The integrity commissioner is coming back to town.
This time it’s only to give an update of its activities during 2020. And it has been busy. Principles Integrity, the town’s consultant on matters relating to ethical behaviour, code of conduct, and more, was called on three times during the last year to investigate complaints against council members.
The report also serves as a reminder to councillors about the prevalent ethical themes around the province, including respect and non-disparagement, staying in your lane, conflicts of interest and public trust.
The second deputation being made to council this Wednesday is by the consultant hired to create an age-friendly plan.
The plan is based on survey results that were obtained last fall. Following that, a draft age-friendly plan was prepared presenting the vision, principles and actions the town can take.
The needs identified in the survey include sidewalks, transportation, affordable housing and social inclusion.
To address these needs, the draft plan makes several suggestions.
Among those is to do an assessment of all public buildings and parks for Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act compliance, comfort and safety; review of the Parks and Trails Plan through an age-friendly lens; and evaluate and enhance the current sidewalk maintenance program. To improve transportation, the plan suggests the review of a Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan, increasing current community transportation service capacity, and exploration of alternative transportation opportunities.
For affordable housing, the plan recommends adopting municipal housing policies and regulations that encourage a mix of housing types and tenures. The plan also recommends promoting secondary suites to increase affordable housing.
The presentation by Council’s Task Force on Affordable Housing fits in well as the next presentation on council’s agenda.
The group that has met several times since its inception late last year will be giving council an update on its activities during that time.
Of note in its presentation is the goal to bring at least 10 units to market at a monthly rental rate of $800, with a focus on addressing the needs of low-income working families and singles.
The committee has assessed three town-owned properties for its projects and has released a request for proposals for two. The properties under consideration are located on 415 William St. and 260 Midland Ave.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday with a closed session, with the open session convening at 7 p.m. The meeting can be viewed on Rogers Cable 53 or online.