Page 1 1. ENTRANCE OF MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS-ELECT (Piper, Jim McTaggart-Cowan) Piper, Jim McTaggart-Cowan, Bracebridge Legion Pipes and Drums, led the procession of Mayor and Councillors-Elect, Clerk, L. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk, J. Sisson, Town Criers Bruce and Shaun Kruger, accompanied by Escorts Lynn and Martina Kruger, Justice Wood and Chaplain McMillan into the. 2. WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER (Clerk, Lori McDonald) Town Clerk, L. McDonald called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and the following were recorded as being present. Mayor and Councillors Elect: Staff: Mayor-Elect, G. Smith Councillor Elect, S. Clement Councillor Elect, L. Cragg Councillor Elect, L. Giaschi-Pacini Councillor Elect, R. Maloney Councillor Elect, B. McMurray Councillor Elect, M. Quemby Councillor Elect, G. Tryon Councillor Elect, S. Young Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk, J. Sisson Clerk, L. McDonald Municipal Treasurer, C. Wakefield Director, Development Services, K. Horrigan Municipal Engineer, R. Walton Director of Culture and Recreation, L. Broere Assistant to Municipal Clerk, M. Gower Assistant Director of Development Services, D. Rahkola Roads Secretary, N. Kirkpatrick Fire Chief, M. Medley Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, S. Stakiw Office Assistant. T. Goltz-Smellie Economic Development Assistant, J. Harris Director of Economic Development, C. Kelley CEO & Chief Librarian, C. Rodney Human Resources Assistant, S. Keast Receptionist, D. Tolton
Page 2 3. TOWN CRIER S GREETING (Town Criers: Bruce and Shaun Kruger and Escorts Lynn and Martina) Clerk, L. McDonald introduced Town Criers Bruce Kruger and Kruger and escorts Lynn and Martina Kruger. The Town Criers gave a colourful cry of welcome to Mayor and Council Members-Elect. 4. NATIONAL ANTHEM (Town Crier, Bruce Kruger) Mr. Bruce Kruger led the singing of the national anthem. 5. INTRODUCTION OF THE 2010-2014 TOWN COUNCIL (Clerk, Lori McDonald) Clerk, L. McDonald introduced Mayor and Council Members Elect. 6. DECLARATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO MAYOR-ELECT (The Honourable T.M. Wood, Judge of the Superior Court of Justice) Clerk, L. McDonald introduced and welcomed The Honourable T.H. Wood, Judge of the Superior Court of Justice, to administer the Declaration of Office to the Mayor and Council Members-Elect. Judge Wood led the Mayor-elect through the execution of his Declaration in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. Judge Wood offered his congratulations to Mayor Smith. 7. DECLARATION OF OATH OF OFFICE TO COUNCILLORS-ELECT (The Honourable T.M. Wood, Judge of the Superior Court of Justice) Judge Wood led Council elect through the execution of their Declarations of Oath of Office in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001. Judge Wood offered his congratulations to Members of Council. 8. DEDICATORY ADDRESS (OPP Chaplain, Gerry McMillan) Oh God, we thank you for our glorious country We thank you for our freedoms We thank you for the wonderful privilege, granted to us that we can vote A privilege that cost dearly the lives of men and women of our Armed Force who paid the ultimate price on the battlefields Thank you for our community of Bracebridge Thank you for the many who serve To those who make this town a wonderful, peaceful and safe place to reside We thank you for our outgoing Mayor Donald Coates and the council who served with him Thank you for their hard work, dedication and the good legacy they have left us Bless them as they continue their life s journey, no doubt a life of service Bless their families We thank you for Mayor Graydon Smith and his council As they commence their time in office No doubt their service will be one of joy and gratitude However, there will be difficult times, difficult decisions, and difficult choices Grant them your peace, strength, wisdom, direction, safety as they serve this wonderful community
Page 3 Mayor Smith and his council cannot undertake the task alone The care of our community is the business of each one of us I pray that we will all get behind these brave individuals Each one of us have been blessed with talents, strengths, abilities for service Thank you oh God for all of your many blessings Thank you for this historical night God bless our Mayor Smith and his council God bless the community of Bracebridge God bless our Queen, Prime Minister, Premier God bless our province God bless Canada Amen 9. PRESENTATION OF THE CHAIN OF OFFICE (Donald G. Coates) Clerk, L. McDonald called upon former Mayor Donald G. Coates to present the Chain of Office to Mayor Smith. Former Mayor Coates noted that it was a distinct pleasure to present the Chain of Office to Mayor Smith and stated that he expects Mayor Smith will wear it with honour and perform the role of Mayor with skill and passion. Donald G. Coates presented a plaque of appreciation on behalf of Nipissing University to Mayor Smith as recognition of the support the Town of Bracebridge provided Nipissing through innovative partnership and community outreach. 10. MAYOR GRAYDON SMITH REQUESTED TO ASSUME CHAIR (Clerk, Lori McDonald) Clerk, L. McDonald introduced Mayor Smith and requested that he assume the Chair. His Worship Mayor Smith assumed the Chair and thanked former Mayor Coates for his congratulatory remarks. 11. GREETINGS TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF T. CLEMENT MP (Sondra Read) Sondra Read provided greetings to Mayor and Council on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement. Ms. Read noted that Minister Clement appreciated working with Bracebridge Council and the support provided during the G8. She noted that he is looking forward to working with the new Mayor and Council over the next four years. 12. GREETINGS TO MAYOR AND COUNCIL ON BEHALF OF N. MILLER MPP (Sondra Read) Sondra Read provided greetings to Mayor and Council on behalf of Norm Miller. Mr. Miller offered his congratulations to Mayor Smith and Council and is looking forward to working with the new Council. 13. GREETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA (District Chair, Gord Adams) District Chair Candidate Gord Adams provided greetings on behalf of the District of Muskoka and citizens of Muskoka noting that the people of Muskoka are proud of Council for their role in protecting and improving the community.
Page 4 14. GREETINGS ON BEHALF OF THE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE (Inspector, E. Medved) Inspector Ed Medved provided greetings on behalf of the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.) noting the excellent relationship the O.P.P. has with the Town of Bracebridge and for the support Bracebridge has provided. Inspector Medved noted that members of the O.P.P. look forward to another 4 years of working with Bracebridge. 15. INAUGURAL ADDRESS (Mayor, Graydon Smith) To family, friends, colleagues and staff, past Mayors and Councillors and those in attendance tonight as friends of our Town, good-evening, and on behalf of the new Council, welcome to the 16th inaugural meeting for the Town of Bracebridge, the Heart of Muskoka. We are before you tonight humbled by your faith in us, emboldened by your trust and ready to do the job you have selected us for, to guide our Town through its next four-year chapter to the best of our abilities and to leave it better than we found it. To use a now clichéd term, we are a changing community. But change brings new ideas, new resources and new opportunities. Although we have recently gone through difficult economic times, we weathered the blows and now stand ready at what may be the most exciting time in our history, a chance to reinvent ourselves and achieve more than we ever thought possible. To diversify our economy, embrace our environment and create a place that offers opportunity for all, including our youth who so desperately long to stay but feel they must go. These dreams are not those of Council, they are your dreams. From our formal visioning sessions to conversations on the street, you have told us where you want to go. This Council will do it s very best to get you there. While the issues are complex and the answers not easy, you have provided us a simple framework to ensure we are on the right track, focusing on four key elements: the economy, the environment, cultural and social enhancement. Economically, we have heard your concerns about taxes, and we will not pay lip-service to those worries. We will prove to you that we are efficient, competent fiscal managers that are not afraid to make hard decisions, but at the same time recognize that we cannot imperil the gains we have made thus far in creating a dynamic, progressive community. We will continue to develop and implement policies and procedures that place Bracebridge at the front of the line in attracting new employers that bring diversity to our economy, creating jobs and providing opportunity. We have seen great gains in the knowledge-based sector in recent years and that should be of particular focus in the future. And we will work with the development community to finish what they started and create new projects that recognize our greatest asset is our environment and the two can co-exist with mutual benefits. We will strive to be the best stewards of that environment that we can be, taking the lead in being a green community and corporation. Heightening our focus on Parks, Trails and Active Transportation and putting Bracebridge where it should be, a provincial leader in eco-tourism. We will assist our creative and artistic communities by working together on projects that highlight the tremendous talent and potential in our Town.
Page 5 We must continue to be a vibrant, social people that laugh together, help one another and puts community before self. Over time we have seen divides in the way we think, urban/rural, waterfront/non-waterfront, business/environment. We must abandon that old mentality to embrace and understand that we are a community, working for these common goals. But for tonight, during this all too brief moment witnessing the birth of a new Council, we must celebrate. There is so much to be thankful for in this town and as an individual it is hard to know where to begin, so I shall start with where it all began for me, my family. To say it is a pleasure and a thrill to have my parents, Gord and Barb Smith here tonight is such an understatement as to be laughable. Many of you may know the past month has been a stressful time for the entire Smith family, and we cannot express in mere words the kindness, concern and compassion that you have shown and offered, but on behalf of my entire family I offer heartfelt thanks. Mom and Dad, I love you, we love you. Thank you. Also with me tonight, my sister Gwen and her husband Dean, my niece Chelsea and her partner Justin, my brother Greg and his wife Juli my nephew Gavin and my niece grace, my mother-inlaw Donna and her companion Phil, my father-in-law Mark and brother-in-law Steve. And the two people who I most certainly couldn t have done this without, my beautiful wife Melissa and daughter Gabrielle. You encourage me to chase dreams for a living. We also have a number of very honoured guests here this evening including past-mayor Scott Northmore and of course our outgoing Mayor Don Coates. Mr. Coates, I thank you for your selfless commitment to leading our community and assure you that your guidance and service will be remembered fondly. Also be advised that this new Mayor will rely on the past-mayor network for advice from time to time, so none of you are off the clock yet. I would also like to recognize Councillors from this past term not returning. Patti Thompson was a tremendous advocate for Oakley ward the past two terms, Barry Young provided not only opinion but levity around the table for 16 years representing Macaulay Ward and Edith Nichols was an advocate for Monck/Muskoka Ward with distinction and grace for 16 years as well. I thank you for your service to the town and wish you all the best in your future endeavours. And now for our current Council. Please congratulate those that will represent you for the next four years: Barb McMurray Oakley Ward, Scott Young - District, Mark Quemby Monck/Muskoka Ward, Rick Maloney- Macaulay Ward and our new Deputy Mayor, Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini - District, Steven Clement District (special thanks to Mr. Clement for so ably handling Deputy Mayor duties during the last term), Liam Cragg Bracebridge Ward and Gerry Tryon Draper Ward. I know we will work well together, mix it up from time to time and achieve great things done for our community and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Thank you Councillors, and thank you to our audience for attending tonight.
Page 6 16. COMMENTS AND INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS (Members of Council) Councillor Barb McMurray Councillor McMurray stated that it was a great honour to be a member of Bracebridge Council and that she would work hard as the Councillor for Oakley Ward. She thanked her family and friends for their support. Councillor Scott Young Councillor Young thanked his wife, son and everyone for their support. Councillor Mark Quemby Councillor Quemby thanked his wife, family, friends, neighbours and the people of Monck/Muskoka Ward and noted that he is looking forward to working for them. Councillor Rick Maloney Councillor Maloney noted that his election to Council has been a humbling experience and thanked his family and those who voted for him and that he looks forward to accomplishing Bracebridge s goals and objectives. Councillor Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini Fellow Councillors, Honoured Guests, friends, family, and Ladies & Gentlemen, I am very happy you have joined us this evening for our inaugural meeting of council. Over the past four years, I have truly enjoyed my learning experiences as your Bracebridge Ward One Councillor and I embrace the next four years with excitement and enthusiasm as I settle in as one of your District Councillors. In these economic times, we do and will continue to have many tough decisions and therefore it is imperative that we explore all options, consider all facts and always keep an open mind to investigating ways of assistance both at the District and Municipal level. Planning for tomorrow is imperative to having a successful outcome to any region therefore as promised during my campaign, I will work together with the District, the Municipality and the residents of Bracebridge by listening, learning and doing what I can in creating a progressive and successful community. Born and raised in Bracebridge and watching it evolve over the years from a small town full of people who all know one another to a larger town full of opportunity and progress makes me proud to call it HOME. Once Discovered, Never Forgotten is a modo that could not be more fitting when you are referring to a place like MUSKOKA! I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my supporters for believing in me by selecting my name as one of their elected officials to assist in leading and supporting our community by being a vital link on their behalf.
Page 7 Finally, I know my mom is proud because she tells me, I feel my dad glowing with pride and I would also like to give a special thank you to my husband Gregory for all of his hard work during my campaign as well as his continuous support and encouragement. Councillor Clement Good evening and thank you for attending this evening. I would like to thank my family, friends and supporters. Tonight is a special evening for our newly elected council. I would like to start by extending a personal thank you to our past worship, Don Coates, for his leadership, understanding and most of all his time commitment to our community. As your past Deputy Mayor I know firsthand how much time Don put in over and above his regular duties. I would also like to thank the past council for their fellowship and commitment. We debated many issues and then, together, supported the final outcome that was best for all citizens of Bracebridge. I welcome the new members of council and look forward, with excitement, to the next four years. I will continue to listen and discuss issues and concerns, on a one on one basis, to make Bracebridge a better place to live, work, and play. Councillor Liam Cragg Councillor Cragg thanked family, friends and voters for their support. Councillor Gerry Tryon Councillor Tryon thanked Draper Ward for their confidence and faith in his ability to represent them at Council. He thanked the previous Council and noted former Mayor Coates always made time to meet with his Councillors to discuss issues. Councillor Tryon thanked the Chief Administrative Officer, John Sisson, and Clerk, Lori McDonald for their assistance to Council.
Page 8 17. CONFIRMATION BY-LAW (Members of Council) 10-TC-142 Moved by: Seconded by: Councillor, R. Maloney Councillor, M. Quemby That the following bill be read a first, second and third time and finally passed: Bill # 85 (By-Law No. 2010-077) A By-law of The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meeting held on the 1 st day of December 2010. 18. CLOSING REMARKS (Mayor, Graydon Smith) CARRIED Mayor Smith thanked the Clerk, Chief Administrative Officer and all staff for their work in organizing and setting up the inaugural meeting. 19. ADJOURNMENT (Mayor, Graydon Smith) 10-TC-143 Moved by: Seconded by: Councillor, S. Clement Councillor, L. Giaschi-Pacini That the meeting be adjourned until the next regular meeting or any special meeting called by the mayor. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. A copy of this agenda in large print format is available upon request. CARRIED