HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-03Orono Downtown Business Improvement Association
Mintutes March 3, 2022 Meeting
8:30 am — Zoom link sent out/in-person at the Orono Times
Present: In -person: Karen L, Gavin C, Julie C-O. Via Zoom: Frank M, Heather M, Perry K, Councillor Margaret Zwart
Guest: Adam Jeronimo, CBOT
Karen L began the meeting with executive elections for 2002
Chair — Gavin Cobb —nominated by Karen L—voted in unanimously
Vice -Chair — Karen Lowery — nominated by Julie C-O - voted in unanimously
Treasurer — Frank Maitland — nominated by Karen L - voted in unanimously
Secretary — Heather Maitland — nominated by Julie C-O - voted in unanimously
Scott Story — non-ODBIA member, Orono area business owner, member of the Orono Events Committee, nominated by
Karen L - voted in unanimously
Appointed Councillor — Margaret Zwart
Bank Balance: $6,030.00
CBOT Update — Adam reported that there have been updates regarding the EV stations that he needs to follow-up with
and will meet later with Gavin.
Perry K — Orono Town Hall representative, reported that the Orono Town Hall AGM is scheduled for March 10 at 6:30
pm and is open to the public, they are planning a Drive-thru Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for this year, Clarington's Older
Adults 55+ have been using the hall for recreation programs on Tuesday and they are working on a new website.
Social Media — Gavin is getting a team together to look after the Orono BIA social media accounts and look after the
website.
Gavin provided an update from his meeting with Stephen Brake, public works Municipality of Clarington, regarding the
items raised at the BIA meeting held on January 27th.
Road Rationalization
Main Street (Regional Road 17 from Winter Road to Taunton Road) has been identified as a Road Transfer
Candidate. This section of roadway is being proposed as a Clarington responsibility while a section of Holt Road and
Boundary Road will be uploaded to the Region. At this time, the Region's philosophy is to transfer the various roads in -
kind without any type of funding. Any necessary improvements will be tied to milestones. As previously noted,
Clarington may not want to accept Main Street in its existing condition given that Holt Road and Boundary Road are in
much better shape thereby creating a possible funding inequality. The date of transfer currently being proposed by the
Region of Durham is July 1st, 2022. Please note that the transfer will require approval by Regional and Clarington
Councils.
Crosswalk - Main Street at Centerview Street
Regional staff have committed to completing a pedestrian count this Spring to assess pedestrian crossing volumes at
and in the vicinity of Centerview Street to confirm if a pedestrian crossover or any other form of controlled crossing is
warranted. The Region of Durham currently follows Ontario Traffic Manual Book 15 which states for a pedestrian
crossover (PXO) warrant to be met, 100 or more adjusted (accounts for those pedestrians that are assisted) pedestrian
crossings have to be recorded in an 8 hour period. Details of this study will be forthcoming. Alternatively you may wish
to contact Amanda Spencer at the ROD at Amanda.Spencer@Durham.ca for updates.
Digital Sign — Main Street
The installation of a digital sign on Main Street across from the cenotaph at Station Street is not supported by the
Municipality of Clarington or the Region of Durham. The other location fronting the Orono Townhall at Park Street was
also mentioned but there are a number of issues that will first need to be confirmed. These issues include sign
ownership, media content, agreement from the Townhall Board, Right-of-way restrictions, clear zone requirements,
sightlines, etc. Perhaps there are other locations that could also be considered. Having this type of sign under the
control of the Municipality of Clarington would improve the chances of final approval.
Parking - East end of Centerview Street
The lands and the existing gravel parking lot at the east end of Centerview Street is owned by the Orono Agricultural
Society. Any improvements to the parking lot surface, provision of lighting, installation of signage, etc. would require
their agreement. An approved funding source to complete these upgrades will be required either through the BIA, the
Orono Agricultural Society or Clarington Council.
Orono Crown Lands — Parking/signage
The Orono Crown Lands are owned by the Provincial Government and maintained through the Ministry of Natural
Resources. An Orono volunteer group does exist that has a agreement with the MNR for the provision of upgrades and
maintenance. Similar to the above, any upgrades to the parking lot or signage would require consultation and approval
by the MNR and the Volunteer Group. An approved funding source would also be necessary through the MNR, the
Volunteer Group or Clarington Council.
Rutherford Trail
There are no current plans to upgrade the trail alignment to a paved surface or other. Vehicle parking on the trail
entrance on Main Street, however, can be reviewed further in the Spring. Please contact me in early May, 2022, at
which time I will ask that Clarington staff to contact the adjacent homeowner to discuss the on -going parking issues. If
necessary, Public Works will consider options including the installation of bollards, decorative barrels or the planting of
some cedar trees to delineate and protect the trail entrance.
Orono BIA Big Box Fund - I was curious about the Fund so asked Finance to provide an update on the amount — see
attached email — it is at a healthy $38,675.67.
Summer Student Program — you have missed the window for the Federal Program for this year — but I have attached an
email for information for next year + I have attached an email about the Durham co-op student program which you may
be able to take advantage of.
Next Meeting: TBA — Gavin is looking into possibly meeting at the town hall
ODBIA Emails
Gavin C—chair@odia.com
Frank M—treasurer@odbia.com
Heather M — secretary@odbia.com
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 am