Screen capture: Tim Hadwen, Chair and Planning, Development & Government Relations Committee for LOBA speaks to Lake of Bays Councillors.
At their January 13 meeting, Lake of Bays Councillors heard suggestions from the Lake of Bays Associations (LOBA) on ways to improve municipal procedures.
The delegation of three LOBA representatives: Paul Gleeson, President; Tim Hadwen, Chair and Planning, Development & Government Relations Committee; and Sally Coutts, Member, Planning, Development & Government Relations Committee, were before councillors, some in-person and others remotely. They congratulated councillors on the municipality’s updated Official Plan, the latest budget format, and their careful consideration of planning approvals.
Areas of improvement
Septic inspection program
They also requested that the municipality consider revamping its five-year, ward-by-ward septic system inspection program by focusing on high-risk septic systems. They suggested that the Township use a ward-by-ward approach for moderate-risk systems, but an upfront Township-wide approach for high-risk systems. High-risk systems are systems that are 30+ years old or systems for which no permit has been found. LOBA representatives suggested that private inspections of those systems be paid for by the property owners. It suggested that low-risk systems, systems that are 10 years of age or less, not be inspected and that moderate-risk systems, systems between 10 to 30 years of age, could undergo a visual inspection by Township staff on a ward-by-ward basis.
Tree cutting bylaw
LOBA representatives asked Lake of Bays Council to consider ways of improving bylaw response time to mitigate tree-cutting infractions. Councillors noted that bylaw enforcement is complaint-driven, which means those who are in contravention of the bylaw are generally dealt with after the fact. LOBA representatives suggested that contact, even by phone, be made immediately when a complaint is received, immediately ordering the perpetrator to cease and desist.
Notice of development applications
LOBA representatives suggested earlier online notice of pending development applications to provide more time for response. Require dockside posting of development proposals and to use QR codes on postings to increase accessibility to proposed plans.
Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover thanked the LOBA members for their attendance and said staff would consider the suggestions and return to council with further information.
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