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Grand River Conservation Authority

Minutes - General Membership Meeting

Date: Time: Location:

August 26, 2016 9:30 am Auditorium Grand River Conservation Authority 400 Clyde Road, Box 729 Cambridge, ON N1R 5W6

Members Present Les Armstrong, Bruce Banbury, Robert Bell, Brian Coleman, Bernie Corbett, Susan Foxton, Helen Jowett, Kelly Linton, Cindy Lunau, Jane Mitchell, Joe Nowak, Vic Prendergast, Wayne Roth, Pat Salter, George Stojanovic, Warren Stauch, Chris White, George Wicke

Members Absent Elizabeth Clarke, Guy Gardhouse, Geoff Lorentz, Fred Morison, David

Neumann, Mike Salisbury, Sandy Shantz, Shirley Simons Staff Karen Armstrong, Dave Bennett, Dwight Boyd, Nancy Davy, Joe

Farwell, Samantha Lawson, Keith Murch, Jack Griffin, Sonja Radoja, Tracey Ryan, George Sousa, Sara Wilbur, Bev Parrott, Cameron Linwood, Janet Baine, Sandra Cooke, Matt Amy, Trina Seguin, Jan Ivey, Fred Natolochny, Sonja Strynatka

Others John Svensson and Irene Simmons (Delegation)

Ray Martin (The Times)

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1. Call to Order

The Meeting was called to order by the Chair at 9:35 a.m.

2. Roll Call and Certification of Quorum – 13 Members constitute a quorum (1/2 of Members appointed by participating Municipalities)

The Secretary-Treasurer called the roll and certified a quorum with 18 Members present.

3. Chair’s Remarks

The Chair welcomed the Members, staff and guests and made the following remarks:

• Several Doors Open events will be held throughout the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) watershed during the month of September, 2016. On September 17, 2016 events will be held in Waterloo Region, Haldimand County and the Township of Wellington North. On September 24, 2016 events will be held in Perth County. Doors Open Ontario has been created by the Ontario Heritage Trust and invites communities across the province to open their doors, gates and courtyards of their unique and most fascinating cultural sites. A complete listing of events can be found at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca

• The 15th Annual Run for the Toad race will be held at Pinehurst Park on October 1, 2016. The proceeds of this event are donated to the Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) and used to construct and maintain trails at the Park. Further information and registration can be found at www.runforthetoad.com

4. Review of Agenda

There were no additions to, or deletions from, the Agenda.

Resolution 2016-123 Moved By Susan Foxton Seconded By Pat Salter

THAT the Agenda for the General Membership Meeting of August 26, 2016 be approved as circulated.

Carried

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5. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests made in relation to the matters to be dealt with.

6. Minutes of the Previous Meetings - July 22, 2016

There were no questions or comments with respect to the Minutes of the previous meeting of July 22, 2016.

Resolution 2016-124 Moved By Les Armstrong Seconded By Bruce Banbury

THAT the Minutes of the General Membership Meeting of July 22, 2016 be approved as circulated.

Carried

7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes

There was no business arising from the Minutes of the previous meeting.

8. Hearing of Delegations

John Svensson Re: Tenancy at Grand River Conservation Authority Property at 7787 Conservation Road, Guelph, Ontario.

The delegate displayed a photograph of the residence and advised the members as follows:

• The delegate was not addressing the Members with a view to challenging the Members’ decision to wind-down the GRCA's Residential Tenancy Program.

• The delegate wished to appeal for reconsideration with respect to the criteria and timing being applied to the process.

• The notice of the Members' decision was received at the end of July, 2016 and he subsequently read the staff report entitled "Residential Tenancy Program Evaluation".

• Over the 34 years that the delegate and his spouse have been tenants in the former Bruder property they have been "model tenants" and invested tens of thousands of dollars in property maintenance, improvements and enhancements.

• The home is circa 1855.

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• The tenants are responsible for plowing the lane used for ingress and egress to the residence.

• The tenants have been told that the residence is rated as Category 2 representing a financial loss.

• The tenants believe that the residence should be classified as Category 4. • The tenants believe that GRCA possibly wanting to re-purpose the property for

something in the future such as a park office is vague and speculative. • The tenants are looking for fairness, transparency and compassion. The delegate also spoke to efforts undertaken to reduce hydro usage, since GRCA provides hydro at no cost to the residence. He also displayed a photograph of a deck extension that he installed.

Cindy Lunau asked whether the tenants expected any large repairs having to be made in the future. The delegate answered that he did not expect any such repairs.

suggested that questions from the Members be addressed when Report 12 j is reached.

9. Presentations

There were no Presentations.

10. Correspondence

The Chair referred to the correspondence related to the Capacity Building Fund and indicated that Joe Farwell would investigate GRCA's potential to apply for such funding.

There were no questions or further comments with respect to the correspondence.

Resolution 2016-125 Moved By Brian Coleman Seconded By Vic Prendergast

THAT correspondence from Helen G. Jowett, Chair, Grand River Conservation Authority to the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, P.C., Minister, Infrastructure and Communities dated June 1, 2016 Re: Capacity Building Fund; correspondence from Amarjeet Sohi, P.C., Minister, Infrastructure and Communities to Helen G. Jowett, Chair, Grand River Conservation Authority dated August 4, 2016 Re: Capacity Building Fund; and correspondence from Julie McCann and Zoltan Marton, Residential Tenants to Samantha Lawson, Manager of Property, Grand River Conservation Authority dated August 16, 2016 Re: Discontinuation of Residential Tenancy Program be received as information.

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Carried

10.1 Correspondence from Helen G. Jowett, Chair, Grand River Conservation Authority to the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, P.C., Minister, Infrastructure and Communities dated June 1, 2016 Re: Capacity Building Fund

10.2 Correspondence from Amarjeet Sohi, P.C., M.P., Minister, Infrastructure and Communities to Helen G. Jowett, Chair, Grand River Conservation Authority dated August 4, 2016 Re: Capacity Building Fund

10.3 Correspondence from Julie McCann and Zoltan Marton, Residential Tenants to Samantha Lawson, Manager of Property, Grand River Conservation Authority dated August 16, 2016 Re: Discontinuation of Residential Tenancy Program

11. 1st and 2nd Reading of By-Laws

None.

12. Reports:

12.1 GM-08-16-89 Chief Administrative Officer's Report

Joe Farwell advised the Members that the 2016 International Plowing Match will be held in Minto Township from September 20 to September 24, 2016. GRCA resource staff will be participating in a Conservation Authorities tent exhibit which will feature stewardship initiatives.

The Members were reminded that the A.D. Latornell Conservation Symposium is scheduled for November 15 to November 17, 2016 at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston. The theme for this year is Green Infrastructure, Collaborating with Nature. Members wishing to attend the Symposium were asked to contact Bev. Parrott to arrange for registration and accomodation.

Resolution 2016-126 Moved By Robert Bell Seconded By Susan Foxton

THAT Report GM-08-16-77 - Chief Administrative Officer's Report be received as information.

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Carried

12.2 GM-08-16-90 Cash and Investment Status as at July 31, 2016

There were no questions or comments with respect to this report.

Resolution 2016-127 Moved By Susan Foxton Seconded By George Wicke

THAT Report GM-08-16-90 - Cash and Investment Status Report as of July 31, 2016 be received as information.

Carried

12.3 GM-08-16-91 Financial Summary as of July 31, 2016

Joe Farwell pointed out that park revenues have not yet been adjusted, but it has been an exceptional year for attendance.

Susan Foxton noted that a deficit is anticipated at year end. Sonja Radoja said typically any surplus would go into a stabilization fund and she expects that there will be other positive areas to offset the deficit. Susan Foxton asked where the deficit is coming from. Sonja Radoja said it is driven by forecast adjustments that involved the residential rental program.

Resolution 2016-128 Moved By Susan Foxton Seconded By Bernie Corbett

THAT Report GM-08-16-91 - Financial Summary for the Period Ending July 31, 2016 be approved.

Carried

12.4 GM-08-16-92 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines


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Resolution 2016-129 Moved By Joe Nowak Seconded By Cindy Lunau

THAT Report GM-08-16-92 - Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines, be received as information.

Carried

12.5 GM-08-16-93 Environmental Assessments


Resolution 2016-130 Moved By Pat Salter Seconded By Vic Prendergast

THAT Report GM-08-16-93 - Environmental Assessments be received as information.

Carried

12.6 GM-08-16-94 Release of Draft Two Zone Floodplain Mapping in Elora, Township of Centre Wellington


Resolution 2016-131 Moved By Chris White Seconded By Warren Stauch

THAT the draft Two Zone floodplain mapping and updated Grand River Floodplain Mapping for Elora, Township of Centre Wellington be released for public review.

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Carried

12.7 GM-08-16-95 Ontario's Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review

The Chair read the recommendation.

Joe Nowak said that the Members from the Region of Waterloo have been receiving emails regarding extension of the Greenbelt and there are very restrictive policies. He asked if there was a reason it should be supported. Nancy Davy said that more protective policies are being pulled into the Growth Plan and the province is currently consulting on expansion of the Greenbelt. Joe Nowak said that the Ministry wants to oppose the extension and it does not require municipal approval. Nancy Davy concurred that municipal approval is not required.

Resolution 2016-132 Moved By George Wicke Seconded By Warren Stauch

THAT Report GM-08-16-95 - Ontario’s Co-ordinated Land Use Planning Review be received as information;

AND THAT this report be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs through Environmental Registry Number #012-7194.

Carried

12.8 GM-08-16-96 Conservation Authorities Act Review - Response to Environmental Registry Posting (EBR 012-7583)


There were no further comments or any questions with respect to this report.

Resolution 2016-133 Moved By Susan Foxton Seconded By Les Armstrong

That Report GM-08-16-96 - Conservation Authorities Act Review – Response to Environmental Registry Posting (EBR 012-7583) be received as information,

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AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority provide a letter of support to the Province for the Conservation Ontario submission on the Conservation Authorities Act Review.

Carried

12.9 GM-08-16-97 Chicopee Ski Club Licence Renewal


There were no further comments or questions with respect to this report.

Resolution 2016-134 Moved By Pat Salter Seconded By Vic Prendergast

THAT Grand River Conservation Authority enter into a Licence Agreement with Chicopee Ski Club for a term of 20 years.

Carried

12.10 GM-08-16-98 Residential Tenancy Program Wind-down - Removal of Rental Houses from Residential Rental Program

Susan Foxton asked if the former Herkenberg residence has been designated as a heritage building. Samantha Lawson confirmed that it has not. Susan Foxton said that she was surprised that none of the houses have been designated. Samantha Lawson said that some of the houses have significance but, because they were owned by GRCA, designations were not pursued.

Samantha Lawson conducted a PowerPoint presentation indicating that:

• Approval for the wind-down of the residential tenancy program was given by Resolution 2016-118 on July 22, 2016.

• The framework for the wind-down consists of four stages and this report deals with Stage 2 (financial liability) houses.

• There are three options for the rental houses: sever and sell, demolish, and GRCA's own use.

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• Staff are recommending five houses be removed from the Program and reviewed from the prospective of being converted to GRCA's own use.

Bernie Corbett said that while he appreciates what the delegate said, GRCA is not in the tenancy business and the Members have to make decisions that look after the tax payers. The Chair agreed that sometimes the Members have to make difficult decisions.

Bob Bell asked if he was correct that the delegate is an occupant of the former Bruder house. Samantha Lawson answered that he was accurate. Bob Bell asked which residences would be sold and which are being kept by GRCA as assets. Samantha noted that there are three reports because there are three options and she repeated the options. She said that the residences that are the subject matter of this report are recommended to be retained by GRCA. She confirmed that each building is located within a park’s boundaries and they will be reviewed to determine if they can used by the park. Bob Bell summarized that GRCA is considering ending its Residential Tenant Program at this time and then staff will figure out whether it keeps a property or sells it later. He said he wondered whether staff should decide whether there is a business case for using a property before it is removed from the Program.

Samantha Lawson pointed out the distance from the Guelph Lake gatehouse to the former Bruder residence and confirmed that GRCA is responsible for plowing the entire roadway.

Susan Foxton asked if the former Bruder property will be severed and sold. Samantha Lawson answered that staff is recommending that the residence be retained as a park asset due to its location, which is deep within the park.

Samantha Lawson referred to the two residences at Belwood Lake and confirmed that the hydro was included in the rent. She said that the former Creed residence is a log home at Elora Gorge. She also said that a lot of the houses are older, some them stone and are showing signs of age. She stated tjat Termination Agreements have been entered into for some of these houses.

Bob Bell asked that the subject of the former Bruder residence be brought to the next meeting in camera for a financial analysis and discussion about what GRCA intends to do. He asked if his request would require a new motion. Joe Farwell said staff will present a further report to respond to the questions raised by the Members about the former Bruder residence.

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Susan Foxton asked if demolition costs about $30,000. Samantha Lawson said that if it is decided to demolish former residential buildintgs, GRCA would group the demolitions together and estimated the cost at $15,000 per building.

Chris White said that the members agreed the Program should be wound-down but he did not feel that a full analysis has been done. He referred to a heritage house in relatively good shape but the costs that are in a deficit position. He said that an empty building still has to be maintained. He then said that if the lane at the former Bruder property has to be plowed to get to one residence then the tenants should pay for it. He felt his comments might be of benefit if a building was revenue neutral. He does not want to end up with empty heritage buildings.

The Chair asked whether the Residential Tenancies Act would permit the tenants to pay for plowing. Samantha Lawson said that it is the responsibility of the Landlord and because the Act specifies obligations that cannot be transferred to tenants, this could be challenged. Chris White said he did not understand why GRCA could not come up with an agreement outside of the provisions of the Act that is revenue neutral. He also said that a heritage home, if not occupied, would be a liability. Samantha Lawson indicated that operations staff have had lengthy discussions as to what the residences could be used for. She said that discussions are far enough along that it would not take very long to make a decision.

Bob Bell asked if these comments could be made during the Closed Meeting. Keith Murch noted that the Closed Meeting related to other residences. Bob Bell said he is hesitant to ask questions regarding the former Bruder residence when he thinks they should be addressed in a Closed Meeting. Keith Murch said that staff did not believe that the termination of the lease for the former Bruder residence met the The Municipal Act and staff will seek legal advice if the Members wish to discuss this subject at a future Closed Meeting.

Keith Murch explained that the former Bruder residence could be excluded from the recommendation. Chris White said removal of the former Bruder residence from the recommendation was not necessary because the Members were not making a final decision on a time frame.

Cindy Lunau said that a building may not have a designation but it could have it in people's minds and the Members should be looking to preserve the confidence of the people. She said GRCA has been given special status by Heritage Committees because it is a good steward and the "blow back" could be significant. She said that there are places were heritage buildings have been converted to education centres and conservation could be in preserving the past.

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Samantha Lawson answered that staff have recommended severing and selling some of the residences that appear to have some historical significance which will allow someone to purchase and take care of them.

Chris White said that the Members agreed to get out of the residential rental business and the only question is when.

Resolution 2016-135 Moved By Chris White Seconded By Brian Coleman

THAT Grand River Conservation Authority remove the house known as the Watson Residence, known municipally as 5524 Watson Road, RR4 Guelph, Ontario, from the residential rental program;

AND THAT Grand River Conservation Authority remove the house known as the Guelph Lake Superintendent’s Residence, known municipally as 5524 Watson Road, RR4 Guelph, Ontario, from the residential rental program;

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority remove the house known as the Bruder Residence, known municipally as 7787 Conservation Road, RR4 Guelph, Ontario, from the residential rental program;

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority remove the house known as the Creed Residence, known municipally as 7422 Wellington Rd. 21, RR2 Elora, Ontario, from the residential rental program;

AND THAT Grand River Conservation Authority remove the house known as the Cameron Residence, known municipally as 8321 Ninth Street, RR4 Fergus, Ontario, from the residential rental program.

Carried

12.11 GM-08-16-99 Residential Program Wind-down - Demolitions


Resolution 2016-136 Moved By Brian Coleman Seconded By Vic Prendergast

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THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Leitch Residence, located on Part of Lot 15, Concession 3 in the former Township of Erin, County of Wellington, known municipally as 5474 Third Line, Erin;

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Kieswetter Residence, located on Lot 8, Part Lot 9, Concession B in the former Township of Pilkington, Township of Centre Wellington, Wellington County, known municipally as 7241 Middlebrook Road, Elora.

THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Leybourne Residence, located on Part of Lot 10, Concession 7 in Township of Centre Wellington, Wellington County, known municipally as 8614 Sideroad 9, Belwood;

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Biewald Residence, located on Part of Lot 13, Concession 8 in the Township of Wellington North, Wellington County, known municipally as 9033 Sideroad 13, RR#1 Kenilworth.

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Doughty J Residence, located on Part of Lot 9, Concession 6, Division C in the former Township of Guelph, Guelph/Eramosa Township, Wellington County, known municipally as 7735 Conservation Rd., RR#4 Guelph.

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the North Residence, located on Part of Lot 9, Concession 6, Division C in the former Township of Guelph, Guelph/Eramosa Township, Wellington County, known municipally as 7738 Conservation Rd., RR#4 Guelph.

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Bowles Residence, located on Part of Lot 9, Concession 6, Division C in the former Township of Guelph, Guelph/Eramosa Township, Wellington County, known municipally as 7740 Conservation Rd., RR#4 Guelph.

AND THAT the Grand River Conservation Authority demolish the house, known as the Herkenberg Residence, located on Part of Lot 2, Concession 12 in the former Township of Dumfries, known municipally as 810 Clyde Road, Cambridge.

Carried

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12.12 GM-08-16-100 Award of Tender for Demolition of Six (6) Buildings and Removal of Yard Debris, Waste, Fencing, Pens and Shelter at 305 Niska Road, City of Guelph

Samantha Lawson displayed a map showing the site of the clean-up and indicated that the property is known municipally as 305 Niska Road, in the City of Guelph.

Joe Farwell advised the Members that there is a seventh building located on the property which is being evaluated to see if it can be moved. He said if it cannot be moved and is of no value then it will be demolished. Susan Foxton clarified that the report relates to six buildings. Keith Murch said that the relocation or demolition of the seventh building would be a separate transaction because it might have salvage value.

Resolution 2016-137 Moved By Robert Bell Seconded By George Wicke

THAT Grand River Conservation Authority award the tender for the demolition of Six (6) Buildings and Removal of Yard Debris, Waste, Fencing, Pens and Shelter at 305 Niska Road, City of Guelph to Delsan AIM of Woodbridge, Ontario in the amount of $106,800.82 including HST.

Carried

12.13 GM-08-16-101 Rockwood Conservation Area Sanitary Forcemain Tender Results


Resolution 2016-138 Moved By Susan Foxton Seconded By Chris White

THAT Grand River Conservation Authority award the tender for the Rockwood Campground Sanitary Servicing and Trenchless Crossing of Highway 7 to C.C. Underground of Orillia, Ontario in the amount of $136,051.50 excluding HST.

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Carried

12.14 GM-08-16-102 Award of Contract to Undertake the Fergus Elora Scoped Tier Three Local Area Water Budget and Risk Assessment


George Stojanovic said he was curious as to why the tender was not posted for public bid. Dwight Boyd answered that a review of firms that had completed similar projects was undertaken and those with experience were invited to bid. George Stojanovic noted the large discrepancy in the two bids and asked why. Dwight Boyd said that EarthFX Incorporated quoted on work that was outside the scope of the project and Matrix Solutions Inc. had experience with this type of work.

Kelly Linton asked whether there had been any ongoing input from people who are interested in this project. Sonja Strynatka answered that there has been public interest and a Stakeholder Committee has been set up to ensure transparency. That Committee is working through its Terms of Reference. There are a minimum of three meetings proposed which would include a feedback process. Kelly Linton asked if there was any approach on an interim basis to provide findings to the municipality. Sonja Strynatka responded that GRCA staff and municipal staff are working on how to do that.

Resolution 2016-139 Moved By Brian Coleman Seconded By Kelly Linton

THAT the consulting team led by Matrix Solutions Inc. be retained to complete the Fergus Elora Scoped Tier Three Local Area Water Budget and Risk Assessment at an estimated cost of $149,956 plus taxes.

Carried

12.15 GM-08-16-103 Current Watershed Conditions

Dwight Boyd conducted a PowerPoint presentation indicating that:

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• There was a widespread rain event on July 13 and 14, 2016 that delivered rain across the Grand River watershed although amounts varied.

• The May to July, 2016 period was especially dry throughout the watershed with the watershed receiving only 45% to 70% of the long term average - hot and dry air masses dominated which resulted in high evaporation and very dry soil conditions.

• The first ten days of August, 2016 were very dry. • A large system of thunderstorms followed by widespread rain occurred in

the watershed starting August 11, 2016 - these systems brought over a month's worth of rain to most of the watershed over the course of six days, however the total precipitation is still well below average.

• Six days in July, 2016 recorded temperatures over 30 degrees. • The level of Lake Erie continues to be above the long term average. • Water levels at the Shand and Guelph Dams are below the normal operating

range while Conestogo and Luther are within normal operating range for this time of year.

• Environment Canada's seasonal forecast is predicting above average temperatures for most of Canada for the August to October, 2016 period.

• GRCA staff have been invited to participate in municipal emergency preparedness exercises with the City of Cambridge, Township of Mapleton, County of Dufferin, City of Guelph and Region of Waterloo over the Fall months.

He also confirmed that one month's rain fell in two hours in Cambridge on August 25, 2016. He said the soil is so dry that the rain could not absorbed. He advised the members that while the Shand Dam level is still in the low range, the rain allowed staff to back off discharge and stabilize the reservoirs.

Resolution 2016-140

THAT Report GM-08-16-103 - Current Watershed Conditions as of August 17, 2016 be received as information.

*Joe Nowak and Vic Prendergast left the meeting a 11:00 a.m.

13. Committee of the Whole

Not required.

14. General Business

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There was no General Business.

15. 3rd Reading of By-Laws

None

16. Closed Meeting

Helen Reads summary from report recommendation

Resolution 2016-141 Moved By Brian Coleman Seconded By Susan Foxton

THAT the General Membership enter a closed meeting to discuss Confidential Report GM-08-16-104 – Residential Tenancy Program Wind-down – Declaration of Surplus Properties – Guelph Eramosa Township.

Carried

*Brian Coleman left during the Closed Meeting.

After re-convening in Open Session, the Chair read the following summary from the Report:

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) owns a number of houses which were acquired as part of various land acquisition projects. Houses that were not immediately demolished for the project were rented as part of a residential tenancy program. A review of the residential program concluded that rural rental properties represent a poor business model. A framework for winding down the program was proposed and supported by the General Membership (Resolution No. 2016-118) on July 22, 2016. Options for future use for the houses include using the rentals for GRCA’s own use, demolishing the house, or severing and disposing of the house.

The McCutcheon house was an acquisition that was part of a larger landholding acquired for the Guelph Lake Flood Control Project. Based on the program evaluation, the McCutcheon residence was categorized as a Stage 2 rental. The recommended future use for the McCutcheon property is severance and disposition.

The Casalini U. acquisition contained both the Schoolhouse and the Schoolmaster’s house, which was acquired for the Guelph Lake Flood Control Project. Currently leased as two separate residences, it is proposed the two buildings both be declared surplus

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and disposed of together, as a two acre severance. The severance process can be completed while the houses are occupied.

Resolution 2016-142 Moved By Jane Mitchell Seconded By Chris White

THAT Grand River Conservation Authority declare surplus a portion of the lands known as the former McCutcheon Residence, known municipally as 5500 Jones Baseline, Guelph, Ontario, and described as Part of PIN # 71368-0021, being described as Parts of Lots 9, 10, and 11, Concession 9, Division “C”, formerly Township of Guelph, County of Wellington, Province of Ontario, designated as Part 2 on Plan 61R-233, lands for disposition to be further described on a Reference Plan to be deposited;

AND THAT staff be directed to obtain municipal approval to sever up to 32 acres along with the McCutcheon Residence and associated outbuildingsfrom the Guelph Lake Conservation Area and list this property for sale.

AND THAT Grand River Conservation Authority declare surplus a portion of the lands known as the Casalini U. Landscontaining the Schoolhouse and the Schoolmaster’s Residence, known municipally as 5537 and 5539 Watson Road, RR4 Guelph, Ontario, and described as Part of PIN# 71368-0021, being Part of Lot 6, Concession 9, Division “C”, Township of Guelph-Eramosa, formerly Township of Guelph, County of Wellington, Province of Ontario, designated as Parts 3 and 7 on Plan 61R-329, lands for disposition to be further described on a Reference Plan to be deposited;

AND THAT staff be directed to obtain municipal approval to sever approximately two (2) acres along with the Schoolhouse and Schoolmaster’s house from the Guelph Lake Conservation Area and list this property for sale.

Carried

16.1 GM-08-16-104 Residential Tenancy Program Wind-down - Declaration of Surplus Properties - Guelph Eramosa Township

17. Other Business

Jane Mitchell referred to the poster entitled "Stay and Play for Less" relating to discounted camping rates at Laurel Creek Park on September 17, 2016. She indicated that she was instrumental in arranging the event.

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Warren Stauch drew the Members' attention to an article in The Record and a picture of a Mill Creek Ranger. He commended GRCA staff on their successful communications department.

Warren Stauch informed the Members that the 20th Annual Heritage Day Workshop will be held on February 17, 2017. He also advised the Members that the Grand River Heritage Working Group is working together with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations on a celebration of Ontario's and Canada's 150th Anniversary in 2017.

Cindy Lunau asked if she should make a motion with respect to the former Bruder residence to change its designation to Stage 4. Joe Farwell answered that staff would like an opportunity to provide additional information to the Members in that regard. The Chair indicated that the tenants should be present for any further discussions regarding this matter for the sake of transparency.

Cindy Luneau referred to Nestle Waters Canada noting that the company has been in the news lately. She said it has purchased the Middlebrook Water Company property in Elora however it had been made known that an offer was made by the Township of Centre Wellington on the property in order to guarantee its water supply. She asked if there was any role for GRCA in addressing Nestle's water taking operation. She said that she is aware that this is within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) but GRCA could offer an opinion. The Chair commented that many people have concerns but GRCA does not take a leadership role in this matter. Dwight Boyd reminded the Members that the permit for taking water is regulated by the province. He confirmed that Tier Three Assessments are technical studies where information is shared with MOECC so that a decision can be made as to whether to grant a permit or not. Cindy Luneau asked if GRCA can offer information or MOECC has to ask for it. Dwight Boyd answered that most often GRCA is asked for information.

Kelly Linton said that the Township of Centre Wellington's water supply is not in jeopardy but council felt purchasing the property would be an opportunity to control the water source for the future. He said that the Township came into some extra funding and council agreed to make an offer on the Middlebrook Water Company well. He felt that the passing of the Resolution relating to the Tier Three Assessment was very important and said the role that GRCA is playing concerning this matter is the role that it should be playing.

Susan Foxton referred to the former Bruder property and said that she wants a financial breakdown because GRCA is not in the business of subsidizing housing. Chris White said that the Members cannot focus on one property but have to review each property using

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the same criteria. He said the Members need to be careful to maintain credibility on a local issue.

Jane Mitchell said she stopped the Region of Waterloo from selling bottled water but recognizes that beer and soda have water in them as well.

George Wick said that GRCA went through this issue when he was first appointed as a Member and perhaps staff should come up with that report and the Members stick with the decision.

18. Next Meetings

18.1 Friday, September 23, 2016 @ 9:30 a.m. - Auditorium/Boardroom, Administration Centre Cambridge, Ontario

18.2 Friday, October 28, 2016 @ 9:30 a.m. - Auditorium/Boardroom, Administration Centre, Cambridge, Ontario

19. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Resolution 2016-142 Moved By Wayne Roth Seconded By Warren Stauch

THAT the General Membership Meeting be adjourned.

Carried

20. Grand River Source Protection Committee Meeting (if required)

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_________________________

Chair

_________________________

Secretary-Treasurer

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