By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—The following items were discussed at a Council in committee meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. All items will need to be ratified at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 25.
County Integrity Commissioner contract extended one year
County staff have recommended a one-year contract extension for County Integrity Commissioner (IC) Charles Harnick following the completion of his initial four-year term in the role on March 4, 2023.
The IC serves as an advisor to Council members and members of local boards on matters related to the County’s code of conduct, as well as any procedures, policies, and rules governing ethical behaviour and conflicts of interest.
In the role, Harnick completed a review of the Council Code of Conduct in 2019 and made recommendations to update it. He has also provided council members with training sessions related to both the code and conflict of interest matters.
The extension is the first of two baked into the original contract, with staff having the option of extending it yet again in 2024.
New all-way stops planned for Jarvis, Caledonia
Council has reviewed two new proposed all-way stops. The first relates to Lafayette Street and Saunders Drive in Jarvis, while the second relates to River Road and Tartan Drive in Caledonia.
In Jarvis, 48 residents replied to a County survey on whether to implement an all-way stop at the location. Of those who replied, 36 supported the proposal, with 12 against it, handily surpassing the 75% community support required by the County’s Community Justification Process, which requires “significant community support as well as the input and support of the local Councillor” before moving ahead with proposed changes.
In Caledonia, 45 of the 55 responses received from the community supported the new stop, which is also supported by Caledonia Councillor Dan Lawrence. The location was previously considered for an all-way stop in 2016, but staff recommended against it at the time due to low traffic volume in the area.
Staff recommended moving forward with both stop locations at this time.
County approves pair of heritage property renovation requests
County staff are recommending approval of a list of renovations to be done to Enniskillen Lodge, a heritage property located at 39 Front Street in York.
The request asked for permission to renovate the property so that it may be used as a primary residence for the property owners with the potential for bed and breakfast suites within.
The building dates to 1862 and was built in the late Georgian style. Previously known as the Barber Hotel, it provided accommodations for people travelling by boat along the Grand River; however, certain rooms were utilized as Masonic Lodge rooms, with the entire building being used for that purpose by 1911.
Requested renovations will see repairs or replacement work done to the building’s windows and brickwork and the conversion of a four-panel door near the main entrance into windows.
A separate request seeks to renovate a log cabin known as the Squire William Anthony Log Cabin, which is situated on a historically significant piece of land that also housed a sawmill and grist mill dating back to the 1820s; the property is credited as having an impact on the overall growth of Dunnville as one of the original areas of settlement, business, commercial, and industrial trade in Haldimand County.
The proponents seek to renovate the cabin to modern living standards while mitigating existing damage to the cabin.
Proposed work includes replacing rotten logs, three new windows and two skylights in keeping with the original style of the cabin’s windows, and raising the cabin’s foundation by 16 inches to improve drainage.
Council approves 2022-27 Accessibility Plan
Council has approved the adoption of the 2022-27 Accessibility Plan, which outlines the County’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
As outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the policy must be updated every five years according to Provincial requirements.
According to a staff report, the updated plan considers legislative standards, community needs, and input provided by the County’s Accessibility Advisory Committee.
County staff utilized a public survey for feedback. Some concerns raised include not enough accessible parking spots at municipal facilities, inadequate accessible seating at arenas and baseball diamonds in the county, a lack of fully accessible parks and playgrounds, maintenance and poor quality of paths of travel on County-owned trails and beach access points, and a lack of accessible transportation across Haldimand.
Based on that feedback and legislative requirements, the new plan will:
- Revise existing Accessible Customer Service Policy to capture recent legislative changes
- Redesign the County website to meet legislative requirements outlined by AODA by 2025
- Review and audit County-owned parks and recreational assets that require updating
- Develop an action plan and budget related to accessibility concerns within County-owned facilities
- Inspect and maintain walking paths and curb cuts to ensure a smooth travel path for all residents
- An ongoing review of the County’s accessible taxi program to ensure it is meeting the needs of the community
