New picnic tables and park benches for a west Orillia park, fixes for a busy intersection, and ensuring the city upholds its status as a Bee City were the subject of inquiry motions made by city politicians this week.
At Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Jay Fallis sought council’s approval for two inquiries, with another brought forward by Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford – all of which were given the green light by council.
Park benches and picnic tables
First up, Fallis sought a staff report on bringing more park benches and picnic tables to Walter Henry Park, which he said lacks ample places for visitors to sit.
“Having visited it myself, I can recognize there's definitely an opportunity to increase seating,” he said. “Every time you go, there's always a lot of people standing.”
Mayor Don McIsaac and CAO Gayle Jackson, however, argued drafting such a report would be a misuse of staff time – with Jackson instead suggesting the city use the three excess picnic tables it has in its inventory.
Jackson also pointed out that city staff are carrying out a review of its bench donation policy.
“Benches are about $2,000 and … I also am aware that (city staff) is actually doing a full review of the bench donation policy, at which point (they) will be coming back to council with some recommendations,” Jackson said.
Council approved Jackson’s suggestion to install three picnic tables at Walter Henry Park, and to consider additional bench placements in the city once the review is complete.
West Street North and Fittons Road
In an effort to improve traffic flow at one of Orillia’s busy intersections, Fallis’ second inquiry motion asked for a report on the costs to implement additional advance green signals at West Street North and Fittons Road, including pavement markings, signs, and necessary signal heads.
Currently, only one of four directions at the West Street North and Fittons Road intersection has an advance green, and Fallis said he has heard concerns from constituents about traffic in the area.
“One of the challenges … is it's two arterial roads intersecting, and there's no advance turning lane coming from (most) directions,” Fallis said.
“In some discussions with staff, it sounds like there might be some simplistic changes that we can make to accommodate turning lanes without doing an overhaul of the intersection.”
Council supported Fallis’ request, and directed staff to prepare a report for consideration during 2024 budget discussions.
“When the school’s in operation … there's a lot of turning at that particular corner, so I'm in full support,” said Coun. Tim Lauer.
Clean and clear bylaw and Orillia as a Bee City
Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford gained council’s support for a staff report on the city’s clean and clear bylaw, and whether or not it should be updated to reflect Orillia’s climate change goals and status as a Bee City.
This summer, OrilliaMatters interviewed a resident who was frustrated with the city’s policy – which prohibits grass or weeds taller than eight inches – as she maintains her yard as a native pollinator habitat, with some plants approaching three feet in height.
Durnford said she has received numerous calls about the issue.
“The city does have a natural lawn exemption in our present policy, but I do also think that there is an opportunity to revisit that definition in light of our climate change policies and principles of sustainable landscaping,” Durnford said.
Mayor Don McIsaac agreed that Durnford’s inquiry was important, but he emphasized the need for balance on the issue.
“The places I've seen that are complaining about (the policy) look like a dump, and I don't think anyone who puts money into a house wants to live next door to somebody who doesn't manage, properly, what they've got on their property,” the mayor said.
“I think that's exactly why we need to revisit this definition,” responded Durnford. “Perhaps a very clear definition of natural garden or natural lawn, with examples and (education) may help bylaw in their communications with people who do want to have a natural lawn.”
Council directed staff to prepare a report on the issue by March 2024.
