Ontario Works caseload on the decline
An item on the Simcoe County council agenda concerning the Ontario Works caseload declining brought forward questions from council members on Tuesday morning.
Many were concerned the report didn’t include information on why the caseload was declining.
“Is it just a blip, or is there something going on in the background we should know about?” asked Midland Mayor Gord McKay.
While Greg Bishop, general manager of social and community services with the county, said the county didn’t have specific reasons for the decline, he did mention a few possible contributing factors.
“The reasons are unknown, but many have received employment either part time or casual,” he said, also pointing to Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) uptake being on an uptick in the county compared to other areas.
The report analyzed the overall Ontario Works caseload for Simcoe County from 2013 to 2017.
The average monthly caseload in 2013 was 7,480 benefit units, while the average 2017 Ontario Works caseload was 5,656 benefit units. In reviewing the Ontario Works caseload data year over year from 2016 to 2017, a caseload decrease from 6,483 cases in 2017 to 5,656 cases in 2017 was noted in the report.
Overall, this represents a 12.7% caseload decrease.
The report was received for information.
Long-term care beds at Georgian Manor
Due to funding being rescinded by the Ontario government on other county-wide projects recently, county councillors seemed a little gun shy at promising money for three additional beds at Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene.
When a motion came to the table for staff to proceed with Capital Improvements to operate the three additional beds, councillors had more questions.
“I read the report and I’m still little confused. Is there any way the (Ontario) government can change their mind on funding allocation for these three beds?” Oro-Medonte Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough asked.
“There is a possibility that they could rescind. We are waiting,” said Jane Sinclair, general manager of health and emergency services with the county.
“We are at Stage 2 with Georgian Manor at this point... we do not have final approval. It is possible it could be declined by the province,” she added.
“Let’s hope it does go forward, we need every space we can get,” said Hough.
“To clarify, so we’re not going to commit capital dollars until we get the final approval from the province?” asked McKay. Sinclair confirmed that was correct.
Sinclair also confirmed there is no timeline on completion as the Simcoe-Muskoka LHIN is still seeking more information before moving forward.
The report was received.
Closed-meeting investigator agreement renewed
County council voted to continue with the Joint Closed Meeting Investigator Agreement for another year. The current agreement was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2018.
There have been no closed meeting investigations of the Council of the County of Simcoe for the council term 2014-2018.
When asked on Tuesday morning, Collingwood Deputy Mayor Brian Saunderson indicated that the Town of Collingwood had used the services for a meeting that took place in January 2016.
“It’s got value,” laughed Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke.
Under the existing agreement, the county is responsible for the annual retainer fee of $330 per municipality. In addition, the hourly rate for an investigation is $225 plus applicable taxes with an average of 10 hours required for an investigation.
Vacancy votes allotted to Penetanguishene deputy mayor
County council voted to declare the County Councillor position left by former Penetanguishene Mayor Gerry Marshall’s resignation as officially vacant, transferring the two votes allotted at the county table for that position to Penetanguishene Deputy Mayor Anita Dubeau for the remainder of the term.
Simcoe County council next meets Oct. 9.
