Tay Township is saying yes to Keep Keewatin Home Campaign's request to designate the Edwardian Era ship as culturally significant by putting it on the township's heritage registry.
Research done by the chair of Tay's Heritage Committee shows that since the SS Keewatin is movable and not in a permanent location, it does not meet the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act for designation.
However, there is nothing preventing the township from putting the ship on its heritage register if council believes the ship to be of cultural heritage value or interest. The staff report, included in the agenda, says that while the Keewatin cannot be designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, the township can recognize it as such by putting it on the register and installing a plaque to illustrate the contributions the ship has made to the heritage of the township.
The committee will also look at amendments to the municipal fireworks bylaw.
The update recommends that New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, and the three days immediately preceding and/or following each of these days, be added as permitted days to set off consumer fireworks.
The changes aren't just coming to the number of days residents can set off fireworks, the staff report is also recommending an increase to the associated fines.
"The previous set fine was set at $125 for all offences," reads the report, adding the fines have not been reviewed since 2011. "The current amount of $125 is that is not enough of a deterrent to maintain compliance with the By-law. Staff is of the opinion that a slight increase in the fine would encourage people to refrain from setting off fireworks during the non-permitted days as the total payable (set fine + victim fine surcharge) for these offences will be $180.00."
The report also states that staff are aware that this is an issue that seemingly happens every night during summer months, however, the number of complaints staff receive do not reflect that.
The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. A link can be found on the township's website to view the meeting online. Residents can also dial (705)999-0385 and enter meeting ID: 824 8445 7915 to listen to the proceedings.
