Highlights of the Regular United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Council meeting held on Thursday, June 22, 2023

Brockville – Here are the highlights of Thursday, June 22, 2023, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville Council Meeting.

2022 Unconsolidated Financial Statements:

Counties Council received and accepted the 2022 Unconsolidated Financial Statements as audited by KPMG LLP, the independent auditors for the Counties. The statements were prepared in accordance with Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Ms. Lori Huber of KPMG presented the findings of the audit and advised there were no corrections to the financial statements, resulting in a clean audit. Ms. Huber said, It really speaks to the high quality of the books and records in terms of the finance team. Ms. Huber said she was happy to report there are no significant deficiencies to bring to the attention of the Council.

Warden Peckford acknowledged the Counties Treasurer, Mrs. Pat Huffman, and the auditors at KPMG for their work with respect to the audit, saying It is fantastic to be reassured that our financial management is well in order.

Annual Housing and Homelessness Plan Public Report:

The Annual Housing and Homelessness Plan Public Report for 2022 required under the Housing Services Act was approved by the Counties Council.

The Public Report includes measures taken and progress achieved to meet objectives and targets outlined in the Plan, mirrors the requirements in the Housing Services Act and provides the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing with the same information provided to the public by June 30th of each year.

The three main strategic goals of the Plan are to:

1. Maintain current affordable housing programs and services;
2. Enhance services to reflect the changing needs of the community; and
3. Involve all stakeholders in the development and implementation of the Plan.

LCBO Mark-Up:

Wineries in Ontario that are not part of the Vintner Quality Alliance (VQA) and sell 100% Ontario wine directly to a licensee (ex. restaurant) are subject to a mark-up and wine levy imposed by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO).

Counties’ Council passed a resolution in support of the elimination of the LCBO mark-up and wine levy on direct delivery of 100% Ontario non-VQA wine to a licensee. This resolution supports the local agri-tourism wine industry, rural diversification and the development of rural economies.

Court House Apartments:

Following Council’s approval, the building at 15 Water Street in Kemptville was officially named “Court House Apartments”.

The newly renovated building which is leased to the Counties’ by the Municipality of North Grenville will include 10 units: one two-bedroom unit, one one-bedroom unit, and eight bachelor units.

The total cost associated with this Project was $1.9 million, with approximately $1.5 million funded through Phases Four and Five of the Social Services Relief Fund.

Upcoming meetings:

A Special Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held on July 31st at 9:00 a.m. The special meeting will be a full-day session regarding strategic initiatives and will be facilitated by Sabine Matheson of StrategyCorp. The location of the special meeting is to be determined.

The next Counties Council meeting will take place on July 27th. No meetings are scheduled in August. The regular schedule will resume in September with the Joint Services Committee meeting on September 5th; the Committee of the Whole meeting on September 6th; the Maple View Lodge Committee of Management meeting on September 7th and the Counties Council meeting on September 21st.

All regular meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at 25 Central Avenue, Brockville.

For more information, contact County Clerk/Manager of Legislative Services, Sheena Earl, at 613-342-3840, ext. 2454, or Sheena.Earl@uclg.on.ca