Windsor council briefs

Heritage bylaw hearing delayed

The advertised public hearing on a heritage bylaw for the Town of Windsor did not take place at the Jan. 28 council session, after all. Preparations weren’t complete by the hearing time. A new date will be advertised in the coming weeks for review of the proposed bylaw.



Deed Transfer Tax administration to change

Council accepted the finance staff’s proposal that the Deed Transfer Tax be administered and collected by the Province’s Land Registration Office. Mayor Anna Allen said that this change will free up staff time for other responsibilities. Deed Transfer taxes are one of the few means, other than property taxes, allowed to municipalities under the Municipal Government Act for generating revenue.

Reviewing grants and gifts policies.

Council is currently reviewing existing policies for grant applications to local groups. Procedures for granting tax exemptions, governed by the Municipal Government Act, will also be reviewed, as will gifts on behalf of council.

Mayor Allen says that the review is necessary to “make sure (council members) understand what we can and can’t do” and to ensure that all policies are up to date. Council will offer its findings to staff at an upcoming meeting of Committee of the Whole.



Town Hall meeting a success

Mayor Allen reports that January’s Town Hall Meeting “was very successful.” Couns. Elizabeth Galbraith and Laurie Murley and Deputy Mayor Andy Kirk, facilitators of the small group sessions on Youth Engagement, Downtown Revitalization and Infrastructure, respectively, wee scheduled to present feedback at the Feb. 12 session of the Committee of the Whole.