by Anne Finlay-Stewart

No in camera meetings tonight, no more prayer nor moment of silent reflection.

• As advertised, there was a public meeting to hear comments on a proposed new development charges by-law to replace the recently approved, but apparently flawed, development charges by-law. It reflects the two-year holiday on such charges to encourage building, but changes an earlier deposit mechanism to a system that charges development fees to a property's tax bill if there is no residential occupancy permit by March 1, 2018. The only public present to speak was Mr. Barry Krusselbrink of Barry's Construction who thanked the new council for being so open, and for "the inclusion of key stakeholders in developing city policy." Here endeth the pubic meeting.
• A trio from the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre (formerly known as the Marine Rail Museum, and formerly-formerly known as the CNR train station) were at Council to highlight their progress since incorporation in October 2013. After a full summer season in 2014, their future plans include Sunday afternoon classic car shows, participation in Doors Open, a Waterfront Festival on July 4 and a new exhibit featuring 30 objects and honouring 30 people to celebrate 30 years as a museum. The biggest news is purchase of a 1963 dining car and the raffle being held to finance its 173 km. trip to Owen Sound. The prize is a luxury trip for two by train (naturally) to Quebec City. More on that to come! Council asked for a staff report on the CWHC's request to place the car on track near the centre and to expand and extend their lease.
• Two weeks ago the federal government sent the City a letter describing a one-time, 60-day, mid-summer, no details, take-it-or-we'll-offer-it-to-the-general-public offer to own the Port of Owen Sound.

This is part of the Ports Asset Transfer Program, not to be confused with the previous Port Divestiture Program under which 499 ports left federal hands. Councillor Arlene Wright said that she found the situation "scary" as there is no accompanying federal program for dredging and we could lose control of the harbour to a private interest. Councillor Peter Lemon said the City must have a "strong presence" in any negotiations and insist on money for dredging. Councillor Jim McManaman recommended a special meeting of council for a thorough discussion, a look at the map– who owns what, leases, private lands, etc. , and a review of the eight principles the previous council had considered vital to any negotiation around the harbour.

• Representatives of Peace and Justice Grey Bruce and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force filled the first few rows of the council gallery flashing copies of a recent report on precarious work and its impact on the region. Council had requested a staff report on the wages paid by the City and its contractors, which they voted to receive – effectively ending the discussion. The observers expressed disappointment that the staff report did not include part-time or seasonal workers, and some said the comments of councillors suggested they had not read or understood the original report on the value of a "living wage" commitment.
• Doors will be Open at 24 sites in Owen Sound on June 6 and 7, with lots of new venues in keeping with the provincial theme of "Play. Endure. Inspire. Ontario's sports heritage" - Roselawn Lawn Bowling Club, Owen Sound Rowing Club, Georgian Shores Marina, Stoney Orchard Park Trail and free skating at the Rec Centre and free activities at the Y. Music and art in several venues, a parade and ice cream social at Bishop House, roller derby at Harrison Park – check the City's website for details, and call Pat Bryant at 376-4440, ext. 1256 if you can volunteer a few hours at one of the sites.
• City hall is 50 years old and apparently was not really "built to last". Council struck an ad hoc committee of Councillors Koepke, O'Leary and McManaman to review the two consultants reports on the condition and repairability of the building and to bring recommendations to council. Meanwhile City Manager Wayne Ritchie has met with Grey County staff, and while the county will be proceeding with its construction plans for a significant addition for its own purposes, the doors are open to adding more to the building to accommodate the needs of the City or others.
• The pilot project involving Clearlane enhanced de-icer for city roads has led to a recommendation that the "green salt" be ordered for next winter. The product is marketed as safer for vegetation and water, and although it is more expensive per tonne, the amount needed will be smaller resulting in an estimated 28% reduction in the City's costs.
• Like a grandmother who never knows what to buy you, the federal government has announced it is celebrating the country's big birthday in 2017 with cash. Of course it comes with a few rules about how and when we can spend it, so Owen Sound is looking at a few qualifying projects for the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Fund. Mostly socks and underwear I'm afraid – paving the north parking lot of the Rec Centre, road work at the entrance to Harrison Park, and a retaining wall in front of the Library.
• The Pan Am Torch Relay is coming through town June 11 and 12. With money from the feds and (they hope) the province, Owen Sound will leverage its own $9000 budget to fill the route and then the Bayshore parking lot with excitement, entertainment and "activations". Bus hours will be extended the evening of the 11th (at regular rates) and food will be provided by the Attack concessions (their contract with the city gives them first refusal).
• Jervis Bay Park often goes unnoticed in its quiet spot at the south end of 1st Ave. West, opposite the cenotaph. It was named in 1941 after the HMS Jervis Bay, sunk in battle on November 5, 1940, in memory of the ship and in honour of Jimmie Johnson, Owen Sound's first casualty of World War II.

In recent years the park has suffered through the indignities of a sinkhole, a leaning pillar, and some questionably inappropriate installations during the Festival of Northern Lights. Staff has recommended repairs, a flowerbed closer to the road in colours and design of the White Ensign, and renaming of the park the Jervis Bay Memorial Park to bring the memorial the respect it deserves.

• Council wound up the City's business in good time and then went to patronize a local business for a wee wind down.