Committee P.M. - 20 Oct 2021 - Agenda - Pdf

AGENDA

COMMITTEE P.M. - 11:00 a.m. (Long-Term Care/Corporate Services/

Finance, Facilities and Court Services/Social Services)

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Electronic Meeting

COVID-19 Message: To accommodate recommendations of public health authorities and those in self-isolation, this meeting will be broadcast online to members of the public. The link to the meeting livestream will be available through the online Meeting Calendar at www.lambtononline.ca/meetings

Page

1. Call to Order - Committee P.M. Committee Members: S. Arnold, D. Boushy, A. Broad, D. Cook, D. Ferguson, B. Loosley, M. Stark, B. White, and Warden K. Marriott.

2. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest If any.

3. Board of Health: Medical Officer of Health Update on COVID-19

4. LONG-TERM CARE DIVISION A) Information Reports 3 - 5 a) Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding COVID-

19 Update. 6 - 8 b) Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding

Occupancy 3rd Quarter 2021. B) Other Business

5. CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION A) Information Reports 9 - 11 a) Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding January

2022 - Return to In Person Meeting Protocols. B) Other Business

Page 1 of 44

http://www.lambtononline.ca/meetings

Agenda: Committee P.M. - October 20, 2021

6. FINANCE, FACILITIES & COURT SERVICES DIVISION A) Information Reports 12 - 14 a) Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Bayside

Centre Activity Report Update. 15 - 17 b) Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding the

Annual Donations Report. B) Reports Requiring a Motion 18 - 19 a) Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding 2022 New Capital

Grant Requests. 20 - 33 b) Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Implementing the

Optional Small Business Property Tax Sub-class - A Preliminary 2022 Tax Policy Discussion.

C) Other Business

7. SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION A) Information Reports 34 - 37 a) Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding

Affordable Housing Target. B) Reports Requiring a Motion 38 - 44 a) Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding 2022-23 Funding

Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs. C) Other Business

8. IN-CAMERA No In-Camera Items.

9. ADJOURNMENT

Page 2 of 44

LONG-TERM CARE DIVISION

REPORT TO: CHAIR AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS

DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION

PREPARED BY: Jane Joris, General Manager

REVIEWED BY: Ron Van Horne, Chief Administrative Officer

MEETING DATE: October 20, 2021

INFORMATION ITEM: COVID-19 Update

BACKGROUND The Global Pandemic due to COVID-19 is well into its second year. The Lambton County Homes (Homes) have provided a safe living and working environment throughout the Pandemic. Planning and response processes are available or in place to respond to any concerns. The Outbreaks declared in the Homes during the Pandemic have not spread to more than one person testing positive and the Homes have had no deaths or illnesses due to COVID-19. Since late January 2020 the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) have been providing information and direction to Long-Term Care Homes (LTCHs) in the Province regarding response and preparation for COVID-19 and/or a Pandemic. This report will provide updated information about the response in the County of Lambton Long-Term Care Division's LTCHs and Community Service programs to the Global Pandemic and the path to recovery.

DISCUSSION All recommendations from Public Health Ontario Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) standards, the MOH, MLTC and Ministry of Labour have been put into place in the Homes. On August 20, 2021 new documents were released by the MLTC that included changes and updates to many processes for Fall Preparedness Planning and updates to the LTC Guidance Document.

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding COVID-19 Update. Page 3 of 44

COVID-19 Update (page 2) October 20, 2021

Adult Day Program Programs The Adult Day Programs remain open and have continued to increase numbers of participants each day. Referrals for new participants have been coming in steadily. The virtual program attendance has decreased as people have returned to the Day Programs in person.

Visiting Homes must continue to log all visitors. Indoor visits continue to include physical distancing and masking requirements. Designated essential caregivers can attend the Home at any time. General visitors must book a visit either by calling the Home or using the on-line booking system on the website. Everyone entering or attending the Home must be actively screened. Changes to screening questions were provided from the MLTC on August 31, 2021. A number of symptoms were removed, and some changes implemented that have been made globally across different screening tools, and are based on the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone entering the Home who has not been fully immunized must have a rapid test with negative results prior to entering the Home.

Vaccines Effective October 1, 2021, the MLTC issued a revised Minister’s Directive: The Long-Term Care Home COVID-19 Immunization Policy. Per the revised Directive, every licensee must ensure that all staff, support workers, students, and volunteers provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption by November 15, 2021. Staff, support workers, students or volunteers who choose not to provide proof of vaccination, or proof of a valid medical exemption, by the required date will not be able to attend a LTCH work, undertake a student placement or volunteer. Lambton County Home’s vaccine policy has been amended to be in compliance with the Minister’s Directive and staff who choose not to provide proof of vaccination will be placed on an indefinite unpaid leave of absence. A Mitigation Plan is in place in each Home should the staff not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 choose not to provide proof by the November 15, 2021 date. All eligible residents wanting the COVID-19 booster have received their third dose.

Staffing Staffing in most departments has returned to pre-pandemic levels related to reductions in clinical assessments and the return to communal dining while community transmission is low.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


COVID-19 Update (page 3) October 20, 2021

The Homes continue to employ people on a temporary basis to complete active screening at the entrances to the Homes. Several contracts with a variety of staffing agencies are in place and use of agency staff continues when needed. The Infection Control Nurses continue to work in that role in a full time capacity.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The MLTC has committed to fund the costs related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and all extra costs related are being tracked and analyzed. A reconciliation up to March 31, 2021 of all outstanding costs related to COVID-19 response was covered by the Province. Information was also provided to each Home regarding COVID-19 Prevention and Containment funding that can be expected through to March 31, 2022. The MLTC expects that costs will be reduced as vaccine rates increase. Increased funding has been provided to the Homes to assist with extra costs since April 2020 for both COVID-19 Prevention and Containment and IPAC Minor Capital funding.

CONSULTATIONS Consultations have been ongoing with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care, the County of Lambton’s Human Resources Department, Lambton Public Health, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, AdvantAge Ontario and the Homes’ Infection Control Practitioners and Infection Control Teams.

STRATEGIC PLAN In keeping with the Mission Statement of the County of Lambton, the programs provided by the Lambton County Homes contribute to enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services. CONCLUSION At the writing of this report all procedures are in place as directed and recommended by the Ministry of Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Health, the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Lambton Public Health.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


LONG-TERM CARE DIVISION


DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION

PREPARED BY: Jane Joris, General Manager

REVIEWED BY: Ron Van Horne, Chief Administrative Officer


INFORMATION ITEM: Occupancy 3rd Quarter 2021

BACKGROUND The Long-Term Care Division operates three Long-Term Care Homes located in Sarnia (Marshall Gowland Manor), Petrolia (Lambton Meadowview Villa) and Forest (North Lambton Lodge) with a total of 339 beds. The funding policy requires that each Home's occupancy must remain at 97% averaged over the year to maximize funding. During the COVID-19 Pandemic the Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) has amended this policy to ensure that funding remains stable despite vacancies that take a Home lower than 97% occupancy. During the COVID-19 Pandemic the MLTC has funded vacancies due to COVID response. None of the Lambton County Homes have any rooms with more than two people; however some rooms have been kept vacant for isolation purposes. During the Pandemic the MLTC has also covered the cost of resident co-payments for people who accepted a room in a Home that was not their first choice or if they accepted accommodation other than the level that they applied to (e.g. if they applied for basic but accepted semi level accommodation).

DISCUSSION The Long-Term Care Home Act, 2007 outlines the funding approach through the Level of Care Per Diem Funding Policy, including rules and conditions for the Level of Care (LOC) per diem paid to the operator for each Long-Term Care Home (LTCH). Whether an operator receives the LOC per diem funding based on a number of licensed or approved beds in the Home will depend on what portion of those beds will be occupied during the year. The occupancy targets that need to be achieved in order to receive the LOC per diem funding based on the number of licensed or approved beds in the Home will vary by bed type. If a licensee fails to achieve the occupancy target, the LOC per diem funding is normally paid based on actual resident days or the days that the resident actually

AGENDA ITEM #b)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Occupancy 3rd Quarte... Page 6 of 44

Occupancy 3rd Quarter 2021 (page 2) October 20, 2021

occupied the beds in the Home, in accordance with the rules and conditions set out in this policy. Long-stay beds must achieve 97% occupancy to receive 100% of the LOC per diem funding. This policy has been amended due to COVID-19. The Occupancy Reports by County Home for 2021 third quarter are attached. At the writing of this report the Homes have been working to fill all vacancies and the occupancy rates are much improved. All three County LTCHs have significant wait lists for occupancy in all three levels of accommodation.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are many factors that have the potential to vary the revenue for the LTCHs. Occupancy numbers are a primary driver of the revenue for the ‘Other Accommodation’ funding envelope. Lags in timely admissions can result due to Home and Community Care Services assessments requiring updates, outbreaks of infectious diseases that pause admissions and bed offers to several people prior to acceptance. Lambton County Homes also each maintain an internal waitlist for people who want to move to a different level of accommodation within the Home.

CONSULTATIONS Not applicable.

STRATEGIC PLAN In keeping with the Mission Statement of the County, the programs provided by this Division contribute to the quality of life in Lambton County, through the provision of responsive and efficient services.

CONCLUSION Under the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care Funding Policy, a Home receives full funding as long as the occupancy levels for long-stay beds achieve a minimum 97% occupancy. All three County of Lambton Long-Term Care Homes have had some variances in occupancy during the Pandemic but will receive full occupancy funding due to COVID-19 adjustments.

AGENDA ITEM #b)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Occupancy 3rd Quarte... Page 7 of 44

Month of: September

YTD Days= 273

Approved Beds

Long Term Care

Short Stay

Total Occupancy

(Based on Beds) # % # % # % # % # % # %

Long Term Care 120 96% 120 96% 123 98% 123 98% 86 98% 85 97%

Short Stay 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

Year-to-date

Tot Avbl Resident Days

*Ministry Funding Target

(97%)

Actual YTD 32,240 94.5% 33,380 97.8% 33,371 97.0% 33,597 97.7% 23,240 96.7% 23,539 98.0%

Bed Breakdown

Private Beds 54 45% 59 49% 46 37% 45 37% 31 36% 31 36%

Semi-Private Beds 16 13% 12 10% 26 21% 25 20% 16 19% 18 21%

Ward Beds 50 42% 49 41% 51 41% 53 43% 39 45% 36 42%

*Based on Long Term care beds

2021 2020

88

0

126

0

20202021 2021 2020

125

0

COUNTY of LAMBTON - LONG TERM CARE DIVISION

88125 126

North Lambton LodgeLambton Meadowview Villa Marshall Gowland Manor

2021 OCCUPANCY REPORT

24,024 24,024

33,101 33,101 33,366 33,366 23,303 23,303

34,125 34,125 34,398 34,398

AG

END

A ITEM #b)

Information R

eport dated October 20, 2021 R

egarding Occupancy 3rd Q

uarte...Page 8 of 44

CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION


DEPARTMENT: LEGAL SERVICES / CLERK'S

PREPARED BY: Stéphane Thiffeault, General Manager

REVIEWED BY: Ronald G. Van Horne, Chief Administrative Officer


INFORMATION ITEM: January 2022 - Return to In Person Meeting Protocols BACKGROUND At its October 6, 2021 meeting, County Council adopted, subject to Members' continued option to participate electronically in accordance with Council's prior decision on that subject matter, the following resolution, the effect of which is a return to in person meetings in early 2022:

#12: Bradley/Napper: That County Council not resume in-person meetings until January 2022 at the earliest, unless there’s a change in the Reopening Plan from the Province.

Carried. This report provides Council with information on the following:

a) the physical modifications that will be required to Council Chambers to safely accommodate in person attendance; and

b) the protocols to be followed when Members return to Council Chambers in person.

DISCUSSION

(a) Physical Modifications

Due to ongoing public health guidance and applicable rules, including specifically those stated in O. Reg. 364/20 (Rules for Areas in Stage 3) adopted under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, minor physical modifications will be required to Council Members' desks in Council Chambers. Specifically, to safely accommodate all Members, a glass barrier will have to be installed between each member's desk located in Council Chambers, at a cost. The glass will

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding January 2022 - Retur... Page 9 of 44

Return to In Person Meeting Protocols (page 2) October 20, 2021

serve as an impermeable barrier that will further assist in preventing the transmission of infections, including COVID-19, between Members who, given the layout of Council Chambers, sit in close proximity to one another. In the absence of such partitions, Members will be required to wear face masks throughout the meeting - a requirement that is less than ideal given the purpose of the meeting.

In the event a Member were to be exempt from wearing a face mask on account of a medical condition, those sitting within two (2) Members of that member would, in the absence of a partition, be required to wear both full face shields and face masks/face coverings.

Hence the need for glass partitions, which will be erected for as long as applicable public health and safety guidance and rules are in effect. These measures are subject to change so as to ensure adherence to public health advice and rules in effect from time to time. Any amendments thereto will be brought to Council's attention.

(b) Applicable Protocols In addition to complying with Council's policy COVID-19 Vaccination for Council Members, adopted on October 6, 2021, Members who choose to attend Council Chambers will be required to adhere to the following health and safety protocols:

• prior to attending the Administration Building, self-screen for any symptom of COVID-19. Members are not to attend Council Chambers if they are symptomatic for any symptom of COVID-19. Those Members are asked to participate electronically;

• upon entering the Administrative Building, disinfect hands with the provided hand sanitizer;

• maintain, to the fullest extent possible, two (2) metres of distance with others, save and except while seated at the Member's desk within Council Chambers; and

• wear a face mask/face covering at all times while in the Administration Building, including Council Chambers, other than when seated at the Members' own desk and/or while consuming a food or a drink.

It should be noted that a limited number of staff will attend meetings in person, and those attending will be seated in the room at least two (2) metres apart. Staff will generally participate electronically unless their attendance is required in person. Again, please note that these health and safety protocols are subject to applicable public health advice, guidance and regulations in effect, and thus subject to changes from time to

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Return to In Person Meeting Protocols (page 3) October 20, 2021

time. Any changes thereto - and their impact on Council operations - will be communicated to Council Members as they occur. Finally, visitors will be asked to sign in. There will be limited seating capacity for the public, and therefore public attendance will be monitored. Though unlikely given past attendance trends, in the event the room reaches its capacity of 32 individuals (in total), members of the public could be turned away to maintain physical distancing. To the extent possible, depending on numbers, members of the public may be otherwise accommodated by, for instance, being permitted to observe the meeting from Committee Room #1, which has an additional seating capacity of five (5). The meeting will be publically broadcast online, as per past practice.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial consequences arising from this report other than the anticipated costs of erecting temporary glass partitions between Members' deskS.

CONSULTATIONS The Chief Administrative Officer, General Managers and Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator were consulted on the subject matter of this report.

STRATEGIC PLAN N/A.

CONCLUSION With the return to in person meetings in January 2022 at the earliest, some modifications to Council Chambers will be required. Members will also need to adhere to a number of health and safety protocols, all of which are in place for the protection of Members and staff's health and safety.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


FINANCE, FACILITIES AND COURT SERVICES DIVISION


DEPARTMENT: PROCUREMENT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PREPARED BY: Rob King, Manager

REVIEWED BY: Larry Palarchio, CPA, CMA, General Manager

Ronald G. Van Horne, Chief Administrative Officer


INFORMATION ITEM: Bayside Centre Activity Report Update

BACKGROUND

In July 2020, County Council approved a 20-year lease agreement between The Corporation of the County of Lambton and Seasons Retirement Communities ("Seasons"), the current owner of the Bayside Centre in downtown Sarnia. The agreement contemplates significant renovations to the premises, which will alter the landscape of the current site, and thus the purpose of this report is to update County Council on construction and renovation activities since the last report on this matter.

DISCUSSION

The suite of agreements between the County and Seasons contemplates Seasons completing a renovated building by April 1, 2022. The renovations will see the current Bayside Centre significantly re-developed into a standalone building accommodating the County's rented premises as well as additional space for third parties. A brief update on construction and renovation activities is attached as Schedule A for Council's information.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

The County has incurred $2,400,000 of leasehold improvement costs to date which is below the 2020/21 Capital Leasehold Improvement Budget.

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Bayside Centre Activ... Page 12 of 44

Bayside Centre Activity Report Update (page 2) October 20, 2021

It should be noted that County Administration continues to work with our project consultants to determine if there are any potential cost impacts/overruns associated with COVID-19 and physical distancing in the workplace.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Not applicable (on this report).

CONCLUSION

Site activities continue to progress as expected.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Schedule "A" to Bayside Update Report Page 1 of 1

BAYSIDE CENTRE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE REPORT

Report Date: October 20, 2021

Date of last report: July 7, 2021

Activity (ies) since the last report:

1) County Council approved the project on July 8, 2020.

2) All agreements were signed with Seasons Retirement Communities (Sarnia) GP Inc. and Seasons Sarnia Development GP Inc. ("Seasons").

3) As of the date of this report Seasons' work comprises of: a) The County of Lambton commenced to occupy the swing space on March 1st, 2021. b) Weather wall has been constructed in order to construct the new outer wall along the

south elevation and also the eastern elevation. c) Demolition of the Mall is expected to be done by the end of October. d) The elevator foundation has been completed and they are awaiting steel delivery for the

new vestibule/elevator tower. e) Demolition of the landlord lobby space has been completed and the demising wall has

been constructed to separate the two (2) construction sites. f) The lobby space drywall is nearing completion. g) New CRU's have been painted and flooring installation has commenced. h) Negotiations have concluded for the new Bus Terminal. The County is still waiting for

final details of the space. This will require an amendment to the original agreement with Seasons.

4) As for the County's tenant improvements: a) AUBI is declared the lowest compliant tender meeting all specifications and a contract

was signed on March 22nd. b) Framing and Plumbing for the first floor offices has been completed. c) Tiling (flooring and walls) of the washrooms are nearly complete. d) Electrical and HVAC are nearing completion for the central office grouping. e) Abatement work on the 2nd floor will be starting on the 12th of October which is

estimated to take three (3) weeks to complete. f) Leasehold Cost incurred to date are $2,400,000 (approx.), 2020 Budget is $700,000 and the

2021 Budget is $3,700,000, indicating that we are forecasting to be below budget for 2021. g) Cost pressures resulting from COVID-19 and enhanced physical restriction safety

impacts will more than likely put cost pressure on the 2022 forecasted Leasehold Budget ($600,000).

Project status (since last reported):

1) Project timeline has been increased by approximately six (6) weeks due to unforeseen abatement issues and material delivery issues (Expected project completion is now the end of March 2022. First floor is estimated to be occupied in December 2021.

2) The plan for the 2nd floor to move operations and occupy the swing space is the end of October 2021 in order to commence work on the 2nd floor early to meet the project completion timelines. Staff will be alternating days in the office to mitigate COVID-19 concerns.

3) Project Steering Committee has been formed and is meeting regularly. 4) Communication and Engagement Committee (staff focused) has been formed and is

meeting regularly.

Schedule "A"

AGENDA ITEM #a)




DEPARTMENT: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICES

PREPARED BY: Nancy King, CPA, CMA, Manager

REVIEWED BY: Larry Palarchio, CPA, CMA, General Manager

Ronald G. Van Horne, Chief Administrative Officer


INFORMATION ITEM: Annual Donations Report

BACKGROUND

In accordance with County Policy F33.01 - Donations, staff prepare an annual report to Council outlining, on a Department and facility basis, the donations received, tax receipts issued and number of volunteers and hours donated to the County of Lambton during the 12 months preceding August 31st of each year.

DISCUSSION

The attached schedule outlines activity during the period September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Highlights from this report are:

Reported cash donations have increased 19% this reporting period ($393,473 vs. $330,719). Significant donations that Lambton Public Health received from a number of organizations to support the various COVID-19 activities in the community have been the biggest contributor to the increase.

The overall number of donated property items in 2021 increased by 81 items or 73.0% compared to 2020 (192 vs. 111). The Lambton County Archives and Lambton Heritage Museum have seen the largest increase of items donated. Although the number of donated items is up, the value of property items donated in the current period decreased $15,086 ($28,161 vs. $43,247 in 2020). Since archives appreciate in value, those that are received are counted for but no value is assigned to them.

The number of individuals volunteering their time to the County has increased significantly in 2021 (599 vs. 471) along with the number of volunteer hours (26,696 vs. 16,494). This means that on average each volunteer donated 44 hours during this reporting period, an increase of 25.7% from what each volunteer gave in 2020. With numerous vaccine clinics held in 2021, a significant number of volunteers were recruited to give their time.

AGENDA ITEM #b)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding the Annual Donations... Page 15 of 44

Annual Donations Report (page 2) October 20, 2021

For 2021, the value of income tax receipts issued - which is done on a request basis - as a percentage of the value of donations made, decreased slightly to 88% from 93% in 2020. The number of receipts issued increased from 108 to 172. The most requests related to donations were given to the Lambton Heritage Museum, the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery (JNAAG), and the Social Services Circles® program.


Cash and property donated to the County contribute towards reducing the amount of taxation required to fund the County's provision of services and activities. In the absence of these donations, the County would have had to redirect funds from other activities and programs to replace the cash provided and acquire the property received. Similarly, there is a direct savings associated with the contributions of volunteers' time. Assuming a rate of $30 per hour, the value of their time in 2020/2021 was $534,000 for the County, its facilities and functions. This means that as a result of these contributions, the County's tax levy in 2021 could be 1.16% lower than it would have otherwise been.

CONSULTATIONS

Managers and Supervisors of County Departments were consulted in the preparation of this report.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Providing access to this information to the public addresses the goals of open governance.

CONCLUSION

The County of Lambton continues to benefit significantly from the donation of property and hours. However, the COVID-19 pandemic's negative impact on the donations received by the County is still prevalent. Appreciation for and recognition of the value of these gifts of cash, property and especially time is deserved by all who gave so generously to the County.

AGENDA ITEM #b)


COUNTY OF LAMBTONANNUAL DONATION REPORT

For the Twelve Month Period September 1, 2020 - August 31, 2021

Cash Income Tax ReceiptsDonations Property Donated Issued Volunteers

$ $ # $ # # Hours # Persons

Library 4,799.63 50.00 1 3,238.05 11 - -

Lambton County Archives 1,963.26 825.00 97 2,601.27 9 - -

LHM 59,349.77 21,650.00 67 80,776.89 78 293 63

OM 4,629.37 - 19 4,430.00 7 28 1

ALIX Art Gallery 10,730.87 3,268.00 3 7,601.00 22 274 35

Social Services 37,848.05 - - 35,442.39 15 9,196 121

Comm. Health Serv. 236,700.00 - - 224,500.00 11 16,149 367

LMV 4,905.00 1,542.34 3 1,687.34 8 19 2

MGM 18,708.11 226.00 1 451.00 6 20 3

NLL 12,971.84 600.00 1 8,811.84 2 50 1

Community Support Programs 866.71 - - 210.00 3 667 6

TOTAL 393,472.61 28,161.34 192 369,749.78 172 26,696 599

COMPARISON Sept '19-Aug '20 330,719.17 43,247.16 111 348,840.71 108 16,494 471

AGENDA ITEM #b)




DEPARTMENT: FINANCE, FACILITIES AND COURT SERVICES DIVISION

PREPARED BY: Larry Palarchio, CPA, CMA, General Manager



SUBJECT: 2022 New Capital Grant Requests

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to provide considerable operational and financial challenges to the County of Lambton. As we are all very aware, COVID-19 has pulled the global economy into unprecedented times, leaving the County of Lambton exposed to unforeseen risks ranging from loss of revenues to alternate service delivery strategies in several program service areas. In preparation of a post COVID-19 local economy, saving money is more important than ever as the County anticipates significant budgetary challenges stemming from the COVID pandemic. In light of a Provincial election that is anticipated in June, 2022 and the local budgetary challenges associated with anticipated reduced Provincial funding in the upcoming 2022/2023 Provincial budgets, Administration believes that containing discretionary spending such as "new" capital grant requests is important prior to heading into 2022 budget deliberations. Staff continues to monitor the 2021 budget and reduce expenses to ensure the County continues to operate its essential services while projecting a balanced year-end position for 2021. As the County looks forward into the 2022 budget and beyond, the County is looking at ways of adjusting discretionary program spending including extending the moratorium on new capital grant requests that was adopted in 2021.

DISCUSSION

Under the Municipal Act, 2001, Council has the authority and ability to make grants to organizations. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, County of Lambton staff continues to look at significant cost containment strategies for the 2022 budget session and is recommending continuing the one (1) year suspension relating to accepting any new capital grant requests.

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding 2022 New Capital Grant Requests. Page 18 of 44

2022 New Capital Grant Requests (page 2) October 20, 2021

Administration is presently forecasting in 2022 and beyond significant operating and capital challenges in key core service areas such as Long-Term Care, affordable housing, Public Health as well as economic development initiatives. The County of Lambton would continue to provide base grant funding of approximately $2.8 million to all of the organizations it has previously committed grants to.

CONSULTATIONS

General Managers and Divisional Support Services staff were consulted in the preparation of this report.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Meets the objective of accountability to ratepayers for the appropriate stewardship of their tax dollars.

CONCLUSION

County Divisions will continue to monitor the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and explore methods and opportunities to sustain the operations of our key services. The nature of COVID-19 has forced a change in industry norms and the County of Lambton is not immune to this. Despite many internal budgetary adjustments and additional Ministry funding in 2020 and 2021, the County has incurred significant expenses. With the COVID-19 pressures persisting, staff continues to implement and recommend strategies to mitigate financial pressures into 2021 and beyond.

RECOMMENDATION That County Council authorize staff to continue the moratorium on any new capital grants for the 2022 County Budget as a response to controlling and containing costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding 2022 New Capital Grant Requests. Page 19 of 44



DEPARTMENT: FINANCE, FACILITIES AND COURT SERVICES DIVISION

PREPARED BY: Larry Palarchio, CPA, CMA, General Manager



SUBJECT: Implementing the Optional Small Business Property Tax Sub-class – A Preliminary 2022 Tax Policy Discussion

BACKGROUND

During its consideration of what tax policy should apply in the County of Lambton and its constituent area-municipalities for the 2021 taxation year, Council indicated that it wished a more detailed report into the implications and benefits of implementing the optional Small Business Property Sub-class (SBPS) for the 2022 taxation year. Staff took this direction and committed to providing a report in advance of Council’s 2022 Tax Policy Deliberations. The following provides Council with:

A review of the technical considerations associated with implementing the SBPS.

The potential benefits vs. the cost/budget impacts from implementing a SBPS.

Analysis of alternate Tax Policy Options available to Council.

Conclusion and Recommendation. As part of its preparations for this report, County Finance staff held discussions with the Treasurers/Finance/tax staff of each area-municipality (the Group) to obtain their thoughts regarding what specific impacts they felt could occur in their Municipalities from implementing a SBPS. The Group was then asked what it believed County Finance staff’s recommendation(s) to Council should be. The conclusions in this report represent the general consensus of the Group regarding implementing a SBPS in Lambton. To support these discussions and ensure that the Group had sufficient information and data on which to base its discussions and analysis, County Finance staff arranged for detailed analysis and professional advice from the Municipal Tax Advisory Group PPC (MTAG).

AGENDA ITEM #b)

Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Implementing the Optional Small ... Page 20 of 44

Implementing the Optional Small Business Property Tax (page 2) October 20, 2021 Sub-class - A Preliminary 2022 Tax Policy Discussion

DISCUSSION

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTING THE SBPS The rules and requirements for implementing the SBPS are contained in O.Reg. 331/21, which was released by the Province this past Spring (after Council had already considered and approved its Tax Policy for the 2021 Taxation year). While these rules generally follow those applicable to other Tax Policy Options – e.g. the By-Law adopting the SBPS must be adopted by the Municipality with responsibility for setting Tax Policy within the jurisdiction – O.Reg. 331/21 is unique in that:

There are no restrictions on either the definition or criteria a Municipality can set for determining which properties should be included in the SBPS.

Municipalities are responsible for all aspects of administering the SBPS, including adjudication of almost all appeals.

MPAC’s role is limited to simply “coding” properties for inclusion in the Sub-class. It has no authority (and cannot be delegated authority) for identifying properties for inclusion in the SBPS.

There is no automatic “matching” by the Province of the discount provided by a SBPS unless the Municipality:

a. Can show that it has “consulted” with the local business community regarding its program; and,

b. Formal application is made to and approved by the Minister of Finance. (See Attachment “A” which is a copy of a Newsletter produced by MTAG PPC and which provides a fuller description of the technical requirements contained in O.Reg. 331/21.) It is the fact that Municipalities are fully responsible for administration of the SBPA that is the most significant aspect of these rules. It means that if it were to implement the SBPS, the County would need to:

Appoint a Program Administrator and an Appeals Adjudicator. These roles are not optional and have specific responsibilities which suggest that they cannot be assigned to either the Municipality’s Treasurer or Clerk. Further, these positions must be filled by staff and cannot be contracted out.

Create and maintain all systems, records, notices, on-line presence, forms, processes and procedures related to administering the SBPS.

Establish a formal appeals process as the Assessment Review Board has no jurisdiction regarding decisions by the Program Administrator to include or not include a property in the SBPS.

Determine if administration of the SBPS should be divided between the upper-tier and the lower-tier (an option in two-tier jurisdictions).

Determine the quantum of relief to be provided, how many unique/different SBPSs will be created and what eligibility requirements and exclusions will apply to them.

AGENDA ITEM #b)



COUNCIL CONSIDERATIONS RE: IMPLEMENTING A SBPS The current Provincial Government believes that in general, businesses pay more taxes than they should. The premise behind the Government’s introduction of the tax policy option allowing municipalities to implement a SBPS is that property taxes form a greater burden on “Small Businesses” than on businesses in general, and that providing relief from this perceived greater burden is best addressed by local municipal governments. Further, by delegating full responsibility for the design of any SBPS program to municipalities, the Province recognized that the impact and circumstance regarding property taxation varies significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This understood, the decision as to whether or not to exercise this delegated authority then needs to be considered in light of the benefits/cost to balance that such a decision could provide to a municipal jurisdiction and the “Small Businesses” located within it. These considerations can be divided into non-financial/qualitative and financial:

Non-Financial/Qualitative The first question that Council needs to consider is to what degree do property taxes in Lambton County pose an affordability issue for “Small Businesses”? Does it appear that, like in some jurisdictions such as Toronto, “Small Businesses” are being forced to close or relocate due to the amount of property taxes they pay? If the answer to this question were to be “yes”, then the next question is what level of discount should Council mandate? The maximum of 35% or something less? Council must also tackle the difficult question of how does it actually define what is a “Small Business” in Lambton County. Any time a new Property Sub-class is created, there will be properties that benefit and those which do not. Because there are virtually no restrictions on what criteria Council establishes, the crafting of eligibility criteria for a SBPS is fully its decision. This means that Council will be fully responsible for deciding who benefits from the creation of any SBPS. As a result, it may find itself having to defend its SBPS decisions to those businesses that do not receive the discount. These challenges could possibly be mitigated through:

Prior consultation with the local business community regarding eligibility criteria. As consultation is a requirement for having the Province provide a matching reduction in Education taxes, this is a step that Council could be expected to take regardless.

Create multiple, area-municipal specific SBPS. In a jurisdiction such as Lambton, what is perceived as being a “Small Business” will vary from area-municipality to area-municipality. However, although this mitigates the issue of what is a “Small Business”, the creation of multiple, unique and separate SBPSs in individual area-municipalities would significantly increase administration complexity.

AGENDA ITEM #b)



A further strategy for mitigating concerns of non-qualifying businesses would be to make any SBPS implemented an “application-based” program. Requiring applications expands the responsibility for obtaining a discount from Council to include business owners themselves, as no discount would be provided unless an application is received, determined to meet Council’s qualification criteria and therefore approved. However, as with implementing multiple SBPS, doing this again would increase administrative complexity. In the end, as with all other alternatives available to it in the forming of tax policy for Lambton County and its area-municipalities, Council will need to satisfy itself that (a) there is a need to provide the relief such as that which creating a SBPS could provide, and (b) that creating one or more SBPSs is the most appropriate way of doing so.

Financial Financial considerations are easier to articulate as they are quantitative as opposed to qualitative. For purposes of this Report, staff asked MTAG to model a 35% discount and set the eligibility criteria for inclusion in a possible SBPS as follows:

A) To exclude any properties with the following Property Codes:

a. Hydro wind turbine: JT assessment on a Farm Property Code (begins with a 2)

b. Parking lots: GT

c. Oil wells: property code 401

d. Hydro transformer station: property code 558

e. Vacant Industrial Land: vacant and excess land property to not qualify

f. Communication Building: Property code 496

g. Warehousing: Property codes 530 and 531

h. Railway buildings: Property code 598

i. Banks: Property codes 432 and 433

j. PIL properties: all to be excluded

B) Current Value Assessment (CVA) Limits

In addition to the preceding specific exclusions, for remaining properties, the following limits on current value assessment (CVA) were also employed to further restrict eligibility for inclusion in a possible Small Business Property Tax Sub-class: Grouping Area-Municipality Maximum CVA

Smaller Brooke-Alvinston 20,000 Dawn-Euphemia Enniskillen Oil Springs Point Edward

AGENDA ITEM #b)



Medium Petrolia 60,000 St. Clair Warwick

Larger Lambton Shores 200,000 Plympton-Wyoming Sarnia

This stratified grouping into three (3) different maximum CVA values was predicated on area-municipalities’ expressed desire to see properties comprising the bottom 20% of value in the Broad Commercial and Industrial Property Tax classes only in each area-municipality, be eligible for inclusion in the possible Small Business Property Tax Sub-class. Applying this stratified CVA cut-off and Property Code exclusions resulted in the following financial impacts:

The capture of 561 properties in the Broad Commercial Property Tax Class and 120 properties in the Broad Industrial Property Tax Class.

An average discount per qualifying property in the Broad Commercial Property Class ranging from $273-$276.

An average discount per qualifying property in the Broad Industrial Property Class ranging from $408-$416.

A direct cost to the County from funding these discounts of $57,630-$57,980.

A direct cost to area-municipalities of $144,126-$147,126.

A total cost of $202,113-$204,756. (NOTE: These impacts are for County of Lambton and area-municipal taxes only. Any discount provided by the Province of Ontario vis-à-vis Education taxes would increase the amount of discount being provided. It is also important to note that the actual discount provided to individual properties can vary significantly from the modeled average.) The average discount to individual qualifying properties – $273-$416 – is quite small. This implies that on average, the total property taxes being paid by these businesses (excluding education Taxes) is less than $1,000. In considering these numbers, the Group questioned whether property taxes in Lambton County are actually a burden to “small businesses” and whether there may be other means or ways in which the County and its area-municipalities could better support them. This questioning was further supported when the cost of creating and administering a SBPS is factored in. While the direct cost of the discount is estimated to be approximately $205,000, adding in the cost of administering the SBPS, establishing an appeals process and assigning staff whether at the County, area-municipalities or both to perform these duties could be expected to double this expenditure to $410,000 or more. In other words, the cost of administration could exceed the benefit conferred.

AGENDA ITEM #b)



Further, while it is possible to contain the cost of the discount itself to the Broad Commercial and Broad Industrial Property Classes, these administration costs of an additional $200,000+ would be imposed on and would need to be paid by all properties, regardless of the funding decisions Council makes. Given all this, the Group wondered whether there were any other alternatives to creating a SBPS that are available to Council and which it could use to provide a reduction to “small businesses” if it should so desire. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATE TAX POLICY OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO COUNCIL The initial alternative suggested by the Group was to simply reduce the ratio of the existing residual Commercial Property Tax Sub-class by 35% instead of implementing a SBPS. The second alternative identified was to investigate what would result if the use of Graduated Tax Rates/“Banding” was re-introduced. Both of these alternatives are existing options available to Council for the setting of its Tax Policy. Further, they do not incur any of the additional costs associated with the administration and handling of appeals that come with creating a SBPS. Finally, the responsibility for determining what properties would (and would not) experience reduced taxes remains with MPAC, rather being transferred to County Council. There are, however, significant restrictions on Council’s ability to adjust Tax Ratios (the mechanism by which both of these alternative options can be exercised) that would limit the amount of “relief” that Council may provide from using them. REDUCE THE RESIDUAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SUB-CLASS TAX RATIO 35% An analysis performed by MTAG revealed that providing a 35% reduction in Tax Ratio for the Residual Commercial Class within the Broad Commercial Class would increase Tax Ratios of all other Sub-classes in that Broad Class by more than 140%. This is because the amount of the tax reduction being given to properties in the Residual Commercial Sub-class is substantial in comparison to the small assessment available in the other Commercial Sub-classes from which these costs would be recovered. Perhaps it is therefore fortunate that the rules regarding the setting of Sub-class Tax Ratios prohibit this from occurring. This is because Tax Ratios cannot be increased beyond the Broad Property Class Tax Ratio except in limited circumstances that do not currently exist. Regardless, even if it were possible to do this, as indicated above, the shift in Tax Burden onto other Sub-classes would be impractical, making the County’s and its area-municipalities’ resulting tax rates uncompetitive in comparison to other jurisdictions.

AGENDA ITEM #b)



Council could, however, reduce the Tax Ratio of the Residual Commercial Sub-classes and instead of only recovering this cost from within the Broad Commercial Property Class, do so from all other Property Tax Classes. If this were to occur, the impact from reducing the Residual Commercial Property Tax Sub-class by 35% would be to:

1. Reduce the Tax Ratio (and overall level of taxation) of the entire Broad Commercial Property Tax Class; and

2. Increase the effective Tax Rates on all other properties in every Property Tax Class except the Residual Commercial Class.

REINTRODUCE GRADUATED TAX RATES/“BANDING” Although the use of “Banding” has been largely abandoned by Municipalities in favour of other Tax Policy tools, the Municipal Act, 2001 still contains provisions under which the County could implement Graduated Tax Rates. “Banding”, as this tool is usually called, has similar effects as those provided through the creation of Sub-classes, but is based solely on a property’s CVA. “Banding” would provide County Council the option to create up to three levels of taxation in the targeted Broad Commercial and/or Broad Industrial Property Class. Further, as the rules regarding Graduated Tax Rates are simple and straight forward, administration would be minimal. That said, because the Tax Rates created through the use of Graduated Tax Rates are determined – again – by the Tax Ratios created through implementing “Banding”, the restriction previously noted in the previous section regarding reducing the Residual Commercial Property Sub-class ratio by 35% also applies to the setting of Tax Ratios for the Bands that Council could create using this Tax Policy tool. In other words, neither of these alternate Tax Policy tools – reducing the Commercial Residual Tax Ratio or re-introducing “Banding” – can match the reduction in taxation that could be afforded “Small Businesses” without imposing the cost of providing this reduction on every property not receiving benefit of it. Therefore, in the end, the only option that would allow Council to provide a reduction in taxation to “Small Businesses” and restrict the impact to the Broad Property Classes containing these properties is the creation of one or more SBPS.


1. Determines the relative share of property taxes to be paid by each property class.

2. May require additional staffing to handle increased administrative responsibilities.

3. May be a factor in the decision of businesses to locate within the County.

AGENDA ITEM #b)



CONSULTATIONS

Area Treasurers and Municipal Tax Advisory Group PPC were consulted.

STRATEGIC PLAN

The equitable and fair portioning of tax liability is necessary for the County to raise the revenues necessary to fund its activities.

CONCLUSION

The release of O.Reg. 331/21 provided staff with the ability to fully investigate what the implications would be on the County and its area-municipalities from implementing a Small Business Property Tax Sub-class. A unique aspect of the authorities granted by O.Reg. 331/21 is the unfettered ability of municipalities to fund the direct cost of providing a discount to “Small Businesses” completely from within the Broad Property Class in which it is created. This unique ability is what separates the option of creating a SBPS from the other two (2) options discussed in this report. There are, however, significant additional costs and administrative complexities associated with creating the SBPS. Further, staff’s investigation into the rules contained in O.Reg. 331/21 identified the following specific concerns:

1. The arbitrariness associated with establishing eligibility criteria for a SBPS.

2. The responsibility on the County and/or area-municipalities to handle most appeals.

3. The implications on the County’s & area-municipalities’ budgets and staffing.

4. The relatively low amount of benefit conferred vs. the costs involved. And while these issues and concerns could be largely mitigated if Council were to, instead of creating a SBPS, either reduce the Residual Commercial Sub-class Tax Ratio or implement Graduated Tax Rates, the restrictions on Council’s ability to adjust/set Tax Ratios limits the usefulness of these two alternatives. This means that should Council believe that it is appropriate to provide a tax reduction to a select group of properties in an eligible Broad Property Tax Class and wish to restrict the redistribution of the Tax Liability associated with doing so to that Broad Property Tax Class only, it has only one option: Create a Small Business Property Tax Sub-class in accordance with the provisions of O.Reg. 331/21. This leads back to the central question of this exercise: Is there a demonstrated need to reduce the current level of taxation on “Small Businesses” in Lambton County? It is the consensus of the Group that there is little evidence to support such a contention. The average amount of combined County/area-municipal property taxes being paid by the bottom 20% of properties in the Broad Commercial and Broad Industrial Property Classes is less than $1,000.

AGENDA ITEM #b)



Further, the maximum discount permitted under O.Reg. 331/21 is $276 in the Broad Commercial Property Class and $416 in the Broad Industrial Property Class. Add in the administrative complexities and the statutory requirements of O.Reg. 331/21, and the Group’s conclusion was that the amount of benefit that could be provided through the creation of a SBPS cannot be justified in comparison to the cost of doing so. Lambton also does not appear to be the only jurisdiction that has reached this conclusion. During presentations that MPAC recently gave to several staff associations, it indicated that it expected that only a handful of municipalities would be exercising the option to create a SBPS. The majority of these are in the GTA and Ottawa regions of the Province. Staff is also currently unaware of any jurisdictions in Southwestern Ontario that are planning to exercise this option either, although this may change in the future. Nonetheless, the consensus of the Group was that if Council believes that it is appropriate and necessary to provide assistance to “Small Businesses” in Lambton County, and the County and its area-municipalities are prepared to invest the $410,000 that is estimated for the cost of implementing a SBPS, that County Council should instead investigate whether a “Shop Local/Buy Local” advertising and incentive campaign would be in order. The Group feels that the potential impact on individual “Small Businesses” from such a campaign could be considerably greater and help far more businesses than could benefit from any of the three tax reduction options reviewed in this report. Accordingly, the Group makes the following recommendations to County Council:

RECOMMENDATIONS

a) That Council defer further consideration of implementing a Small Business Property Sub-class until its review of Lambton County’s Tax Policy for the 2023 taxation year.

b) That staff be directed to continue to monitor the extent to which other jurisdictions exercise the Tax Policy option to create a Small Business Property Sub-class and update Council should other jurisdictions in Southwestern Ontario choose to create this Sub-class.

AGENDA ITEM #b)


Attachment "A"

AGENDA ITEM #b)


AGENDA ITEM #b)


AGENDA ITEM #b)


AGENDA ITEM #b)


AGENDA ITEM #b)


SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION


DEPARTMENT: Social Services

PREPARED BY: Valerie Colasanti, General Manager


MEETING DATE: October 20,2021

INFORMATION ITEM: Affordable Housing Target BACKGROUND At its meeting on June 3, 2020, County Council supported the following motion from the May 20, 2020 Committee P.M. meeting:

#7: Broad/Stark: a) That the County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan 2020 -

2024 be approved.

b) That staff be provided with the authority to implement the recommendations contained within the County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan 2020 - 2024.

Carried. The County of Lambton's Housing and Homelessness Plan 2020 - 2024 frames the planning and delivery of housing and homelessness supports within the community. Each year Lambton works towards the four strategic directions outlined by the plan to achieve the vision “Every person has an affordable, suitable and adequate home.” The Housing and Homelessness Plan 2020 - 2024 identifies four goals:

1. Increase and sustain supply and appropriate mix of affordable housing; 2. Increase access to affordable housing and supports that meet people’s needs to

achieve housing; 3. Coordinated housing and homelessness service systems; 4. Ending homelessness.

Under each of these goals are action areas and specific targets. At the August 18, 2021 Committee P.M. meeting, staff was asked to provide a report outlining how the target of 75

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Information Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding Affordable Housing T... Page 34 of 44

Affordable Housing Target (page 2) October 20, 2021

new affordable rental units will be achieved with the assistance of government funding under goal number one. All of these units will be barrier free or 10% will be fully accessible and common areas will be barrier free.

DISCUSSION Presently there are approved development plans for 67 of the 75 targeted new affordable rental units. The approved Maxwell Park Place Affordable Housing build will provide an additional 24 affordable units for seniors, six of which will be accessible. Council received an update on the Maxwell project at the September 1, 2021 Council meeting. As previously directed by Lambton County Council, staff acquired the vacant land abutting the Lodge at 950 Confederation Street, Sarnia (the Lands) and directly transferred title of the Lands to the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation (OAHSSC) by way of in kind support for that organization to construct and operate affordable housing. The OAHSSC has committed to providing 40 affordable housing units for Indigenous people living Off-Reserve for a minimum of 20 years. These will be a mixture of one, two and three bedroom units. The Sarnia Lambton Native Friendship Center will be located on the main floor to provide the supportive services for tenants as required. The OAHSSC plans to start construction in April 2022. The County has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Sarnia/Lambton and entered into an agreement for three affordable builds in 2021. It is anticipated that there will be additional builds by 2024 as well. In order to ensure the remainder of the 75 units are built, the initiatives listed below are underway.

Leveraging Federal and Provincial funding: The costs associated with the development of affordable housing are substantial. Upper level government funding is often required to build new affordable rental housing units. Part of the plan is to leverage funding from federal and provincial governments to support the County’s efforts to increase the number of affordable rental housing units. Staff applied for Federal funding under the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in December 2020 for the Maxwell Park Place project. CMHC is presently reviewing applications and will prioritize submissions based on program criteria including expediency, energy efficiency, accessibility, duration of affordability, vulnerable population served and land status. Should the County secure any RHI funding, all funding would be applied to this project which would mean that dollars approved from the County Housing reserve could be re-directed towards a new affordable housing project and the creation of additional units.

AGENDA ITEM #a)



The Development of an Affordable Housing Capital Plan: Staff have been working with Vink Consulting, who assisted in the development of the updated County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan 2020-2024 to complete an analysis of the costs of affordable housing development to determine the level of investment required by the County to meet the affordable housing goals and targets identified in the plan. This analysis will provide the background to develop a capital plan for the development of a 10 Year Affordable Housing Development Plan as well as the Housing Services 2022 capital budget request.

Supporting lower-tier municipalities to create supportive land use regulations: A concerted effort is required on the part of all levels of government to reduce barriers and support the creation of affordable housing. The County’s new Official Plan has provided a framework to support the creation of affordable housing across the County. At the local municipal level, there are opportunities for municipalities to strengthen their land use policies and provide incentives to support the creation of affordable housing. Policies that should be considered include:

• Expedited development approvals for affordable housing • Reduced parking requirements for affordable housing • Flexible development standards for affordable housing • Pre-zoning for a broad mix of housing • Inclusionary zoning • Progressive zoning standards for second units • Permissions to sever surplus housing stock

Local municipalities should also consider financial incentives, such as:

• Development charge and municipal fee waivers • Property tax reductions/deferrals.

On November 4, 2021 the County will be hosting an information session on how local municipalities can establish supportive land use regulations and incentives to reduce barriers and increase the supply of affordable housing. Under the Housing Services Act, 2011, Service Managers must provide an annual report to the public on the progress against their plans by June 30 of each year. The June 2022 progress report will address each of the targets under the four goals and provide Council the opportunity to compare the achievements to the targets approved within the report.

AGENDA ITEM #a)



FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There is no financial impact on the County Budget as a result of this report.

CONSULTATIONS Consultations took place with the Managers within the Social Services Division and the Sarnia-Lambton Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee.

STRATEGIC PLAN Implementing the County's 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan is a legislated initiative delivered in keeping with the Mission Statement of the County to promote an enhanced quality of life through the provision of responsive and efficient services accomplished by working with municipal and community partners. The activities of the department support the Community Development Area of Effort #3 in the County of Lambton's Strategic Plan, specifically:

• Advocating in a manner that raises the profile of the County and its needs in order to secure improved government supports, funding, grants, and other resources.

• Developing programs and initiatives that address poverty reduction and promote social belonging.

• Planning for and responding to the ever-changing needs of an aging population, homelessness and retaining young people in the community.

• Actively pursuing joint opportunities with community partners that contribute to the well-being of the Lambton Community.

CONCLUSION The County is well positioned to achieve the target of 75 additional affordable rental units being built by 2024 with the assistance of government funding as outlined in the County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan 2020-2024.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION


DEPARTMENT: HOUSING SERVICES

PREPARED BY: Melisa Johnson, Program Administrator Kelly Hall, Manager

REVIEWED BY: Valerie Colasanti, General Manager Ronald G. Van Horne, Chief Administrative Officer


SUBJECT: 2022-23 Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs

BACKGROUND On April 17, 2019, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) announced its Community Housing Renewal Strategy to sustain and grow community housing systems. This multi-year plan aims to increase the supply and appropriate mix of affordable and adequate housing, improve access to affordable housing and supports to achieve housing stability, and improve efficiency of the community housing system to ensure value for money and long-term sustainability. The agreement aligns federal funds with Ontario's Community Housing Renewal Strategy priorities. The National Housing Strategy provides funding over nine years. On August 23, 2021, MMAH announced the 2022-23 planned funding allocations for the following provincially delivered housing and homelessness prevention programs:

Program 2022-23 Planning Allocation

Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative $453,820

Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative $756,700

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit $417,800

Total Funding $1,628,320

AGENDA ITEM #a)

Report dated October 20, 2021 Regarding 2022-23 Funding Allocations for ... Page 38 of 44

Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs (page 2) October 20, 2021 The County of Lambton is required to submit an Investment Plan to the MMAH outlining how the funding allocation will be used.

DISCUSSION The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) programs offer a number of different components aimed at addressing affordable housing needs across the housing continuum. Service Managers have the flexibility to select the components they will deliver using the annual funding allocation. The recommendations contained in the County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan - 2014 - 2023 have been used to guide decisions regarding the recommended allocation of the funding. Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative provides funding to replace the federal Social Housing Agreement funding that expires each year as mortgages for the non-profit, public and former federally administered housing mature and the federal rent supplements expire. The COCHI funding can only be used in social and community housing projects recognized under the Housing Services Act, 2011. The funding can be used to protect affordability for households in social housing, to support the repair and renewal of existing social housing supply, and to expand the supply of community housing over time. The COCHI offers both operating and capital components that are detailed as follows: COCHI Operating Components Rent Supplements Rent Supplements would assist tenants in social housing units where operating agreements are ending by providing households a monthly subsidy to reduce their market rent to an affordable level. Staff recommends an investment in the Rent Supplement Component. Subsides can be provided for households to help offset rental costs. Transitional Operating Funding The Transitional Operating Funding can be used to assist housing providers to address areas of concern with the clear objective of reaching an operational and financial status that does not require ongoing government subsidies. This includes the completion of Building Condition Assessments, Reserve Fund Studies, Business Streamlining and Operational Analysis.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs (page 3) October 20, 2021 No further investment is recommended at this time. COCHI Capital Component Support for community housing providers could take the form of repair and renovation funding. Strategic capital repairs which preserve and extend the functional lifespan of the social housing supply would be eligible to receive funding. Staff recommends utilizing funds for capital repairs. This investment will improve and preserve the quality of social housing. Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative The OPHI provides funding to address local priorities in areas of housing supply and affordability including affordable rental construction, community housing repair, rental assistance, tenant supports and affordable homeownership. This initiative is the successor program to the Investment in Affordable Housing (2014 Extension) Program. There are five components in the OPHI program which are detailed as follows: 1. Rental Housing The Rental Housing Component will increase the supply of rental housing for households on, or eligible to be on, the social housing wait list. Eligible projects include new construction, acquisition and, where appropriate, rehabilitation of existing residential buildings as well as conversion of non-residential buildings or units to purpose-built rental buildings. Funding for the Rental Housing Component is provided as a forgivable capital loan that is available during the construction phase of the project. This component will fund up to 75% of the pro-rated share of the capital costs of the affordable units. Service Managers interested in the Rental Housing Component are required to solicit proposals and select rental housing projects to recommend to the MMAH for funding approval. Projects proposed by private sector proponents without non-profit/municipal/co- operative partnerships are not eligible. No further investment is recommended at this time. 2. Homeownership The Homeownership Component is intended to support low to moderate income renter households purchase affordable homes by providing down payment assistance in the form of a forgivable loan. Staff recommends investment in this component to assist low to moderate income households to purchase in the resale market.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs (page 4) October 20, 2021 3. Ontario Renovates The Ontario Renovates Component, known locally as Lambton Renovates, provides financial assistance to renovate and/or rehabilitate affordable homeownership and rental properties including community housing. Additionally, repairs and upgrades to social housing units are eligible. Staff recommends an investment in this component in order to enhance the living conditions of those in need and serve to foster independent living of seniors and persons with disabilities. 4. Rental Assistance The Rental Assistance Component aims to address affordability issues of households in modest rental units by providing subsidy to those in need of rental assistance. Staff recommends an investment in the Rental Assistance Component. Subsides can be provided for households to help offset rental costs. Households currently receiving rental assistance subsidies through the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) funding that expires March 31, 2022 will be transferred to OPHI rental assistance funding. 5. Housing Support Services The objective of the Housing Support Services Component is to ensure housing retention, greater self-reliance and social inclusion for tenants by providing temporary or permanent support to achieve housing stability. The County of Lambton currently invests in a number of Housing Support Services including the Community Support Workers and Homemakers Program. No further investment is recommended at this time. Administration Fees Service Managers may use up to 5% of their total COCHI and OPHI funding allocation to assist with administrative costs. Staff recommends utilizing the 5% administration funding to help defray the increased cost of the management of the COCHI, OPHI and Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) programs. Investment Plan MMAH has indicated that the annual funding allocations under the COCHI, OPHI and COHB are provided on a "use it or lose it" basis. Any funding not committed by the required timelines may be reallocated to other Service Managers.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs (page 5) October 20, 2021 To ensure all funds are committed, Service Managers may move funding between program components within the same program year if the original planned commitment for funding cannot be met. A summary of the proposed Investment Plan for the COCHI and OPHI funding is provided below: COCHI COCHI Planned Financial Commitment Year 4 (2022-23) Capital Component Repairs $396,129 Rent Supplement $35,000 Transitional Operating Administration $22,691 Allocation $453,820 OPHI OPHI Planned Financial Commitment Rental Housing Homeownership $50,000 Ontario Renovates $368,865 Rental Assistance $300,000 Housing Supports Administration $37,835 Allocation $756,700

Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit The COHB program is a provincially delivered program to provide portable housing benefits to eligible households. Although the COHB program is provincially delivered by the Ministry of Finance, Service Managers are responsible for identifying and selecting households for the program and assisting individuals with the application process. The program is primarily intended to support vulnerable individuals and households in housing need. The County of Lambton referred individuals from the centralized wait list for rent geared-to-income assistance who were precariously housed as well as individuals who were homeless and receiving support through emergency shelter. It is anticipated that approximately 50 households will be assisted with the 2022-23 funding allotment.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There is no impact to the County levy. The County of Lambton's funding allocation for COCHI, OPHI and COHB totals $1,628,320 for the 2022-23 Program Year.

CONSULTATIONS

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs (page 6) October 20, 2021 In planning for the implementation of the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, staff consulted with the General Manager, Social Services and the County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan 2014 - 2023.

STRATEGIC PLAN In keeping with the Mission Statement of the County, the programs provided by this department promote an enhanced quality of life in Lambton County through the provision of responsive and efficient services. The activities of the department support the Community Development Area of Effort #3 in the County of Lambton's Strategic Plan, specifically:

• Advocating in a manner that raises the profile of the County and its needs in order to secure improved government supports, funding, grants, and other resources.

• Developing programs and initiatives that address poverty reduction and promote social belonging.

• Planning for and responding to the ever-changing needs of an aging population, homelessness and retaining young people in the community.

• Actively pursuing joint opportunities with community partners that contribute to the well-being of the Lambton Community.

CONCLUSION The COCHI and OPHI Investment Plan for the 2022-23 funding allocation will address a variety of program components and a number of recommendations outlined in the County of Lambton Housing and Homelessness Plan - 2014 - 2023. The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit program provides a portable housing benefit directly to households experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the County of Lambton service area. This housing benefit also assists toward the long-term goals of the County’s Housing and Homelessness Plan.

RECOMMENDATION a) That staff be authorized to submit the proposed Investment Plan for Year 4 of

the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative and the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as follows:

COCHI COCHI Planned Financial Commitment Year 4 Capital Component Repairs $396,129 Rent Supplement $35,000 Transitional Operating

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing Programs (page 7) October 20, 2021 Administration $22,691 Allocation $453,820 OPHI OPHI Planned Financial Commitment Rental Housing Homeownership $50,000 Ontario Renovates $368,865 Rental Assistance $300,000 Housing Supports Administration $37,835 Allocation $756,700

b) That County Council approve moving the current part-time Project

Coordinator position in Housing Services to a full-time position to assist in the delivery of these expanded programs, provided 100% of any additional costs are 100% funded by provincial funding.

c) That staff be authorized to re-allocate program funds between the program components in response to local needs and the updated Housing and Homelessness 5-Year Plan, so as to ensure full utilization of annual allocations.

AGENDA ITEM #a)


Documents

Committee P.M. - 20 Oct 2021 - Agenda - Pdf