2017 SPRING NEWSLETTER TOWNSHIP OF MCKELLAR 701 Highway 124, McKellar, ON, P0G 1C0 www.township.mckellar.on.ca Phone: 705-389-2842 Fax: 705-389-1244 Reeve’s Review On behalf of Council I wish you a happy and healthy 2017. To see what Council has done in the last two years please refer to the Reeve’s 2016 Annual Report to the McKellar Community on the website. What you can look forward to in 2017; approval of OPA #8, opening of Fire Hall #1, new and improved McKellar Market, Minerva Park improvement plan, continued fiscal management, on-going road improvements, guest presentations to Council, implementation of signage plan, Canada 150 celebrations and a new Business Directory. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community. All council committees are in need of volunteers. Attend a meeting, apply and get involved and share your expertise. You are appreciated. Looking forward to a year of improvement and celebration. If you have any questions or concerns simply contact me at 705-389-2228 or [email protected]Respectfully, Peter Hopkins STAFF DIRECTORY Clerk Administrator: Shawn Boggs, AMCT 705-389- 2842 ext 4 Council Reeve Peter Hopkins 705-389-2228 Councilors Bonnie Beier 705-389-1356 Morley Haskim 705-389-1035 Mike Kekkonen 705-389-1346 Debbie Zulak 705-389-3031 2017 COUNCIL MEETINGS 6:30 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS JANUARY 9, 23 FEBRUARY 6, 21 MARCH 6, 20 APRIL 3, 18 MAY 1,15 JUNE 5, 19 JULY 17 AUGUST 14 SEPTEMBER 5, 18 OCTOBER 2, 16 NOVEMBER 6, 20 DECEMBER 4, 18 Agendas and Correspondence can be found on Township
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2017 SPRING NEWSLETTER
TOWNSHIP OF MCKELLAR701 Highway 124, McKellar, ON, P0G 1C0www.township.mckellar.on.caPhone: 705-389-2842 Fax: 705-389-1244
Reeve’s Review
On behalf of Council I wish you a happy and healthy 2017. To see what Council has done in the last two years please refer to the Reeve’s 2016 Annual Report to the McKellar Community on the website. What you can look forward to in 2017; approval of OPA #8, opening of Fire Hall #1, new and improved McKellar Market, Minerva Park improvement plan, continued fiscal management, on-going road improvements, guest presentations to Council, implementation of signage plan, Canada 150 celebrations and a new Business Directory. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community. All council committees are in need of volunteers. Attend a meeting, apply and get involved and share your expertise. You are appreciated.Looking forward to a year of improvement and celebration. If you have any questions or concerns simply contact me at 705-389-2228 or [email protected]
Respectfully,
Peter Hopkins
STAFF DIRECTORY Clerk Administrator: Shawn Boggs, AMCT 705-389-2842 ext 4Deputy Clerk/Treasurer: Sherri Ridsdale 705-389-2842 ext 3Chief Building Official: Chris Bordeleau 705-389-2842 ext 2Admin/Treasury Assistant: Leigh Weeks 705-389-2842 ext 1Committee Intern: Jeremy Moore 705-389-2842Fire Chief: Ed Bier 705-389-9597Public Works Superintendent: Greg Gostick 705-389-2891Roads Crew: Ward Stoneman, Tyler Edington, Kirk Reid
CouncilReeve
Peter Hopkins705-389-2228Councilors
Bonnie Beier705-389-1356
Morley Haskim705-389-1035
Mike Kekkonen705-389-1346
Debbie Zulak705-389-3031
2017 COUNCIL MEETINGS6:30 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Parks & Recreation: Scott ReekieWaste Site Attendant: Rob Verstraten 705-389-1379
McKellar Public LibraryThe McKellar Library offers a large variety of reading materials, classes, clubs and resources for all ages. Membership is free to all McKellar residents. All types of books, movie rentals, audio books, computer use, fax service, and fishing equipment rentals. Knitting Club, to learn how to knit or work on your own project, meets every other Wednesday at 1:30 pm. Book Club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 2 pm. Interested in genealogy, free access to ancestry.ca is available. Free iPad courses run throughout the year.
Hours: Tuesday 12 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm Wednesday 12 to 5 pm Thursday 12 to 5 pm Saturday 10 am to 1 pm
For more information call the Library at 705-389-2611 or visit the website at www.mckellarpubliclibrary.ca
McKellar Market Looking Forward to 2017 Season
Beginning July 1st through to September 2nd the McKellar Market will be open from 10 am to 1pm each Saturday at Minerva Park.
There will also be two special markets this year; a Thanksgiving Market on October 7th and a Christmas Market on November 18th from 10 am to 4 pm at the McKellar Community Centre.
Interested in becoming a vendor – Market guidelines and Vendor agreements can be found on the Township’s website.
Evelyn Watkins Moore Heritage MuseumThe Evelyn Watkins Moore Heritage Museum houses a unique and interesting collection of artifacts reflecting the history of McKellar. Located at the Community Centre, 701 Highway 124, McKellar. Hours of operation change seasonally, please visit the Township of McKellar website for current hours or contact the Township Office to arrange a visit.
CouncilReeve
Peter Hopkins705-389-2228Councilors
Bonnie Beier705-389-1356
Morley Haskim705-389-1035
Mike Kekkonen705-389-1346
Debbie Zulak705-389-3031
2017 COUNCIL MEETINGS6:30 P.M. IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Agendas and Correspondence can be found on Township of McKellar website: www.township.mckellar.on.ca
In the CommunityLooking for something to do: McKellar Township hosts a variety of venues and events throughout the year. The Balsam Trial is a rugged 3.1 km hiking trail open from spring to fall. The Township Rink is open year round for ice sports in the winter, tennis and other sports in the summer.Four area public beaches; Community Centre Beach, Government Dock Beach, Maplewood Beach and Stewart Park Beach are the perfect spots to enjoy the water or have a picnic.Minerva Park offers a large green area to relax, picnic, or play. Visit the Evelyn Watkins Heritage Museum for a unique look into the history of the area. The Community Centre is a great venue to host weddings, parties or events.
Please check the community calendar at www.township.mckellar.on.ca for current events
Notes from the Public Works DepartmentThe Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments continue to keep our municipal roads, parks and beaches safe and clean. The roads crew works diligently to keep the roads cleared of snow before the start of the work day with keeping the bus routes a priority. Your patience is greatly appreciated during the snow clearing process and thanks is extended for obeying the parking and plowing by-laws.
The past year saw improvements and upgrading to Broadbent Rd, Hurdville Rd, Burnetts Rd, Centre Rd, Mary St culvert, McKellar Lake Rd culverts, Blackwater culvert and paving of the Community Centre parking lot. The Parks & Recreation Department completed work at Minerva Park and installed a new dock at the Stewart Park boat ramp.
Throughout the Township work continues in order to maintain our roadways and keep our properties accessible and enjoyable for all area ratepayers and visitors. Thanks to the great work of the Public Works Department.
Public Works questions can be directed to Greg Gostick, Public Works Superintendent at 705-389-2891.
Notes from Tax Department Interim tax bills are due April 3, 2017 and Final Tax bills are scheduled to be mailed the last week of July with a due date of September 5, 2017.
Tax payments can be mailed, hand delivered or paid online at the following banks: Nova Scotia, TD, Bank of Montreal, Kawartha Credit Union, CIBC, National Bank and Tangerine. Post-dated cheques are acceptable.
Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve a taxpayer of the responsibility for payment or the liability of penalty charges for late payment. Penalty at a rate of 1.25% is applied at the beginning of each month.
The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for assessing and classifying properties in Ontario. If you have questions regarding your assessment visit mpac.ca or aboutmyproperty.ca or call 1-866-296-6722.
Please notify the Township office of address changes at 705-389-2842 ext. 1 or [email protected]
Questions regarding your tax bill or tax account, please call 705-389-2842 ext. 3 or email [email protected]
In the CommunityLooking for a unique way to honour a friend or memorialize a loved one?Want to support improvements to the Community Centre?
The Township of McKellar still has spaces available on the “Bricks” wall located in the entrance to the Community Centre.
The “Bricks” wall features both names in support of the Community Centre and also a memorial section.Bricks can be purchased at the Township Office at a cost of $25.00 per brick
Notes from the Building DepartmentBUILDING PERMITS must be obtained prior to the beginning of any construction. Permits are required for new structures, additions, sleeping and guest cabins, chimneys, wood stoves, fireplaces, accessory buildings, structural foundations, docks, storage building, decks, and porches. Building permit applications are available at the Township Office or on the website at:
In the CommunityYOUR HELP IS APPRECIATED!Interested in volunteering in the community but not sure where to begin?Whether you have one day per week or one hour a year, we want your help!We welcome any and all individuals with a diverse range of skills, talents and interests to help make McKellar an even better place to live, work and play.
The McKellar Recreation and Historical Committees and the McKellar Library Board are in need of members and/or volunteers.For more information contact the Township Office or a Committee/Board member. Volunteer applications can be found on the township website at: http://township.mckellar.on.ca/docs/CommitteeAppWaiver.pdf
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” ― Barack Obama
Approval from other agencies may be required before a building permit can be issued. Other agencies may include North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hydro One, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS – For approval, permits and information contact North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority at 705-746-7566. Septic permits may be required prior to a building permit being issued.
DOCKS – Planning on replacing your dock or installing a new one. You now require a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources in addition to a municipal building permit. For more information on permit requirements contact Parry Sound District MNRF, Carolyn Roy, Lands and Waters Intern at 705-746-4201 [email protected]. Permit applications can be found at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/crown-land-work-permits#section-3
OPEN PERMITS – If you have an open permit please contact the Building Department to review the necessary steps to close off your project.
INSPECTIONS – Remember, it is the property owner or their agent’s responsibility to notify the building department at the various stages which require inspection, as outlined in the building permit.
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING BUILDING AND PERMITS CONTACT CHRIS BORDELEAU, CBO at 705-389-2842 ext. 2
Notes from the By-Law DepartmentEnforcement of noise, parking, fireworks, waste management, zoning and other By-laws will continue in 2017.
PARKING - No person shall park a motor vehicle or any portion thereof in any of the following places: on any part of a highway at any time from January 1st to April 15th and December 1st to December 31st in any year; on any bridge or within 20 metres of such bridge; on any highway in such a manner as to obstruct an entranceway for motor vehicles to pass between the highway and land contiguous to the highway; on any highway in a position or place that prevents, interferes with or is likely to prevent or interfere with the removal of snow from a highway, road maintenance by the Township of McKellar or the movement of motor vehicular traffic; on any highway or other property owned by the Township of McKellar; within 20 metres of any public boat launching ramp; in the areas designated "No Parking".
NOISE - Noise complaints will be investigated at any time during the day. Minimum fines of $200.00 for each offender are applicable. Property owners can be held liable for visitors/users actions on their property.
FIREWORKS – Consumer fireworks are permitted 3 days preceding and 3 days following most holidays. All other fireworks requires a valid “Fireworks Permit” issued by the Chief Fire Official. Fireworks are prohibited during an extreme fire rating.
RENTING – Short term renting of a dwelling is not a permitted use in the Township of McKellar. The By-law Department will act on all complaints with regards to this matter
Please check the website for “Fire Rating”. A “high” rating allows only small contained fires for cooking and “Extreme” rating means “NO OPEN BURING OF ANY KIND” and “NO FIREWORKS”.
TO CONTACT A BY-LAW OFFICER CALL 705-389-2842 EXT 8.NON-URGENT MESSAGES CAN BE EMAILED TO [email protected]
In the Community
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Township of McKellar offers a $500.00 Scholarship to a student attending the Parry Sound Campus of Canadore College.
To qualify the student must be a family member of a McKellar Township property owner and be attending Canadore as a full time student.
Selection criteria will be based on academic records, involvement in the community, and leadership experience.
Final selection of recipient is to be confirmed by representatives of the Township of McKellar.
For more information or application process please
Notes from the Fire Department The construction of the new Fire Station #1 is well underway and expected to be completed in June. Upon completion a community “Grand Opening” of the station will be held. Below is a picture of the roof being placed by crane in January.
The McKellar Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce the appointment of Ron Harrison as the new Deputy Fire Chief. Ron brings many years of experience and special training to the department.
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS – IT’S THE LAW - Installation of smoke alarms on each level of your home, cottage and sleeping cabin and a minimum of one carbon monoxide detector are requirements of the law. Remember to regularly test and replace batteries in all alarms. Always react to a trigged carbon monoxide alarm – call 911!
OPEN AIR BURNING – Permits are NOT required for open air burning. Conditions for open air burning, under Ontario Fire Code and By-law 2005-26 can be found at http://township.mckellar.on.ca/municipal-services/municiple-departments/fire-department/conditions-for-open-air-burning/
We would like your input on the new newsletter format. Let us know what you think, both the positive and negative!
WATER SHUTTLE TANKER ACCREDITATION – These forms are available on the website at http://township.mckellar.on.ca/download/fire-department/2015%20McKellar%20Tanker 20Shuttle% 20Certificate.pdf You may be eligible for a reduction in insurance upon presentation of this form.
VOLUNTEERS – Interested in becoming a volunteer fire fighter, contact Chief Ed Bier at 705-389-9597
QUESTION: CALL FIRE CHIEF ED BIER AT 705-389-9597 OR fire
@township.mckellar.on.ca CALL 911 IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY
OPP ONLINE REPORTING PROGRAM: This program allows you to submit a report to the OPP from computer or mobile device. All submissions will be sent directly to OPP and reviewed by officer. Use this system to report lost/missing property under $5000.00, stolen license plates or validation stickers, theft from a vehicle under $5000.00, mischief to a vehicle under $5000.00, damage to property under $5000.00, thefts under $5000.00 and driving complaints. Visit www.opp.ca/reporting for information and reporting forms.
Notes from the Waste Management Department Transfer Station Hours
April 15 th to Sept. 15 th Sept. 16 th to April 14 th Sat. 10 am to 4 pm Sat. 10 am to 4 pmSun. 12 pm to 8 pm Sun. 10 am to 4 pm Wed. 12 pm to 8 pm Wed. 10 am to 4 pm
Transfer Station Permits available at Township Office, 701 Highway 124, McKellar, 705-389-2842
Fines of $200.00 are strictly enforced for anyone leaving garbage outside the transfer station gates.
The Township of McKellar offers many recycling opportunities. Taking a few extra minutes to sort your trash can make a big difference. Think of it as an investment in the health of our environment.Blue Box Recycling: 1)Rinsed containers, plastic bottle, jugs and lids, aluminum, foam, plastic bags, glass bottles, food and beverage cans, jars 2) Mixed fibres, flattened cardboard, newspapers, magazines, catalogues, books, household papers, milk/juice cartons, boxboard.
Scrap Metal Recycling: Ferrous and non-ferrous, white goods, tire rims, BBQs
Tires: Intact tires, no rims
Electronics: All electronics, remember to clear your drives
Batteries: All types and sizes
Yard waste: Free days to dump yard waste: April 15 to June 15 and Sept. 15 to Nov. 15
Re-Use Centre: Useable items, subject to approval of transfer site attendant, can be left to be redistributed free of charge to others who may have a use for them.
BLUE BOXES, $5.00 AND RECYCLING BAGS $1.00 AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE TOWNSHIP OFFICE
TRANSFER STATION ATTENDANT: ROB VERSTRATEN, 705-389-1379
In the Community
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING YOUR
BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN MCKELLAR
The Township of McKellar currently has nine strategically placed sign boards throughout the Township. Spaces on these boards rent for a fee of $50.00 plus HST/year.For more information or to complete an application, visit the Township Office.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
In 2017 a new McKellar Business Directory and Community Services Guide will be released. Missed yours in the mail, or need a new one, stop by the Township Office and pick one up. For future advertising or to place your business in the next directory please call the Township Office with your information.
Notes from Committees
McKellar Recreation CommitteeThe McKellar Recreation Committee offers a wide variety of seasonal activities for adults and youth in an attempt to make the Community Centre the centre of the community. Walking, Healthy Exercise for Seniors, Badminton, Arm Wrestling, Swimming Lessons, Softball, Soccer, and Tai Chi are ongoing yearly programs. The committee also offers special events like Dances, Kid’s Fishing Derbies, Nature Hikes, March Break Activities and Family Movie Nights. Keep posted to the McKellar Township Community Events page on the website for information and particulars of events.
The committee meets the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 in Council Chambers. Volunteers are welcome
McKellar Historical CommitteePreserving the past in the present for the future.
The Historical Committee is responsible for collecting, preserving and displaying artifacts and historical information and documents in the Evelyn Watkins Moore Heritage Museum. On-going committee projects include; Barn Project, Walking and Driving Tour Booklets, Elder’s Stories, Historical Plaques and Memorials, Special Historical Events and Workshops.
New members with an interest or knowledge of the history of McKellar Township are encourage and welcomed to attend meetings, submit information or become committee members.
The Historical Committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 in Council Chambers.
In the Community
CELEBRATE CANADA 150Council has appointed David Moore to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities 150 Community Leaders to represent the Township of McKellar. Planning includes an exciting year of celebrations and events for all to enjoy. Tentatively scheduled events: March 17: St Patrick’s Day DanceMay 20: Unveiling of Welcome SignsJuly 1: Appreciation BBQ, Opening of McKellar Market, Unveiling of Historical PlaquesJuly 15: Stroud Bridgeman & TJF Appreciation DayJuly 16: Outdoor Church Service July 29: Regatta, Dance, Fireworks August 12: Dinner & Talent ShowAugust 15: Sri Lankan DinnerAugust 27: Orillia Silver Band ServiceSept 9: Agricultural Fair, Parade & DanceSept. 17: Terry Fox RunNov. 5: Remembrance Day ServiceDec. 2: Lighting of Christmas Tree & Festival of Lights
CELEBRATE ONTARIO 150
McKellar Township received a grant under the “Ontario 150 Community Celebration Program” to host an Ontario 150 Celebration. Join us July 29th, 2017 for the MCKELLAR HERITAGE REGATTA 2017. A day filled with lots of fun activities including swimming and canoe races and the “Heritage Canoe Race.” Stay tuned to the Community Events page on the website for further information and details. http://township.mckellar.on.ca/community/community-events/
