The West Carling Association expresses concern over the Council's recent unanimous decision to guarantee a loan for the regional pool project. With a projected shortfall and unclear funding terms, the financial implications for residents are significant. Transparency and community consultation are essential as we navigate this situation. Many thanks to our members who wrote to Council to express concerns about financing the regional pool project. The West Carling Association is disappointed to report that Council voted unanimously on December 10 to guarantee a bridge loan/line of credit (LOC) that has: No defined term – project completion is scheduled for May 2026, but the LOC will extend beyond as the grant money is paid only after expenses are submitted to the funder No publicly disclosed amount, but rumoured to be $13.5MM A reported variable interest rate of 6.5% Council agreed to the LOC without discussing the total funds required to complete construction and the funds available to cover the costs. Originally, between the government grant and the contributions of the municipalities, the project had $32MM to work with. Adding two lanes to the pool raised capital costs from $32MM to $36MM, to be covered by $5MM in fundraising. Fundraising is at less than $1MM, and the project is over budget by $3.5MM for $39.5MM. The construction shortfall remains unknown but will likely be $8MM at a minimum without delays or overruns. When asked about the plan should the loan default, Council said there is no plan. The municipalities and, therefore, taxpayers are liable for any shortfall. The municipalities are responsible for the interest (at 6.5%) as funds are drawn from the LOC and full repayment of those funds at the completion of the project. When asked why Council changed its mind about guaranteeing an LOC now (having previously declined in April 2024), Mayor Murphy said borrowing wasn't the issue but rather how the LOC would be structured. Council did not want to tie up reserves. Also, Council was concerned about the accounting complexity of each municipality taking out individual loans. The Pool Board has now arranged a single LOC, but it is unclear what the impact will be on Carling's reserves. Whitestone and McKellar municipalities have withheld additional funding. It is not known how Whitestone’s and McKellar’s unpaid share will be covered, but as Carling is responsible for 10.5% of all obligations, it is likely that, at a minimum, another $65,000 will have to come from Carling. This figure will rise proportionally if there are cost overruns. At the December 10 meeting, it was revealed that the previous Council passed a resolution in 2019 to spend up to $1.5MM to build a regional pool. Council is now offering this resolution as the justification for providing funds beyond the $900,000 capital commitment Carling made in 2021. We are now told that any amount spent on the pool less than $1.5MM is “good news” because we haven’t spent $1.5MM yet. With fundraising at less than $1MM and a minimum $8MM shortfall, Carling’s share of the capital funds now needed to complete the project will be greater than $800,000 (without the gap left by Whitestone and McKellar) on top of the $900,000 already paid to the project. This exceeds the 2019 resolution unless fundraising picks up significantly. Additionally, Carling recently provided $157,500 as an interest-free loan to the Pool Board to assist with repaying cash flow once the LOC is in place. When the 2021 agreement was signed, residents were told that Carling’s obligation was 10.5% of $8.5MM ($900,000). Why are we only hearing now that spending up to $1.5MM is okay because the previous Council declared it so? WCA has asked for years how much Council is prepared to spend on the pool. Is $1.5MM the actual number in play from Council’s perspective? Is this why it is now okay to risk spending more on the project by backing an unknown LOC? Does the $1.5MM cap set in 2019 include the funds spent on purchasing the land jointly with Parry Sound intended for the pool site? If so, Carling will far exceed the $1.5MM cap. In response to whether Council is forever obligated to follow the decisions of previous Councils, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) McLlwain responded to WCA by email that Council must honour agreements made by previous Councils due to potential liabilities. The current project was not described in 2019, and the pool agreement was signed after this resolution in 2021. Does the 2019 resolution stand? Has Carling sought a legal opinion on whether the 2019 resolution is valid? When the question was raised at Council whether the $1.5MM cap will be adequate to cover Carling’s obligation, there were two “good news” answers from CAO McLlwain: 1. Reserves are being replenished yearly by $50,000 from the Henvey Windfarm project ($1MM over 20 years), so there is little burden on the taxpayer. Taxpayers were told the Henvey funds could only be used for recreational purposes and were earmarked to fund the pool. An email from the CEO of the Henvey project reveals that the Henvey project did not dictate this but is a decision made by a previous Council. Was there a resolution? Has our current Council confirmed this decision by a formal resolution? Is this a decision that Carling residents support, or would they rather have had a reduction in taxes? 2. Funding for any shortfall can come from financing, reserves and levies. Funds for financing, reserves and levies come from tax dollars. How is this not a burden on the taxpayer? Carling residents have already paid ($900,000) through reserves built up over three to five years drawn from our tax revenue. The bottom line is that Carling has agreed to guarantee an LOC with unclear terms for who knows how much. Carling taxpayers are in for at least $10.5% of whatever the Pool Board tells us must be paid to rescue this project. Would any of us run our personal finances relying on neighbours to tell us how much we will be spending? Carling has no accurate say in decision-making regarding the pool, with one vote at the table. Now that the choice to support the pool has been made on behalf of Carling residents, what projects and services are going on hold, or will our taxes go up to cover the costs of the pool? WCA will continue to advocate for transparent information about the pool's costs and a consultation with Carling residents to determine whether continuing to spend money on the pool has community support.
GBA has an opening for a Project Coordinator to support our Vision 2050 project. We are offering a six-month, part-time contract position that requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week. This vital role offers the opportunity to actively participate in a major, forward-looking initiative that aims to protect Georgian Bay’s eastern and northern coasts for generations to come. The project coordinator will work with the Vision 2050 Steering Committee, comprised of a senior team of experts and seasoned GBA volunteers. You will also liaise with other Georgian Bay partner organizations and stakeholders. Responsibilities include supporting the project’s management and organization, participating in and organizing project meetings, developing communications materials and supporting outreach about the project, working on environmental policy notes, and participating in project activities. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with strong organizational, administrative, and communication skills for this role. Knowledge of the Georgian Bay region and a background in the environmental or planning fields, whether through educational or professional experience, would be considered valuable assets. For more information on Vision 2050, see https://georgianbay.ca/georgian-bay-vision-2050-project/ If you are interested in applying or would like to know more, please contact: Allison Needham at executivedirector@georgianbay.ca
A retired nurse and her husband have come forward alleging they are out $168,000 after paying LOTB (Live On The Bay), a Port Severn company, for a floating home that was never delivered. The couple claim they entered into a contract with LOTB in 2022 and that despite repeated promises, their float home was never built, and they have yet to receive a refund. LOTB’s website showcases various float home models and claims its homes comply with all municipal, provincial, and federal laws. However recent regulatory changes have restricted mooring on public lands, lake beds, and Parks Canada managed waterways. GBA and the Floating Homes not Vessels Coalition have been actively advocating for the need for proper regulation of floating homes to address the safety and environmental concerns presented by these units. These floating homes cannot move on their own, and must be towed or pushed into their location and use spuds for mooring. Black water, grey water, garbage disposal and lakebed damage lead the list of environmental concerns. Read more here.
A Remembrance Day Service will be held on November 11 at the Carling Community Centre. The service will start at 10:45 a.m., and light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
As of April 1, 2024, new Detachment Boards are being established across Ontario. A 12-member Board is being established for the West Parry Sound Area. What’s Happening? The West Parry Sound OPP Detachment serves Carling Township, Henvey Inlet First Nation, Municipality of McDougall, McKellar Township, Town of Parry Sound, Seguin Township, The Archipelago Township, and Municipality of Whitestone. One member is appointed be each of the representing municipalities and First Nations. Additionally, two community representatives will be selected by the member municipalities and First Nations along with two members appointed by the Minister. Be a Community Representative! We’re recruiting two community representatives for the Board for the remainder of this current term of Council (October 26, 2026). This is your chance to take an active role in hearing community concerns and addressing them with the Detachment Commander or their designate. It is an opportunity to determine objectives and priorities for the West Parry Sound OPP Detachment to enhance the quality of life and ensure safety and security in the community. What will the Successful Candidate need to Provide? The successful candidate must provide a clean criminal record check and complete mandatory provincial training. How to Apply: Submit your letter of interest along with your criminal record check to: Lori West Administrator, West Parry Sound OPP Detachment Board 5 Barager Blvd. McDougall ON P2A 2W9 lwest@mcdougall.ca Deadline: All applications/current criminal records checks must be received by December 2, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Make a difference in your community! Apply today and help shape the future of policing in West Parry Sound! Click Here for More Information
Get ready for BAYSCAPES! Our fall fundraiser, Bayscapes, will be back at Toronto's Wychwood Barns on November 22nd. Join us for an evening celebrating Georgian Bay with art, entertainment, and friends old and new. And once again, you’ll be able to bid on the amazing paintings, photographs, items and experiences in the online auction from anywhere in the world. BAYSCAPES PARTY Friday, November 22nd, 7-10 pm Wychwood Barns 601 Christie Street, Toronto Tickets: $80 until November 8th / $100 regular / $40 under 40 ONLINE AUCTION Friday November 15th, 12 noon – Saturday November 23rd, 5 pm Follow @gblandtrust on Instagram to preview the amazing art! The Bayscapes party will feature food, drink, and musical entertainment from Fried Up Fred & Co., plus the opportunity to see some of the Bayscapes art in person. All bidding on auction items will take place in the online auction. Proceeds from both events support the Georgian Bay Land Trust's work to protect nature on Georgian Bay. Buy your tickets to the party Buy your tickets by November 8th to take advantage of the early bird rate of $80! To purchase tickets by phone, contact Suzanne at (416) 440-1519 x107.
The Township has received complaints and listened to concerns regarding the floating cottages, also known as “Vessels,” in our area. Carling is not alone with these issues, as they occur in many areas of the province. Unfortunately, these matters fall outside municipal jurisdiction, with enforcement primarily resting with the provincial and federal governments. The good news is that in 2023, the Provincial Public Lands Act was amended to specifically address this issue, regulating vessels that are used “more for accommodation than navigation.” The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has the authority to deal with this matter. Conservation Officers and MNR Staff are actively investigating the complaints made. Carling has communicated with our Local MPP, the Minister for the MNR, to ensure appropriate action is being taken. The Minister has assured us that the MNR is actively investigating the complaints in Carling and that the regulation will be enforced. The Federal Government also has a role in these matters as Transport Canada issues the vessel registrations while Ocean and Fisheries monitor impacts to the water from these “Vessels”. Township staff are monitoring the situation and will remain in contact with the appropriate enforcement agencies as we share everyone’s concerns. If you have further comments or complaints, please contact the MNR Tips line at 1-877-847-7667 or Transport Canada at 1-877-242-8770 or vr-ib@tc.gc.ca
Please be aware that the waste site hours this weekend are different form the regularly scheduled hours. We are keeping at least one site open each day. On Saturday both sites will be open from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Sunday the Killbear site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Carling site will be closed. On Monday the Carling site will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and the Killbear Site will be closed. We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Weekend.
Read the Fall issue of Shorelines here.
