Parking rate hikes, a proposed 1,300-home development, garbage tags, and several other matters are on Monday’s busy city council agenda.
But first, at 1 p.m., a public meeting will be held regarding the West Ridge Trailside neighbourhood, a proposed 1,300 home development in west Orillia, which could bring a variety of homes, apartments, commercial space, and other amenities to the land along Line 15.
Developers Charter Construction LP and Mark Rich Homes Ltd. will present their requests for Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments that would pave the way for the largest development in the city in several years.
When the regular meeting of council begins at 2 p.m., Charles Gardner, medical officer of health with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and colleagues will provide a public health update.
Council will consider adopting an art in public places strategic plan, drafted by consultant Cobalt Connects, that will serve as a guide meant to develop local artists, install art throughout the community, and create art relevant to the city’s landscape, history, and cultures.
Short-term accommodations (STA), such as Airbnb properties, could be subject to regulations or licensing in the city, with council considering a report on the issue Monday. Coun. Whitney Smith previously requested city staff draft a report to consider the options and costs of regulating STAs.
In its report, staff recommend against adopting new regulations at this time, saying there aren’t many STAs in the city and there have been relatively few complaints regarding problematic STAs to date.
A variety of potential parking rate hikes will be considered, with staff recommending the following:
- On-street parking rates of $3 per hour on Mississaga Street East and West Street, and $1.75 elsewhere in the city
- $1 per hour for low-demand, off-street municipal parking lots, and $1.25 per hour for the high-demand lots 2 and 5
- Parking permit rates of $55 to $70 per month, depending on the lot
Originally discussed during budget deliberations, additional consultation on parking rates was held with the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB) and the city’s parking advisory committee. The rates decided at Monday’s meeting will be applicable starting May 1.
Potential community gardens at Hillcrest Park and York Street Parkette will be discussed, following an inquiry motion by councillors Janet-Lynne Durnford and Tim Lauer last month.
Staff have recommended carrying out community consultation to gauge interest in establishing the gardens. Following that, if enough interest is garnered, the gardens will be considered during the 2024 budget process.
With extensive work being done on Centennial Drive this summer, some of the city’s large-scale summer events — including the Canada Day celebration, Orillia Scottish Festival and Orillia Waterfront Festival — may need to be modified or relocated from Couchiching Beach Park to Tudhope Park.
As a result, council will consider staff’s recommendation to waive fees for relocated events and create a temporary prohibition on boat trailer parking at Tudhope Park.
Council will also consider allocating $50,000 for communication and signage on the changes and for “minor upgrades” to Tudhope Park in anticipation of increased special events.
The DOMB has requested numerous downtown road closures for its summer events, which require council approval. The events are as follows:
- The See You on the Patio program, on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m., June 30 to Sept. 2
- The Orillia Farmers’ Market, on July 7 and 21 and Aug. 18
- The Mariposa Downtown Stage event, on July 7
- The Merchants and Makers Market event, on July 22
- The 23rd annual Classic Car Show, on Aug. 19
Coun. Luke Leatherdale has proposed the city continue distributing 20 garbage tags to residents per year, despite council previously approving a complete phase-out of free garbage tags by 2024. Because it’s a reconsideration motion, he will need at least two-thirds of his council colleagues to vote in favour of bringing the plan back up for discussion.
Finally, council will consider an inquiry motion by Coun. Jay Fallis to alter several parking spaces at the Orillia Recreation Centre and replace them with barrier-free parking spaces.
The council meeting begins at 2 p.m. The meeting, at the Orillia City Centre, is open to the public. It will also be livestreamed here.
The entire agenda is available here.
