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Mono puts budget into law, discusses trail race, heritage registry, hall rentals

February 24, 2022   ·   0 Comments

By Peter Richardson

Mono Council passed both the 2022 Final Budget and the Tax Rate Bylaw for 2022 during their meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 22). The town tax rate increase will be 2.4 per cent over 2021.

Meanwhile, Jodi McNeill from GottaRunRacing, formerly Running Free Orangeville, spoke to Mono Council on behalf of the Chase the Coyote Run Trail Race, which is held at Mono Cliffs Park, during the Feb. 22 meeting.

She inquired about allowing the participants to park along the west side of the 3rd Line during the race, which is slated for Sept. 17.

The event is in its 10^th year, and is expecting more runners than the parking lot can accommodate, so the additional parking is seen as necessary for the success of the run.

The race attracts runners from across Ontario, Canada and internationally. This year will be the final year for the race here in Mono Cliffs as the organizers feel that the park is no longer large enough to support the event, however to have a successful final race, the additional parking is paramount.

The organizers have worked closely with the Town and will continue to do so. They plan to employ the OPP Auxiliary to ensure a smooth event. They expect that the cars will only be parked on 3^rd Line between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on race day, and the Mono Cliffs Parking lot will be full.

The fee for using the parking lot has been $500 in previous years, however, Parks Ontario has raised the fee to $1,500 this year, which will reduce the funds available for donations by GottaRunRacing.

Mayor John Creelman suggested that the Town approach Parks Ontario to reduce the fee to previous levels, if not forgive it entirely.

Following McNeil’s presentation on the trail race, Council voted to support the parking request.

The run supports various organizations such as Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club, Procyon Wildlife Centre and One World Schoolhouse.To date this support exceeds $12,000 in donations.

Heritage registry

Residents’ response to the recent increase in names on the Heritage Registry was next discussed by Mono Council.

Mayor Creelamn noted that he had heard from numerous resident concerning being on the registry and he felt that there may be some confusio over the registry and being a designated home.

Being placed on the registry results in many restrictions regarding what you may or may not do to such a building.

Also, there is a popular myth that being on the registry devalues your property, which is simply not true. In fact, property values usually rise.

No consultation with the owner is required before being put on the registry, according to the Act, but they must be notified within 30 days of their inclusion.

There are also options for the property to be removed or the listing modified. Council decided to bring all the letters forward at a future meeting and discuss them with the Heritage Advisory Committee before making any further decisions on the matter

Requests for hall rentals

Mono’s director of recreation, Kim Heaton reported to Council that requests are already coming in for hall rentals, following the Provincial announcement to remove more restrictions, including the vaccine passport program across the province on March 1.

Despite opening the province, businesses are still free to insist on vaccine passports, and other restrictions.

Heaton asked if council would enforce its current COVID policy when the halls were opened, if they were opened.

Currently, reservations are taken but not guaranteed pending existing COVID restrictions.

Deputy Mayor Fred Nix said he felt the policy should be enforced, as did Coun. Ralph Manktelow.

KIm pointed out that extra staff would have to be hired, or a security firm, to insure compliance with the vaccine passport restrictions.

Coun. Sharon Martin then asked what the Town’s Board of Health stance was going to be? Clerk Fred Simpson said the Board has concerns and Coun. Martin said she feels the same and that it is too soon to reopen Ontario.

Mono Council also heard from CAO Mark Early, who wanted to know how Council wanted to proceed with Council Chambers opening. He asked if they wanted dividers erected, or simply maintain distance with masks. Also, would public be allowed in chambers?

It was decided that staff should prepare a report for Mono Council’s next meeting on March 8.

No decision was needed immediately as to how Mono should proceed.

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