HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-26
Electronic Council Communications Information
Package
Date:September 26, 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.
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Pages
1.Region of Durham Correspondence
1.1 Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee 2025 Farm Tour - September
19, 2025
3
2.Durham Municipalities Correspondence
3.Other Municipalities Correspondence
3.1 Municipality of Brighton - Election Reform - September 15. 2025 7
3.2 Municipality of St.-Charles - NORDS Pilot Program - September 17, 2025 9
3.3 City of Dryden - Swim-to-Survive - September 22, 2025 13
3.4 Bonfield Township - CUPW and Canada Post - September 23, 2025 14
3.5 Township of Woolwich - Bill C-61 First Nations Clean Water Act -
September 26, 2025
17
4.Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence
5.Miscellaneous Correspondence
September 26, 2025
Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP)
Page 2
If this information is required in an accessible format, please contact 1-800-372-1102 ext. 2564
The Regional Municipality of Durham
Information Report
From: Commissioner of Community Growth and Economic Development
Report: #2025-INFO-72
Date: September 19, 2025
Subject:
Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee 2025 Farm Tour, File: A01-38-02
Recommendation:
Receive for Information.
Report:
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the 23rd annual Durham
Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) Farm Tour event, which was held at the
Kubota Canada Headquarters in the City of Pickering on September 4, 2025.
2. Background
2.1 Since its inaugural tour in 2003, DAAC has showcased more than 40 farms and
other agricultural facilities across Durham Region to more than 2,000 participants.
3. Event Overview
3.1 Approximately 130 participants representing municipal and provincial
governments, public agencies including conservation authorities, school boards,
post-secondary institutions, municipal advisory and economic development
committees, the financial and insurance industry, the agricultural community and
media attended the event. The tour highlighted: the importance of Durham’s
agricultural sector; the supportive industries involved in agriculture; equipment
manufacturing; and some of the issues and challenges faced by the industry.
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Page 2 of 4
3.2 The theme for this year’s tour was “Agriculture Supportive Industries in Durham
Region”. A variety of topics were covered including:
• The history of Kubota Canada and a tour of their headquarters and
warehouse;
• The economic importance of agriculture supportive industries;
• Technological innovations in agriculture and how they are helping local
farmers;
• How farm vehicles are developed, tested and utilized;
• The challenges related to farm equipment manufacturing and sales;
• How tariffs are affecting Canadian agriculture; and
• The evolving nature of agriculture in Durham.
3.3 At the event, there were several displays for attendees to visit and learn from,
staffed by a variety of organizations, including:
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness;
• Durham Agricultural Collective;
• District 12 Grain Farmers of Ontario;
• Durham West 4-H;
• Invest Durham;
• Greenbelt Foundation;
• Durham Region Federation of Agriculture;
• Durham Workforce Authority; and
• Agriculture Wellness Ontario.
3.4 At the event lunch, DAAC Chair Zac Cahoon welcomed attendees to the event and
introduced the themes of the tour.
3.5 Regional Chair and CEO John Henry then spoke about:
• The success of the food products grown in Durham;
• The important contributions of farming and agriculture in Durham;
• How farmers feed our community and economy; and
• Progressive and innovative farms in the Region.
3.6 Ian Affleck from CropLife Canada provided the keynote address on plant science
innovations, plant breeding technology and their benefits to agriculture and the food
system in Durham.
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4. Event Feedback
4.1 Each year, participants are asked to complete a survey that is used by DAAC to
evaluate the success of the tour and to help plan for future events. This year, an
electronic survey was circulated to attendees following the event, along with paper
surveys available at the tour. From the responses received, almost all agreed that
the tour met or exceeded their expectations. Some general comments were:
• On top of a well-organized event, delicious catering and educational
presentation the Kubota location was beautiful, and the staff were so
hospitable;
• Very well organized and attended tour. Definitely beneficial for our organization
to be in attendance, tons of networking opportunities with other organizations
and individuals; and
• It was very informative and interesting.
4.2 Participants were asked what the “Take Home” message was for them. Responses
included:
• That agricultural, and agriculture-supporting businesses, are the backbone of
Durham Region and we need to protect it and support it;
• Kubota is an important part of the supply chain for the agriculture industry in
Canada, and we are fortunate to have this company in Durham Region and
Kubota's support and interest in serving Canadian farmers; and
• We are fortunate to have the agricultural production that we do. Farmers are
so very important. We are fortunate to have Kubota in Durham Region.
5. Previous Repots and Decisions
5.1 In January 2025, Council considered DAAC’s 2025 Workplan through
Commissioner’s Report #2025-CG-1. The Farm Tour is a major component of the
DAAC Workplan.
5.2 In October 2024, #2024-INFO-62 was released, summarizing last year’s 2024
DAAC Farm Tour.
6. Relationship to the Strategic Plan
6.1 This report aligns with the following strategic goals and priorities in the Durham
Region Strategic Plan:
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• Resilient Local Economies
• R4. Protect and strengthen the local agriculture sector and food supply
chains.
6.2 This report aligns with the following Foundations in Durham Region’s 2025-2035
Strategic Plan:
• People: Making the Region of Durham a great place to work, attracting, and
retaining talent.
• Technology: Keeping pace with technological change to ensure efficient and
effective service delivery.
7. Conclusion
7.1 DAAC is once again commended for its continued efforts in advancing the
knowledge of the agricultural industry in Durham. The annual farm tour continues to
be a valuable element of the Regional Council approved work plan for the
Committee.
7.2 A copy of this report will be forwarded to the Area Municipalities, the Durham
Federation of Agriculture, Durham Farm Fresh, the Golden Horseshoe Food and
Farming Alliance and DAAC.
Respectfully submitted,
Original signed by
Sandra Austin
Commissioner of Community Growth and
Economic Development
Page 6
WVflincii-i rON
Date:September 15,2025
Moved By:
Seconded By:
Whereas Canadian governments at all levels are structured by and derive the?legitimacy
from democratic principles,practices,and norms;(
And Whereas many countries around the world are experiencing increased political
polarization and hostility,shifts toward authoritarianism,and the undermining of democratic
norms;
And Whereas incivility and hostility increasingly define the political sphere in Canada at
every level of government,but particularly in systems with political parties;
And Whereas this hostile political climate drives lower democratic participation,including
low voter turnout and fewer and less diverse political candidates,resulting in a lopsided and
unhealthy democracy;
And Whereas poor political health undermines the ability of democratic institutions to
exercise effective leadership and overcome the unprecedented challenges of the 21
century;
And Whereas elections are one of the most central and participatory parts of Canadian
democratic systems;
And Whereas numerous studies,including those by Parliamentary committees,have
identified our First Past the Post electoral system as driving increasing polarization and
declines in voter participation,and have recommended some form of proportional
representation;
And Whereas electoral reform enjoys broad public support,with a majority of polling
respondents who identify with every major party supporting change in the way that they
vote;
Therefore Be It Resolved that the Municipality of Brighton call upon the provincial and
federal governments to enact electoral reform,adopting proportional systems in which
every vote counts and polarization is diminished,in order to safeguard and empower
Canadian democracy;
Councillor Wheek
Resolution No.COU-2025
iLl
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And Be ItFurther Resolved that this motion be circulated to Prime Minister Mark Carney,
Premier Doug Ford,and all Ontario municipalities.
Carried
Mayor Brian Ostrander
Couricillor Anne Butwell
Councillor Hannah
MacAusland
Councillor Emily Rowley
Councillor Bobbi Wright
Defeated D
For
Deputy Mayor Ron Anderson
Against Abstain Absent coi
Recorded Vote For Clerks Use Only
Recorded vote called by:
Carried Defeated
I
Clerk’s Initials
Councillor ]eff Wheeldon
Total
11.1.
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Agenda Number:
Resolution Number
Title:
Date:
The Corporation of the Municpalityof St. Charles-
RESOLUTION PAGE
Regular Meeting of Gouncil
4.3.
2025-223
Resolutions of Support for Correspondence
September 17,2025
ot/Lo
Moved by:
Seconded by:
Councillor Pothier
Councillor Lachance
BE lT RESOLVED THAT Council for the Corporation of the Municipality of St.-Gharles hereby supports
Resolution No.2O2S-279 passed on August 12,2025 by the City of North Bay and supporb Resolution
#17g-OB-2025 passed on August 19, iOZS by the Municipality of Assiginack, regarding making the
NORDS Pilot Program permanent;
AND BE lT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Minister of Northem
Development; the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; the Minister of lnfrastructure; the
Minister of Natural Resources; our local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP); the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario (AMO); the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONO_M); the
Northwestem Ontario MunicipalAssociation (NOMA);the Rural Ontario MunicipalAssociation (ROMA);
and all Ontario Municipalities.
CARRIED
Page 9
The Honourable Greg Rickford
Minister of Northern Development
Suite 400
160 Bloor Street
Toronto, ON M7A 2E6
Re: NORDS Pilot Program
Dear Honourable Greg Rickford,
At its regular meeting held on August 19, 2025, the Council of the Township
of Assiginack passed the following resolution expressing support for making
the NORDS pilot program permanent:
Resolution #173-08-2025 – R. Maguire – J. Bowerman
WHEREAS the City of North Bay has circulated their letter to the Province
requesting the NORDS pilot program to become a permanent funding
opportunity for Northern municipalities and to expand the criteria to include
agricultural equipment impact on roads;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Assiginack Council agrees and provides
their support of this request.
Carried.
The NORDS program provides essential support for maintaining and
improving infrastructure that is critical to Northern municipalities. Making
this program permanent and expanding its criteria would ensure that rural
and agricultural communities can manage the increasing strain on local
roads caused by agricultural and heavy equipment.
We respectfully urge the Province to consider making the NORDS program a
permanent funding initiative and thank you for your attention to this
important matter.
Sincerely,
Stasia Carr
Clerk
Township of Assiginack
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YY The Corporation of the OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK \ City of North Bay Direct Line: (705) 474-0626, ext. 2522
* e.\) 200 Mcintyre St. East Fax Line: (705) 495-4353
NORTH BAY nee ce E-mail: veronique.hie@northbay.ca
oN TA RIO c AN ADA Canada P1B 8H8
Just North Enough to be PERFECT Tel: 705 474-0400
August 13, 2025
Honourable Greg Rickford
Minister of Northern Development
Suite 400
160 Bloor Street
Toronto, ON M7A 2E6
Dear Hon. Greg Rickford:
This is Resolution No. 2025-279 which was passed by Council at its Regular
Meeting held Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Resolution No. 2025-279:
“Whereas the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS)
pilot program was introduced to help Northern Ontario municipalities address
infrastructure pressures resulting from natural resource sector activities;
And Whereas the program has been well received and has allowed
municipalities, such as the City of North Bay, to strategically accumulate
multi-year allocations in order to support large-scale infrastructure initiatives
critical to community development and economic growth;
And Whereas the City of North Bay recognizes the importance of modern,
safe, and efficient infrastructure to support economic growth and industrial
competitiveness;
AND WHEREAS the Seymour Street Widening project from Station Road to
Wallace Road, including a signalized intersection, is a critical continuation of
the intersection improvement at Hwy 11/17 and Seymour Street, directly
Supporting a high-value industrial zone;
And Whereas this arterial corridor enables key sectors such as mining,
forestry, construction, and manufacturing to receive and ship goods
efficiently, impacting markets provincially and beyond;
And Whereas the updated total Seymour Street Widening project budget of
approx. $11 million includes contributions from multiple funding programs
such as NORDS ($2 million) and OCIF ($4,259,448).
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Therefore Be It Resolved That the Council of the City of North Bay strongly
urges the Government of Ontario to make the Northern Ontario Resource
Development Support (NORDS) program a permanent fixture of its support
to Northern municipalities;
And Further Be It Resolved That the Province consider expanding program
eligibility to recognize the significant impact that agricultural equipment and
operations have on municipal infrastructure, particularly in rural
communities;
And Further Be It Resolved That the Council of the City of North Bay formally
supports the principle of stacking (accumulating) funding from multiple grant
and infrastructure programs to advance strategic capital works, such as the
Seymour Street Widening project, and requests continued flexibility from
higher levels of government to enable effective financial planning and timely
delivery of large-scale municipal infrastructure initiatives;
And Further Be It Resolved That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
Minister of Northern Development, the Minister of Agriculture, Food and
Agribusiness, the Minister of Infrastructure, the Minister of Natural
Resources, Nipissing MPP Victor Fedeli, the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario (AMO), the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM),
the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA), Rural Ontario
Municipal Association (ROMA) and all Northern Ontario municipalities for
their awareness and support.”
Yours truly,
/ ruin We
Veronique Hie
Deputy City Clerk
VH/ck
cc: Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
Minister of Infrastructure
Minister of Natural Resources
Nipissing MPP, Victor Fedeli
Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)
Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
Northern Ontario Municipalities
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THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH
BOX 158, 24 CHURCH ST. W.
ELMIRA, ONTARIO N3B 2Z6
TEL. 519-669-1647 / 1-877-969-0094
COUNCIL/CAO/CLERKS FAX 519-669-1820
PLANNING/ENGINEERING/BUILDING FAX 519-669-4669
FINANCE/RECREATION/FACILITIES FAX 519-669-9348
September 26, 2025
Prime Minister
Right Hon. Mark Carney
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A2
Right Honorable Prime Minster:
RE: Resolution Passed by Woolwich Township Council – Bill C-61First Nations Clean Water
Act
This letter is to inform you that the Council of the Township of Woolwich passed the following
resolution at their meeting held on September 23, 2025:
WHEREAS in December 2023, the Minister of Indigenous Services introduced
house government bill C-61: An Act respecting water, source water, drinking
water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands also known as
the First Nations Clean Water Act; and
WHEREAS in an open letter to Members of Parliament on December 12, 2024, the
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) called on all Members of Parliament to prioritize
the advancement of Bill C-61, calling it “a step toward addressing the long-
standing water issues faced by First Nations”; and
WHEREAS Bill C-61 was not passed into law before Parliament was prorogued on
January 6, 2025; and
WHEREAS Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Todd McCarthy
has been unclear on Ontario’s position on this legislation, identifying Bill C-61 as
a potential piece of legislation that would “undermine competitiveness” and
“delay project development” before apologizing for any confusion and clarifying
the need to “bring clean drinking water to First Nations communities, while also
bringing the kind of regulatory certainty that attracts investment in businesses
and communities”; and
WHEREAS Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indigenous Services Minister Mandy
Gull-Masty have indicated the Canadian government’s support for introducing
legislation like Bill C-61 in the fall of 2025; and
WHEREAS as of September 2025, Indigenous Services Canada data shows that
while 93 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted, since November
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2
“Proudly remembering our past; Confidently embracing our future.”
2015, 37 long-term drinking water advisories remain active, including in 27
communities in Ontario; and
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Woolwich:
1.Calls on the Government of Canada and the Minister of Indigenous
Services to reintroduce legislation to ensure First Nations have the right to
clean and safe drinking water in the Fall of 2025 in the same form as Bill C-
61;
2.Calls on the Government of Ontario and the Minister of the Environment,
Conservation and Parks to support this important Federal legislation; and
3.Directs staff to forward this resolution to the Prime Minister, Minister of
Indigenous Services, Premier of Ontario, Minister of the Environment,
Conservation and Parks, Assembly of First Nations and all Municipalities in
Ontario.
Should you have any questions, please contact Alex Kirchin, by email at akirchin@woolwich.ca or
by phone at 519-669-6005.
Yours truly,
Jeff Smith
Municipal Clerk
Corporate Services
Township of Woolwich
cc. Hon. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services
Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks
Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
Assembly of First Nations
All Municipalities in Ontario
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