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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-13Clar*wn Electronic Council Communications Information Package Date: October 13, 2023 Time: 12:00 PM Location: ECCIP is an information package and not a meeting. Description: An ECCIP is an electronic package containing correspondence received by Staff for Council's information. This is not a meeting of Council or Committee. Alternate Format: If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator, at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Members of Council: In accordance with the Procedural By-law, please advise the Municipal Clerk at clerks@clarington.net, if you would like to include one of these items on the next regular agenda of the appropriate Standing Committee, along with the proposed resolution for disposition of the matter. Items will be added to the agenda if the Municipal Clerk is advised by Wednesday at noon the week prior to the appropriate meeting, otherwise the item will be included on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting of the applicable Committee. Members of the Public: can speak to an ECCIP item as a delegation. If you would like to be a delegation at a meeting, please visit the Clarington website. Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP) October 13, 2023 Pages 1. Region of Durham Correspondence 1.1 National Team Driver Safety Week: Keeping our Teen Drivers Safe - 3 October 11, 2023 2. Durham Municipalities Correspondence 2.1 Township of Uxbridge - Enbridge Gas - Phase Two of the Natural Gas 5 Expansion Support Program - October 3, 2023 3. Other Municipalities Correspondence 3.1 City of Burlington - Changes to the Oath of Office Acknowledgement 8 Treaty Rights - September 28, 2023 3.2 Municipality of Bluewater - Childcare Availability in Ontario - October 2, 10 2023 3.3 Township of West Lincoln - Changes Faced by Smaller Developers in 12 Ontario Communities - October 5, 2023 4. Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence 5. Miscellaneous Correspondence 5.1 Minutes from the Newcastle Business Improvement Area dated 14 September 14, 2023 Page 2 toggle main menu search 0 National Teen Driver Safety Week: Keeping our teen drivers safe Posted on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Back to Search Whitby, Ontario - National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW) is taking place across Canada from October 15 to 21. This week is designed to build public awareness of teen driver safety issues and encourage communities to be a part of the solution. The Region of Durham is working to create safer roads for all road users, which include drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists through the Durham Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan. Durham Vision Zero has identified young driver involved collisions as an emphasis area, indicating inexperience and driving beyond the driver's skill level as the primary reasons why young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in a collision. The Region encourages youth drivers and all roadway users to know, respect, and follow the rules of the road to help reduce the number of fatal and injury -causing collisions on our roads. Educating yourself about proper behaviour, adapting to changing conditions, and respecting other road users around you are other actions that you can take to help keep road users safe. Parachute Canada'S (https.Lparachute.ca/en/program/national-teen -driver-safety week ). statistics on teen drivers show: • Road crashes are the third -leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24 in Canada. • Drivers who text while driving are up to six times more likely to be involved in a crash. • Thirty-five per cent of youth say they have been a passenger in a car driven by someone under the influence of cannabis. • Alcohol is a factor in almost half of motor vehicle crashes causing death among 16 to 25- year-olds. Learn more about NTDSW at parachute.ca/NTDSW (https.LLparachute.ca/en/program/national-teen-driver-safety_ week ),. Durham Vision Zero is a long-term plan to ensure a safe transportation system that sees no lives lost or serious injuries on Durham's roadways. Learn more at durham.ca/VisionZero .(http://www.durham.ca/visionzero).. Page 3 Quotes "Our collision statistics show that approximately one quarter of all fatal and injury -causing collisions involve young drivers, which makes this the age group with the largest number of collisions in Durham. That's why, through our Durham Vision Zero(http://www.durham.ca/visionzero). strategic road safety action plan, we have identified the prevention of young -driver -involved collisions as a priority. We want to see this statistic come down. We're calling on our young drivers to drive safely, attentively, and responsibly, because teen drivers have the opportunity to save lives on our roadways —including their own." - Ramesh ]agannathan, Acting Commissioner of Works, Region of Durham -30- For media inquiries, please contact CorporateCommunicationsC�durham.ca (maiIto: CorporateCommunicationsOdurham.ca). © 2023 Durham Region, 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3, Canada, Telephone (within regional limits): 311, Telephone: 905-668-7711, Toll -Free: 1-800-372-1102 By GHD Digital Page 4 The Corporation of the ... Town,5hfp of -x Uxbric ge In The Regional Municipality ofDnrhnm SENT VIA E-MAIL October 3, 2023 Donna Popovic Public Affairs & Communications Enbridge Gas Inc. Toronto, Ontario dor) na.papoyicAenbridge corn Town hall 51 Toronto Areet 6odh P.O. Box 190 Uxbridge, ON L9P 1T1 Telephone (905) 852-9181 Facsimile (905) 852 -9674 Web wwwmxbridge.ea RE: ENBRIDGE GAS — PHASE TWO OF THE NATURAL GAS EXPANSION SUPPORT PROGRAM - SANDFORD TOWNSHIP FILE: A-00 G Please be advised that during the regular meeting of Council of September 25, 2023, the following motion was carried: WHEREAS a community development project by Enbridge Gas is in progress under Phase Two of the Natural Gas Expansion Support Program in the Hamlet of Sandford; AND WHEREAS the Enbridge Gas has shared with the Township key messages regarding the Ontario Energy Board's Leave to Construct (LTC) process, entitled "reducing red tape for more cost-effective, timely energy connections in Ontario;" AND WHEREAS the Township supports and wishes to endorse the recommendations put forward by Enbridge Gas in order to expedite the installation of gas to small communities such as Uxbridge. NOWTHEREBE IT RESOLVED: 1. THAT the Township of Uxbridge petition the Ontario Government to expedite the implementation of the following recommendations: i) THAT the Government of Ontario move to modernize the Ontario Energy Board's (OEB) Leave to Construct (LTC) process for smaller pipeline Page 5 projects in order to bring reliable, affordable energy options to communities, homes and businesses in a more cost-effective and timely manner; 2. ii) AND THAT the LTC cost threshold be updated from $2M to $10M for hydrocarbon lines (by amending Ontario Regulation O.Reg.328/03) while maintaining current requirements and expectations for Indigenous consultation and environmental review for projects greater than $2M and less than $10M; iii) AND THAT these outdated regulations are causing the LTC to apply far more broadly than intended when it was established over 20 years ago due to increased regulatory and cost pressures, as well as inflation, virtually all gas pipeline projects are now greater than $2M rendering the threshold meaningless; 1. iv) AND THAT roughly 0.5 KM pipe in urban settings now often exceeds the $2M threshold; 2. v) AND THAT modernizing these outdated regulations would reduce delays and costs for economic development initiatives including transit projects, community expansion projects, housing developments, connections for low carbon fuel blending (e.g., renewable natural gas, hydrogen) as well as residential and business customer connections; 3. vi) AND THAT based on OEB's performance standards, this proposal would save approx. 5-7 months of regulatory process which is in addition to the time needed to undertake Indigenous consultation and environmental review and prepare an application to the OEB; vii) AND THAT the cost of preparing and having a LTC application heard ranges from approx.—$50,000 to—$200,000, which is passed on to customers; viii) AND THAT while no cost -based threshold exists for electricity lines, there are a range of exemptions ensuring that LTC is only required for significant electricity projects and the proposed changes would help ensure that, consistent with electricity projects, LTC for hydrocarbon lines would only be required for significant projects; Page 6 1. ix) AND THAT increasing the cost threshold to $10M would closer align Ontario with other Canadian jurisdictions (e.g., in B.C., these thresholds are $15M for electricity and $20M for natural gas); 2. AND THAT this resolution be circulated to AMO, Premier Doug Ford, the Minister of Energy, Todd Smith, The Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy and all Durham Region Municipalities requesting support of the proposed changes regarding reducing red tape for more cost-effective, timely energy connections in Ontario. I trust you will find the above to be satisfactory. Y\s truly, Pe,b'b Le roux xDirector of Legislative Services/Clerk /Ij r cc: Premier Doug Ford Honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Energy Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance AMO All Durham Municipalities Page 7 CITY OF Bur/ing►ton Sent via email September 28, 2023 905-335-7600 ext. 7702 0 905-335-7675 kevin.arjoon@burlington.ca SUBJECT: Changes to the Oath of Office Acknowledging Treaty Rights Please be advised that at its meeting held Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the Council of the City of Burlington approved the following resolution: Whereas most municipalities in Ontario have a land acknowledgement in their opening ceremony; and Whereas a clear reference to the rights of Indigenous people is the aim of advancing Truth and Reconciliation; and Whereas Call to Action 94 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada called upon the Government of Canada to replace the wording of the Oath of Citizenship to include the recognition of the laws of Canada including Treaties with Indigenous Peoples; and Whereas on June 21, 2021, an Act to amend The Citizenship Act received royal assent to include clear reference to the rights of Indigenous peoples aimed at advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action within the broader reconciliation framework; and Whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada outlines specific calls to action for municipal governments in Canada to act on, including education and collaboration; Therefore be it resolved that Burlington City Council request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing that the following changes be made to the municipal oath of office: I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples; and 426 Brant Street . P.O Box 5013 . Burlington . Ontario . UR 3Z6 . www.burlington.ca Page 8 Further that this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction, Parm Gill; Natalie Pierre, MPP Burlington; and Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP Oakville North -Burlington; Halton Region; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; the Ontario's Big City Mayors; the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Six Nations of the Grand River. If you have any questions, please contact me at extension 7702 or the e-mail address above. Sincerely, Kevin Arjoon City Clerk 426 Brant Street . P.O Box 5013 . Burlington . Ontario . L7R 3Z6 • www.burlington.ca Page 9 Municipality of Bl-�4ew�ter October 2, 2023 The Honourable Lisa M. Thompson Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) 408 Queen Street, P.O. Box 426 Blyth, ON NOM 1H0 Re: Childcare availability in Ontario Dear Minister Thompson: The Municipality of Bluewater is concerned about the critical issue of childcare availability in our province and how it is linked to educational requirements and low wages within the childcare sector. We believe that addressing these issues is crucial for the well-being of our families and the future prosperity of Bluewater and Ontario. Childcare availability in Ontario has become an increasingly pressing problem for parents and guardians. Access to affordable, high -quality childcare is essential for families to balance work and family responsibilities, and it plays a vital role in supporting the early development and education of our children. However, the lack of available childcare spaces is a significant barrier for many parents, limiting their ability to participate fully in the workforce and achieve financial stability. We suspect that one of the key factors contributing to the shortage of childcare spaces is the educational requirements imposed on childcare workers. While it is important to ensure the safety and well-being of children in childcare settings, the current educational requirements may be overly restrictive. These requirements often result in a shortage of qualified childcare providers, making it challenging to expand the availability of childcare services. This year in the Municipality of Bluewater, we have childcare facilities and before and after school programs that have closed or have reduced capacity due to lack of qualified staffing. These recent closures and capacity issues have imposed a significant amount of stress on families in our community. Additionally, low wages within the childcare sector are a significant concern. Many qualified and passionate individuals are discouraged from pursuing a career in childcare Page 10 due to the low wages and limited opportunities for professional growth. This low -wage structure not only makes it difficult to attract and retain skilled childcare educators but also effects the quality of care children receive. Investing in the professional development and fair compensation of early childcare educators is essential to ensure that our children receive the best care possible and the best start in life. To address these issues and improve childcare availability in Ontario, the Municipality urges you to consider the following actions: 1. Review and Reform Educational Requirements: Work with relevant stakeholders to review and potentially revise the training methods of early childcare educators, striking a balance between safety and accessibility by increasing the praxis model to learning. 2. Invest in Professional Development: Advocate for increased investment in professional development opportunities for childcare workers to enhance their skills and qualifications. 3. Increase Wages: Support initiatives to increase the wages of childcare workers, ensuring that they are paid a fair and competitive salary for the vital work they do. 4. Expand Funding: Work to secure additional funding for the expansion of childcare services and facilities, especially in underserved and rural communities. 5. Promote Public Awareness: Raise public awareness about the importance of accessible and high -quality childcare services and the need for policy changes. This is an urgent matter that is expected to worsen and your timely response to these concerns is needed. By addressing these issues, we can make significant strides toward improving childcare availability in Bluewater and Ontario and ensuring that families have the support they need to thrive. We kindly request your timely support and advocacy on these matters and would be grateful for any updates or initiatives related to childcare reform in our province. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We look forward to your continued dedication to the well-being of Ontario's families and children. Sincerely, /�� /0�ov Mayor Paul Klopp for the Council of the Municipality of Bluewater cc: Premier Doug Ford Ben Lobb, Huron -Bruce MP Hon. Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services All Ontario Municipalities Page 11 est tincol 318 Canborough St. P.O. Box 400 Smithville, ON LOR 2A0 T: 905 957 3346 Your Future Naturally F: 905-957-3219 www.westlincoln.ca Oct 5, 2023 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 200 University Ave #801 Toronto, ON M5H 3C6 Dear AMO Members: Re: Challenges Faced by Smaller Developers in Ontario Communities This is to confirm that at the Sept 25, 2023 Council Meeting the following resolution was adopted with respect to the above noted matter: That, a letter be drafted for signature by the Mayor and that the letter be forwarded to the Minister of Municipal of Affairs, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and its member municipalities, outlining the issues and constraints brought to the Township Council's attention with respect to holding back development applications of new homes within the community. The Township of West Lincoln is writing to bring to your attention a significant matter that has recently come to our attention at the Township of West Lincoln. This issue pertains to the challenges faced by small developers in communities like ours, across the province of Ontario. These challenges are currently making it difficult for communities like West Lincoln to meet the housing goals of the province. We recently received a request from a developer regarding their development project in Smithville, Ontario which was first draft approved approximately in 2015. The developer has presented a compelling case for an extension to the draft plan of condo approval, citing several noteworthy factors that have emerged since their initial application and which are delaying the start of development. Initially Council wanted to refuse extension approval to force the development but it was clear that would not be possible. The challenges are a symptom of broader issues felt by the Municipality on numerous planning issues, and some of these challenges as outlined to us by the developer, are noted below. A significant challenge is the current state of the market, characterized by severe material supply chain constraints. These constraints have made it exceedingly difficult for the developer to secure pricing for essential construction materials, introducing financial uncertainty. An extension is deemed necessary to ensure the viability of the project, which aligns with our community's need for diverse housing options. Furthermore, the recent and unexpected increase in interest rates by the Bank of Page 12 Canada has created volatility in the marketplace for pre -sale condo townhomes. These rate hikes have affected both the developer's financing costs and potential buyer's ability to secure financing. An extension would provide the developer with the opportunity to adapt their financial strategies in response to this rapidly changing environment. Additionally, the challenging market conditions in the Niagara Region, as indicated by the Niagara Association of Realtors, have led to declining home values and shifting market dynamics. These changes necessitate a reassessment of the project timelines, for dwelling types and sizes, to ensure its long-term viability and success. Granting an extension will allow the developer to adapt to these current market dynamics and make informed decisions. Importantly, extending the draft plan of condo approval would help conserve our Township's valuable resources. Re -submitting the entire approval package and undergoing the approval process again would be resource —intensive for both the developer and our local government. We believe that an extension at this time is a pragmatic solution that aligns with efficient resource utilization. In light of these challenges, our commitment to supporting responsible and sustainable development in our community, and a desire to help address the identified housing shortfall, we kindly request that AMO and the Provincial government consider the current issues faced by developers in communities across Ontario. The challenges outlined by this developer reflect a broader trend that warrants attention and will severely hamper the ability to achieve increased housing starts if not addressed. We recommend that the decision -making process for future planning applications be allowed to be guided by a balanced approach that takes into account market conditions, historical precedence, and resource conservation. This approach should ultimately contribute to provide much -needed housing supply to communities like West Lincoln, albeit at slower rates than first contemplated. We appreciate your attention to this matter and believe that addressing these challenges will help promote equitable development opportunities across the province. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require any additional information or clarification on this issue. We look forward to collaborating with AMO and the Provincial government to find solutions that support the growth and vitality of our community and others like it. Sincerely, (�y_f�2d e9��-r7T�P2-•` Mayor Cheryl Ganann cc.. Minister Paul Calandra All AMO member municipalities Page 13 Newcastle BIA MINUTES September 14th, 2023 www.villageofnewcastle.ca Attendance: Jane Black, Marni Lewis, Janeen Calder, Tracey Yates, Councillor Willie Woo, Laura Knox, Valentine Lovekin Regrets: Greg Lewis, Theresa Vanhaverbeke, Jim Norwood, Sherry Zwetsloot, Carolyn Brooks 1. Meeting called to order at 9:04am - Land Acknowledgement read 2. Approval of August minutes Motion by: Janeen Calder Seconded by: Tracey Yates Carried 3. Business Arising from Minutes: n/a 4. President's report: n/a 5. Treasurer's Report The current bank balance is $101,119.00 6. Council Report: A review of the 2014 Street scape plan is required with Planning prior to starting this project. The Municipality has acquired new specialized equipment to begin clearing of sidewalks for the 2023/2024 winter season. This will include King Ave in Newcastle. The BIA will make arrangements with Foss Property Maintenance, our current snow removal company. 7. Committee Reports Safety and Decor: Thank to you Bloomfield Garden Centre for replacing the pots with our Fall flowers. We should inquire about replacing the damaged pots for the winter arrangements, and if they are offering holiday urns to businesses in the BIA. Advertising: Top posts on Instagram: Durham Region Curbside Giveaway day CBOT Farm/Food week Reel Gift of Art community gardens TBT 100th drone Arial picture Top posts in Facebook: Durham Region curbside giveaway day Page 14 Harvest Festival event page Piccini bbq Gift of Art community gardens Special Events: Harvest Festival (Saturday, October 7th, 9-4pm) 50 vendors are confirmed, road closures are in place, Newcastle merchandise will be available for sale that day, volunteers and students needed for the day. Restaurants are encouraged to have "grab and go" food items available to purchase, or a bbq for people visiting the festival that day. We will not have food trucks that day and will encourage the community to support the local restaurants. Community Hall Lighting (Friday, November 17th, 2023 at 6pm) A planning meeting is schedule for next week. Santa Parade (Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at 5:30pm) Permits are in place, banners will be hung over the streets on King Ave. and Mill St S, theme is "deck the hall", an ornament may be available to purchase this year, volunteers needed, will do a promotional sign with the 3 holiday events. Santa Breakfast (Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 at 8-1lam) Everything is booked, Santa, music, hall. Will coordinate the food shortly. 100th Celebration of the Community Hall The committee is planning a Christmas Dinner in the Hall on December 25th. It will be open to anyone in the community, registration will be required. 8. CBOT: Welcome Rhonda! Erica is going on Mat leave and Alyssa will be filling in for her. The breakfast with MP Lawrence is Friday September 15th at the Diane Hamre Rec Centre. They have been working on BR&E, surveying businesses across Clarington "what it is like to have a business in Clarington" they will share the Newcastle results with us once they have the report completed. They have lots of new members joining. If you are looking for any business support reach out to the Clarington Board of Trade. 9. Chamber: Membership is up to 100 members currently. The 50th Gala event is sold out. They are working with Durham College and the membership program. 10. CIP: n/a Page 15 11. New Business: We would like to update our logo, the current one doesn't represent the Downtown business area. 12. Motion to Adjourn: Moved by: Tracey Yates Seconded: Jane Black Page 16