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Home My WebLink About2025-04-17 Electronic Council Communications Information Package Date:April 17, 2025 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. Pages 1.Region of Durham Correspondence 2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence 3.Other Municipalities Correspondence 3.1 Resolutions regarding Strong Mayor Powers 3 The following Municipalities send correspondence regarding the Strong Mayor Powers: Town of Saugeen Shores• Town of Tillsonburg• Town of Amherstburg• Town of Kingsville• Township of Rideau Lakes• 4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence 4.1 Andrea Martin, Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness - Agricultural System Implementation - April 15, 2025 14 5.Miscellaneous Correspondence 5.1 Minutes from the Newcastle Business Improvement Area meeting dated March 13, 2025 17 5.2 Minutes from the Bowmanville Business Improvement Area meeting dated March 11 and April 8, 2025 21 April 17, 2025 Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP) Page 2 Town of Saugeen Shores 600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820 Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0 T 519.832.2008 F 519.832.2140 saugeenshores.ca @SaugeenShoresON April 14, 2025 Honourable Rob Flack Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 17th Floor, 777 Bay St. Toronto, ON M7A 2J3 rob.flack@pc.ola.org Dear Minister, RE: Opposition to Proposed Amendments to O.Reg. 530/22 to Expand Strong Mayor Powers I am writing to express my opposition to the government’s proposed expansion of Strong Mayor powers to include the Town of Saugeen Shores. As the Mayor of Saugeen Shores, I am concerned about the implications of this policy change on our local governance. Please consider this letter as the Town of Saugeen Shores submission on O.Reg. 530/22 which is available for comment until April 16th. In my experience, the ‘Council Manager’ system of governance has always served our municipality well. Specifically, when it comes to advancing our shared priority of building more housing to serve our residents, Saugeen Shores Council has demonstrated flexible and determined leadership. Our Council has enabled housing by reducing red tape resulting in the construction of more than 600 multi-family residential units in the last two years alone. Given the strong and sustained commitment of our Council to these efforts, I do not see how the introduction of Strong Mayor powers will accelerate the construction of housing (or the pursuit of other priority areas) in any way. On the contrary, vesting these new powers in the Mayor threatens to disrupt long-established and effective processes, sidelining elected members of Council with effects that may be contrary to the interests of our residents. Saugeen Shores has thrived for decades on the principle of shared leadership. We have an effective team of elected representatives working in partnership with a professional staff to achieve goals that are transparently set out in our Strategic Plan and annual Business Plans. This approach to governance is foundational to building trust between the municipality and the residents that it serves. I fear that the unilateral decision-making enabled by Strong Mayor powers would erode this trust and disrupt the collaborative environment that has long been at the heart of the democratic tradition of our Council and community. I urge you to reconsider the expansion of Strong Mayor powers. If the government has a strong desire to advance these major changes to the governance of our municipality, I Page 3 request that you engage in a thorough consultation process with our Council and the residents of our community before moving forward. It is crucial that any changes to local governance structures be made in close partnership with the communities they impact. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope that we can work together in the interest of ensuring strong local governance in Saugeen Shores. Sincerely, Luke Charbonneau, Mayor Town of Saugeen Shores cc. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Lisa Thompson, MPP, Minister of Rural Affairs Council, Town of Saugeen Shores All Ontario Municipalities Page 4 From:Clerks To:premier@ontario.ca; rob.flack@pc.ola.org; Ernie.Hardemanco@pc.ola.org; resolutions@amo.on.ca; roma@roma.on.ca Subject:Tillsonburg Town Council Decision Letter - April 14, 2025 - Strong Mayor Powers Date:April 15, 2025 8:41:00 AM Attachments:Outlook-cid_image0.png EXTERNAL Hello, At the April 14, 2025, meeting of Tillsonburg Town Council, the following resolution was passed: Resolution # 2025-125 Moved By: Councillor Spencer Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Beres THAT Council receive item 12.8 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Letter Re: Strong Mayor Powers, as information; WHEREAS the Ontario government has proposed expanding the "strong mayor" powers to 169 additional municipalities under the proposed legislation on May 1, 2025, which would grant mayors in these municipalities more authority, particularly concerning the control of municipal budgets, planning and operational decisions; AND WHEREAS this proposal has raised significant concerns regarding the centralization of power, erosion of local democracy, reduced accountability, and the potential for the abuse of power; AND WHEREAS the proposed expansion of strong mayor powers undermines the collaborative nature of municipal governance, and diminish the role of elected municipal councillors in representing the diverse interests of the community; AND WHEREAS concerns have been raised about the negative impacts on public trust, democratic participation, and municipal decision-making processes, if mayors are given the ability to bypass council decisions without adequate consultation or oversight; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg; 1. Does not support the proposed strong mayor powers as currently outlined; 2. Supports specific powers to mayors as it pertains to identifiable decisions regarding housing, development, infrastructure and transit to provide tools that reduce obstacles that can stand in the way of new housing and infrastructure developments; 3. Strongly suggests that free reign of decision-making regarding hiring, firing, committees and so forth be removed from the proposed authority; 4. Strongly suggests that members of current Council were duly elected officials by Page 5 citizens with the awareness of one vote per council member and majority votes are the democratic process; 5. Requests that the Provincial Strong Mayor Powers proposed to take effect on May 1, 2025, be deferred to allow for greater clarity and that the Province seek collaborative input from the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO); 6. Directs staff to forward this resolution immediately to Minister Flack, Premier Ford, MPP Hardeman, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and all Ontario Municipalities before April 16, 2025. Regards, Amelia Jaggard Deputy Clerk Town of Tillsonburg 10 Lisgar Ave Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A5 Phone: 519-688-3009 Ext. 4041 Ranked one of “Canada’s Top 25 Communities to Live and Work Remotely” (Maclean’s 2021 Best Communities) www.Tillsonburg.ca www.DiscoverTillsonburg.ca www.Facebook.com/TillsonburgON DISCLAIMER: This E-mail contains legally privileged information intended only for the individual or entity named in the message. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If this communication was received in error, please notify us by reply E-mail and delete the original message. P Please consider the environment before printing this email. Page 6 Town of Amherstburg OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Michael Prue, Mayor 519-736-0012  271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9A 2A5  mprue@amherstburg.ca April 15, 2025 SENT VIA EMAIL Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queens Park Toronto, ON, M7A 1A4 VIA EMAIL: premier@ontario.ca Attn: The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Re: Resolution# 20250414-011 - Opposition to Strong Mayor Designation for the Town of Amherstburg At its regular meeting on April 14, 2025, Amherstburg Town Council passed Resolution 20250414-011 in response to the Province’s recent proposal to designate Amherstburg as a “Strong Mayor” municipality, effective May 1, 2025. WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has proposed to designate the Town of Amherstburg as a "Strong Mayor" community, granting enhanced powers to the Mayor effective May 1, 2025; and, WHEREAS the Strong Mayor powers significantly alter the balance of governance at the municipal level, undermining the role of Council in decision-making and weakening the fundamental democratic principle of majority rule; and, WHEREAS the Town of Amherstburg has a long history of collaborative, transparent, and accountable local governance built upon a foundation of Council-debate and shared decision- making; and, WHEREAS many municipally elected officials across the province and members of the public have expressed significant concern regarding the imposition of these powers; and, WHEREAS the Town of Amherstburg did not formally request or express a desire to be designated under the Strong Mayor framework; and, WHEREAS a growing number of municipalities and elected officials across Ontario are questioning the appropriateness of the Strong Mayor system and are calling for its reconsideration or repeal; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Amherstburg Town Council formally request that the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing immediately remove the Town of Amherstburg from the list of municipalities designated under the Strong Mayor legislation; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, all regional Members of Provincial Page 7 Town of Amherstburg OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Michael Prue, Mayor 519-736-0012  271 Sandwich Street South, Amherstburg, Ontario N9A 2A5  mprue@amherstburg.ca Parliament, all Ontario municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for their awareness and support. We thank you for your attention to this matter and urge you to respect the democratic wishes of our Council and community. Sincerely, Michael Prue, Mayor Town of Amherstburg Cc: The Honourable Paul Calandra (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing) Regional Members of Provincial Parliament All Ontario Municipalities The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Page 8 2021 Division Road North Kingsville, Ontario N9Y 2Y9 Phone: (519) 733-2305 www.kingsville.ca April 16, 2025 Honourable Premier Doug Ford Via Email: premier@ontario.ca Honourable Rob Flack, Minitser of Municipal Affairs and Housing Via Email: rob.flack@ontario.ca Dear Premier Ford and Minister Flack, Re: Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers – Proposed Amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 Please be advised that at its Regular Meeting held Monday, April 14, 2025, the Council of the Town of Kingsville passed the following resolution respecting the matter referenced in the above subject line: 78-04142025 Moved By: Councillor Gaffan Seconded By: Deputy Mayor DeYong Whereas on April 9, 2025, the Government of Ontario (hereafter, the “Province”), led by Premier Doug Ford, announced a proposal to expand by “Strong Mayor Powers” as provided for by Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001, to the heads of council in 169 additional municipalities, including the Town of Kingsville, effective May 1, 2025; And whereas Strong Mayor Powers erode democratic process and have fundamentally altered the historic model of local governance, which has existed for almost two centuries, by: • providing the head of council with the authority to unilaterally give direction and make certain decisions without a consensus from a majority of the members of council; and, • creating a power imbalance by providing the head of council with special powers that other members do not generally have. And whereas the Province is undermining the local governance model and municipal independence by attempting to advance its priorities through municipalities, and downloading its responsibilities to the same. Page 9 Now therefore be it resolved that: • The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Kingsville (“Council”) opposes the expansion of Strong Mayor Powers, as announced on April 9, 2025; • That Council requests that the proposed amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 to Expand Strong Mayor Powers and Duties to Additional Municipalities not include the Town of Kingsville; and; • That Council directs the Acting Manager of Municipal Governance/Clerk to forward a copy of this resolution to Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario; Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; All Four Local MPPs; AMCTO, AMO and All Ontario Municipalities Carried. Sincerely, Angela Toole, Acting Manager of Municipal Governance/Clerk Email: atoole@kingsville.ca Phone: 519-733-2305 ext. 223 cc. Anthony Leardi, MPP, Essex Trevor Jones, MPP, Chatham-Kent - Leamington Andrew Dowie, MPP, Windsor-Tecumseh Lisa Gretzky, MPP, Windsor West AMCTO AMO All Ontario Municipalities Page 10 YES: 5 NO: 2 ABSTAIN: 0 TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES Special Council Meeting RESOLUTION 104-2025 Title:MSC (PW) Rec #78-2025 re: Strong Mayor Powers (for Council approval) Date:Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Moved by Councillor Dunfield Seconded by Deputy Mayor P. Banks WHEREAS at the Municipal Services Committee meeting held April 14, 2025, Recommendation #78-2025 was passed related to the recent announcement from the Government of Ontario on Strong Mayor Powers to an additional 169 municipalities effective May 1, 2025; AND WHEREAS said recommendation further requested that the Province remove Rideau Lakes from the Strong Mayor Powers Legislation; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the Township of Rideau Lakes concurs with MSC Recommendation #78-2025. YES: 5 NO: 2 ABSTAIN: 0 CONFLICT: 0 ABSENT: 1 Carried Deputy Mayor P. Banks Councillor J. Banks Councillor Carr Councillor Dunfield Councillor Hutchings Councillor Maxwell Councillor Pollard CONFLICT: 0 ABSENT: 1 Mayor Hoogenboom ______________________________________ Paula Banks, Deputy Mayor Page 11 TOWNSHIP OF RIDEAU LAKES Municipal Services Committee (PW) RECOMMENDATION: 78-2025 Title: Ontario Proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities Date: Monday, April 14, 2025 Moved by Councillor Dunfield Seconded by Deputy Mayor P. Banks WHEREAS the Government of Ontario has announced an expansion of strong mayor powers to an additional 169 municipalities, effective May 1, 2025; AND WHEREAS these powers allow mayors to unilaterally override council decisions, appoint senior municipal staff, and set budgets without majority council approval, undermining the principles of democratic governance; AND WHEREAS municipal governance functions best through a collaborative decision-making process where elected councils, representing the collective voice of their communities, work alongside experienced municipal staff; AND WHEREAS there is no evidence to suggest that strong mayor powers have increased housing starts, contrary to the provincial government’s stated justification for their implementation; AND WHEREAS the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) has raised concerns that strong mayor powers blur the lines between political leadership and administrative expertise, threatening the neutrality of municipal public service; AND WHEREAS the City of Orillia recently experienced a situation where its mayor unilaterally overturned a council decision regarding the hiring of a Chief Administrative Officer, demonstrating the potential for these powers to be misused; AND WHEREAS the Township of Rideau Lakes has also experienced governance challenges resulting from mayoral overreach, further highlighting the risks posed by concentrating authority in a single elected official; AND WHEREAS democratic principles require that municipal governance remain a system of "one person, one vote" rather than granting disproportionate power to a single individual; Page 12 NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Rideau Lakes: 1. Strongly opposes the expansion of strong mayor powers to additional municipalities, including Rideau Lakes; 2. Calls on the Government of Ontario to reverse this decision and uphold the traditional balance of municipal governance; and 3. Directs the Clerk to send a copy of this resolution to: • The Honourable Rob Flack Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing • MPP Steve Clark • The Honourable Premier of Ontario Doug Ford • The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) • The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) • All Ontario municipalities for their consideration and support. AND FURTHER that the Province be requested to remove Rideau Lakes from the Strong Mayor Powers Legislation. YES: 5 NO: 3 ABSTAIN: 0 ABSENT: 0 Carried YES: 5 Councillor J. Banks Councillor Carr Councillor Dunfield Councillor Hutchings Deputy Mayor P. Banks NO: 3 Mayor Hoogenboom Councillor Maxwell Councillor Pollard Page 13 Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Ministère de l’Agriculture, de l’Alimentation et de l’Agroentreprise 2nd Floor 1 Stone Road West Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 Tel: 519-830-0300 2e étage 1, rue Stone ouest Guelph (Ontario) N1G 4Y2 Tél. : 519-830-0300 Policy Division Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch pg. 1/3 April 15, 2025 To: All municipalities in Ontario (Planning Department and/or Clerk’s Office) Re: Agricultural System Implementation Dear municipal partners, The Provincial Planning Statement (PPS, 2024) came into effect on October 20, 2024. To help foster a thriving agri-food sector, the PPS (2024) requires an Agricultural System approach province-wide, which strives to protect the agricultural land base and strengthen the viability of the agri-food network. Implementing an Agricultural System approach can help support agri-food businesses, farm operations, related employment and economic opportunities, and protect Ontario’s highest quality farmland. The PPS, 2024 Agricultural System approach includes two components: 1. the identification of the agricultural land base; and 2. the consideration of the agri-food network – which may include infrastructure, services and assets that the agri-food sector relies on. To support municipalities in their implementation of an Agricultural System approach, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) has the following resources: 1: Agricultural Land Base Resources To implement the agricultural land base, municipalities are required to identify and designate prime agricultural areas and consider if there are rural lands that could also be identified as part of an agricultural land base. Inclusion of rural lands within the agricultural land base is left to municipal discretion. To support this work, OMAFA has data and information available upon request that can help municipalities identify where prime agricultural areas and rural lands are present. While there is no requirement to utilize this data and information in identifying municipal designations, it can help to provide a basis that municipalities can then refine based on Page 14 pg. 2/3 local information, such as municipally-designated prime agricultural areas and settlement area boundaries. The existing OMAFA Implementation Procedures for the Agricultural System (2020) continue to provide helpful guidance with respect to what/how municipalities can address Agricultural System policies in their respective official plans. It is important to note that given section 5.3 of the Greenbelt Plan, 2017 has not been modified, the 2018 provincial agricultural land base mapping and implementation procedures remains in effect for the Protected Countryside of the Greenbelt. OMAFA staff are developing updated Implementation Procedures for the Agricultural System to align with the PPS (2024) and will provide notice once these updates have been finalized. 2: Agri-food Network Resources The second component of the Agricultural System is the agri-food network. It complements and supports the agricultural land base. The agri-food network includes the regional infrastructure and transportation networks, agricultural operations, services, and other agri-food assets that are needed to sustain and enhance agriculture and the prosperity and viability of the broader agri-food sector. The OMAFA Agricultural System Portal maps elements of the agri-food network, however, unlike prime agricultural areas, the agri-food network is not a land use designation within an official plan. Rather, awareness of, and support for the agri-food network is documented in an official plan for economic development purposes and can be achieved in several ways. This could include reference to local elements identified in asset mapping reports, or an inventory of components of the agri-food network in an official plan appendix. Other supportive approaches include policy cross-references to mapping and data tools, including OMAFA’s Agricultural System Portal, the development of Agricultural Advisory Committees, supportive economic development policies for the agri-food network, and cross-references to Economic Development staff/programs. Moving Forward OMAFA staff will continue to work with municipalities to support implementation of the PPS 2024 Agricultural System policies. As such, we are pleased to share that as part of broader modernization efforts, the Ministry is embracing an ‘evergreen’ approach for maintaining and enhancing Ontario’s digital soil mapping data. As an example, improved topography/slope information available through new technology will be incorporated in a forthcoming digital update of the existing Canada Land Inventory (CLI) mapping for agricultural soil. As it becomes available, this new information is being applied to CLI ratings across Ontario. OMAFA is committed to making ongoing improvements to ensure CLI data is as accurate as possible. The work currently underway is anticipated to be completed in 2026/27. Until any future release of updated data, municipalities can continue using existing agricultural capability mapping (i.e., CLI ratings). Page 15 pg. 3/3 When you embark on implementing an Agricultural System approach or updating/refining existing official plan mapping, please contact OMAFA staff to discuss the data that may be available to support your project. You can locate OMAFA land use planning staff on OMAFA’s website. Below you will find a summary list of the additional resources related to Agricultural System planning and implementation. Please share this correspondence with the appropriate planning and economic development department staff in your municipality. Sincerely, Andrea Martin Director Food Safety and Environmental Policy Branch Resources Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 Implementation Procedures of the Agricultural System A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, 2019 Agricultural Systems Portal OMAFA Agricultural land use planning staff Economic tools Canada Land Inventory information for Agricultural Land Use Planning in Ontario Soil Capability for Agriculture in Ontario CONNECT ON Page 16 Newcastle BIA MINUTES March13th, 2025  www.villageofnewcastle.ca Attendance: Marni Lewis, Janeen Calder, Tracey Yates, Jim Norwood, Carolyn Brooks, Alyssa Crittenden, Lina Schmahl, Kirby Eady, Laura Knox, Katie Fairweather, Valentine Lovekin, Faith (Revive Physio) Regrets: Alison Dee, Jane Black, Willie Woo, Theresa Vanhaverbeke 1.Meeting called to order at 9:00am - Land Acknowledgement read 2.Approval of February minutes  Motion by: Janeen Calder Seconded by: Carolyn Brooks Carried 3.Business Arising from Minutes: n/a 4.President’s report:  The Mayor’s ofﬁce has coordinated a monthly group call with the 3 BIAs. They were successful during covid and want to work together and help with the speciﬁc concerns of the BIAs. We are interested in how do we target retail? Coffee shops? A variety of business in the downtown core? Valentine will bring that up on the next call, March 14th. 5.Treasurer’s Report:  The current bank balance is $100,339.00 - that includes the 2025 levy 6.Council Report: n/a 7.Committee Reports    Safety and Decor:  The Spring planter program is underway with Bloom Field Garden Center. We have 10 businesses participating.    Advertising:  Instagram:  Accounts reached - 2338  Accounts Engaged - 160  Followers - 1814 (^16)  Views - 6087  Page 17 Top Posts:  Roads are Clear/Stay Safe - 1927 Views  Shop local for Valentines day - 857 views  Like a small biz FB page - 776 views  Repeat customers of small biz - 544 views    Facebook:  Accounts Engaged - 216  Followers - 3538  Post views - 9295  Top Posts:  Support Canadian biz - 4181 views  Roads are clear/stay safe - 4097 views  Shop Main Street - 930 views  Canada Day event - 436 views      Special Events:  Canada Day (Tuesday, July 1st, 12pm - 6pm, ﬁreworks at dusk)  The committee would love to have the Canada day street banners up , if they are in good condition. Janeen is going to look into a Canada day event sign insert to go up.  So far they have $10,250 in sponsorship, 25 vendors conﬁrmed, cultural dancers booked, parade at 1:30pm, they are looking for a large stage and MC, the ﬁre truck will be parked on site, a beer garden will be in the Hall parking lot. Still waiting on ﬁreworks location, either the library park or Diane Hamre.    Community Hall Lighting (Sunday, November 16th, 5:15pm)  The new commercial grade, 18 foot tree has been ordered and being delivered to Rona. The cost was $18,000.    Santa Parade (Sunday, November 16th, 5:30pm)  n/a    Page 18 Santa Breakfast (Sunday, November 30th, 8-11am)  n/a    8. CBOT:   Upcoming events:  March 25th First Aid Certiﬁcation, 15% off- if you have 4 employees, you should have at least 1 certiﬁed. The BIA is considering running a day at the Hall for businesses, at a reduced rate.  April 4th, 9-1pm Agricultural Fair and the Newcastle Community Hall  May 28th 8-11:30am A Co-op event with Invest Clarington - How businesses can get involved hosting co-op students.    9. Newcastle & District Chamber of Commerce:  The Durham College Marketing Contest was held on February 26th. 9 local businesses were invited to judge the students presentation. It was a great day with many connections made for the students.    10. CIP/Economic Development/Street Scape:   The Municipality has been focusing on the ﬁre devastation affecting downtown Bowmanville businesses. Everything is on hold for Maplefest until a further update. 10 businesses were affected.  CIP funding for new signage, facade updates or accessibility is always available.  Patio permits are open for any business want ing to apply for one.  Central Counties Tourism funding is available for visitor attractions, events, marketing/advertising.  March 28th at noon, they are hosting a Career Fair with CBOT at Garnet B Rickard  A Street Scape update should be available in April, they awarded the design RFP and will ﬁnalize at the March 24th council meeting.   11. New Business: n/a  Page 19 12. Motion to Adjourn:    Moved by: Janeen Calder Seconded: Carolyn Brooks Page 20 Historic Downtown Bowmanville Business Centre (BIA) Board of Management Meeting Minutes Tuesday March 11, 2025; 6:30pm Virtual Meeting The Chair welcomed all attendees and read the Virtual Meeting Etiquette statement. 1. Attendance In Attendance: Ron Hooper, Chair Laura Holmes, Secretary Lloyd Rang, Council Representative Cathy Holmes, Director Edgar Lucas, Director Bonnie Wrightman, CBOT representative Laura Knox, MOC Ec Dev representative Paul Pirri, MOC Manager of Economic Development Amber Ross, owner Pink Lemon Karen Vella, owner Gather Miles Vella, owner Gather Melanie Charalambous, owner LUXE nails (departed 7:55pm) Marg Seaton, owner The Glass Slipper (departed 7:52pm) Nadine Herron, owner Nest Desserts Natalie Dookheran, owner Roam Coffee Carmela Gurrieri, employee HER Beauty Dee Zingone, employee HER Beauty Jess Orr, owner HER Beauty Erin Vandan, owner HER Beauty (departed 7:56pm) Lisa Serbec, owner Mystery Wheel Brandon Serbec, owner Mystery Wheel Zachary Munro, owner Talk of the Town Victoria Stade, owner Talk of the Town May Bellingham, owner Hairloft (video not displayed- departed 7:21pm) Regrets: Gerri Lucas, Treasurer Erin Kemp, Director Delegations Present: none 2. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order. 3. Land Acknowledgement The Chair read the land acknowledgement statement. 4. Presentation by Delegations *Suspension of Rules to allow for emergency delegation* Page 21 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 2 MARCH 2025 Business Centre (BIA) Amber Ross, owner of Pink Lemon read a statement provided by the business owners directly impacted by the March 6 fire downtown. Asking for monetary assistance for business owners during transition period. Also looking for assistance navigating insurance. Councillor Rang reported that the BIA has been working together with Clarington Board of Trade, Invest Clarington, Municipality of Clarington as well as local charities and organizations. A joint meeting of these organizations was held on March 6, the day of the fire, to begin mobilizing support. Rehoboth Christian Reform Church and the Salvation Army Bowmanville are the trusted sources for accepting and distributing donations, but due to overwhelming response have paused physical donations. Gift cards and monetary donations are requested and can be dropped off at 75 Liberty St S. Durham Region Social Services has provided temporary accommodations to the displaced residents and is coordinating the distribution of donations. The Office of the Fire Marshal has control of the scene and investigation. Road closures will remain in effect. The Chair reported that he put a question forward to OBIAA and there are several other BIAs that have experienced similar fires. The Chair recognized 99 King for opening their business to the displaced residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire. B. Wrightman expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. CBOT and Invest Clarington reached out to local businesses soliciting donated services/time to assist the impacted business navigating this time. A list of resources has been provided to the impacted businesses. As a registered charity, Salvation Army can only financially support individuals. CBOT met with lawyers and other officials this afternoon and are working towards being able to collect donations to be directed to businesses. CBOT asks for patience as the program is set up and will share information when it is available. A QR code will be created as a donation link. Rotary Club will be donating all proceeds from their St Patrick’s event to The Salvation Army for fire relief. CBOT is collecting gift cards to be dropped off at Salvation Army. P. Pirri is the Manager of Economic Development. The Municipal Act sets out what the Municipality is permitted to do. The Act prevents the Municipality from distributing funds to businesses directly. Cannot directly or indirectly financially contribute. The Municipal Act also applies to the BIA. The Municipality does have the Community Improvement Program (CIP grants) where businesses can receive assistance. P. Pirri shared that the ‘open for business’ signs have been installed. Municipal staff have been told not to park in the Silver St lot to allow more space for shoppers. Current road closures are mandated by the Office of the Fire Marshal. Free parking being offered until March 16, but there are ongoing conversations about extension. Region will still pick up waste twice weekly. Businesses in the hard closure should drop waste on the east side of Silver St. Councillor Rang shared that questions for the Municipality should be directed to him or Councillor Anderson so that they can be directed to appropriate staff. The Communications Director at the Municipality is responsible for general updates. *Suspension of rules to allow question period* The Chair opened the floor to all meeting participants. Several questions from business owners were answered. 5. Updates from Community Partners (a) CBOT See update on fire response above. Page 22 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 3 MARCH 2025 Business Centre (BIA) (b) Economic Development L. Knox shared that the Ec Dev team is available to provide assistance to any business or the BIA. When the time comes, Invest Clarington will assist with marketing to promote shopping downtown. 6. Adoption of Minutes Moved by E. Lucas, seconded by L. Holmes THAT the minutes of the meeting of February 11, 2025 be approved as circulated. CARRIED 7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes (a) Tree at BMO A letter of response has not been received from the property owner. E. Lucas spoke with BMO bank manager and letter was also forwarded to BMO head office to direct to property owner. The Chair will reach out to the arborist. (b) New Garbage Receptacles No update. 8. Consent Items - Correspondence Correspondence was received from i. Planning Department regarding Notice of Decision OPA136 revised & C-009-25 BEUC Secondary Plan Recommendation ii. Economic Development regarding Traffic Notice re: snowbank removal iii. Communications Department regarding Communications Notice re: snow removal in downtown areas iv. Eiram Development Ltd regarding Notice of Appeal Ontario Land Tribunal v. Central Counties Tourism regarding partnership funding vi. Planning Department regarding Public Meeting Notice re: Concession 3 Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by E. Lucas THAT the correspondence be received for information. THAT item 8.i., 8.ii., and 8.iii. were distributed to BIA members CARRIED 9. Consent Items – Discussion none 10. Treasurer’s Report E. Lucas presented the following in the Treasurer’s absence: Page 23 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 4 MARCH 2025 Business Centre (BIA) i. Levy received $184121 ii. Account includes Maplefest vendor fees iii. Audit underway Moved by L. Rang, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the Treasurer’s Report be adopted as presented. CARRIED 11. Directors’ Reports (a) Council Liaison – L. Rang has no additional information to share. Cultural heritage resource list requires future builds to fit within the character of downtown. (b) Events – C. Holmes reported that Girls Night Out will proceed on April 10. Participation invite will be sent out soon. Maplefest was nearly 95% sold out last week. All submitted but not-yet processed vendor applications are on hold. Waiting to see what the available road space will be. All fire impacted businesses will be permitted to participate. Maplefest permits are pending. Have not received reply to response about Bowmanville Farmers Market request to move to downtown despite the Board’s decision to not support this relocation being sent. All advertising has listed Rickard as location for this year’s farmers market. Posters and marketing forthcoming for Girls Night. A new BMO window wrap will be installed. (c) Membership Relations – No report. (d) Streetscape – E. Lucas reported flower vendor has been contacted. A Toronto region has a bracket to hold winter and summer baskets – image shared on screen. Will investigate pricing. Would require summer and winter baskets to be same size. Half of the winter hanging baskets have already been removed, rest coming down in the next week. Stars will be inspected for damage and light replacement. Winter banners will be removed and replaced with spring banners. Will call the vendor to pick up the large sidewalk planters. (e) Communications – L. Holmes reported that regular updates have been sent to BIA members following the fire. BIA members can rest assured that any relevant information will be shared by email as soon as it becomes available. Information about the CBOT program to help displaced businesses will be shared and a poster will be created with ‘how to donate’ information. (f) Website & Social Media – L. Holmes reported that with the news of the fire downtown the accounts gained many new followers and posts have gone viral with several hundred thousands of views. Remain hopeful that new followers will stay. Content has been mainly focused on fire related information but will return to regular programming. Page 24 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 5 MARCH 2025 Business Centre (BIA) Promotion is limited to BIA businesses. Can only promote fundraising being directed to trusted partners. Have received numerous requests from non-BIA members to be promoted on social and website, which is denied. Website contact us form has been inundated with messages, mostly related to fire. 12. New Business (a) Snow Removal The Secretary reports that a letter to Council was sent on February 18, 2025 expressing gratitude for the sidewalk clearing apparatus. The Chair reports that snowbanks along the sidewalk curb were becoming a serious issue given the back-to- back storm systems but these have been largely cleared now and no longer warrant discussion. (b) OBIAA toolkit and St Catherines letter regarding recycling The Chair requested that the OBIAA toolkit image be shared on screen. The image accommodates a BIA logo in the centre region and is designed to support the shop local movement in the wake of the tariff uncertainty. Moved by E. Lucas, seconded by C. Holmes THAT there is support for doing a mock-up of the logo. CARRIED The Chair requested that the letter sent to MPP McCarthy by the St Catherines BIA be shared on screen. The letter is related to the producer responsibility for recycling legislation. To date the BIA has been asked to wait to hear next steps from Durham Region on this issue. The Chair will follow up. (c) Economic Uncertainty/Tariffs The shop local, support Canadian movement has been adopted by the Country since the Trump tariff announcements. Many downtowns have started campaigns based on this. In downtown Bowmanville, this issue has been largely overshadowed by the impacts of the March 6 fire. The Chair received a last-minute invitation from Jamil Jivani, MP to attend a meeting on Monday March 10 entitled Durham Economic Forum but was unable to attend. The meeting intended to bring together business, labour unions, service providers, education institutions, and other organizations from a variety of sectors and industries to hear concerns and priorities directly from those who build the local economy. Seeking challenges, opportunities, and ways that the MP office can support considering the economic uncertainty and tariffs. The Secretary will ask the MP office for minutes. (d) May Meeting Date Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by E. Lucas Page 25 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 6 MARCH 2025 Business Centre (BIA) THAT due to inability to achieve quorum the meeting date be moved to the first Tuesday of May. CARRIED 13. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Board of Management is scheduled to be held on Tuesday April 8, 2025 commencing at 6:30pm, virtually. 14. Adjournment Moved by C. Holmes, seconded by L. Rang THAT the meeting adjourn. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 8:01pm. Page 26 Historic Downtown Bowmanville Business Centre (BIA) Board of Management Meeting Minutes Tuesday April 8, 2025; 6:30pm Virtual Meeting 1. Attendance In Attendance: Ron Hooper, Chair Laura Holmes, Secretary Gerri Lucas, Treasurer Cathy Holmes, Director Edgar Lucas, Director Bonnie Wrightman, CBOT representative (departed 7:20pm) Amber Ross, owner Pink Lemon Sarah Gerdy, owner Markets Natalie Dookheran, owner Roam Coffee (departed 7:22pm) Regrets: Lloyd Rang, Council Representative Erin Kemp, Director Laura Knox, MOC Ec Dev representative Delegations Present: Vanessa Bilenduke-Guppy, MOC Manager of Community Development & Events Jessica McDonnell, MOC Events Coordinator Tijana Bogdanovic, owner Community Market Solutions and organizer Bowmanville Farmers Market 2. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order. 3. Land Acknowledgement The Chair read the land acknowledgement statement. 4. Presentation by Delegations T. Bogdanovic shared a presentation on screen. Request to relocate Bowmanville Farmers Market to downtown core for 2025 and host on Saturdays. Proposed locations – Division St parking lot (preferred), Bowmanville Valley parking lot. Past vendor feedback prefers Saturday market day. Market has been Friday at Rickard Complex and plans to keep Friday market. Vendors around 20 per day, has 45 committed part-time vendors. Vendors are local, but not restricted to standard farmers market offerings like produce and handmade goods. Some are local businesses. Saturdays from June to September, would exclude BIA event dates, aiming for 17 days in 2025. Asking for option for special markets ie. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, etc. May expand to include event type offerings like childrens activities. Funded by collecting sponsorship funds and uses for marketing. Sponsors are promoted. Tijana owns the organizing company as a sole-proprietorship. It is a for- profit market. Believes that this market would be a cross-promotion opportunity. V. Bilenduke-Guppy states that this is typically a permit that the Municipality would approve but given that it is located within the BIA recognized that there needed to be some discussion. Has spoken with Whitby BIA and they had initial hesitancy but allowing a farmers market has not resulted in many issues for them. Page 27 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 2 APRIL 2025 Business Centre (BIA) The Chair opened the floor to questions. T. Bogdanovic confirms that this is a proposal for a new market, not a relocation as originally stated. She will still be hosting the Friday market at Rickard. This is a proposal for a Saturday market. T. Bogdanovic confirms that market only has 4 farmers as vendors. It does not meet the criteria to be considered a Farmers Market. Confirms Bowmanville Farmers Market is not, and cannot be, affiliated with the Farmers Market Association. Was asked why the name ‘farmers market’ is used when it is more aptly a ‘vendor market’. Concerns raised about how the types of vendors accepted into the market are direct competition for the downtown BIA members. T. Bogdanovic believes that the fees paid to rent space from the Municipality should make her eligible as a BIA member. An explanation about how the BIA operates, including tax levies, memberships, and boundaries was provided. The mandate of the BIA was also explained and why it is to protect and promote the BIA business members. Concerns raised about taking away an entire parking lot at Division Street for market vendor stalls, vendor vehicles, and attendee vehicles on Saturdays. Downtown Bowmanville has a parking problem already and this would only exacerbate it. Concerns raised about the optics of having a vendor market downtown. The market would appear to be hosted by the BIA since the BIA has been hosting very successful events for 35+ years. To protect the BIA business members, the BIA has very strict criteria for the types of vendors permitted to our events. This new market has high likelihood to result in competition for BIA businesses as there would be no oversight or control on what types of vendors were permitted to this market. The Chair reiterated that the BIA levy paid by property owners and lessees is for strict promotion of BIA business members and that the BIA must advocate for its members. T. Bogdanovic was asked about sponsorship. Different levels of sponsorship are offered each with own opportunities for promotion. Local business, corporations, and organizations act as sponsors. Sponsor money is used for marketing and wages for the organizer. Concerns raised that sponsors would be promoted within the downtown area and this would be a direct conflict for the BIA members. The BIA itself does not accept sponsorship funds, as no outside business can be promoted. The Chair thanked the delegations for attending. The delegates departed at 7:10pm 5. Updates from Community Partners (a) Clarington BIAs The Chair reported that he spoke with Chad Harmer who will be heading up the Orono BIA. Offered to meet with Chad and potentially set up a meeting of all Clarington BIAs. (b) CBOT B. Wrightman reported that the Business Fire Relief Fund launched last month. Gave a report to Council a few weeks ago. Has had approx. 50 donations. Have been overwhelmed by the donation response. Page 28 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 3 APRIL 2025 Business Centre (BIA) Durhamregion.ca online news has been promoting. Thanked BIA for promotion. Donations will close on April 16. Fund will be divided equally between businesses that have signed contracts. Will support costs that are not covered by insurance. CBOT has been in continuous contact with the affected businesses. Helping some with relocation efforts. There will be a lease space available in May in Balmoral Place where CBOT is located. The Chair reported that business owners are struggling. 6. Adoption of Minutes Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the minutes of the meeting of March 11, 2025 be approved as circulated. CARRIED 7. Business Arising from Previous Minutes (a) Tree at BMO An email was received from the company contracted to install/remove lights on tree. Lights will be removed as soon as ground is firm enough for the lift truck. Has informed that they will not install for 2025. May reconsider decision if a new tree is planted. The Chair has no report about the arborist. E. Lucas reports that no response from the letter to the property owner has been received. Went to speak with BMO bank manager again. Bank manager will try to get a contact phone number for the property owner from BMO head office. E. Lucas has taken photos of the tree. May ultimately require an in-person visit to the property owner address in Hamilton area. The Board agrees that action on the tree must be taken soon. (b) New Garbage Receptacles The Chair reports that this issue went to Committee recently. The Chair will ask Councillor Rang to report next meeting. (c) Recycling Regulations No update. 8. Consent Items - Correspondence Correspondence was received from i. Traffic Services regarding Traffic Notice re: road closure termination ii. Planning Department regarding Public Meeting Notice re: 53 Liberty St N iii. Planning Department regarding Public Meeting Notice re: 221 Liberty St N iv. Planning Department regarding Public Meeting Notice re: Green Rd & Boswell Dr Page 29 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 4 APRIL 2025 Business Centre (BIA) Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by E. Lucas THAT the correspondence be received for information. THAT item 8.i. was time sensitive and was distributed to members. CARRIED 9. Consent Items – Discussion none 10. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer presented the following: i. Vendor fees are being deposited, many expenses are upcoming ii. $281692.81 in current account iii. Audit is ongoing Moved by G. Lucas, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the Treasurer’s Report be adopted as presented. CARRIED 11. Directors’ Reports (a) Council Liaison – No report. The Chair reported that parking enforcement is back in effect after the pause from the fire. (b) Events – C. Holmes reported that Girls Night Out is this Thursday with 36 business participants. Attendance may be impacted by weather. Maplefest is completely sold out. BMO wrap installed. Easter Bunny photos booked for April 19. (c) Membership Relations – G. Lucas has no report. The Chair reported he was invited to an awards ceremony last week where 99 King was presented with the Paul Harris award from Rotary Club. Award granted for outstanding community support following fire. (d) Streetscape – E. Lucas reported that a meeting will be set with the flower vendor to talk about the proposed new brackets. The BIA in Toronto could not provide any information about the brackets as the brackets outlived the personnel. There are two electrical cords that need removed from the power box near the tree. Photos have been taken of the garbage around the BMO property. (e) Communications – Page 30 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 5 APRIL 2025 Business Centre (BIA) L. Holmes reported that an issue has arisen lately where BIA member businesses are trying to get promotion for non-BIA businesses. Including situations where the BIA member business may own or be affiliated with another business that is not part of the BIA (example: own a graphic design side-business that is operated from home, or a relative is a real estate agent). The BIA member is the lease holder with the sign on the door/building - not subsidiary businesses - and the only one eligible for promotion. Includes asks for promotion on website directory, social media, and for participation in BIA events. (f) Website & Social Media – L. Holmes reported that the BIA has been inundated with requests for promotion of non-BIA businesses and fire relief fundraisers hosted by non-BIA businesses. While we are thrilled with the outpouring of support for those impacted by the fire, only fundraisers hosted by BIA members which support our trusted distribution partners – Salvation Army and CBOT – are eligible for promotion. These requests were initially numerous but have started to fall off this week as fundraising efforts are winding down. Social media accounts have maintained follower numbers. Updates to website have been completed. 12. New Business (a) Downtown Fire Response Road reopened March 20. Thank you to MOC for free parking until March 31. Bowmanville Strong posters distributed and can be seen in many downtown windows. Bowmanville Strong sign installed at Roegnik Drive and window wrap at BMO. BIA member business fundraisers supporting Salvation Army and CBOT 20 business fundraisers reporting total $67 368.11 raised 6 haven’t reported yet 4 ongoing or upcoming The Municipality is planning some type of recognition for all those who supported in fire relief. It has been heartwarming to see the entire community come together to support. (b) Economic Uncertainty/Tariffs Trump announcement on April 2. The Chair bumped into Jamil Jivani, MP Durham, at an event and apologized for the BIA not being able to attend his economic forum last month. Mr. Jivani stated that the meeting was productive and hoped to host another soon. The Secretary reported that minutes from the meeting were requested from Mr. Jivani’s office but has received no response. OBIAA shop local campaign example shown on screen. An image with Bowmanville BIA logo will be created. The Chair posed a question to OBIAA on how tariffs will affect small business, but it has not been discussed yet. OBIAA Executive Director Kay Matthews is retiring and will be succeeded by Rachel Braithwraite. The Chair plans to send images of the Bowmanville Strong to OBIAA. The Chair will speak with Todd McCarthy, MPP Durham, about any provincial initiatives for small business in Ontario. (d) Relocation of Bowmanville Farmers Market Page 31 Historic Downtown Bowmanville 6 APRIL 2025 Business Centre (BIA) Moved by G. Lucas, seconded by C. Holmes THAT the BIA opposes the proposed relocation of the Bowmanville Farmers Market to the downtown core. CARRIED Moved By L. Holmes, seconded by E. Lucas THAT the BIA opposes permits for any markets or events within the BIA boundaries without BIA prior consultations and approval. CARRIED 13. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Board of Management is scheduled to be held on Tuesday May 6, 2025 commencing at 6:30pm, virtually. 14. Adjournment Moved by L. Holmes, seconded by E. Lucas THAT the meeting adjourn. CARRIED The meeting adjourned at 8:24pm. 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