The Township of Augusta has several committees and boards which work to improve and promote life within the Township. The committees are made up of Council members, Township employees and volunteers from the community and other local public services. Committee/Board meetings are open for the public to attend unless otherwise noted during the agenda.
Committee of Adjustment:
This Committee is in place under the authority of the Planning Act to make decisions regarding proposed minor changes on a property which do not conform to the Zoning By-Law (minor variances).
The Committee of Adjustment meets on an as needed basis, when application are filed by property owners.
Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee:
This committee works in an advisory capacity to attract, promote, retain and expand economic development and tourism within Augusta Township to make our Township a sustainable community in which to live, work and play. Each year Council and the Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee work together to put on the following events:
Augusta Township Mayor’s Breakfast
Each spring, the Mayor hosts a breakfast for local businesses and the public with presentations on topics that matter to residents. The MP and MPP also attend to update residents on how the government is continuing to assist rural residents.
Augusta Township Business of the Year and New Business of the Year Awards
Council and the committee celebrate the accomplishments of two businesses in the Township of Augusta each year who have shown community involvement and innovation. The Business of the Year Award is given to a business who has shown longevity, community involvement and leadership. The New Business of the Year Award is given to a business that has launched in the last 1 to 5 years, is and has shown community involvement, leadership and sustainability.
The Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee meets on the 1st Monday of the month. The current Committee Chair is Rob Whittaker. The Council Representative for this Committee is Councillor Tanya Henry.
Library Board:
The Augusta Township Public Library Board is composed of volunteers who act in accordance with the Public Library Act. The Board is responsible for formulating policies concerning the operations of the library to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service that reflects the unique needs of Augusta Township.
The Library Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. The current Board Chairperson is Fran Wright. The Council Representative is Councillor Michele Bowman.
Planning Advisory Committee:
Appointed by Council, this advisory committee makes informed, well researched recommendations to Council regarding land use planning applications (land severance/consults, Zoning By-Law amendments and/or Official Plan amendments) and planning practices in the Township with the best interests of all residents and future development of the township being of foremost importance. They work within the guidelines of the Provincial Policy Statement, the County Official Plan, the Township’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law to help expedite decisions in a fair and timely manner.
The Planning Advisory Committee typically meets the first Wednesday of the month and agendas are set ahead of the meeting dates. The current Committee Chair is Deputy Mayor Adrian Wynands.
Official Plan and Zoning By-Law Review Steering Committee:
Council appointed the Planning Advisory Committee to take the lead in this Township project and make recommendations to Council. The Township’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law will be updated with the assistance of a planning consultant (Novatech). There will be opportunities for public input and any open houses and public meeting dates will be advertised by the Township.
South Grenville OPP Detachment Board:
The Township of Augusta receives their police services from the Ontario Provincial Police – Grenville County (Prescott) Detachment. The South Grenville OPP Detachment Board is made up of representatives from the Township of Augusta and Edwardsburgh Cardinal and the Town of Prescott. There is one Provincial appointee and each respective participating Council appoints an elected member and a municipal representative who are appointed for the duration of the Council term. This Board consults with the Detachment Commander to address local issues and concerns to ensure the safety and security of the residents of the municipality.
The Board cannot direct the Detachment Commander with respect to specific operational decisions or day-to-day operations of the police service.
This Board meets quarterly. Augusta’s municipal representative is Glenn Mackey. The elected member is Mayor Jeff Shaver.
Rental Property Standards Committee:
The Property Standards Committee is a quasi-judicial committee that hears appeals and makes decisions related to orders issued by the Rental Property Standards Officer regarding the Rental Property Standards By-Law (2399-2000) in Augusta. This committee follows the regulations set out in the Rental Property Standards By-Law and the Ontario Building Code.
Members meet as frequently as required.
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