acted as a sponsor by providing expertise and partnering on initiatives such as the Parade of Elephants. The Art Centre also plays an integral role in assisting staff with the on going development and sustainability of the Elgin Arts Trail. STEPAC is located in the City and would be required to pay the higher fee. Furthermore, due to their location they would also be 84 subject to pay the increased Affiliate Tourism membership fee of $388 (+HST) to continue to be a member of Elgin County Tourism. However, given that STEPAC is subsidized by the County of Elgin, and given their strategic importance to the Elgin Arts Trail program, staff is recommending that STEPAC be treated as if they were geographically located within Elgin County. This would entail granting STEPAC an exemption from paying the Elgin Arts Trail membership fee, and paying Elgin County rates for tourism membership ($100 + HST). CONCLUSION: Due to the City of St. Thomas declining involvement in the Elgin Arts Trail, businesses located within the City will have to pay a membership fee of $3,017 (+ HST). This represents an increase of $2,517 with STEPAC being subject to the higher fee. STEPAC continues to make significant contributions to the on going development of the Elgin Arts Trail, with the County providing funding that supports their programming. As a result, treating STEPAC like an organization that is geographically located within Elgin County will provide them with an exemption from the Elgin Arts Trail membership fee. STEPAC would also pay Elgin County rates for their tourism membership. With a mandate which includes serving Elgin County residents, STEPAC provides valuable resources, support and connections to the Elgin arts community. The mission of the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre “…is to encourage and promote an appreciation for the visual arts in St. Thomas and Elgin County through a variety of exhibitions and educational programs and through the preservation of a permanent collection.” RECOMMENDATION: THAT the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre be exempt from the Elgin Arts Trail membership fee and be subject to the Elgin County tourism member fee of $100 (+ HST), as described in the November 14th, 2013 report. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Alan Smith General Manager of Economic Development Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Kathryn Russell Tourism Development Coordinator 85 REPORT TO COUNTY COUNCIL FROM: Alan Smith, General Manager of Economic Development Kate Burns, Business Development Coordinator Kathryn Russell, Tourism Development Coordinator Katherine Thompson, Marketing & Communications Coordinator DATE: November 6, 2013 SUBJECT: Economic Development Progress Report: January – August 2013 INTRODUCTION: The role of the Economic Development department is to foster the creation of an environment that supports the growth of the economy and prosperity for local businesses and residents. Progress has been made implementing the actions required to meet the mandate of the department and the vision of County Council. This report provides an update on activities from January 2013 to August 2013. It should be stressed that a number of activities, mostly related to business case files and site selection inquires are not mentioned due to their confidential nature. DISCUSSION: A detailed account of the activities and progress of the Economic Development department are contained in Appendix 1 Economic Development Progress Report: January – August 2013. The report highlights the initiatives and programs that support the three pillars of the economic development program: Land and Space (investment attraction), Economic Gardening (BR+E/Skills), and People and Places (creative rural economy, marketing). Tourism initiatives are also part of the People and Places pillar as activities in this sector assist in developing Elgin’s creative rural economy and quality of place. The department has also begun to integrate the tourism sector with other economic development initiatives such as Business Retention and Expansion and investment attraction. The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2011 – 2014 contains specific measurables which are included in the Progress Report. The following are some of the key performance indicators: Number of Land and Space inquiries: 6 Number of realtors in database 61. This represents a 238% increase over last year at this time. Number of active case files: 65. This is a 116% increase since July 2012. Number in Ambassador Program: 44. This figure represents an increase of 7% increase compared to the same time last year. 86 Investment in the Small Business Enterprise Centre: 85 jobs created, 7 businesses started, and 11 businesses expanded. Investment in and marketing of the Aylmer Elgin Business Resource Centre: 35 jobs created, 15 businesses started, and 1 business expanded. Investment in and marketing of the Dutton Elgin Business Resource Centre Pilot Project: 14 jobs created, 7 businesses started, and 3 businesses expanded. www.progressivebynature.com - number of unique website visits 4,038 -remained consistent with last year’s data. Followers on Social media program: - Facebook: 1948 Likes. This is an increase of 197.4% since July 2012. - Twitter: 618 Followers. This is an increase of 50.73% since July 2012. Economic Development newsletter: electronic distribution has remained consistent at over 5000 recipients for each issue. Tourism now plays a central role in the development of Elgin’s creative rural economy and is having more prominence in other areas of the County’s Economic Development program. Despite the decision of the City of St. Thomas to start their own tourism program, the sector continues to flourish in Elgin County: Total visitors to the three kiosks: 6127. This represents an increase of 36% compared to 2012 during the same time period. Event booth and Elgin Tourism Cruiser visitation: 3,989. This figure is just over double the amount as compared to 2012. www.elgintouist.com 21% increase in website visits compared to the same period in 2012. Savour Elgin membership increased by 10% over last year. Elgin Arts Trail membership increased by 6% over last year. Tourism signage: 13 new signs were installed bringing the total number of signs to 290. Visitors Guide: 40,000 were printed with 38,300 being distributed during the summer months. Tourism partnerships have also been enhanced like the Ontario’s South Coast Alliance with the Cruise the Coast motorcycle marketing program. This initiative also includes the Ontario Southwest Tourism Corporation as an administrative partner in the program. Building on the partnership with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the department has 87 expanded its involvement in cycling related activities. Cycle tourism has great potential to bring new visitors to Elgin County and have a positive affect on the local economy. CONCLUSION: The Economic Development department is meeting its mandate to foster the creation of an environment that supports the growth of the economy and prosperity for local businesses and residents. The department through the Land and Space pillar continues to implement initiatives to meet the requirements of site selectors and investment inquiries.Programs being implemented through the Economic Gardening pillar have resulted in the creation, retention, and growth of small business in Elgin County. The People and Places pillar has resulted in greater promotion of the County in order to attract creative people and businesses to Elgin, with Tourism also improving the quality of place and attracting people to the area. The County’s excellence in these areas, specially marketing and business development continues to be recognized on the provincial and international stage by the Economic Development Council of Ontario, and the International Economic Development Council. RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report titled “Economic Development Progress Report” dated November 6, 2013 be received and filed. All of which is Respectfully Submitted Approved for Submission Alan Smith General Manager of Economic Development Mark G. McDonald Chief Administrative Officer Kate Burns Business Development Coordinator Kathryn Russell Tourism Development Coordinator Katherine Thompson Marketing & Communications Coordinator 88 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT January - August 2013 89 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 TAbLE Of CONTENTS OUR MISSION ...................................................................................................... 3 Elgin Economic Development Advisory Group .............................................................................. 4 LAND & SPACE ...................................................................................................... 5 Tradeshows & Conferences .................................................................................................................... Realtor Outreach ........................................................................................................................................ Community Improvement Plan .............................................................................................................. Foreign Direct Investment ....................................................................................................................... Agriculture Asset Inventory .................................................................................................................... 5 6 6 6 6 ECONOMIC GARDENING .................................................................................. 7 Agribusiness BR & E ................................................................................................................................... 7 2013 Tourism BR & E .................................................................................................................................. 9 Workforce Program .................................................................................................................................. 10 Youth Projects .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Local Business Workshops and Events .............................................................................................. 11 Local Food Program ................................................................................................................................... 11 Ambassador Program ............................................................................................................................... 12 Case Files ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 Small Business Enterprise Centre ....................................................................................................... 13 EBRC Aylmer ............................................................................................................................................... 14 EBRC Dutton ............................................................................................................................................... 15 Harbour Vision Committee .................................................................................................................... 16 In Situ Oil Sands Alliance ........................................................................................................................ 16 PEOPLE & PLACES ............................................................................................ 17 Print Advertising ......................................................................................................................................... 17 Online Advertising ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Facebook Ad Campaigns ........................................................................................................................ 18 Economic Development Website ........................................................................................................ 19 Social Media ................................................................................................................................................ 20 Newsletters .................................................................................................................................................. 21 Elgin County in the Media ...................................................................................................................... 21 Awards ............................................................................................................................................................ 21 TOURISM ............................................................................................................ 22 Experience Elgin County ....................................................................................................................... 22 Visitor Stats ................................................................................................................................................. 23 Tourism Events & Tradeshows .............................................................................................................. 26 Tourism Website ........................................................................................................................................ 28 Tourism Advertising .................................................................................................................................. 29 Motorcycle Tourism ................................................................................................................................. 30 Community Festivals & Events Partnership Program .................................................................. 31 Cycle Tourism ............................................................................................................................................. 32 Tourism Signage ......................................................................................................................................... 33 Savour Elgin ................................................................................................................................................. 34 Elgin Arts Trail & Savour Elgin Guide ................................................................................................. 37 Elgin Arts Trail ............................................................................................................................................. 38 Ports of Elgin County .............................................................................................................................. 43 Heritage Guide ........................................................................................................................................... 45 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 90 91 88 88 2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 OUR MISSION Elgin County’s Economic Development Department was established to promote economic growth in the region through the attraction, retention, and support of new business investment. The mandate of the department is to work in partnership with the partner municipalities as well as business, industry and other levels of government to advance the County’s economic interests and to seek out strategic opportunities to enhance economic development within the County of Elgin. The County of Elgin’s Economic Development Department is underpinned by four high level goals, intended to anchor and qualify all strategic initiatives or ensuing actions on the part of the County and its partner municipalities. These goals also support the overall vision and desired outcomes of the economic development planning process. They encourage prosperity and opportunity for the County and its residents. 1. Investment Readiness Enhance opportunities for the expansion of local business and the attraction of new business investment and entrepreneurs to the County. 2. Pursue Partnerships and Outreach in the Community Take a leadership role in advocating and supporting strategic and collaborative economic development partnerships. 3. Effective Marketing and Promotion of Elgin County Ensure that the County is effectively promoting the assets, talents and opportunities available and enhancing the profile of the County to a targeted audience of visitor and business interests. 4. Growth in Key Industries Encourage and support the growth and expansion of the County’s existing industry base and create focused opportunities for future investment attraction efforts. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 91 92 89 89 3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Economic Development Advisory Group – EEDAG In 2013 it was determined that the County of Elgin Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee (CEEDTAC) had fulfilled its mandate to assist in the formation of a fully functional Economic Development and Tourism department and that a new committee should be formed to help meet the department’s needs in the future. The Elgin Economic Development Advisory Group (EEDAG) was formed and met for the first time in September 2013. The Committee consists of 14 voting members including: two elected representatives from Elgin County Council, representatives from each municipal partner (a staff member directly involved in economic development), a representative from the Port Stanley Business Improvement Association, and representatives from the Aylmer and Area Chamber of Commerce, the West Elgin Chamber of Commerce, the Dutton/Dunwich Chamber of Commerce and the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce. EEDAG will provide a forum for local economic development discussions that will support and enhance the County’s economic development program. It will strategically position the County of Elgin within the marketplace to attract new investment, retain and expand local investment, and foster an environment of prosperity and opportunity for the County of Elgin, its municipal partners, residents, and businesses. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 92 93 90 90 4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 LAND & SPACE By attending tradeshows, conferences, and staying in touch with local and regional realtors, Elgin County will stay top of mind for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to expand or relocate in southwestern Ontario. Tradeshows & Conferences Leads by Source Tradeshow 1,829 19 Conference Series 106 Advertising 4 BR&E 42 Referral Other 0 Leads by Tradeshow 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 35 Other 73 SIAL Canada 730 Tourism Getaway Giveaway* 32 Women's Lifestyle Show London Boat Show 120 5 Business Expo 242 EDCO 2013 592 Head South Campaign 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 * includes both Skate Canada and Wine & Food Upcoming Tradeshows • • • • • • Business Franchise & Investment Expo Canadian Greenhouse Conference Ontario Craft Brewers Conference West Elgin Business Expo Creative Economy Summit National Women’s Expo Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 93 94 91 91 5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Realtor Outreach Number of Realtors in Database - 61 • 43 added between January & August Number of Communications with Realtors - 7 • Includes: AGM, Commercial Breakfast, realtor mail out • Upcoming: October Commercial Breakfast, Christmas Gala Number of Land & Space Inquiries - 6 Community Improvement Plan (CIP) The Department of Economic Development and Tourism has budgeted $10,000 to help fund CIP initiatives. These funds will provide an opportunity to determine the feasibility of a County CIP in consultation with our local municipal partners and the Province. Currently the project is in the research stage with staff looking into funding and partnership options with post-secondary institutions. foreign Direct Investment (fDI) The Elgin County Employment Lands Strategy identified a number of creative economy agricultural uses that may be well suited for Elgin County: greenhouses, barley, brewing & malting industries, as well as wineries & vineyards. In order to attract investment to these sectors, in this case foreign direct investment, the department requires a solid understanding of the opportunities in these target industries, pre-qualified companies to contact and tactics for contacting the targeted businesses. This project provides the County with the knowledge and tools to successfully attract businesses to Elgin and advance the County’s goal of building a creative rural economy. While this project does not address domestic attraction efforts, it complements local business activity and does acknowledge the trend in rural agriculture which is moving from small scale local operations to corporately run export oriented firms. Agriculture Asset Inventory Prior to the development of the asset inventory, an inventory framework was created to guide the Economic Development department efforts to support the agriculture sector of the County’s economy. The result is a systematic collection of data of agricultural operations and agribusiness enterprises in the County by type of operation or activity. The inventory will also be spatially mapped to illustrate the relevant concentration of agriculture and agri-food activity across the County. The resulting maps will be used as part of the County’s investment attraction and marketing activity. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 94 95 92 92 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 ECONOMIC GARDENING For Elgin County “Economic Gardening” is comprised of a broad set of actions that work together to create a fertile climate for prospective entrepreneurs and for existing businesses. The following programs work in tandem as part of Elgin County Economic Gardening: • • • • • Business Retention & Expansion Program Workforce Program Local Food Program Ambassador Program EBRC Partnership Programs Agribusiness bR&E In providing an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region’s agri-food businesses the County of Elgin oversaw the survey of 57 operations, with the majority of these operations located in Bayham, Central Elgin and Southwold. The key themes that came from this program were: • 91% of the businesses surveyed are headquartered in Elgin County, and are family owned. • Many of the respondents have been operating in the area for more than 35 years. Only one quarter of those surveyed had been farming in Elgin for less than 10 years. • Nearly 80% of respondents surveyed consider Elgin County a good or excellent place in which to do business. • Over half of those businesses surveyed are positive about their future, with 29 businesses planning expansion or renovation in the next three years. Three quarters of these businesses noted ‘increased demand’ as the reason for their expansion. • To support the growth of the County’s Agri-food sector, participants requested ‘improved permit and regulatory approval processes’, ‘marketing programs’ and ‘municipal agricultural support’. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 95 96 93 93 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Agribusiness bR&E, continued cellent (18%) ood (61%) ir (17%) or (2%) o Comment (2%) General Impression of Elgin County as a Place in Which to do business Excellent (18%) Good (61%) Fair (17%) Poor (2%) No Comment (2%) 35+ years (32%) Excellent (18%) Has been in Operation Percentage of Years the business Good (61%) 26-35 years (22%) Fair (17%) 35+ (20%) years (32%) 11-25 years Poor (2%) 26-35 years (22%) 3-10 years (22%) No Comment (2%) 11-25 1-2 years (2%)years (20%) 3-101 year years(2%) (22%) Less than Remain the s Downsize (6 Relocate (4% Expand/Ren Close (4%) 1-2 years (2%) Less than 1 year (2%) 35+ years (32%) Undertakings in the Next Three Years Percentage of Planned business Remain the same (32%) 26-35 years (22%) Downsize (6%) 11-25 years (20%) RelocateRemain (4%) the same (32%) 3-10 years (22%) Expand/Renovate (54%) Downsize (6%) 1-2 years (2%) Close (4%) Relocate (4%) Less than 1 year (2%) Expand/Renovate (54%) Increase (36 Decrease (3 Remain the Don’t know Close (4%) + years (32%) Remain the same (32%) -35 years (22%) Elgin County • Progressive By Nature Downsize (6%) 25 years (20%) 96 97 94 94 Increase (36%) 8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Agribusiness bR&E, continued Projected Workforce Needs in Next Three Years Increase (36%) Decrease (3%) Remain the same (58%) Don’t know (3%) main the same (32%) 2013 Tourism bR&E Increase Development (36%) wnsize (6%) For 2013 Elgin County Economic & Tourism staff have been visiting businesses in the tourism sector to determine the industry’s needs, challenges and where there is opportunity for Decrease (3%) ocate (4%) improvement in Elgin. As of August 31st staff had interviewed 48 businesses. The project continues until(54%) the end of November whenthe thesame data (58%) will be collected in a report to be presented by the end of Remain pand/Renovate February 2014. Don’t know (3%) ose (4%) Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 97 98 95 95 9 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Workforce Program As workforce demands continue to evolve and change, it is important for Elgin County to understand these changes and to work together with the community to prepare the workforce for shifting requirements and opportunities. The necessity for continuous learning and workforce adaptation makes it increasingly important that Elgin County supports and communicates the available resources and opportunities for ongoing learning, skills upgrading, and other development initiatives in the County. The following tactics comprise the Elgin County Workforce Program: • Youth Projects • Local Business Workshops and Events • Partnerships Number of Employers by Employee Size Range Employee Number of Number of Absolute Percent Ontario Size Employers Employers Change Change Percent Range 2012 2013 (%) Change (%) 0 2,955 3,240 285 9.64 10.97 1-4 1,258 1,299 41 3.26 6.94 5-9 508 508 0 0.00 2.92 10 - 19 281 302 21 7.47 2.84 20-49 176 166 -10 -5.68 3.76 50-99 54 55 1 1.85 2.05 100-199 21 22 1 4.76 2.07 200-499 12 11 -1 -8.33 1.75 500+ 5 5 0 0.00 -0.19 Total 5,270 5,608 338 6.41 8.37 Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Business Patterns Chart created by Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning & Development Board Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 98 99 96 96 10 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Youth Projects Elgin-St. Thomas Youth Employment Counselling Centre Participation on Board of Directors of YECC, providing programs in health, education, leadership, employment/career counselling, a homework club, recreation as well as providing youth the opportunity to get involved in community events. Local business Workshops and Events Events such as Bridges to Better Business help to foster business networking, increase business knowledge and provide local businesses with new ideas that they can take back to improve or grow their own businesses. The 2013 Bridges to Better Business event will take place on October 18th at The Arts & Cookery Bank. Other workshops and events that the department partners on include: • Aylmer Home & Garden Show • West Elgin Business Expo • Area Chamber of Commerce events Local food Program Local food Challenge – Greenbelt Led by the Greenbelt Fund, with support from the Ontario Government, the Challenge helps nine public institutions buy more local food for their menus. The County will create even more new recipes, work with local farmers on education, and liaise with distributors on local food suppliers, with the ultimate goal of increasing local food purchases in the three County Long Term Care Facilities. Sustainable food Project – SWEA Elgin County has been selected as the pilot community for the Sustainable Food System Pilot Project by SWEA. The pilot sets out to develop an action plan for creating a Sustainable Food Cluster that, when executed, will create jobs and economic prosperity, and serve as a success template for other counties within Southwestern Ontario. Elgin County is an excellent choice because its 2011-2014 economic strategy has a strong focus on food and agriculture. Ontario food Cluster Elgin County became a member of the Ontario Food Cluster in 2012. The Ontario Food Cluster welcomes international investment to its thriving cluster of 3,200 food and beverage companies that harvest success from within Canada’s largest pool of agri-food talent, Ontario. Food and beverage processing in the province is expected to grow to a $40 billion industry by end of 2013, and the agriculture and agri-food sector is Ontario’s number one employer. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 100 97 99 97 11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Ambassador Program • 44 ambassadors in the program as of August 31st, compared to 41 at this time last year, which is a 7% increase • The 2012 Ambassador of the Year was Adrian Peters • Dates of the 2013 meetings: March 7th 2013 June 6th 2013 September 26th 2013 December 5th 2013 Case files New Case files by Sector 5 Local Business 3 Prospect New Business 5 Other 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 On-going Total Case files 23 Local Business 18 Prospect 7 New Business Other 13 0 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 5 10 15 100 101 98 98 20 25 12 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Small business Enterprise Centre Stats Overview Consults Inquiries Businesses Started - County Businesses Expanded - County Jobs Created - County 750 1,743 7 11 85 Jobs Created - County 60 60 50 40 30 20 12 10 0 2 3 3 Jan Feb Mar 5 0 Apr May June 0 July Aug Total - 85 businesses Expanded - County 2 2 1 0 2 2 2 2 1 Jan Feb 0 Mar Apr May June 0 July Aug Total - 11 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 101 102 99 99 13 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 EbRC Aylmer Stats Overview Consults Inquiries Businesses Started - County Businesses Expanded - County Jobs Created - County Jobs Maintained Loan Inquiries 334 315 15 1 35 83 14 Jobs Created - County 15 15 10 10 6 5 0 0 Jan 1 Feb 2 1 0 Mar Apr May June July Aug Total - 35 businesses Started - County 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 0 0 Jan Feb 1 1 1 1 0 Mar Apr May June July Aug Total - 15 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 102 103 100 100 14 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 EbRC Dutton Stats Overview Consults Inquiries Businesses Started - County Businesses Expanded - County Jobs Created - County Jobs Maintained Loan Inquiries 72 276 7 3 14 39 2 Jobs Created - County 5 5 4 4 4 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 Jan Feb Mar N/A Apr May June July 2 2 Aug Total - 14 businesses Started - County 2 2 1 1 0 0 Jan 0 Feb 0 0 Mar Apr May June July Aug Total - 7 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 103 104 101 101 15 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Harbour Vision Committee In 2013 Elgin County Economic Development assisted the Harbour Vision Committee to complete an Economic Development Plan for Port Stanley. This strategic document is intended to guide the Municipality of Central Elgin’s efforts to transform the Port Stanley Harbour into a small craft harbour that maintains support for the existing commercial fishing industry and recreational boaters. The Plan encourages private sector investment and redevelopment interest in Port Stanley over the long-term. The Plan contains 16 recommendations that are considered crucial for the redevelopment of Port Stanley Harbour. They reflect the steps required to stimulate re-investment and create the environment for change. While the anticipated development of the Harbour lands will occur over the long-term, the recommendations focus on the efforts required over the next 5 years. All of the actions are inter-related and required to enable the successful transformation of the harbour area. The Economic Development department will continue to work with the Harbour Vision Committee to implement the recommendations and actions contained within the plan as development of the Port Stanley harbour will have regional implications. In Situ Oil Sands Alliance Elgin County Economic Development, in cooperation with the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation and the office of Joe Preston MP, invited businesses to participate in a meeting with In Situ Oil Sands Alliance (IOSA) on January 23, 2013 at the St. Thomas Golf and Country Club. The purpose of the meeting was to find synergies between our local economies in Ontario and the needs of energy producers in Alberta. The group from Alberta was looking to source products and services from Ontario businesses in categories such as: • fabricated steel modules; • pressure vessels, piping, industrial coatings, insulation and electrical; • control systems; • custom machining services; • environmental monitoring and control systems; • engineering services, heat transfer systems. Our goal is to help facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships resulting in economic growth and prosperity in our region. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 104 105 102 102 16 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 PEOPLE & PLACES People & Places is a marketing program that seeks to attract creative individuals and entrepreneurs to Elgin County by promoting the area’s ‘quality of place’. ‘Quality of place’ is a key factor in attracting talented and creative people to a community, who in turn create and attract business investment. Elgin County is fortunate to have numerous qualities and features that give it a competitive advantage when it comes to attracting creative individuals such as diverse cultural experiences, abundant access to the natural environment, friendly communities and a tradition of entrepreneurship. Economic Development promotes ’quality of place’ by sharing the stories of successful businesses in Elgin, conducting extensive media outreach and targeting potential residents and businesses through advertising both online and in print publications. Print Advertising Elgin County maintains an advertising and editorial presence in several print publications. Three types of audiences are targeted: farmers and small agribusiness owners, creative entrepreneurs and those who may be interested in Elgin County for its superior lifestyle. Publication Small Farm Canada MoneySense Magazine Toronto Entrepreneurs Guide Horizon Travel Magazine On-The-Go Magazine Portico (University of Guelph) St. Thomas Chamber Directory EDCO Investor’s Guide Readership/Month 56,775 130,270 4,000 60,000 400,000 70,000 2,000 9,300 # of Months 1 1 2 1 3 1 Year Long Publication Year Long Publication * This chart includes advertising from Jan – Aug 2013. Additional advertising is booked for the remainder of the year. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 105 106 103 103 17 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Online Advertising Elgin County advertises in several online publications. The primary goal of these advertisements is to drive traffic to the Elgin County Economic Development website progressivebynature.com, where visitors can learn more about the benefits of living and starting a business in Elgin County. Impressions refer to how many people view each advertisement. Website SmallFarmCanada.ca BetterFarming.com MoneySense.ca LondonCommunityNews.com Impressions/Month 18,500 30,000 200,000 40,000 # of Months 5 4 2 2 * This chart includes advertising from Jan – Aug 2013. Additional advertising is booked for the remainder of the year. facebook Ad Campaigns Elgin County has had considerable success with advertising on the social media networking website Facebook. These advertisements appear to users in the ‘News Feed’ section of their Facebook profiles and are designed to direct Facebook users to the Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism Facebook Page. The advertisements also encourage users to “Like” the page in order to receive regular updates from Elgin County. Campaign May – June 2013 June – July 2013 Impressions 59,527 130,267 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature Clicks 374 642 106 107 104 104 Page Likes 238 226 18 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Economic Development Website Elgin County’s Economic Development website progressivebynature.com is an extremely important marketing tool. All Elgin County print, web and social media ads are designed in part to attract visitors back to the website where they can learn about Elgin. Potential investors and business owners can visit the website and learn about the benefits of locating a business in Elgin, Elgin’s key business sectors, tax rates, demographic information, business resources and more. Statistics • • • • • Website visits to date - 4,038 Page views - 11,000 Avg. visit duration - 02:34 % of New Visitors - 72.2% % of Returning Visitors - 27.8% Number of Visitors by Country Number of Visitors by City Country Canada United States India Unknown United Kingdom Philippines Germany Australia China Pakistan City London St. Thomas Toronto Guelph Aylmer Ottawa Sarnia Kitchener Hamilton Mississauga # of Visits 3,621 191 35 31 19 17 9 8 7 7 *Only top 10 countries are listed Elgin County • Progressive By Nature # of Visits 908 545 185 174 85 73 69 54 44 42 *Only top 10 cities are listed 107 108 105 105 19 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Social Media Economic Development uses social media websites Facebook and Twitter and an “Experience Elgin Blog” to promote Elgin County as a great place to live, work and start a business. Social media is an effective way to stay connected with residents, visitors and potential business owners. Elgin’s social media accounts are used to promote everything from available property listings, to event listings, to business success stories. The charts below illustrate the increase in followers from January 2012 to August 2013 on both Facebook and Twitter. Twitter followers 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Jan 2012 Jul 2012 Dec 2012 May 2013 Aug 2013 Jul 2012 Dec 2012 May 2013 Aug 2013 facebook Page Likes 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 Jan 2012 Experience Elgin blog In addition to Facebook and Twitter, Elgin County Economic Development also operates a blog. The blog features articles about successful local businesses, Elgin County media releases, events listings and recipes that promote the use of local products. • Visitors to the Blog between January 2013 and August 2013 - 3312 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 108 109 106 106 20 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Newsletters A newsletter profiling successful businesses in each of Elgin’s key sectors is sent out quarterly. The newsletter is sent to all of Elgin County Economic Development’s contacts including business leads from tradeshows and conferences. • Spring Distribution - 4,956 • Summer Distribution - 5,103 Elgin County in the Media ElginLicious Tour for OTMPC During Savour Elgin’s spring ElginLicious promotional event, representatives from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation came to Elgin for a tour of the area’s culinary attractions. ETCetera In June of 2013 a film crew from the CBC Radio-Canada French language television show ETCetera came to Elgin County to film an episode for their series on travel destinations in Ontario. Elgin County Economic Development arranged for the film crew to shoot scenes in Port Stanley and at the Ojibwa Submarine in Port Burwell. The show aired in mid–July. Elgin County Living In 2012 Elgin County Economic Development created the Elgin County Living television series in conjunction with Rogers TV St. Thomas. The show takes viewers to some of the most interesting and innovative businesses and locations in Elgin County. In September 2013 season two of the show will begin to air. This show is a great opportunity for Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism to promote local businesses within the community. Season one episodes are available on Economic Development’s Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/ElginCounty. Awards EDCO Elgin County Economic Development received an Economic Developers Council of Ontario award in recognition of the combined 2012 Savour Elgin/Elgin Arts Trail Guide. The award was presented to Elgin County on February 7, 2013 at an event held at the London Convention Centre. In addition Elgin County received honourable mention for the Elgin County Living Television Series on Rogers TV and the ElginLicious Marketing Campaign. IEDC Elgin County Economic Development received a Bronze Award from the International Economic Development Council for the ElginLicious Marketing Tour, the Elgin Business Resource Centre Satellite Office Pilot Project and the Elgin County Heritage Guide. These three awards were presented at a ceremony held in Philadelphia, PA on October 8, 2013. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 109 110 107 107 21 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 TOURISM Experience Elgin County The 2013 Official Experience Elgin County & St. Thomas Visitor’s Guide continues to be a valuable marketing tool. This year’s guide was redesigned to include a more streamlined and user friendly format with fabulous photos and useful information for visitors and residents to explore the area. • 40,000 2013 Visitor’s Guides were printed (10,000 less than 2012 to cover the additional printing costs and redesign) • 4,755 impressions of the Virtual Guide online (as of August 31st) 2012 vs 2013 Visitor’s Guide Distribution Location Hotel & Travel Information Centres (318 Locations across Ontario) Daytripper Magazine Local Business Mailing Events/Tradeshows Tourism Brochure Rack Locations/Kiosks/Inquiries Distribution Total as of Aug 31st 2012 Approx. Quantity 2013 Approx. Quantity 19,000 18,000 4,500 1,900 9,500 6,600 4,500 1,900 10,000 3,900 41,500 38,300 Note: 2013 distribution was lower than 2012 due to a reduced print (10,000 Qty.) Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 110 111 108 108 22 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Visitor Statistics Tourism Kiosks The number of adults and children that visited each kiosk location was tracked by the department’s three summer students and staff at each location. From May to August the three tourism kiosks experienced an increase of 36% in visitation compared to 2012 during the same time. Below is a summary of visits at The Stork Club (Port Stanley), Backus-Page House (Wallacetown), and the Lighthouse and Marine Museum (Port Burwell) in 2012 and 2013. Tourism Kiosk Visitors from May-August 10,000 8,436 8,000 6,000 6,127 5,647 4,599 4,000 4,497 2,789 1,528 2,000 0 6,127 Adults Children Total Visitors Adjusted Total Visitors * * Total visitors minus 3,939 Jumbo Caboose visitors in 2012 2012 2012 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 2013 2013 111 112 109 109 23 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Visitor Statistics, continued Kiosk Visitor Survey Results Elgin County students asked interested visitors to participate in a short survey about their visit to Elgin County. Below are the key findings (May 16 to August 31, 2013): Where are you from? Hamilton 1 GTA 1 2 Chatham-Kent 1 Niagara Kitchener-Waterloo 0 Middlesex 2 1 Essex 10 Oxford Brant 5 23 St. Thomas 26 Elgin County 14 London 15 Other Ontario Quebec 0 Other Province 0 4 United States 1 Overseas 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Total Answered - 106 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 112 113 110 110 24 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Visitor Statistics, continued How long will you be in Elgin County? Daytrip (47) Overnight (4) Weekend (12) Week (2) More than a week (39) How much will you spend in Elgin County? Daytrip (47) $0-49 (49) Visit friends & f Overnight (4) $50-99 (20) Vacation/Recre Weekend (12) $100-199 (16) Business (1) Week (2) $50-99 (20) $200-299 (7) Shopping (5) More than a week (39) $100-199 (16) $300 plus (8) Special Event (5 $0-49 (49) $200-299 (7) $300 plus (8) ytrip (47) What is the purpose of your visit to Elgin County? $0-49 (49) Visit friends & family (14) ernight (4) $50-99 (20) Vacation/Recreation (25) eekend (12) $100-199 (16) Visit Business (1) friends & family (14) eek (2) $200-299 (7) Vacation/Recreation (25) Shopping (5) ore than a week (39) $300 plus (8) SpecialBusiness Event (57) (1) Shopping (5) Special Event (57) $0-49 (49) Visit friends & family (14) $50-99 (20) Vacation/Recreation (25) $100-199 (16) Business (1) Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 113 114 111 111 25 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Tourism Events & Tradeshows Event booth & Elgin Tourism Cruiser: Visitor Stats This summer the department’s tourism students attended various events with the event tent and new Elgin Tourism Cruiser. The Elgin Tourism staff provided residents and visitors with tourism information, maps, guides and other promotional materials from area attractions. Some of the events staff attended included: Rosy Rhubarb, Seniors Picnic in the Park, Home County Folk Festival, Sunfest, Cactus, Cattle & Cowboys, the Great Lakes International Airshow, Belmont Summer Fun Day and more. Below is a chart comparing the number of adults and children who visited Elgin’s booth. Number of Event Visitors May to August 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 3,989 3,767 1,895 1,530 365 Adults 222 Children 2012 2012 Total 2013 2013 The number of event visitors who came to the Elgin booth was over double the amount as compared to 2012. This was the result of the addition of London events and the new Elgin Tourism Cruiser. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 114 115 112 112 26 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Tourism Events & Tradeshows, continued 2013 Tradeshows Elgin County Tourism participates in a number of tradeshows each year to promote Elgin County as a travel destination. Below is a list of tradeshows with attendees that Elgin County Tourism attended in 2013. Tradeshow London Food & Wine Show St. Thomas Home & Garden Show Women’s Lifestyle Show London Boat Fishing & Leisure Show Toronto Motorcycle Show Total Impressions Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 115 116 113 113 Attendance 6,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 65,000 89,000 27 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Tourism Website Elgintourist.com continues to be a valuable resource for Elgin County visitors. The department frequently updates the site to ensure it is current and interesting. Continued promotion of www.elgintourist.com has resulted in a 21% increase in website visits from January 1 to August 31, 2013, compared to 2012 during the same time. This increase was as a result of the Head South to Elgin’s Ports campaign, which drove traffic to the website to enter the contest. See the following statistics for a detailed 2013 breakdown. Elgintourist.com Web Statistics - Jan. 1, 2013 – Aug. 31, 2013 Visits & Page Views New vs Return Visits 100,000 2012 80,000 82,606 84,234 2013 60,000 0 80.6% 76.6% 40,000 20,000 19.4% 23.4% 21,500 16,875 21,048 New 23.4% Visits Unique Visits Country Canada United States United Kingdom Unknown Germany India South Africa Netherlands Australia Spain Brazil China Mexico 2012 Visits 21,446 1,552 353 0 41 35 35 31 42 0 26 14 0 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature Return 19.4% Page Views 2012 Visits by Country 2013 2012 26,028 2013 2013 Visits 2012 23,936 1,317 277 82 33 50 0 22 26 17 0 0 17 116 117 114 114 80.6% 76.6% 2013 Return New New Return Average Duration on Site 4 3:31 3 2:35 2 1 0 2012 2013 28 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Tourism Advertising The Experience Elgin County brand was updated in 2013 to showcase some of the very best attractions and experiences that Elgin County tourism has to offer. Ads have been placed in regional publications, newspapers, online and on select radio stations. Print Advertising (January 1 to August 31, 2013) Publication Horizon Travel Magazine (Jul/Aug Issue) Relish Elgin Magazine (Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug) London Free Press – 100 Things to See & Do Lake Erie Living Magazine (Mar/Apr, May/Jun) Lake Erie Travel Guide Ontario Summer Travel Magazine Aylmer Express Insert St. Thomas Weekly News (5 features) Summer Fun Guide Active Elgin Ontario Parks Ad Total Combined Circulation Circulation 60,000 15,000 200,000 200,000 100,000 425,000 7,000 122,000 250,000 36,000 10,000 1,425,000 Plan your visit at www.elgintourist.com or call 1-877-GO-ELGIN for a free Visitor’s Guide. Radio Advertising “Experience Elgin County” & “Head South to Elgin’s Ports” radio ads, including 10 second weather tags and 30 second spots ran on the following radio stations. The ads were complemented with online advertising and Facebook promotion. Radio Station No. of Spots Stats Q97.5 (Virgin Radio) 226 • 120,803 weekly on-air listeners • 7,234 weekly on-line listeners • 6,867 weekly mobile app listeners • 31,324 unique website visitors each month myFM St. Thomas 80 • 22,000-25,000 weekly on-air listeners Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 117 118 115 115 29 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Motorcycle Tourism Ontario’s South Coast has developed the successful motorcycle brand known as Cruise the Coast. The brand is a collective partnership of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO’s), including Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Elgin County, Chatham-Kent, Tourism Windsor Essex & Pelee Island, and Oxford County, as well as the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC). Additional DMO partners including Tourism London, Tourism Middlesex and Tourism Sarnia Lambton are expected to join the brand in January 2014. Below are stats that highlight the partnership’s progress from January 1 - August 31, 2013: • Development and distribution of 20,000 2013 Cruise the Coast Motorcycle Maps (20,000 printed) • www.cruisethecoast.com Unique Visits - 6,743 Page Views - 16,969 • 3,341 eNewsletter Database Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 118 119 116 116 30 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Community festivals & Events Partnership Program The Community Festivals and Events Partnership Program (CFEPP) has been in operation for four years. The 2013 CFEPP was enhanced to encourage smaller events to grow, while still maintaining the County’s commitment to larger events. As such, the CFEPP included two categories of contribution: • Category 1 - Events or festivals under 5,000 attendees qualify to receive one of two contributions of $1,000. • Category 2 - Events or festivals over 5,000 attendees qualify to receive one contribution of $2,000. Events receiving grants for 2013 in category one included Belmont Summer Fun Day, and West Lorne Cactus, Cattle and Cowboys; and category two, Port Stanley Harbour Fest & Tall Ships. Unfortunately, valid economic impact analyses for the three events could not be generated because the number of surveys completed was lower than the required sample size, and therefore not a true representation of the population. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 119 120 117 117 31 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Cycle Tourism Elgin County is now part of the Waterfront Trail! On August 12th, Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a charity dedicated to the completion, maintenance and promotion of the Waterfront Trail, unveiled the 620 km expansion of the signed route along Lake Erie. The trail was launched by the Great Waterfront Adventure, an annual seven day end-to-end fully supported cycling tour that attracted Ontario families and tourists from all over North America to explore Ontario’s Great Lakes waterfront. The Adventure took over 200 participants from end-to-end of the route’s Lake Erie portion, stopping in local communities, like Port Stanley, West Elgin, and Port Burwell, to explore, stay, shop and sightsee. Participants ranged from 13 to 74 years of age and cycled an average of 60 to 100 km a day. Cycle tourism is a growing market and studies consistently show that cycle tourists stay longer and spend more when travelling. The department recognizes the opportunity to develop cycling tourism in Elgin County and the Waterfront Trail is just one initiative that supports creating a bicycle culture, attracting visitors, residents and businesses to the area. In addition, the department has been involved with the following bicycle related initiatives: • Bike Rack Project with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health & Parkside Collegiate Institute • Bike Events Committee (Bike Summit & Family Bike Festival presence) • Promotion of Cycle Tourism • Building Partnerships Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 120 121 118 118 32 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Tourism Signage The Elgin County Tourism Signage Program continues to be strong. In 2013 thirteen new signs were installed, bringing the total number of signs to 290. The department has received positive feedback from participants about the increase in traffic to their businesses as a result of the program. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 121 122 119 119 33 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Savour Elgin Savour Elgin, now in its 4th year, celebrates local food, wine, and agri-tourism in partnership with quality restaurants. Members of Savour Elgin must either grow or produce their own products and in the case of restaurants have 25% of their annual receipts purchased locally (within a 100k radius). Membership Increase • From 20 members in 2012 to 22 members in 2013, a 10% increase Advertising Media Eat Drink 3 print editions, online full year Relish Elgin 5 print editions, online full year Daytripping – print full year Horizon Magazine – Print/TTC TV Reach 15,ooo copies per issue 5,000 copies per issue 35, 000 (July/August 70, 000) 7.8 million impressions Insert Post & Star 210,000 81,115 50,553 22,000-25,000 per week Exploring Ontario Culinary Guide Virgin Radio 97.5 BX 93 Radio myFM Radio Conferences/Tradeshows • Wine & Food • Women’s Lifestyle Show • FreshFest From fine dining to fresh prod uce, farmers’ markets, wineries and a brewery, Elgin County will satisfy eve ry taste. You’ll find new locations and recipes in the latest Savour Elgin Culi nary Guide. Pick up your copy today! Savour the tastes of Elgin Count y. For more on Savour Elgin, call 1-877-GO ELGIN x168 or visit www.savourelgin.ca Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 122 123 120 120 34 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Savour Elgin, continued Special Events ElginLicious Debuted in the fall of 2012 with much success. A local food event spanning 10 days that offers specials promotions at participating businesses at either $10, $15 or $25. A 2nd event was added in the spring and a third the fall of 2013. Mystery Tour As part of a value add to the FreshFest package people could pick up a a mystery tour brochure; if they had 4 locations on the tour map singed they were entered into a draw to win a Savour Elgin gift basket valued at over $100. EDCO Sampling Event For 2013, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario moved their annual conference to London. Savour Elgin took advantage of the event by participating in the sample show, with many members providing samples of their best wines, beers, chocolates and entrees. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 123 124 121 121 35 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Savour Elgin, continued Savourelgin.ca Web Statistics – Jan 1, 2013 – Aug 31, 2013 Visits & Page Views 10,000 Average Duration on Site 2012 8,468 2013 8,000 4 3:59 6,748 6,000 3 4,000 2 2,489 2,000 1,648 0 1,967 1 1,204 Visits Unique Visits 0 Page Views Visitors’ Country of Origin * Country Canada United States United Kingdom India Egypt Japan Philippines South Africa Brazil Spain 2:40 2012 2013 Visitors’ City of Origin * # of Visitors 2,276 131 14 12 8 7 5 4 3 3 City London St. Thomas Toronto Aylmer Windsor Kitchener Sarnia Woodstock Hamilton Ottawa *Top 10 countries listed. # of Visitors 794 359 271 103 59 54 48 46 34 31 *Top 10 cities listed. New vs Return Visits New Return Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 21.5% 21.5% 124 125 122 122 23% 23% 78.5% 78.5% 77% 77% 2012 2012 2013 2013 New New Return Return 36 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Arts Trail & Savour Elgin Guide The combined Elgin Arts Trail Discovery Guide & Savour Elgin Culinary Guide continues to be a popular marketing piece, pairing together food and art in Elgin County and St. Thomas. • 10,000 2013 Savour/Arts guides were printed (5,000 less printed than 2012) • 790 impressions of the Virtual Guide online (as of August 31st) The chart below compares the distribution of the 2012 and 2013 guides. Location 2012 Approx. Quantity 1,000 4,000 6,200 Daytripper Magazine Events/Tradeshows Tourism Brochure Rack Locations/ Kiosks/Member Locations/Inquiries Total (as of August 31st) 11,200 2013 Approx. Quantity 0 5,500 3,420 8,920 Note: 2013 distribution was lower than 2012 due to a reduced print run (5,000 copies) Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 125 126 123 123 37 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Arts Trail The Elgin Arts Trail is now in its second year, and continues to grow and gain awareness. With a goal to attract visitors from afar, and to help make Elgin-St. Thomas an even greater destination, the Elgin Arts Trail targets those who are interested in the arts. Membership Membership for 2013 has increased by 6%. Advertising Both radio and print publications were used to reach the Elgin Arts Trail target audience, as outlined below. Print Advertising Publication Relish Elgin (Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug) Elgin This Month (Monthly Article) Arts Country Lifestyle Magazine (May/Jun) Total Circulation Circulation 15,000 39,000 20,000 25,000 99,000 Experience El gin’s Finest Visual Arts At tractions on th e From original paintings to pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters that comprise the arts trail are ready to take visitors on an imaginative and unforgettable journey. Sept 28 & 29 From original pa intings to potte the studios, ga ry, lleries and craf ters that compr the arts trail ar ise e ready to take visitors on an imaginative an d unforgettable journey. Get inspired with interactive events speakers, workshops and much more! www.elginarts trail.ca www.elginartstrail.ca Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 126 127 124 124 38 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Arts Trail, continued Radio Advertising CHUMFM.com Radio Promotion During June 24 – July 3, 2013, the Elgin Arts Trail participated in a CHUMFM.com promotion, where the members provided a contest prize package worth $1000. The prize package promotion included the following: • 20 x 30 second on-air web promos • Promotional real estate on CHUMFM.com contest microsite, including a link to the Elgin Arts Trail website • Contest feature graphic on Newsletter As a result of the promotion, the following was achieved: Reach frequency Impressions Online Contest Online Entries Page Views 458,987 1.9 1,024,000 409 1,251 Virgin Radio Spots “Artastic Elgin” radio ads, including 10 second weather tags and 30 second spots ran on Virgin Radio. The ads were complemented with online advertising and Facebook promotion. • • • • • 100 spots 120,803 weekly on-air listeners 7,234 weekly on-line listeners 6,867 weekly mobile app listeners 31,324 unique visitors to the website each month Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 127 128 125 125 39 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Arts Trail, continued Elgin Arts Trial Website The elginartstrail.ca website gained a great deal of ground in 2013, with an 81% increase in website visits as compared to 2012 during the same time period. Elginartstrail.ca Web Statistics – Jan 1, 2013 – Aug 31, 2013 Visits & Page Views 5,000 New vs Return Visits 4,743 2012 24.6% 2013 4,000 3,506 3,000 1,735 2,000 1,000 1,507 957 Visits 85.5% 2012 2013 New Unique Visits 14.5% 75.4% 2012 Visits 891 49 4 0 0 3 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 Elgin County • Progressive By Nature Return Page Views Visits by Country Country Canada United States United Kingdom Unknown Germany Australia Italy France Mexico Bangladesh China India Netherlands 75.4% 731 24.6% 0 14.5% 2013 Visits 2012 1,595 76 13 7 5 4 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 128 129 126 126 85.5% 2013 Return New New Return Average Duration on Site 4 3:36 3 2 1:43 1 0 2012 2013 40 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Arts Trail, continued Arts Country 3 Elgin Arts Trail members are featured in Arts Country 3, the third edition of a regional studio tour website and catalogue which documents the cultural wealth of the following five distinct southern Ontario regions: Brant, Elgin, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Oxford. • Development and distribution of Arts Country 3 (20,000 printed) • www.artscountry.com Unique Visits: 1,679 Page Views: 10,867 Parade of Elephants The Parade of Elephants continued to travel to various Elgin Arts Trail member locations from January to August 2013, generating interest and enjoyment related to the many wonderful artists, galleries and studios featured in Elgin County and St. Thomas. Thirteen papier mache/plaster elephants were created by the Art Centre and then each was decorated by artists and artisans featured on the Elgin Arts Trail. A new elephant was added at each location and joined the existing elephants on the parade. Every elephant is a unique creation, reflecting the artist and the location where it was produced. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 129 130 127 127 41 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Elgin Arts Trail, continued Preview: Artastic Elgin Art Tour The artists of the Elgin Arts Trail will participate in two days of interactive events on September 28th and 29th at Artastic Elgin’s first art tour. The event will take place at the same time as Culture Days, providing artists with an opportunity to offer workshops, gallery events, specials, and interactive demos and tours. Visitors will learn first hand how pottery is hand crafted, how paintings are created and how artisan stained glass is designed. The Elgin Arts Trail is developed in partnership with the following organizations that play a role in supporting the program. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 130 131 128 128 42 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Ports of Elgin County The Ports of Elgin is a key lure publication to increase shopping, use of accommodation, waterfront recreation, restaurants, festivals and events, and surrounding area sight seeing. Since 2011, 15,000 Ports of Elgin Brochures have been distributed. Due to the popularity of the program, 7,000 mini brochures were printed in 2013 to keep up with the demand, 2,000 of which have already been distributed, as of August 31, 2013. Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 131 132 129 129 43 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Ports of Elgin County, continued Head South Campaign In 2013, the Ports of Elgin campaign was given a boost by the ‘Head South to Elgin’s Ports’ summer promotion, which encouraged visitors to discover the area’s scenic ports. The promotion included a Facebook contest requesting people to ‘Like’ Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism on Facebook for their chance to win one of three $400 valued prize packages, donated by Elgin County Tourism Members. Below is a summary of the stats that the contest generated: • • • • • Facebook Entries - 146 Facebook Likes - 485 Invites - 158 Shares - 81 Event Ballot Entries - 618 The ‘Head South to Elgin’s Ports’ campaign was promoted in the following ways: Media Bus Advertising Facebook Advertising Contest Promo Cards eBlast Lake Erie Living Magazine Horizon Travel Magazine Aylmer Express – Backyard Vacations St. Thomas Weekly News myFM St. Thomas Virgin Radio Total Reach/Circulation Elgin County • Progressive By Nature Timing 2 buses July/August Reach/Circulation 371,275 July/August distributed to members, at kiosks and events 1 sent in July, 1 sent in August July/August Issue July/August Issue July 5,000 6,205 100,000 60,000 7,000 July/August (4 ads x 30,500) July/August July/August 122,000 (accounted for under Tourism Advertising) 671,480 132 133 130 130 44 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS REPORT JANUARY - AUGUST 2013 Heritage Guide The Elgin County Heritage Guide promotes heritage tourism and attracts visitors and residents to experience historic places in Elgin County and St. Thomas. The guide includes historical land marks, local cultural tourist attractions, walking tours and more. • 10,000 copies of the guide were printed in 2012 • 8,080 copies of the guide have been distributed • 736 impressions of the Virtual Guide online (as of August 31st) Advertising Publication Attractions Ontario Culture & Heritage Guide Full page ad with editorial Circulation 200,000 copies, distributed Pan-Provincially The arrival of the railway marked an important time in the development of St. Thomas and Elgin County, linking the region to cities and ports in Canada and the U.S. St. Thomas became known as the “Railway Capital of Canada”, with as many as eight different railways operating in the city by 1914, and more than one hundred trains a day passing Explore rich heritage of “Railway Elgin County the new Guide. through, bringing the unparalleled growth to the City”. Theinarrival of the Heritage railway marked an important time in the development of St. Thomas and Elgin County, linking The comprehensive to experience charming the region to cities and ports in Canadaguide and the allows U.S. St. visitors Thomas became known as the “Railway Capital of Canada”, with as many as eight different railways operating in the city by communities, the unique culture and history of our region and uncover historical landmarks and local cultural tourist attractions. To learn more visit www.elgintourist.com/heritage or call 1-877-GO-ELGIN Elgin County • Progressive By Nature 133 134 131 131 45 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 Ten Year Business Plan November 26, 2013 174 Strategic Vision — Maintain Service levels — Low to Moderate use of Reserves — Levy increase of 4% on residential households through 2020 to offset revenue losses from Ford and Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) 175 The Starting Point for the 2014 Long-Term Plan — 2013 budgeted for: — a net loss of $1.5 million (a degradation in Municipal Position) — A further $1.2 million in losses was planned from 2014-2015 —Cumulative effect of 4% tax increases per annum return County to favourable net income by 2016 —2022 ending Municipal Position is up, but represents a reduction in real terms 176 Current New Items Incorporated into the Plan Ongoing ($000) One-Time ($000) Impact on Tax Rate Included in 2014 Plan Total Council Driven 193 (100) 0.7% Total External Factors Staff Efficiencies above $400,000 Target (331) 63 -1.2% 20 1,028 0.5% Total Tax Decrease/(Increase) above 4% target -0.1% (Risks)/Opportunities above 4% target -0.1% Net effect is a potential tax rate of 177 4.2% Council Driven Changes Ongoing One-Time ($000) ($000) Impact on Tax Rate Bayham Trial hours contained in new base contract 189 - 0.7% Shoreline Erosion Study - (75) 0.0% Broadband Initiative WOW Membership Fee (2) (25) - 0.0% 0.0% Council Development 5 - 0.0% Total Council Driven 193 (100) 0.7% 178 External Driven Changes Ongoing One-Time ($000) ($000) Impact on Tax Rate New Ambulance Provider Cost Net of Rev (95) (87) -0.4% Legal/Arbitration (100) 150 -0.3% Social Services net of OMPF (56) - -0.2% Insurance Premiums (80) - -0.3% Total External Factors (331) 63 -1.2% 179 Analysis of Risks - Insurance — Insurance cost increase necessitates a need for a RFP — Results of RFP will be known by December 12 — Results of RFP could vary upwards or downwards from the Cowan proposal, but will likely be significantly higher than the 2013 costs — Recognizing there will be a potential material increase, a search of offsets should begin now 180 Staff Driven Changes Ongoing One-Time ($000) ($000) Homes Efficiencies 300 Impact on Tax Rate (25) 1.1% Engineering Projects 230 0.1% 2013 Budget Performance 843 0.3% Other Depart. Efficiencies 120 (20) 0.5% Total Staff Driven 420 1,028 2.0% Efficiency Target 400 - 1.5% Staff Efficiency to Target 20 1,028 0.5% 181 Risks & Opportunities Ongoing ($000) One-Time ($000) Tax Rate before Risks & Ops Impact on Tax Rate 4.1% Library Staffing - Service Increase (26) 50 -0.1% Tax Rate including Risks & Opportunities (26) 50 4.2% 182 Analysis of Potential Tax Increase including Risks — With risks the potential tax increase is 4.2%, 0.2% higher than the 4% target — 2011 Plan based on a 4% increases through 2020, but in 2013 taxes increased to 4.8% +1.0% special hospital levy. Is a second year of taxes in excess of 4% palatable? 183 Analysis of Potential Offsets — As an alternative to higher taxes, Council could direct staff to investigate one or a combination of the following that delivers on a 4% tax increase: —Discretionary capital spending reductions of $800,000 —Maintaining service at 2013 levels (no incremental hours for Library staffing) —Maintaining a tight rein on December 2013 spending to deliver a further $0.4 million in 2013 performance to budget 184 Analysis of Potential Offsets (cont.) — Discretionary Capital Spending: —POA/Museum building - $3 million investment plus $0.2 million annually —Terrace Lodge reno – a portion of $5 million —Admin Building reno – a portion of $5 million —Note: a significant portion of costs for both renos would still be required for needed capital maintenance 185 Recommended Ten Year Plan — In recognizing of the potential cost increases in the 2014 plan, direct staff to investigate alternatives to maintain a 4% tax increase: — Discretionary capital spending reductions of $800,000 — Maintaining service at 2013 levels (no incremental hours for Library staffing) — Maintaining a tight rein on December 2013 spending to deliver a further $0.4 million in 2013 performance to budget 186 Next Steps — Staff investigates alternatives to maintain a 4% tax increase — Present detailed plans for the alternatives to Council in January that maintain the tax increase at 4% and seek Council’s direction — Presentation of 2013 Operating Budget in February 187 COUNTY OF ELGIN By-Law No. 13-25 "BEING A BY-LAW TO AUTHORIZE THE WARDEN AND THE TREASURER TO BORROW UP TO THE SUM OF FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS" WHEREAS pursuant to Section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, the Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin deems it necessary to borrow up to the sum of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) to meet, until the taxes are collected, the current expenditures of the Corporation for the year; and WHEREAS the total of amounts previously borrowed under Section 407, that have not been repaid are nil; and WHEREAS the amount of the estimated revenues of the Corporation as set out in the estimates adopted for the current year and not yet collected (or, if the same have not yet been adopted, the amount of the estimated revenues of the Corporation as set forth in the estimates adopted for the next preceding year) is Fifty-Five Million, One Hundred and Six Thousand, and Four Hundred and Sixty-Nine Dollars. BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin: 1. THAT the Warden and the Treasurer or the Deputy Treasurer of the Corporation are hereby authorized on behalf of the Corporation to borrow from time to time, by way of promissory note, from the Bank of Montreal, a sum or sums not exceeding in the aggregate Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) to meet, until the taxes are collected, the current expenditures of the Corporation for the year, including the amounts required for the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) of the said Section 407, and to give, on behalf of the Corporation, to the Bank a promissory note or notes, sealed with the corporate seal and signed by them for the moneys so borrowed with interest at a rate not exceeding Prime per centum per annum, which may be paid in advance or otherwise. 2. THAT all sums borrowed from the said Bank, for any or all of the purposes mentioned in the said Section 407, shall, with interest thereon, be a charge upon the whole of the revenues of the Corporation for the current year and for all subsequent years, as and when such revenues are received. 3. THAT the Treasurer or the Deputy Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to apply in payment of all sums borrowed pursuant to the authority of this By-Law, as well as all the other sums borrowed in this year and any previous years, from the said Bank for any or all of the purposes mentioned in the said Section 407, together with interest thereon, all of the moneys hereafter collected or received on account or realized in respect of the taxes levied for the current year and preceding years and all of the moneys collected or received from any other source, which may lawfully be applied for such purpose. 4. THAT this by-law takes effect and comes into force on January 1, 2014. READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 26TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2013. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. Cameron McWilliam, Warden. 188 CLOSED MEETING AGENDA November 26, 2013 Staff Reports: 1) Chief Administrative Officer – Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board– Mediation #2 and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Failure (Elgin Manor) 1) Director of Community and Cultural Services – Municipal Act, Section 240.2 (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees – Library Non-Union Staffing Plan Chief Administrative Officer’s Annual Performance Evaluation ADDENDUM FOR TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2013 – 9:00 A.M. 1. Additional correspondence from the Ministry or Finance to be included as an attachment to the Director of Financial Service’s Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Report. 2. Correspondence Item for Consideration from Mayor Cameron McWilliam expressing concern to Thames Valley District School Board regarding reorganization of school boundaries in the western end of Elgin County. 1 2 3 4 5 6