YEAR IN REVIEW
2015
www.clearview.ca
Greetings from the Mayor The past year was a year of change and forward momentum for Clearview Township; with the start of a new council term and the addition of a new Chief Administrative Officer, the Township has faced many obstacles. Despite all of the challenges, both Council and our CAO have pushed forward, taken their roles seriously and achieved the goals set out for 2015. I would like to express my gratitude to the Council members, senior management team and all Clearview staff members for their hard-work and dedication. Throughout previous years, Clearview’s growth has not met the municipality’s expectations. I’m pleased to say that throughout 2015, by working with the council and township staff, developers have developed confidence to move ahead and help make Clearview a place to live, work, play and visit. In addition, relationships have blossomed between the Township and local businesses/ community partners through projects such as the Clearview EcoPark; The Small Halls Festival; Music, Market & Park It; and the ever popular farmers markets across Clearview. I would also like to communicate my congratulations and praise to the many local businesses that have expanded their operations and that are focused on creating a sustainable long-term growth for future years. Specifically, I would like to congratulate Creemore Springs Brewery, Reinhart Foods and Walker Aggregates as these business continue to employ Clearview residents and have even employed generational residents. Furthermore, Clearview is home to a wide variety of businesses with a diverse range of product/service offerings, and due to their uniqueness, many of these businesses operate both inside and outside of the Townships boundaries. In my opinion, entrepreneurship is one of Clearview’s greatest strengths. With so many local small businesses, I believe that it’s important to create a registry to help promote and support their growth and development. That’s an example of one small initiative that I would like to see completed throughout 2016. Throughout the year, Clearview Councillors hosted Town hall meetings with the focus on meeting residents, gaining feedback and communicating Township news. Although we did not make it to every town, I will assure residents that in 2016, we will absolutely be hosting a meeting in every ward by the end of the year. In the New Year, you can also look forward to a quarterly newsletter that will be full of Township news and information related to what your elected Council is doing. I would like to close by saying that with time, Clearview will move forward and grow. I also look forward to meeting with developers to ensure that the road blocks for growth are removed and that they feel encouraged to begin with the many projects that have been delayed. Please feel free to contact myself or members of Council with any issues, complaints or compliments. Our Council wide email address is: council@clearview.ca
Christopher Vanderkruys Mayor, Clearview Township
Greetings from the CAO This was an exciting and progressive year for Clearview Township. From the grandopening of the Clearview EcoPark, to the award-winning Small Halls Festival, 2015 was a year that put Clearview Township on the map as a world-class destination. Within this year in review, you will find a brief overview of the many accomplishments that were completed by Clearview Township Council, volunteers and staff throughout the year. Although these are only the highlights, I would like to acknowledge all of the hard work and dedication that goes into the day-to-day operations of the corporation. Specifically, I would like to mention two highlights:
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Staff Hires In 2015, five full-time staff members joined the Clearview family. • • • • •
Gerry LeMay- General Manager of Transportation/Drainage Sarah Tuck- Administrative Assistant to the Mayor & CAO Tim Hendry- Communications & Marketing Coordinator Christine Taggart- Planning & Development Technician Mara Burton- Director of Community Services
From the staff members, three positions were replacements for previous staff positions. The Communications/Marketing position and the Administrative Assistant position were created based upon recommendations from the Effective Representation Advisory Committee (ERAC). The committee made a number of recommendations to Council for effective Communication with the public, including: Council meeting highlights, newsletters and regular use of the Clearview website and social media accounts. I would also like to talk about the new Director of Community Services. Mara Burton, will be responsible for the effective operations of Planning and Development, GIS Services, Building Department Services and Recreational Facilities. In addition, Mara will work closely with residents to manage all Planning Applications, including: Rezoning, Site Plans, Minor Variances and Consents. Similarly, Mara will oversee Building Department programs and activities.
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Clearview Transit System In October, staff presented Phase One of a Clearview Transit plan to Council. The proposed transit plan would operate year-round, 7 days a week within Stayner. The prescribed route would connect to the Wasaga Beach/Collingwood link. Further details will be communicated in the new year.
Stephen Sage CAO, Clearview Township
Featured Highlights
Clearview EcoPark The EcoPark is a public green space where people of all ages can learn about the rich biodiversity that Clearview and the surrounding areas have to offer. In partnership with Stayner Collegiate Institute, the space will provide access for students to have hands-on experiences when learning about science, green industries, art, and the environment.
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The park trail network was designed according to the Clearview Township Master Trails Plan. In the future the EcoPark will connect with the Collingwood Rail Trail.
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The Clearview Ecopark was developed in partnership with over 15 local businesses and organizations! Clearview Township would like to extend gratitude to everyone involved with making the park a success!
EcoPark Facts!
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The Clearview EcoPark features two ponds, accessible walking trails, multiple information kiosks, a bird blind and a pollinator garden!
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The Clearview EcoPark is open year-round for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Although the park is not maintained during the winter, snow shoes are welcomed!
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There have been over 200 different species of birds documented at the park. Bring your binoculars and visit the bird blind!
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The park is home to a wide variety of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Common animal sightings include deer, squirrels, birds, frogs and snakes!
Located in Stayner at 300 Mowat Street North, the Clearview EcoPark is a year-round recreational space that is open and free to the public. The park features accessible walking trails and information kiosks.
Small Halls Festival The 2nd annual Small Halls Festival was a huge success! With 57 events, 100 community sponsors, 250 volunteers, and over 11,000 attendees, the Small Halls Festival has grown into the Townships signature event!
From the success of the inaugural year, the Small Halls Festival was recognized as the best new event in the province by Festivals and Events Ontario. Recently, the festival was also nominated as a finalist for the Best Overall Tourism Event in Ontario award by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario!
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We are putting our Small Halls and Clearview Township on the map! People are recognizing the Small Halls brand as a Shaded area represents tourism generator for unique rural festivals and events. Stayner Industrial Lands Total Area= 45.57 hectars
Shane Sargant, Recreation Coordinator
During the 2015 festival, nearly all of the ticketed events were sold-out. Acts such as Ron James, Elliott Brood, The Sheridan Band, Yuk Yuk’s, The Skydiggers and Man Tracker entertained audiences throughout the Township. In addition many of the free events attracted large family audiences. In 2015, the buzz of the festival started to move beyond Simcoe County. Results from the survey indicated that there was an increase in visitors from the Toronto and larger urban markets. With the help of radio, television, billboard, magazine and online advertising the four-day festival stimulated the local and regional economy by attracting over 15,000 people to the Township. Planning for the 2016 Small Halls Festival has already started! Be sure to mark off the first weekend in October, you won’t want to miss the delicious food, world class entertainment and unique events! For details, visit: www.smallhallsfestival.ca
Clearview Tourism Building The Clearview Tourism Building has been a very positive development for the Township. Since opening, the building has acted as a central hub for planning community festivals and events. With an open concept office space and a large recreational storage space, the building is well suited to serve the needs of the community.
The set-up and coordination of opening the Clearview Tourism Building would not have been possible without the generous support of community members. Clearview would like to thank Larry Culham & Michael Gennings for their hard work!
Over the summer, the Tourism Building was staffed by the Parc Project students and volunteers from the Stayner Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the rest of the year, the building was staffed during holiday seasons and long weekends by dedicated Stayner Chamber of Commerce volunteer members.
Located in Stayner at 300 Mowat Street, the Clearview EcoPark is a year-round recreational space that is open and free to the public. The park features accessible walking trails and information kiosks.
During the summer months, in partnership with the Stayner Chamber of Commerce the property of the Clearview Tourism Building and Station Park were transformed into “Music, Market & Park It�. The weekly Thursday night event featured live music, classic cars and local vendors. Watch for the 2016 schedule to be posted on www.clearview.ca
Servicing Industrial Lands
In 2015 the Township placed 2,625 metres of watermain and 2,584 metres of sewermain to service the Stayner industrial lands. These projects were funded by developers, government grants, and local improvement charges without causing an increase to taxes. The expansion of services will support over 45 hectares of industrial development within Stayner.
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The vision of the project was to promote industrial development while creating local employment opportunities within Clearview Township. The project will be completed in Spring 2016. Mike Rawn, GM Environmental Services
Sewer Pumping Station
In 2015, a new $5,000,000 sewer pumping station, located at the Clearview Public Works yard was constructed by Matheson Constructors with supervision from R.J. Burnside. The pumping station has a current useful capacity of 2500 cubic metres, which is enough capacity for approximately 2500 new homes. The station capacity is expandable up to 5000 cubic metres which will allow Stayner to grow for approximately 35 years based on project growth levels.
Remote Monitoring The Town of Collingwood remotely operates the new station and pump operations through the use of a real-time computer system (SCADA). Mike Rawn, the General Manager of Environmental Services for Clearview Township works closely with the Town of Collingwood sewer operators to ensure that systems are kept in top working condition.
Stayner Redevelopment Concept Plan During the process of purchasing 220 Huron Street, also known as the Clearview Tourism Building, staff identified many potential uses for the property, including: a storage facility for user groups; a new records management facility for the corporation; a location for the Chamber of Commerce; additional parking for the immediate area; a tourist information facility; a location to host a farmers market and a location for the Stayner Heritage Society. The Township also purchased the lands across from the Clearview Administration Centre referred to as the Stayner Feed Property. As a result of the purchases, staff created a phased redevelopment plan for Downtown Stayner. The plan includes changes to both Station Park, Gideon Street and the Downtown core of Stayner. In early December, the redevelopment plan was presented to Council for their consideration. Council directed staff to conduct a full scale communications plan for the purpose of seeking feedback and input from Clearview residents. Within the communications plan, staff will gain public input throughout 2016 by hosting information sessions and attending local service club meetings. In addition, an online feedback form will be made available on the Clearview Township website.
Market Square
The image above is a visual rendering of Gideon Street, looking southwest towards the Clearview Administration Centre. The concept shows a pedestrian only market square with a water feature, public benches and local vendors. The space would be used for farmer’s markets, concerts, movies in the park and other community events such as: Christmas tree lighting, Remembrance Day ceremonies and Canada Day celebrations.
The image above is a visual rendering of Huron Street, looking north towards Station Park and Highway 26. The concept shows walking paths, picnic tables and public greenspace.
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In December, Council received a staff report for the Stayner Redevelopment Concept Plan that included an extensive communications plan. Staff will look forward gaining feedback from the public over the coming months. The Shaded area to represents feedback will be used to help advise Council in the creation of the final plan. Stayner Industrial Lands Stephen Sage, CAO Total Area= 45.57 hectars
The above image is the proposed phases of the Stayner redevelopment plan.
Department Highlights
Two new bleachers were installed at the baseball park in New Lowell. Constructed out of steel and plastic the bleachers will last for a very long time!
A radar speed sign was installed on County Road 9 near the New Lowell Public School. The sign collects vehicle speed information which is shared with the Huronia West OPP.
730 Million Litres of Sewage Treated
Treasurer Edward Henley was presented with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
26.19 km of Roads Gravelled
Over 230 Building Permits Issued
3,270 Metres of Watermain Installed
800 m2 of Sidewalks Installed
1 Billion Litres of Drinking Water Treated
10 Roads Paved Across Clearview
3,844 Metres of Sewermain Installed
Department Highlights Clearview Fire
Public Works
Training is at the core of the Clearview Fire Department. With 100 hard-working and dedicated on call part-time firefighters, the entire Clearview Firefighter team is ready to serve and help residents within a moment’s notice. Their level of community involvement is recognized across the Township!
With a dedicated team of 10 full-time staff members, the Public Works department is vital to the overall health of the community. From snow removal to road maintenance and everything in between, the Public Works staff keep Clearview clean and safe year-round.
Bridge Replacement The bridge on Concession 6 Nottawasaga was replaced due to concrete deterioration and moisture penetration. The new two-lane bridge, with steel guide rails was completed on budget for $225,000.
Firefighter Training In 2015, Clearview volunteer Firefighters completed a combined total of over 4000 hours of maintenance training and over 600 hours for medical certification training.
Quarry Project In the Spring of 2015 the reconstruction project on County 91 was approved by Council. The project was delayed by five months due to the requirements for utility relocation. The estimated completion is scheduled for May 2016.
Public Education Every year Clearview Fire engages the public in a wide variety of public education campaigns. From presentations in classrooms, to hands on experiences and even radio commercials, Clearview Fire is always ready and willing to serve residents.
Over 650 Emergency Calls
557 km2 of Emergency Coverage
12,982 Active Training & Emergency Hours
9 Minute Average Response Time
Community Services Responsible for all planning services, building services and recreational facilities, the Community Services department is essential to the operation and growth of Clearview Township. This was an exciting year with some great accomplishments!
Land Development In 2015 the Planning Department approved approximately 335 hectares (828.18 acres) of commercial and industrial land development. To put it in context 335 hectares represents 627 football fields of area! Overall the area represents nine projects, with all but one project being located outside of Stayner, Creemore or New Lowell.
Source Water Protection The requirement to enforce our region’s Source Water Protection Plan came into effect July 1, 2015. Clearview has established a Risk Management Office to implement the plans to protect our municipal drinking water sources. The goal of the plan is to manage or eliminate activities that could become significant drinking water threats. Septic systems are an example of a threat that is permitted but must be managed to protect our drinking water. A septic re-inspection program has been established to inspect all septic systems within close proximity to our municipal wells.
Monthly Green Campaign Clearview is committed to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. A goal of the Clearview Energy Management Plan is to maximize energy savings through the development of a communications program. The Building Department led the development of the Clearview Twelve Months of Green Campaign in 2015. The goal was to provide monthly environmental and wellness topics that encouraged Council, Staff and the public to adopt best practices to help create a culture of conservation.
Department Highlights Recreation
Environmental Services
Recreation is at the heart of every community. Township recreation staff are responsible for managing arenas, community pools, public parks and a wide variety of other public spaces.
The Environmental Services Department is responsible for sewage treatment in Stayner and Creemore and the supply of safe drinking water in the six municipally-owned drinking water systems.
Watermain Replacement In addition to the watermain installations for the Stayner industrial lands, the Environmental Services department also replaced over 850 metres of watermain throughout the Township. Specifically, Elizabeth Street in Creemore and Mowat Street and Emerald Street in Stayner.
Bleacher Improvements Throughout 2015, recreation staff completed upgrades and improvements to bleachers at the New Lowell Park, Nottawa Park and Gowan Park in Creemore. The new bleachers replaced old bleachers that were in very poor condition.
Water Testing Every year Township staff take approximately 1,800 water samples and send them to laboratories for analysis. In 2015, staff completed roughly 2,100 tests in the field. Electronic analysers monitor the chlorine content continuously which equates to over 52,000 tests per year. All of the test results are audited by the Ministry of Environment.
Creemore Arena Upgrades With the focus of reducing annual operating expenses, the boiler and the ice rink ceiling at the Creemore arena were upgraded. The two new energy efficient gas fired condensing boilers will serve the arena for many years to come. In addition, the low emissions material of the new ceiling helps the rink hold a more consistent temperature throughout the year. The improved insulation value is very important in helping maintain a cool surface for optimal ice conditions. The estimated annual cost savings from the energy efficient upgrades are $18,000.
Clerks Department The Clerk’s Office is responsible for the statutory duties of the Municipal Clerk, including the Vital Statistics Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, as well as various other pieces of legislation. This Office also manages the Township’s records; conducts municipal elections and acts as secretariat to Council and its committees.
New Website The Clerk’s Department was excited to launch its new website www.clearviewclerk.ca this past summer. One of the main components was to provide a database for all Clearview owned cemeteries, with interactive online maps and search capabilities to aid in identifying burial plots. Each cemetery also has a brief history with some little known facts about their creation. The second component of the website was to provide the public with an online by-law index, allowing people to search by using key words. This website was a huge accomplishment for the Department, and we are looking forward to providing more content to it in 2016!
Governance Review On May 7th, 2015 Council held a Special Meeting to review its governance structure. Council reviewed meeting formats, roundtable discussions and public participation. Meeting formats examined communication, efficiency and effectiveness, and public engagement. As a result of the review, the Council agenda was re-aligned to better serve the public attending Council Meetings. Among the changes, public participation and deputations were brought forward to the beginning of the Agenda to allow citizens to speak to Council in a timely manner.
Records Management The Township’s Records Management Program was a key focus of the Department in 2015. We began the year by presenting a five-year Strategic Action Plan to Council, outlining the key features of the program. Records were moved to the new storage facility on Huron Street, which has been key in preserving and storing Township documents in an efficient, effective and accessible manner. Just this fall, Council approved the Corporate Records Management Policy that staff were trained on in November. In 2016, staff will continue to implement the five year plan.
Department Highlights Finance & IT
Human Resources
Partnered with the Information Technology Department and focused on the overall health of the Township, the Finance Department is committed to improving processes and creating efficiencies within day-to-day operations.
The Human Resources department is responsible for internal employee relations, staff hiring, staff training projects, developing policies and procedures and many other tasks that are vital to the overall operation of the Township.
Staff Members & E-learning In 2015, the Clearview family welcomed 5 full-time staff positions, 14 part-time positions and 33 seasonal temporary positions. In addition, a new e-learning program was implemented for employees as Clearview continues to focus on building high quality human resources with 2,054 hours incurred in total learning and development this year.
Online Payments In 2015, Clearview Township launched an online payment service for property taxes and water bills. To date, 47 payments have been processed through the online services. The online service is fast, secure and available 24/7!
Accessibility The accessibility software “Browse Aloud� was added to the corporate website as a feature that enables readers with visual impairments to be able to have content read to them. In addition, a corporate policy and procedure has been developed to ensure that all staff and anyone creating information/ communication on behalf of Clearview, comply with legislated accessibility protocols.
New Phone System In early 2015, the Information Technology coordinator implemented a new phone system for the administration centre, public works building and the fire department. The system features included: individual voicemail for councillors, voicemail to email technology and an updated auto-attendant.
In the Community
Council members at the Stayner Santa Claus Parade with the Small Halls Festival float
Councillor Walker and Councillor Measures with Ann Murphy from Stayner Tim Hortons for camp day
Deputy Mayor Burton at Stayner Collegiate Institute planting bulbs for the Dutch Heritage Tulip Garden
Mayor Vanderkruys and Council members with MP Kellie Leitch in Avening
Councillor BronĂŠe with Clearview residents at the Extraordinary People of South Georgian Bay awards night
Mayor Vanderkruys presenting Simcoe Pride with a proclamation for Pride Week