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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date: September 9, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Council Chambers or Electronic Participation
Municipal Administrative Centre
40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor
Bowmanville, Ontario
Members Present: Mayor A. Foster, Councillor G. Anderson, Councillor S. Elhajjeh,
Councillor L. Rang, Councillor C. Traill, Councillor W. Woo,
Councillor M. Zwart
Staff Present: M. Dempster, J. Newman, L. Turcotte, R. Maciver, T. Pinn, J.
Gallagher, L. Reck, L. Backus
Other Staff Present: M. Westover
1. Call to Order
Councillor Zwart called the meeting to order at 9.30 a.m.
Councillor Rang joined later in the meeting at 9:32 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Councillor Anderson led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
3. Declaration of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
4. Announcements
Councillor Rang joined the meeting.
Members of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of
community interest.
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5. Presentations/Delegations
5.1 Presentation by Shaun Collier, Board Chair, Durham Region Police Service
Board, Regarding Community Safety in Durham Region
Shaun Collier, Board Chair, Durham Region Police Service Board was present
regarding Community Safety in Durham Region. Using an electronic
presentation, Shaun provided an overview of the Board responsibilities,
composition, and the current areas of focus which included the 2024 Strategic
Plan, 2025 Budget, implementation of Community Safety and Policing Act and
Regulations, and community engagement. S. Collier outlined the community
safety issues and answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-114-24
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That the Delegation of Shaun Collier, Board Chair, Durham Region Police
Service Board, regarding Community Safety in Durham Region, be received with
thanks and further that the Council of the Municipality of Clarington expresses
support, confidence, and appreciation for the members and efforts of the Durham
Region Police Services.
Carried
5.2 Delegation by Jennifer Kanters, Office Administrator and Stuart Robinson,
Head Coach, Darlington Soccer Club, Regarding Bowmanville Indoor
Soccer Field Construction
Jennifer Kanters, Office Administrator, Darlington Soccer Club, was present
regarding the Bowmanville Indoor Soccer Field Construction. Jennifer provided
the Club's background and noted that they are excited about the dome because
they can start adding additional kids from their waitlist. J. Kanters stated that the
Club has office space in the existing building and uses the facility the most.
Jennifer added that the Club contributed $500,000 for the development of the
existing field. J. Kanters explained that they are unable to use the space during
the construction of the dome and have been working with Staff to relocate
programs and gain more hours for indoor space. Jennifer thanked Staff for their
assistance and answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-115-24
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the Delegation of Jennifer Kanters, Office Administrator, Darlington Soccer
Club, Regarding Bowmanville Indoor Soccer Field Construction, be received with
thanks.
Carried
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5.3 Delegation by John Wildeboer, Co -Director, Brunchkins, Regarding
Community Funding Grant Appreciation
John Wildeboer, Co -Director, Brunchkins was called upon but was not present.
5.4 Delegation by Judith Hanson, CEO, Autism Home Base Durham Inc.,
Regarding Request for Funding Through External Agencies Budget
Judith Hanson, CEO, Autism Home Base Durham Inc., was present regarding a
Request for Funding Through the External Agencies Budget. Judith shared a
video, providing an overview of Autism Home Base Durham Inc.'s programs and
services. J. Hanson expressed the challenges and barriers of programming and
requested an annualized operating grant through Clarington's external agency
budget. Judith noted that the Municipality of Clarington is their longest -standing
and important partner and answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-116-24
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the Delegation of Judith Hanson, CEO, Autism Home Base Durham Inc.
regarding a Request for Funding Through External Agencies Budget, be received
with thanks.
Carried
6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-117-24
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of Items 6.4, 6.6, and 6.9, be
approved on consent, in accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
6.1 Correspondence from Ontario Medical Association and Association of
Municipalities of Ontario, Regarding Physician Shortage in Ontario
Resolution # GG-118-24
Whereas the state of health care in Ontario is in crisis, with 2.3 million Ontarians
lacking access to a family doctor, emergency room closures across the province,
patients being de-rostered and 40% of family doctors considering retirement over
the next five years;
And whereas it has become increasingly challenging to attract and retain an
adequate healthcare workforce throughout the health sector across Ontario;
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And whereas the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University says
communities in northern Ontario are short more than 350 physicians, including
more than 200 family doctors; and half of the physicians working in northern
Ontario are expected to retire in the next five years; and (Northern Ontario only)
And whereas Ontario municipal governments play an integral role in the health
care system through responsibilities in public health, long-term care,
paramedicine, and other investments;
And whereas the percentage of family physicians practicing comprehensive
family medicine has declined from 77 in 2008 to 65 per cent in 2022;
And whereas per capita health-care spending in Ontario is the lowest of all
provinces in Canada;
And whereas a robust workforce developed through a provincial, sector -wide
health human resources strategy would significantly improve access to health
services across the province;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Clarington
urge the Province of Ontario to recognize the physician shortage in the
Municipality of Clarington and Ontario, to fund health care appropriately and
ensure every Ontarian has access to physician care.
6.2 Correspondence from Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and
Treasurers of Ontario, Regarding Municipal Elections Act
Recommendations
Resolution # GG-119-24
Whereas elections rules need to be clear, supporting candidates and voters in
their electoral participation and election administrators in running elections;
And whereas legislation needs to strike the right balance between providing clear
rules and frameworks to ensure the integrity of the electoral process;
And whereas the legislation must also reduce administrative and operational
burden for municipal staff ensuring that local election administrators can run
elections in a way that responds to the unique circumstances of their local
communities;
And whereas the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA) will be 30 years old by the
next municipal and school board elections in 2026;
And whereas the MEA sets out the rules for local elections, the Assessment Act,
1990 and the Education Act, 1990 also contain provisions impacting local
elections adding more places for voters, candidates, and administrators to look
for the rules that bind the local democratic process in Ontario;
And whereas with rules across three pieces of legislation, and the MEA
containing a patchwork of clauses, there are interpretation challenges,
inconsistencies, and gaps to fill;
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And whereas the Act can pose difficulties for voters, candidates, contributors and
third -party advertisers to read, to interpret, to comply with and for election
administrators to enforce;
And whereas while local elections are run as efficiently and effectively as can be
within the current legislative framework, modernization and continuous
improvement is needed to ensure the Act is responsive to today's needs and
tomorrow's challenges;
And whereas to keep public trust and improve safeguards the Act should be
reviewed considering the ever -changing landscape which impacts elections
administration including privacy, the threats of foreign interference, increased
spread of mis/disinformation and the increased use of technologies like artificial
intelligence and use of digital identities;
And whereas the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of
Ontario (AMCTO) reviewed the Act and has provided several recommendations
including modernizing the legislation, harmonizing rules, and streamlining and
simplifying administration;
And whereas AMCTO put forward recommendations for amendments ahead of
the 2026 elections and longer -term recommendations for amendments ahead of
the 2030 elections;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington calls for the
Province to update the MEA with priority amendments as outlined by AMCTO
before Summer 2025 and commence work to review and re -write the MEA with
longer -term recommendations ahead of the 2030 elections; and
That this resolution will be forwarded to all municipalities in Ontario for support
and that each endorsement be then forwarded to the Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Housing (minister.mah@ontario.ca), the Minister of Education
(minister.edu@ontario.ca), the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
(todd.mccarthy@ontario.ca), Minister of Finance (Minister.fin@ontario.ca) the
Premier of Ontario (premier@ontario.ca ), the Honourable Todd McCarthy,
M.P.P., Durham — (Todd. McCarthy@pc.ola.org), the Honourable David Piccini,
M.P.P., Northumberland -Peterborough South (David.Piccini@pc.ola.org), and
AMCTO (advocacy@amcto.com).
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6.3 Correspondence from Canadian Urban Institute, Regarding Provincial
Funding in Libraries and Museums
Resolution # GG-120-24
Whereas the provincial funding for public libraries is currently based on
population levels from 31 years ago, which fails to reflect the substantial growth
and has led to a decrease in the value of the province's investment by over 60%;
the Municipality of Clarington Council wishes to draw your attention to the report
of 2023 from the Canadian Urban Institute, "Overdue: The Case for Canada's
Public Libraries" which emphasizes the pivotal role libraries play in various
aspects of community life, including knowledge distribution, culture, health,
reconciliation, belonging, and our democracy;
And whereas libraries and museums, situated at the heart of our communities,
serve as multifaceted institutions catering to diverse needs;
And whereas, the Clarington Public Library, Museums and Archives (CLMA)
provide essential services such as election information centres, job search
facilities, health clinics, language learning centres for newcomers, and spaces for
educational and community events;
And whereas every month, 204,000 Canadians obtain job -seeking help at their
library and, every month, 16,000 Canadians access training classes at their
library;
And whereas, over 6,000 Ibs of food was distributed through the CLMA in 2023;
And whereas libraries, as Auditor Generals of every order of government
repeatedly cite, public libraries have the highest return on investment of any
publicly funded program;
And whereas every dollar invested in the CLMA results in $7.45 in benefits;
And whereas the average annual savings by using the CLMA is $743.73-1
And whereas, while over 90% of library and museum funding comes from local
municipal governments, provincial operating funding is crucial for providing
stability to budgets, especially in times of inflation, technological changes, and
increasing demands on libraries as community hubs;
And whereas Cultural institutions, particularly museums, play a vital role in
shaping and preserving our community's identity;
And whereas cultural institutions contribute to tourism, social participation, senior
well-being, skill -building, and learning;
And whereas, as the largest government funder for most of Ontario's smaller
museums, municipalities create value in their communities through the work of
these institutions;
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And whereas recognizing these institutions as national assets and strategically
investing in their potential will contribute significantly to renewing post -pandemic
social cohesion, economic well-being, and community resilience;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington Council urges the
Provincial Government to consider increasing the Public Library Operating Grant
(PLOG) and the Community Museum Operating Grant (CMOG) to both public
libraries and community museums to address critical shared priorities and
community needs; and
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister
of Tourism, Culture and Sport, local MPPs, the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO), and the Clarington Public Library, Museums and Archives Board.
6.5 LGS-031-24 - Clarington Accessibility Design Standards
Resolution # GG-121-24
That Report LGS-031-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the CAO is authorized to approve Clarington Accessibility Design
Standards, and to apply the standards to municipally owned facilities unless it is
not technically and/or financially feasible to do so;
That the CAO is authorized to approve updates to the standards as Provincial
Legislation changes and best practices in the industry emerge; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-031-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
6.7 LGS-033-24 - Surplus Declaration of Road Allowance Between Lots 34-35,
Con 1, Former Township of Darlington
Resolution # GG-122-24
That Report LGS-033-24, be received;
That the unopened road allowance between Lots 34 and 35, Concession 1,
Former Township of Darlington described in Report LGS-033-24 be declared
surplus and conditionally approved for sale to the Applicant;
That the Applicant shall pay the cost to prepare and register a reference plan for
the property to be conveyed;
That the Applicant shall pay the cost for the Municipality to obtain an appraisal of
the property to be conveyed;
That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor is authorized to enter into an agreement of
purchase and sale with the applicant with a purchase price consistent with the
appraisal obtained for the value of the property, and any other terms considered
necessary by the Deputy CAO/Solicitor;
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That the Applicant shall pay the non-refundable processing fee;
That once all conditions have been fulfilled by the Applicant, the Deputy
CAO/Solicitor shall prepare the necessary by-law to give effect to the closure and
conveyance of the Road Allowance; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-033-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
6.8 FSD-035-24 -Autism Home Base Durham Lease Extension — 132 Church
Street
Resolution # GG-123-24
That Report FSD-035-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That approval be granted to extend the lease to the Autism Home Base, office
space located on the second floor of 132 Church Street for a period of five years
beginning January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2029, and subject to the
terms of the existing lease agreement dated January 1, 2020, including a yearly
rent increase based on the Consumer Price Index, All Items Ontario, as
published by Statistics Canada;
That the Mayor and Municipal Clerk be authorized to execute the lease
agreements on behalf of the Municipality; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-035-24 and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
6.10 FSD-039-24 -Electric Van for Animal Services
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That Report FSD-039-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Highbury Ford Sales Limited with a total bid amount of $60,870.80 (Net
HST Rebate) being the lowest compliant bidder meeting all terms, conditions and
specifications of Q2024-9 be awarded the contract for supply and delivery of the
electric van as required by Animal Services:
That the total funds required for this project in the amount of $60,870.80 (Net
HST Rebate) which includes applicable fees such as licensing be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-039-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
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6.4 CAO-003-24 - Name for New Neighbourhood Park at 3301 Middle Road
Resolution # GG-125-24
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That Report CAO-003-24 be referred back to Staff to recommend another name
for the park at 3301 Middle Road, Bowmanville.
Carried
6.6 LGS-032-24 - Exotic Pet By-law — Backyard Chickens
Resolution # GG-126-24
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Report LGS-032-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Clarington approves the keeping of backyard chickens, using the suggested
guidelines outlined in Section 6.3 of this Report; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-032-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Motion Lost
Resolution # GG-127-24
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That Report LGS-032-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-032-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Carried
6.6.1 Correspondence from Martin Field, Regarding Report LGS-032-24 - Exotic
Pet By-law - Backyard Chickens
This matter was considered during Item 6.6.
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6.9 FSD-037-24 - 2024 Contract Awards During Summer Recess
Resolution # GG-128-24
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That Report FSD-037-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 LGS-030-24 - Appointments to the Ganaraska Forest Recreational User
Committee and Property Standards Committee
Resolution # GG-129-24
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Report LGS-030-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the resignation of Marven Whidden, from the Ganaraska Forest
Recreational User Committee and Property Standards Committee, be received
with thanks;
That the Committee consider the applications for appointments to the Ganaraska
Forest Recreational User Committee and Property Standards Committee, and
that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen representatives, in accordance
with the Appointment to Boards and Committees Policy; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-030-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Carried
Ganaraska Forest Recreational User Committee
That Karen Graham be appointed to the Ganaraska Forest Recreational User
Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is
appointed.
Property Standards Committee
That Patricia Brazeau be appointed to the Property Standards Committee for a
term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
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8. Unfinished Business
8.1 LGS-026-24 - Delegation of Authority By-law (Referred from the June 6,
2024 General Government Committee Meeting)
Resolution # GG-130-24
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That Report LGS-026-24, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the draft Delegation of Authority By-law, attached to Report LGS-026-24, as
Attachment 2, excluding the columns titled "Recommended Action" and "Notes",
be approved; and
That the following be rescinded and replaced with the delegation of authority
within the draft by-law:
a. The Council approval of Resolution #GG-077-23 from March 20, 2023,
regarding the authority to enter into Defibrillator Program Agreements;
b. The Council approval of Resolution #GG-201-23, from December 4, 2023,
regarding the authority to execute any future amendments to the trail
Licence Agreement required to accommodate the operational needs of
either Ontario Power Generation or the Municipality;
c. The last paragraph of Resolution #C-190-15, from June 1, 2015, regarding
the authority to appoint private parking enforcement officers.
That the Flag Protocol Policy and Proclamation Policy be updated to refer to the
Delegation of Authority By-law;
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-026-24, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Referred, Later in the Meeting
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Resolution # GG-131-24
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the foregoing Resolution #GG-130-24 be amended by adding the following:
That all Court Matters be removed from the Delegation of Authority By-
law, except Court Matters - Small Claims - Write off.
Yes (1): Councillor Traill
No (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang,
Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart
Motion Lost on a recorded vote (1 to 6)
Later in the meeting.
Resolution # GG-132-24
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to delay the scheduled break at
12:00 noon by 30 minutes.
Carried
Resolution #GG-131-24 was then lost on a recorded vote.
Resolution # GG-133-24
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That Report LGS-026-24 be referred back to Staff.
Carried
9. New Business
9.1 November 11, 2024 Planning and Development Committee Meeting
Cancellation and Call of Special Meeting - Mayor Foster
Resolution # GG-134-24
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
Whereas the November 11, 2024, Planning & Development Committee (PDC)
meeting is scheduled for 5:00 pm on Remembrance Day;
And whereas there are several Remembrance Day events taking place that day,
including one at 7:00 pm in Newcastle;
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And whereas Members of Council wish to move the start time of the meeting to
accommodate both the PDC meeting and the events;
Now therefore be it resolved that, in accordance with subsection 4.16.1(b) of the
Procedural By-law, the 5:00 pm November 11, 2024, PDC meeting, be cancelled;
That, in accordance with subsection 4.4.2 of the Procedural By-law, a Special
PDC meeting be called for 4:00 pm November 11, 2024, in the Council
Chambers and via electronic means, to consider planning reports and any
related delegations and presentations, excluding Public Meetings for the purpose
of the Planning Act.
Carried
10. Confidential Items
11. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-135-24
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the meeting adjourn at 12:08 p.m.
Carried
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