Corporation of the Town of Huntsville SPECIAL COUNCIL

Transcription

1 Corporation of the Town of Huntsville SPECIAL COUNCIL Meeting held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Canada Summit Centre - Active Living Centre - Main Room Attendance: Mayor: Councillors: Scott Aitchison Nancy Alcock Dan Armour Jason FitzGerald Det Schumacher Bob Stone Karin Terziano, Deputy Mayor Brian Thompson Jonathan Wiebe Staff: Simone Babineau Manager of Recreation & Leisure Services Crystal Best-Sararas Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Tanya Calleja Manager of Legislative Services Denise Corry Chief Administrative Officer / Clerk Mike Gooch Exec Dir of Development Services Amanda Hill Coordinator of Customer Service Kari Lambe Exec Dir of Community Services Katie Love Customer Service Representative Scott Ovell Community Development Officer Ed Ross I.T. Manager Lisa Smith Exec Dir of Human Resources & Corporate Information Teri Souter Manager of Arts, Culture & Heritage 1. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Moved by Bob Stone and seconded by Brian Thompson 1-16 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Special Council Meeting Agenda dated Tuesday, January 19, 2016 be adopted as printed and circulated. Carried. 2. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST - Nil - 3. PUBLIC MEETING - EVENTS TOURISM / MARKETING Moved by Bob Stone and seconded by Brian Thompson 2-16 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: As per the Town of Huntsville Procedural By-law , as amended, Council hereby suspends the following rules of procedure for the duration of the meeting to allow for public input: 13.1 Appearance before Council written request spokesperson 13.2 Delegations not on Agenda 13.6 Appearance before Council copy of presentation Carried.

2 Special Council Meeting Minutes January 19, Mayor s Remarks Mayor Aitchison provided a brief overview of the purpose and procedure of the meeting and asked the following questions to the public: 1. Should the Town of Huntsville continue to host events? 2. If so, what is the objective and what should our strategy be? 3.2 History of Events Kelly Haywood, Executive Director, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce Ms. Haywood presented the history of events in regards to the Huntsville / Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce. (Schedule A ) Kari Lambe, Executive Director of Community Services, Town of Huntsville Ms. Lambe presented the history of events within the Town of Huntsville. (Schedule B ) 3.3 Public Input Don McCormick outlined his roll with Ironman and stated that he hopes to see an increase in infrastructure to support all sports in the area. Mr. McCormick referred to the momentum that has been established and hoped that this would not be lost. Rob Saunders, Huntsville Festival of the Arts and Rotary Club of Huntsville, questioned why the Chamber funds had been cut and as to whether the Town had a plan in mind or whether it is simply a matter of funds. Mayor Aitchison stated that is was a dollars and cents matter and that the purpose of holding this meeting was to look at the best strategy moving forward. Harold Featherston challenged Council to go back and look for unfound dollars and noted that sports tourism is the future and asked if the community should be changing its focus. Matthew Phillips, Holiday Inn Huntsville, expressed his concerns with sitting back and losing out on holding large events. Mr. Phillips noted past attractions and events that showcased Huntsville and encouraged Council to continue in this way. Mr. Phillips further noted that Hotels and other business would contribute and that a funding formula should be developed to assist the Town with the cost of hosting large events. Mr. Phillips stated that the community needs to be aware of decisions such as the Ironman, before Council turns them down. Councillor Thompson noted businesses did not agree with a Destination Marketing Tax. Mr. Phillips stated that what he was suggesting was not the same thing but that if hotels are able to charge increased fees for a large event that they would then be willing to contribute. Ally Chisholm-Smith, BIA Chair and Business Owner, expressed her concerns with municipal government operating as a business and stated that she believes the Town should be physically responsible while assisting independent businesses. Ross Kirwin expressed his understanding that there will continue to be financial restraints; however, he encouraged Council to create a business plan to assist with any financial shortfall from events.

3 Special Council Meeting Minutes January 19, Kelly Holinshead, Business Owner, questioned what would happen if the Chamber does not receive Town funds. Kelly Haywood outlined services that may not continue, such as equipment rental, website maintenance and leveraging provincial and federal grants, should the Chamber not received the funds from the Town. Helena Renwick, BIA, outlined the funding model of the BIA and stated that a tax model for marketing could be implemented resulting in no cost to the taxpayer. Katherine Craine, Executive Director for the Hospital Foundation, spoke to the quality of life in Huntsville and encouraged Council to find a solution. Chris Jones expressed his understanding in regards to raising funds as the current president of Tri-Muskoka. Mr. Jones stated that what Stratford is to Shakespeare, Huntsville is to Triathlon. Peter Redwood, Rotary Club of Huntsville, stated that Huntsville is admired by surrounding municipalities and encouraged Council to keep Huntsville at the forefront. Mr. Redwood also cautioned that partnerships would become strained and to be cautious moving forward. Rich Trenholm, Tri Muskoka, expressed his concerns in the dwindling of events and the impact on Huntsville. Mr. Trenholm stated that events should be funded by a combination of Town, residents and businesses. Allison Deaumont, Tri Muskoka, noted that in the first number of years events are expected to take a loss and stated that events such as an Ironman promote healthy lifestyle. Nancy Tapley, Lake of Bays Councillor, expressed her concerns with the potential loss of the Chamber funding and questioned the cost on the levy should they be re-instated. Deputy Mayor Terziano noted an approximate increase from $15.00 per $100, assessment to $16.00 per $100, assessment. Mayor Aitchison asked Councillor Tapley what the Township of Lake of Bays contributes. Ms. Haywood noted it was $5, in Councillor Schumacher noted his concerns to Councillor Tapley regarding North South Portage Rd. Darla Stipanovich, Business Owner, expressed her gratitude for the Chamber of Commerce and stated that her business would contribute to assist in bringing large events. Matthew Phillips questioned if the decision to cancel the Ironman could be undone. Tom Stehr, Business Owner, stated that Huntsville needs big events and expressed his disappointment in the cancellation of the full Ironman. Britta Gerwin, Development Officer for the Hospital Foundation, outlined how past events have positively affected the HDHM foundation in increased donations. Jen Demers outlined events in other successful communities and cautioned Council from cutting back on marketing initiatives.

4 Special Council Meeting Minutes January 19, Brandon Whitby outlined his experiences in past Ironman events and noted the deflation of Penticton, BC due to their decision to no longer hold the full Ironman. Councillor Thompson questioned if the course in Huntsville is too difficult and if the event could reach the 2000 participants desired. Mr. Whitby stated that the course was not too difficult and that reaching 2000 participants is unknown. Libby Boucher, Pipefusion, noted that the business had committed to a three year Platinum Sponsorship, for the event. Ms. Boucher stated that due to the situation, businesses may now re-coil at an opportunity to participate in multi-year commitments. Moved by Brian Thompson and seconded by Bob Stone 3-16 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Staff be directed to consult with the public in regards to Events Planning in the Town of Huntsville and report back to General Committee no later than March, Carried. 4. CONFIRMATION BY-LAW Moved by Brian Thompson and seconded by Bob Stone 4-16 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Confirmation By-law be received, numbered, and Read a First, Second and Third time and finally passed this 19 th day of January, (Special Council Meeting January 19, 2016) Carried. 5. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Bob Stone and seconded by Brian Thompson 5-16 BE IT RESOLVED THAT: We do now adjourn at 8:15 p.m. to meet again on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Algonquin Theatre. Carried. Mayor (Scott Aitchison) CAO / Clerk (Denise Corry)

5 SCHEDULE "A" Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce Community Marketing Initiative EVENTS History : Community Marketing Initiative Survey of business membership priority: bring more business to the community BUT traditional ad buys are cost prohibitive Ex. Toronto Star Print Ad: $28, (1/2 page, Saturday Travel Section) Strategy: Develop marketing campaigns and events to attract new visitors Shoulder-season focus Low impact on the environment and on our facilities Outcomes: Effectively raised the profile of Huntsville/Lake of Bays as a Tourism Destination Attracted hundreds of thousands of dollars in tourism spending in our community

6 Types of Events Bidding to attract events Creating events Supporting Events Events (Bid Process) ParaSport Games (2006/2012) Ontario 55+ Winter Games (2013) Canadian Master Cross Country Ski Championships (2013) Muskoka OWG (2014) U18 (2015) Triathlon (Ironman and 70.3)

7 Events (Created) Girlfriends Getaway Weekend (2016 is the 10 th anniversary!) Muskoka Maple Festival (2016) Past Signature Events Winter Comedy Carnival Running Scared 5K Zombie Run! Muskoka Sound Music Festival Live It The Long and Winding Dinner

8 Events (Supported) Band on the Run: Huntsville Half Marathon Feast the Harvest Summer Solstice Art Tour Spin the Lakes Rotary Dockfest En Plein Air Nuit Blanche North Limberlost Challenge Why the Chamber? Experience Partnerships Relationships with funders Represent the business community

9 Thank You! 3 Strategies: Bid to attract events Create events Support new community events Unique events effectively market the community Let s continue to put Huntsville on the map as an exciting tourism destination!

10 SCHEDULE "B" Events in Huntsville - Town of Huntsville hosted events - Community Partner/Group hosted events - Community grown events Town hosted events: Town of Huntsville Hosted Events Nutty Chocolatier Easter Egg Hunt (MHP) Great Pumpkin Trail (MHP) Portage Flyer Christmas (MHP) Concerts in the Park National Aboriginal Day Canada Day

11 Events that the town has contracted with an outside organization to host on their behalf: National Women s Under-18 Championship Ironman Muskoka Ontario Games (ie. Winter & ParaSport) PanAm Torch Relay and more Town of Huntsville Hosted Events Community Partner/Group Events Sports Hockey Tournaments (boys, girls & adults) Figure Skating (Skoki Skate, Carnival) Swim Meets Muskoka Loppet Soccer Tournaments Baseball Tournaments (youth and adult) Dance Competitions School Tournaments and Championships

12 Community Partner/Group Events Sports specialty events Band on the Run Spin the Lakes TriMuskokan Big East River X & Muskoka River X Limberlost Challenge Muskoka Kids Tri Community Partner/Group Events Arts, Culture & Heritage Huntsville Festival of the Arts season Film North Banff Film Festival Nuit Blanche Artists of Limberlost Summer Studio Tour Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour Rotary Dock Fest Muskoka Pride Celebration

13 Community Grown Events BIA Annual Events Midnight Madness, Sidewalk Sale, Classic Car Show), Canada Day, and more Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce Comedy Festival Girl Friends Getaway Weekend Muskoka Sound Music Festival Long & Winding Dinner and more Other Events Port Sydney Winter Carnival Swim for Hospice Coldest Night of the Year Terry Fox Run Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships Ski, Waterski & Wakeboard Events