THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

JULY 14, 2001

A special meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour has held on Saturday, July 14, 2001 at the Burk's Falls Arena for the purpose of receiving public consultation for the proposed property standards by-law. Council members present included Reeve Frank Gill, Councillors Gary McFarlane and Marty Corcoran. Deputy Clerk Treasurer Wendy Whitwell also attended. The meeting was called to order at 3:02 p.m. Reeve Gill asked Councillor McFarlane to speak to the proposed by-law.

Gary stated the intent of the by-law is to protect the health and welfare of all residents in Armour Township and this is the first public meeting in the process of implementing a property standards by-law. Council is hoping for implementation by early to mid fall. The by-law is not intended to bring seasonal residents to full time status. Please give council your comments in writing. The meeting was opened up for questions and comments.

Lorie Haggart stated that the by-law in not legal and contravenes numerous other Federal and Provincial statutes including the Canadian Charter of Rights, Canadian Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act and the Common Law Act.

Tom Stevenson stated that by-law is not necessary. We have too many rules and regulations and this by-law is pure nonsense, we do not need it.

A concern was raised regarding seniors who cannot afford to upgrade their property to these standards. Will the Township be providing loans for this ?

This by-law gives Council too much power. Fence painting and staining should not be a part of this by-law. This by-law will reduce property values because people will purchase property in municipalities in our area that are not regulated by a property standards by-law.

Will this council not proceed with this by-law if the majority of Armour residents do not want it ? Can we take a vote today ?

Where did this draft by-law come from ?

Did all of council see this draft ?

If residents go door to door for signatures in support of, or in objection to, the proposed by-law will council abide by the majority ?

Councillor McFarlane responded to the above as follows:

- Council do not wish to impose a by-law that the majority of residents do not want. The Chief Building Official and the By-law Enforcement Officer need guidelines to follow to protect the health and welfare of all residents in Armour. Council would like to see a committee of citizens participating in the next draft of the by-law. A survey could be sent with the tax bill to get more public input. This by-law was a compilation of a draft from the Ministry of Housing and the Village of Burk's Falls. Please put your comments in writing for Council to review.

The following resolution was passed:

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, that the Township of Armour close this final session of the special meeting for considering the proposed property standards by-law.

(Carried)