Posted: Wednesday February 12, 2025
Joint Healthcare Recruitment
Due to rising concerns regarding the lack of local physicians and healthcare workers due to retirements and other pressures, the City has partnered with local municipalities in an effort to recruit more to the area.
Following a delegation regarding healthcare resource needs in November, 2024, Council authorized the execution of a Joint Party Agreement for Healthcare Recruitment with the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Town of Gananoque and the Town of Prescott. Health Workforce Innovations Inc. have been retained by the municipalities who will focus on long-term physician and healthcare recruitment in Leeds and Grenville.
The proportional cost for the City for this service is 21.25% or approximately $40,000, in addition to costs associated as a result of successful recruitment.
Official Plan Amendment to Condominium Conversion Policies
The City’s Official Plan is a comprehensive policy document that guides land use, development, and growth in a defined area over a set time period. Recently, applications to convert 360 apartment units to condominiums was approved by Council as it aligned with provisions in the City’s Official Plan. Staff have since proposed more restrictive percentages (number of rental units that the City has available) to limit the conversion of rental units to condominiums, as well as refining the policies with stricter stipulations.
Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Refreshment Vehicle Bylaw
Since the adoption of the City’s Zoning Bylaw in 2014, several requests and enquiries related to Refreshment Vehicles have been received as the current Bylaw does not permit them. Under the previous policy, existing refreshment vehicles (chip trucks and other similar vendors) must apply for a Temporary Use every three years at a cost of between $2,000 and $3,000. To streamline this process, Council approved a Zoning Bylaw amendment aimed at making it easier for Refreshment Vehicle to operate. Suggested fees associated with refreshment vehicle permits will be forthcoming for Council consideration in the coming weeks.
Support for the Development of Affordable Housing
At the December 10, 2024 Council meeting Councillor Earle presented the following motion regarding Affordable (or economical) Housing:
- THAT Council waive building permit fees for affordable (economical) housing
- THAT Council waive development charge fees for affordable (economical) housing
- THAT affordable (economical) housing be defined as: 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, under $300,000.00 and/or 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, under $400,000.00
- THAT this would be for all affordable (economical) units, profit and non-profit.
Council referred this matter to staff and requested information on how the City can effectively support affordable housing initiatives. Staff provided an information report which listed a number of ways the Planning Act can be leveraged which was received by Council.
A development charges study is currently underway and will be subject to a Public Meeting in March 2025.
Looking ahead:
- General Committee Meeting February 18, 2025 at 4:30 pm
- Council Meeting February 25, 2025 at 5:30 pm
- Planning and Development Meeting March 4, 2025 at 4:30 pm
- Planning and Development Public Meeting March 4, 2025 at 6:00 pm
- Council Meeting March 11, 2025 at 5:30 pm
For more information, contact the Clerk’s Department at clerk@brockville.com
Agendas and meeting minutes are available at Brockville Civic web