Waterfront Decisions
 

 by Neil Zacharjewicz

NORTHEASTERN MANITOULIN and the ISLANDS - The shower house in Little Current is going to be torn down, and if council for the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands has its way, so may the Post Office building.

At a special meeting held on Tuesday, January 6, council considered several recommendations put forward by the Waterfront Development Implementation Committee, at which time council discussed the future of both of the buildings.

Discussion of the future of the Post Office building was stimulated by a recommendation to authorize staff to commence discussions with Canada Post and Cambrian College to determine their future plans for community service delivery and related accommodation needs. Mayor Joe Chapman suggested this motion relates to a big decision council will have to make: what to do about the Post Office?

Clerk Ned Martin indicated to council that the tenants of the building are under an agreement with a two-year horizon. There is also early termination language within the agreement, he noted.

While he felt the town needed to get input from its residents, Councillor Tony Ferro said the building itself is a sound structure. Furthermore, he noted there are reports from the late 1990s which would confirm his position. He indicated he has gone through the building with Recreation Director Greg Wright, and suggested what the building needs is a new truss roof, dry wall, and an upgrade to the heating system. He suggested the whole building could be upgraded for $200,000 to $250,000.

While he agreed with Councillor Ferro's assessment of the building, Councillor Tom Batman indicated that, when it comes to the waterfront development, discussions about the waterfront tend to revolve around the building. He said when it comes to renovating the building, he has yet to see a project which comes in under budget, and it was noted Councillor Batman has a lot of first-hand knowledge of the structure, having done a variety of work on the building over the last 20 years.

"I don't know what we are going to do with it either," Mayor Chapman said. He added that council is not looking at demolishing the building in the immediate future, but that they would have to see what the future has in store.

Councillor Gary Green said he understands the building has a sound foundation, but the Waterfront Development Implementation Committee put forth the recommendation in an effort to better the downtown.

"I feel that the building has served its purpose," Councillor Green said. "I think something should be done with it other than repair it."

The town doesn't need a Post Office building that big, Councillor Marcel Gauthier suggested, and if it wasn't there, it would not hurt his feelings one bit.

The Post Office building looks like an institution, Councillor Sam Nardi said, and the idea of the waterfront project is to make the area look better. He said he believes the building has to come down, to be replaced with a multi-use building, which could house a new space for the Post Office. He suggested it should also house a tourist information centre, as not all tourists use the highway.

Councillor Jib Turner noted that, in deliberations with the Business Improvement Association, it was determined that they unanimously wanted a Post Office downtown. If it was not there, he said, there were many owners who believed they would not be able to conduct business any longer. He noted Cambrian College, on the other hand, does not need to be downtown, and that moving them might actually alleviate some of the parking pressure. He noted the Manitoulin Health Centre has some extra space, and by moving Cambrian College there, council could kill two birds with one stone.

It was pointed out by Councillor Ferro that, if council was willing to move Cambrian College out of the building, then it might be able to use the upper floor for council meetings.

Councillor Jim Stringer indicated that he felt the building could be replaced with something lower profile, which would be appealing to the community. Ultimately, however, the cost to tear down the existing building and rebuild may be too high.

Mayor Chapman agreed.

"We need to have our feet rooted in reality," he said. "(Tearing the building down and rebuilding) may be something beyond our reach."

Furthermore, he noted he was not aware of any funding to construct new buildings.

Council agreed to contract Northland Engineering to develop refined cost estimates of waterfront development projects including the development of a repair/replacement costing scenario for the Post Office building, as well as the deepening of Spider Bay Marina, upgrading of the marina breakwall, and deepening of the western limits of the town docks, in a program to be funded by the residue of the Waterfront Development Funding Program.

Mayor Chapman noted that of the original $120,000 the town had received for the study of the waterfront, $90,000 had already been spent. He said he hoped $30,000 would be enough to refine the cost estimates.

A motion was also passed in favour of demolishing the existing shower building.

"Tear it down before it falls down," Councillor Gauthier said.

Mayor Chapman pointed out that a study done by KPMG identified the building as a negative to the waterfront, because it was dilapidated and difficult to clean. He noted the town could move the new shower trailer acquired from Okeechobee Lodge onto the property, and build a deck on it for access, as a temporary option until such time as the waterfront development project had proceeded far enough to address the issue of showers.

Council has also voted in favour of approaching Small Craft Harbours about taking over Spider Bay Marina, as well as the water lot associated with Low Island Park, as part of a program to remove the existing derelict wharves on the west shore of Low Island.

"It's a death trap for children," Mayor Chapman suggested of the submerged cribbing.

Councilor Nardi agreed, pointing out that while there is a sign warning people to stay off the cribs, he knows he has used them himself in the past.

Councillor Green questioned whether the cribs might still be useful, particularly if they were still stable underwater.

However, Councillor Jib Turner noted it is his belief that the timbers were coated in creosote, which is one more reason to take them out.

As part of the program to divest itself of small harbours, Mr. Martin reminded council, Small Craft Harbours would be required to bring the facility up to standard before turning it over to the town.

Council approved authorization to apply to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and FedNor for funding to obtain refined cost estimates associated with the development of Spider Bay Marina and the waterfront.

Finally, council passed a motion to initiate discussions with the Ministry of Governmental Services to acquire the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) boathouse property. Mayor Chapman noted he understands the building is essentially built of asbestos, and he was not sure the town wanted the liability of an asbestos-constructed building.

Councillor Ferro suggested the town approach the ministry, explain to them the plans for the waterfront, and talk to them about the building before it falls into the channel.

The building in question, Councillor Green noted poses a blockage on the waterfront, as those walking the boardwalk have to walk around the building.

It was noted that, presently, the OPP have been sharing a boathouse with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

Rezoning will not happen

by Neil Zacharjewicz

NORTHEASTERN MANITOULIN and the ISLANDS - It was close, but in the end, council for the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands turned down an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment to allow for the development of a Quality Inn to be built near Low Island.

At its January 7 meeting, council voted five to four against approving the amendments, with Mayor Joe Chapman casting the deciding vote in front of a packed house of approximately 50 residents. A recorded vote was called for by Councillor Marcel Gauthier, and in alphabetical order, Councillors Tom Batman, Tony Ferro, Gauthier, and Gary Green voted in favour of the motion. Those opposed to the application may have assumed their cause was lost, but the next four councillors, including Bill Koehler, Sam Nardi, Jim Stringer and Jib Turner, voted against the application. Mayor Chapman then cast the deciding vote against the application.

Mayor Chapman thanked Jim McBane, owner and operator of Streetwise Developments Corp., for showing faith in the community by putting forward his proposal, and invited him to come to council to discuss other prospective sites, but said that he was against the development at the proposed site. He said, contrary to Mr. McBane's position, he did not believe the zoning application necessarily conformed with the Official Plan.

"This is not a minor little manner," said Mayor Chapman. "I am prepared to live by that plan as the province has approved it."

Mr. McBane declined to comment on the decision to the Expositor.

However, in an interview aired on the MCTV News on Thursday, January 8, at 6 pm and 11:30 pm, Mr. McBane expressed his disappointment at council's decision, pointing out the location was ideal as it would have offered visitors to the hotel access to the park and beach.

"I just can't believe this town wants and needs economic development as bad as it says it does, and cries to upper levels of government all the time for hand-outs and money and grants, that they turn down a $7.3 million private sector project," Mr. McBane stated in the interview. "Every study ever done on Manitoulin and Little Current along this waterfront, every consultant, has identified the need for a full-service hotel for tourism in this area."

Mayor Chapman expressed dismay at Mr. McBane's comments.

"I was very disappointed to hear the comments voiced by Mr. McBane on MCTV. Many residents of our community have told me they were very insulted by his remarks," he said. "Our community is no different than any other - our citizens expect us to seek assistance from the senior levels of government. Hopefully, Mr. McBane will provide the citizens of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) with an apology."

He continued, "What is particularly disturbing is that this community pays Mr. McBane's Streetwise Development Corp. some $63,000 per year in rent at the Island Business Centre. To suggest that we do not support the private sector, and Mr. McBane's company, is completely false."

"(The decision) is about the location and it's about the park," Mayor Chapman stated.

Prior to the decision, each member of council outlined to those in attendance their position with regard to the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment.

"I am for this project," Councillor Batman suggested. He indicated that he had listened to everyone in attendance, and appreciated their input. He said he had mixed feelings on the issue, but council was being asked to adopt the by-law. After that, everything would come back before council, at which time it could designate what could and could not be done. He said that he sees the local area becoming decrepit, and that he viewed the project as a positive thing.

Councillor Ferro said he believed the town should encourage development and stimulate economic growth. He suggested the existing businesses would benefit, and the town should embrace the opportunity. The town needs more such commercial development to provide the municipality with more tax dollars, indicated Councillor Ferro. He said he was in favour of a site specific zoning for the project.

"We need economic growth in this town," suggested Councillor Gauthier. "People in NEMI need jobs."

He said that, according to the Official Plan, the project fits, and for the sake of future development, the community does not want to give off the impression that it is putting up roadblocks.

When considering the proposal, Councillor Green looked at it from three different perspectives; that of a parent, of a councillor and of a past president of the CDC. As a parent, he said, he never allowed his children to go to the park without adult supervision. Furthermore, despite the transient population, nothing bad has ever happened in the park that he could recall.

He said he has seen a steady decline in the town, from the closing of the coal dock to the Municipal Property and Assessment Corporation's (MPAC's) decision to leave the community, taking jobs with it. The Manitoulin Board of Education was folded into the Rainbow District School Board, resulting in the loss of more jobs, and both the Ministry of Transportation and Ontario Hydro downsized their operations, at the cost of even more jobs in the community.

All of the concerns raised could be addressed in a Site Plan Agreement, Councillor Green said, and suggested he was in favour of zoning the property C2 Special, for the sole purpose of developing a hotel.

"That is the only motion I am prepared to support at this time," he said.

Councillor Koehler consulted with 63 people in regard to the Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-Law Amendment, and of those people, 42 were opposed, 17 were in favour, and four were undecided. He indicated he has always represented the people who elected him, and therefore would not support the proposal.

While he was personally in favour of the proposal, Councillor Nardi said he was elected to represent the public. He noted one of the complaints about the prior council was that they were not in touch with the people. Councillor Nardi said he believed all of the councillors had a difficult time with the proposal, and he also had consulted with a number of area residents. He indicated he was in favour of economic development, and in his conversations with members of the public, the sentiment was that they were in favour of a hotel, but opposed to the proposed location.

Therefore, he said, he would vote against the proposal.

While it was reassuring to know that there were people who were willing to invest in the community, Councillor Stringer indicated he was opposed to the proposal. He suggested it represented bad planning, locating commercial property between recreational and residential space, and indicated there were other potential sites.

By defeating the motion, Councillor Turner indicated council would be sending a strong message to property owners that their property was safe from the encroachment of commercial interests. He said he was opposed to the application.

Prior to making its decision, council heard deputations from parties both for and against the amendments. Marc Remillard, legal council for Streetwise Developments Corp., the proponent for the project, was the first to address council, urging them to look favourably upon the application.

Mr. Remillard suggested Streetwise Developments' application is in strict compliance with the Official Plan, and that it has been circulated to both the Manitoulin Planning Board and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). He pointed out the planning board had no comment, and while the MMAH did provide some comment, Streetwise Developments was willing to comply with all of their concerns.

Mr. Remillard went on to suggest that a hotel would complement the adjoining land uses, particularly the marina, and noted that several local supporters have provided sound and objective economic reasons for the project to proceed. He indicated that both the Manitoulin Centennial Manor and the Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) Community Development Corporation (CDC) supported the project. Both the Environmental Site Assessment and the Environmental Site Screening Assessment suggests there would be no adverse environmental impact, he said.

"There were some valid comments made," Mr. Remillard stated, with regard to concerns raised by local residents. However, he indicated that all of these concerns could be addressed in a Site Plan Control Agreement. He suggested a Holding By-Law could be put in place with regard to the project, which would mean that any zoning decision would not become effective until such time as the applicant met all of the conditions set out by the municipality. Once the town and the applicant arrived at a satisfactory agreement, he said, the zoning would take effect.

Mr. Remillard reminded council that the Official Plan is intended to guide council on zoning issues, and the plan identifies tourism as a main economic vehicle.

"It is black and white. It is in the Official Plan," he said.

Steve Blouin was one of three spokespersons for a delegation opposed to locating a hotel in the vicinity of Low Island. He noted the group had circulated a petition around town which had been signed by over 250 people. He said that if the hotel proposal had been located in a commercial area, he would not be opposing the project. However, he said a healthy community deserves its green space, and not every community has the luxury of a waterfront park. A change in zoning would set a terrible precedent, he suggested, adding that he felt the safety of the children and the community should be council's predominant concern.

Sophie Edwards also spoke as part of the delegation, and she suggested a lot of community members were looking to council to take care of the community's needs.

"A lot of community members feel very strongly about this. It is not just those of us who are vocal," she said.

Susan McIlquham was the third and final speaker for the delegation, and she indicated that she was not against development. However, she said it was important that council have a balanced vision between tourism and the people who live in the community. The town needs to attract professionals, she indicated, and the shape of the town is what they have to offer these people.

"Not many towns have a park like this," she said.

Wikwemikong considers alternate routes

by Michael Erskine

WIKWEMIKONG---Stymied by the continued reluctance of provincial and federal officials to step up to the plate and help deal with the deterioration of the Cardwell Street corridor leading to the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve, band officials are now examining other options, including the viability of a new road leading to the reserve.

Wikwemikong Chief Walter Manitowabi and band consultant Clayton Shawana came to last Wednesday's municipal council meeting to update Assiginack councillors on the latest efforts to deal with the issue.

"It is a dangerous situation," said Chief Manitowabi. "It is not safe for our community members, not safe for anyone."

A meeting held last August, between band officials and members of the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, FedNor and the Department of Indian Affairs provided a lot of finger pointing opportunities but little concrete action, he recalled.

Despite indications from Indian and Northern Affairs that they would be willing to fund 50 to 60 percent of the needed upgrades to the road, the province remained intransigent.

"I was quite upset with the MTO," said Chief Manitowabi. "They showed no interest in our argument that (Cardwell Street) should be considered a connecting road."

The position of the province remains that Cardwell Street is a municipal road, despite the obvious role that artery plays in connecting Wikwemikong, the largest community on the Island, to Highway 6. As a municipal road it remains a municipal responsibility, with the burden of upgrades and repairs falling on the ratepayers of Assiginack.

Despite any concrete commitment from the various levels of government, band officials did leave the August meeting with a sense that some progress had been made.

"Then came the provincial election," said Chief Manitowabi. "Things have changed, there has been very little development."

After the meeting, he said, FedNor had indicated a willingness to fund a business plan study to address the issue.

"This has not happened," he said.

 "We are ready to proceed further," he said. "Exploring other options."

It has become apparent that obtaining funding to build a new access road to the reserve could be easier than trying to force the province to recognize the connecting link function the Cardwell Street corridor serves.

Although any action taken will ultimately be the decision of his band council, noted Chief Manitowabi, band officials are in the process of gathering together all of the information they will need to make those decisions.

In addition to the obvious safety issues presented by the deterioration of the road into the reserve, access is a vital component in any economic development for his community said Chief Manitowabi, and not a matter that can be delayed any further.

"We have to get something done," he said. "It is dangerous for our community members, not safe for anyone."

Band representative Clayton Shawana added that he, and Assiginack Economic Development Officer Rob Maguire, have been in close communication on the issue.

A study by Northland Engineering commissioned by Wikwemikong, said Mr. Shawana, has determined that upgrading the Cardwell Street corridor to secondary road status will cost $1.8 million. An alternate road would cost in the neighbourhood of $2.35 million.

Although he said he was "quite confident" that funding could be found for an alternate route onto the reserve, Mr. Shawana indicated that a commitment of support from Assiginack would be critical to the success of such a project.

Councillor Hugh Moggy said it was clear strong lobbying of the local Member of Parliament was needed. The pressure clearly has to come from both communities, he added.

"This is the best time," agreed councillor Bud Rohn.

"I am sure I speak for council and the people of Assiginack in offering thanks to Chief Manitowabi and Clayton Shawana for what they have done," said Reeve Les Fields. "We are very supportive of this project."

An agreement between Chief Manitowabi and Assiginack council was made to coordinate a meeting between staff of both communities to plan a common approach, once Chief Manitowabi had an opportunity to apprise his council of developments and to seek their approval of further exploration.

"Probably by the end of the month," he said.

Northeast town to assume management of downtown docks

by Neil Zacharjewicz

NORTHEASTERN MANITOULIN and the ISLANDS - The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is taking over the management of the downtown docks.

The decision was made at a special meeting of council held on January 6, and was in keeping with a recommendation made by the Waterfront Development Implementation Committee.

Mayor Joe Chapman noted that, in its purest form, the issue was a policy decision. He pointed out that, prior to the decision, the town managed Spider Bay Marina, which it does not own, but relied on private sector involvement to manage the downtown dock, which the town does own. He said from a policy perspective, council should either manage both or neither. Furthermore, he questioned whether the town should make the type of investment it planned to make in the waterfront area if it was going to be managed by the private sector.

Councillors Marcel Gauthier and Sam Nardi, however, expressed concern as to what this would mean for Rob Little, who presently manages the docks each summer in addition to providing fuel for boaters. Mr. Little leases the docks from the town.

"He has been a pretty good ambassador for our town," Councillor Gauthier suggested, adding that there are people who stop in Little Current just to see him. "Are we going to be able to replace him with someone of his calibre? I would hate to see him out of a job."

Councillor Nardi expressed concern that council was being asked to make a decision without having spoken with Mr. Little.

"I agree Mr. Little is a valuable asset to this town," Mayor Chapman said, noting that he is not suggesting the town hire someone to replace him. Furthermore, he indicated council would not be making any decision on what to do about the managing of the docks until it speaks to Mr. Little.

"It's a policy issue," Mayor Chapman stated. He admitted that the decision would affect Mr. Little in a very material way, but that the motion does not state that the town would immediately assume management of the dock. Something would need to be done to ensure a smooth transition, he said.

Councillor Jim Stringer agreed, noting that the motion did not rule out a significant role for Mr. Little.

Anything the town owns they have the right to control, Councillor Jib Turner suggested, adding that the waterfront project will enhance all of the businesses downtown.

"Quite likely, (Mr. Little) has the most to gain," he said.

"I am not against the resolution, so long as we give Mr. Little a chance to see what he has to offer in this plan," Councillor Nardi said.

Council voted in favour of assuming management of the docks. Mr. Little was unavailable for comment.