SWM What's New - January 26, 2022

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DISCUSSION ON JANUARY 26, 2022

For further details on items discussed, please view the agenda or watch the council meeting on our YouTube channel.

Planning Applications

6460 Riverside Drive 

On December 15, 2021 Council passed a resolution in accordance with Section 45 (1.3) of the Planning Act, which permits an application for minor variance to be submitted prior to the second anniversary of the day on which Zoning By-law Amendment Application P10-2021 was granted. As a result, the applicant submitted a minor variance for a lot known municipally as 6460 Riverside Drive.  Council granted the minor variance request which accommodates an outdoor washroom for patrons which compliments the previously approved pavilion that will allow for outdoor accommodations associated with the existing “U-pick” blueberry and the banquet hall (outdoor wedding and events venue).

5417 Olde Drive

A severance application was reviewed by the municipality to sever a parcel of agricultural land that is located on the east side of the McArthur Drain for lot addition purposes having an area of approximately 20.234 ha (50 ac) to be merged with an abutting lot known municipally as 5439 Old Drive.  The abutting lot would increase in area from 40.46 ha (100 ac) to approximately 60.7 ha (150 ac) and will continue to be used as agricultural land in crop production, farmed by Dairi-Acres Farm Ltd.  The land to be retained would be located on the west side of the McArthur Drain and be approximately 20.234 ha (50 ac) in size. The lands proposed to be retained contains a single detached dwelling, three agricultural buildings, and agricultural land in crop production.  County of Middlesex policies generally do not permit the creation of agricultural land under 40 ha (100 ac).  

It was noted that the current Middlesex County policy concerning the size of agricultural parcels is currently being discussed at the County level and a decision about the policy is anticipated within this term of council.  Based on this, the application is deferred until a decision is made by Middlesex County on their existing policy.

Southwest Middlesex Arena Project

Glencoe Arena Upgrade Image

Concept Drawing presented January 26, 2022

Alison Hannay, BES BArch OAA MRAIC LEEDRAP(BC+C) presented the drawings for the renovations at the Glencoe Arena.  Most of the renovations related to accessibility requirements and safety issues including bringing current features up to today's Building Code requirements.

Arena Updates Include:

  • elevator lift does not meet current standards and is currently unable to be used
  • increase accessibility with improved entrances (main door and into ice floor area), accessible washrooms (lower and upper levels), changeroom modifications, sound system improvement
  • ice making equipment room upgrade including electrical services
  • referee room
  • new sprinkler system for fire safety
  • kitchen upgrade that will be compliant with current building code standards
  • data and power upgrades
  • LED lighting and occupancy sensors to save on energy costs
  • new finishes such as paint and flooring

Municipal Access Agreement

Southwest Middlesex authorized a municipal access agreement with Eh!tel Networks Inc. for the installation and operations of telecommunications infrastructure along sections of municipal roads.  They also authorized a property lease for a portion of Melbourne Water Tower/Standpipe property for the placement of equipment.

John Street Local Improvement Tender

The John Street Local Improvement tender is awarded to 1926705 Ontario Inc. o/a Aar-Con Excavating in the mount of $335,713.50 (excl. HST).  This will extend services such as water and sewer to the lots remaining undeveloped on John Street.  Work is to commence in the Spring of 2022 and all costs including administrative costs such as legal and engineering will be part of the final local improvement charges against the properties involved.  

2021 Building Report

The Chief Building Official for Southwest Middlesex presented the final building report for SWM for 2021.  The building was noted as being fairly typical for our area.  The inspectors for our area anticipate that 2022 to be busier than 2021 for building projects.  It was also reported that the building permit fees collected in 2021 covered the cost of building services for the year.  

2022 Cost of Living Salary Increases 

Council requested an additional report from staff concerning the annual cost of living increase for 2022.  Staff will be determining the increases authorized by other area municipalities and presenting the information to council to assist with making their decision.  

Trillium Drive Landfill

It is recommended that you listen to the presentation about the landfill to better understand the current status of the landfills and the requirements set out by MOECP.

Following the discussion council decided to do two things.  The first was to request that staff return to council with a report about a permanent transfer station and the second was to permanently close the Trillium Landfill site with staff also being directed to initiate steps related to exceedances of standards of groundwater.

General Business of Council:

  • January 12, 2022 Budget Meeting Minutes
  • January 12, 2022 Meeting Minutes
  • Vouchers

Support of the Resolution of:

  • Middlesex County regarding Thames Valley District School Board trustee distribution
  • A Notice of Motion was made concerning waste receipts and expenses

Adopted by-laws to:

  • Lease Agreement & Telecommunications Agreement with EH!TEL Networks Inc.
  • Switzer Drain, Mclean-Switzer Branch
  • Robinson Drain
  • Switzer Drain 2020
  • SWM Committee Appointments
  • 2022 Budget Estimates & Adoption of Tax Rates 
  • January 26, 2022 Confirmatory