Body: Council
Type: Agenda
Meeting: Public
Date: December 15, 2023
Collection: Council Agendas

[View Document (PDF)](/docs/north-frontenac/Council Agendas/2023/December 15, 2023 - Public Council Agenda.pdf)


Document Text

Public Council Agenda 9:00 AM - Friday, December 15, 2023 Council Chambers Zoom Meeting Registration

Page

Call to Order; Purpose of Meeting; and Chair’s Opening Remarks

a) Public Notice regarding Recording of Meetings

Recorded Meetings - Notice to Public 2

Approval of Agenda

a) December 15, 2023

Be It Resolved That Council approves the Agenda regarding Amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law dated December 15, 2023, as circulated.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof

Amendment to the Fees and Charges By-law

a) Resolution #485-23 - Crownland Stewardship Program Camping Fees

Whereas at the meeting on November 24, 2023, Council passed Resolution #485-23 receiving for information the Manager of Community Development’s Administrative Report entitled “Crownland Stewardship Program Camping Fees"; and that Council approved in principle amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law Schedule ‘D’;
And That Council will consider a By-law to amend the Fees and Charges By-law #63-23 later at the regular meeting.

Resolution #485-23 Crown Land Stewardship Program (CLSP) Camping Fees - Pdf 3 - 5

Public Comments

Adjournment

a) Adjournment of the Meeting

Be It Resolved That Council adjourns the Public Meeting at _______
.m

Page 1 of 5

Please be advised North Frontenac Council Meetings are recorded. By attending a public meeting of Council, you are consenting to your image, voice and comments being recorded. The Chair and/or the Clerk have the discretion and authority at any time to direct the termination or interruption of the recording. Such direction will only be given in exceptional circumstances where deemed relevant. Circumstances may include instances where the content of debate is considered misleading, defamatory or potentially inappropriate to be published.
The Township shall not be responsible should technical difficulties prevent the recording of any meeting, or a portion thereof. Technical issues may include but are not limited to the availability of the internet connection, device failure or malfunction, unavailability of social media platforms or power outages. It should be noted that no protection is afforded to Council Members, Employees or the public for comments made during Meetings which are subsequently challenged in a court of law and/or determined to be defamatory. Notice is hereby provided that under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (MFIPPA), that all information provided for at a public meeting or other public process are considered a public record.
Members of Council, Staff, Delegates and attendees should be mindful of using names of individuals or entities when discussing matters in public. Attendees are advised that they may be subject to legal action if their actions result in inappropriate and/or unacceptable behaviour or comments. Public Notice regarding Recording of Meetings Page 2 of 5 c—r.,… ,AtTovioirt),0 * • ‘-’-’ (Nth Ii.‘ron re 1121C Resolution of the Regular Council of the Corporation of the Township of North Frontenac Date: November 24, 2023 Resolution # 485-23 Moved By: Councillor Stephanie Regent Seconded By: Councillor Wayne Good Be It Resolved That Council receives for information the Administrative Report from the Manager of Community Development entitled “Crown Land Stewardship Program (CLSP) Camping Fees;” And That Council approves in principle the amendments to the Fees & Charges By-law Section ‘D’ , with the following: change the campsite per night fee from $22.50 to $25.00 (plus $3.00 Administrative Fee) effective January 1, 2024; And That Council instructs the Clerk to schedule a Public Meeting to amend the Fees & Charges By-law at an upcoming meeting and remove Schedule A of By-law #114-13. Carried Mayor Resolution #485-23 - Crownland Stewardship Program Camping Fees Page 3 of 5 To: Mayor and Members of Council From: Brooke Ross, Manager of Community Development, Dipl.M.A. Approved by: Kelly Watkins, CAO Back-up Date of Meeting: 24 Nov 2023 Re: Crown Land Stewardship Program (CLSP) Camping Fees Recommendation: Be It Resolved That Council receives for information the Administrative Report from the Manager of Community Development entitled “Crown Land Stewardship Program (CLSP) Camping Fees;”

And That Council approves in principle the amendments to the Fees & Charges By-law Section ‘D’ , with the following: change the campsite per night fee from $22.50 to $25.00 (plus $3.00 Administrative Fee) effective January 1, 2024;

And That Council instructs the Clerk to schedule a Public Meeting to amend the Fees & Charges By- law at an upcoming meeting and remove Schedule A of By-law #114-13. Background: On October 30, 2013, Council passed By-law #114-13 authorizing the operation of municipal campgrounds and charging of fees for the use of campsites and recreational roads. Researched By: Brooke Ross, Dipl.M.A., Manager of Community Development Mandy Mitchell, CLSP Administrative Assistant Comments: It has been ten (10) years since the Crown Land Stewardship Program (CLSP) camping fees have been increased. It is important to ensure that the CLSP is revenue neutral, as well as has enough funds for maintenance, staffing, and potential large projects (i.e. Derecho (wind storms), bridges, etc.).

The nights booked over the course of the camping season increased significantly in recent years. The biggest increase was from 7,210 nights booked in 2019 to 11,297 nights booked in 2020.The increase volume of people requires increase in parking spaces, staffing and increase in general upkeep of sites, launches, and crownland roads within the Parklands.

Expenditures have increased significantly in this time due to both increase needs and increase overall costs of road materials, permit fees, labour, etc. The 2018 to 2022 operating expenditures are as follows:  2018: $164,750  2019: $202,500 Page 1 of 2 Resolution #485-23 - Crownland Stewardship Program Camping Fees Page 4 of 5  2020: $218,650  2021: $263,950 (additional position added for the season)  2022: $321,850 (Derecho storm and significant clean up required) These numbers do not include funds put into Reserve Funds or money taken from Reserve Funds for capital purchases such as vehicles, boats, etc.

To date revenue has increased due to increased volume of people using the program; however, the cost of doing business is increasing every year. The Parklands is nearing capacity during peak periods and considerations for expansion will need to be investigated. With nights booked becoming relatively stable since 2020, averaging 11,854 nights booked per year. Weekends are almost completely booked during July, and August, with the most popular sites booked almost completely from May until the end of October. Financial Impact: It is recommended that Council consider increasing the campsite per night fee from $22.50 to $25.00 (plus $3.00 Administrative Fee), effective January 1, 2024.

According to the Ontario Parks Website, the Backcountry camping prices in 2023, for an 18+ individual without disabilities, ranges from $10.17 to $21.47 per person or $36.73 to $46.05. The increase in price remains competitive will surrounding parks. Page 2 of 2 Resolution #485-23 - Crownland Stewardship Program Camping Fees Page 5 of 5

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