Beach building bylaw washes ashore to Tiny council
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca. Dec 19, 2024
A special meeting of Tiny Township committee of the whole was held recently to introduce a dynamic beach management draft bylaw, official plan amendment and zoning bylaw amendment for public input.
Beaches within the township have long been a battleground between residents and visitors who yearned to walk unobstructed along the approximate 70-kilometre shoreline of Georgian Bay, and landowners who developed to the edge of the waterline which sometimes caused the beach to be inaccessible by pedestrians.
A rare municipal tool called an interim control bylaw was implemented in 2023 and 2024 as a means to halt new development until a proper bylaw could restore order, with a costly dynamic beach management study initiated. “As part of any interim control bylaw, a requirement under the Planning Act is that a study needs to be done to determine what should occur to rectify the situation or improve the situation upon which that interim control bylaw was based,” said MHBC partner Jamie Robinson during the short meeting. “The Planning Act confers existing development rights through non-conforming use provisions within it,” said Robinson, “so how do we balance those factors with the dynamic beach processes, the environmental protection requirements, and the flood and erosion hazard?”
Four proposed modifications to the township’s official plan included identifying dynamic beach locations, creating frameworks to manage site alteration in those areas as well as zoning bylaw provisions to manage buildings and structures, and establishing criteria to evaluate those zoning bylaw amendment or minor variance applications.
For the zoning bylaw amendment proposed modifications, an overlay zone would be identified, a framework established for enlargement, repair, replacement or renovation of existing non-complying buildings or structures in dynamic beach areas, and setbacks would also be established including retaining walls within the overlay zone. “(The zoning bylaw framework) is the piece that really deals with striking that balance,” said Robinson, “between what’s existing versus protecting the natural environment.”
Finally, the proposed dynamic beach management bylaw would: recognize and protect the dynamic nature of the beaches, hazard impacts, and their ecological value while being developed; require a permit for all site alteration, building and structures in the management area; and the rules around those permits.
With a deadline of mid-Spring 2025, Robinson noted that it would be important to “get it right” while maintaining efficiency. A staff report listed all relevant documents along with a draft timeline which looked at a public information centre and statutory public meeting for February.
Council approved accepting the draft bylaw for public engagement with staff to report back in April with a final bylaw.
Following the meeting, CAO Robert Lamb called it a complex issue due to there being no blanket policy for the 70 kilometres of shoreline, adding that other municipalities would be looking at Tiny’s outcome to implement their own protections and allowances. “It’s not a Tiny Township issue; it is an ‘anywhere along the Great Lakes St. Lawrence seaway’ issue,” said Lamb, “and I’m hoping that this (resolution) is the beginning of many to come.”
Deputy Mayor Sean Miskimins had lead a beach rights group prior to being elected, and used it as a running platform. “I think it’s validating,” said Miskimins after being directed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to make shoreline alteration management a municipal duty. “We were able to get something done and (with) all of it being rooted in science.”
Public works director Tim Leitch said that the bylaw would mean people looking at creative ways to manage their properties while working for the balance which the township was aiming toward. “If there’s different opportunities or approaches people want to take,” said Leitch regarding permit applications, “then staff and our consultants can review it, through (planning and development director Maryann Hunt)’s group and my group, and obviously through our consultants at MHBC – that we can make sure we review what their needs are and come up with proper solutions for their inquiries.”
The dynamic beach initiatives and draft management bylaw reports can be viewed on the agenda page on the Township of Tiny website.
Archives of council meetings are available to view on the township’s YouTube channel.
Evans lists accomplishments of residents and council for seasons’ greetings
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, Dec 27, 2024
“As we enter the new year, I want to thank all of our community groups that plan events and provide services for our community – you make Tiny Township a better place for everyone,” said Mayor Dave Evans when asked by MidlandToday to provide season’s greetings for the residents of his municipality.
Evans gave a highlight of accomplishments from 2024, noting the agreement struck between Tiny and its neighbours to allow arrangements for library access memberships.
“I want to thank everyone involved in the success of our 2024 Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament,” stated Evans. “We were able to raise $45,000 for 17 local charities.”
“As part of our commitment to inclusivity, the township offered two new recreation programs,” said Evans, “and our full array of community events such as the Winter Carnaval d’Hiver, senior symposium, community BBQ, farm crawl and tree lighting celebration.”
Other highlights of the past year included: the township becoming a World Health Organization Age-Friendly Community as the first in Simcoe County for the recognition; installation of 13 accessible water fill stations at popular municipal parks, facilities, and beaches in Tiny due to an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant of $113,700; and pursuit of funding for improvements to the Midland Water and Wastewater Treatment Centre for the township’s septage disposal, as a joint delegation with the town at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference.
Evans added that the short-term rental licensing program saw continued success, and gave note to the township’s first multi-year budget for a two-year operating plan and five-year capital plan.
“We have made significant process on the Township of Tiny Administrative Centre project this year, and are looking forward to creating a community hub space for everyone to enjoy,” said Evans.
For 2025, Evans highlighted that: the administrative centre was anticipated for construction to begin in spring; a dynamic beach bylaw would be considered as part of township’s commitment to environmental stewardship; active transportation improvements in the Tiny Beaches Road area would begin as part of a multi-year project; the township’s first water master plan was scheduled for completion; and council would be advocating for fibre connectivity for all residents.
“On behalf of council and the Township of Tiny,” said Evans, “I want to wish everyone a very safe, fun, and happy holidays, and all the best for the new year.”