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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
December 1, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers or Electronic Participation
Municipal Administrative Centre
40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor
Bowmanville, Ontario
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
Councillor Woo called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Councillor Rang led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
3. Declaration of Interest
There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.
4. Announcements
Members of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of
community interest.
5. Presentations/Delegations
5.1 Delegation by Karen Tremblay, President of the Wilmot Creek Homeowners'
Association Regarding Item 7.2, Report PDS-063-25 - Update on Whistle
Cessation at CN Grade Level Crossings at Bennett Road and Cobbledick
Road
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December 1, 2025
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Karen Tremblay, President of the Wilmot Creek Homeowners' Association was
present regarding, Report PDS-063-25 - Update on Whistle Cessation at CN
Grade Level Crossings at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road. Karen provided
an overview of the Wilmot Creek Community and their charitable contributions. K.
Tremblay outlined resident concerns related to current rail traffic noise and with
the delays in whistle cessation due to CN's concern with safety and trespassing.
Karen asked that no parking zones be implemented in the area to mitigate
trespassing over the rail line. K. Tremblay advised that the area around the rail
crossings at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road are the most densely populated
within Clarington and asked Members of Committee to support Option A, as
outlined in the Staff Report, and proceed with the work required by CN to
implement train whistle cessation. K. Tremblay answered questions from
Members of Committee.
Alter the Agenda
Resolution # GG-179-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 7.2 - Report PDS-063-25 - Update
on Whistle Cessation at CN Grade Level Crossings at Bennett Road and
Cobbledick Road, at this time.
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.2 PDS-063-25 - Update on Whistle Cessation at CN Grade Level Crossings at
Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road
Resolution # GG-180-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That Report PDS-063-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Staff be directed to utilize the remaining available f unding for Whistle
Cessation Implementation at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road, up to
$1,468,450.17, for the purposes of installation of fencing and additional anti-
trespass countermeasures along the rail corridor as required by CN; and
That the Deputy CAO, Planning and Infrastructure be the delegated authority to
execute any necessary agreements with CN or amendments to existing
agreements with CN that are required to implement whistle cessation.
That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-063-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
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December 1, 2025
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Resolution # GG-181-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the matter be referred to the January 12, 2026, General Government
Committee meeting;
That Staff invite CN to the General Government Committee meeting to present
and respond to questions; and
That Staff engage with developers in the affected area to request a contribution
towards the costs.
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
Recess
Resolution # GG-182-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That the Committee recess for 10 minutes.
Carried
The meeting reconvened at 11:02 a.m. with Councillor Woo in the Chair.
5. Presentations/Delegations
5.2 Presentation by Justin MacLean, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Deepak
Seharawat, Manager, Corporate Performance and Innovation, Regarding a
Continuous Improvement (CI) Program Update from Corporate
Performance and Innovation Team
Justin MacLean, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Deepak Seharawat, Manager,
Corporate Performance and Innovation, were present to provide a Continuous
Improvement (CI) Program Update from the Corporate Performance and
Innovation Team. Using an electronic presentation, Justin introduced the CI
Program and summarized quantified benefits, departmental engagement,
completed initiatives with measurable outcomes, and upcoming projects. J.
MacLean outlined key success factors that include, strong buy-in from Council
and senior leadership, broad organizational commitment, and foundational
support from dedicated colleagues. Deepak outlined CI Program actions and
achievements including focused projects, membership in the Ontario Lean
Community of Practice, foundational development, and over 2 million in realized
benefits since the program was implemented.
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D. Seharawat advised a resource site was launched to provide tools and
guidance, including an idea submission workflow and benefit calculation tools,
with plans for ongoing enhancements. J. MacLean highlighted priorities including
expanding staff engagement through the idea submission workflow, facilitating
major transformation initiatives such as development application review and
source-to-pay modernization, and driving efficiency and digital transformation
across departments. Justin and Deepak answered questions from Members of
Committee.
Resolution # GG-183-25
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the Presentation by Justin MacLean, Director, Strategic Initiatives and
Deepak Seharawat, Manager, Corporate Performance and Innovation, regarding
a Continuous Improvement (CI) Program Update from Corporate Performance
and Innovation Team, be received with thanks.
Carried
6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-184-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.5 and 6.6, be
approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
6.1 LGS-043-25 - Bowmanville Tennis Club – Lease Renewal
Resolution # GG-185-25
That Report LGS-043-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That a lease agreement with the Bowmanville Tennis Club for a five-year term
from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, with one additional five -year
extension option, at the current annual rate of $1,912.33 plus an annual increase
to account for inflation, be approved and that the Deputy CAO/Solicitor be
authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the Municipality.
6.2 FSD-038-25 - Engineering Services for Queen Street, Lambert Street and St.
George Street Reconstruction
Resolution # GG-186-25
That Report FSD-038-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
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That the proposal received from CIMA Canada Inc., being the highest scoring
proponent meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of RFP2025-16 be
awarded the contract for the provision of Engineering Services for Queen Street,
Lambert Street & St. George Street Reconstruction;
That the funds required to complete this project be funded from the approved
budget; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-038-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.3 FSD-039-25 - Audit Services
Resolution # GG-187-25
That Report FSD-039-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the proposal received from Deloitte LLP, being the highest scoring
proponent meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of RFP2025-17 be
awarded the contract to provide the required Audit Services to the Municipality of
Clarington.
That the funds required to complete this project be funded from the approved
budget; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-039-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.4 PUB-019-25 - Corporate Climate Action Plan, 2025 Update
Resolution # GG-188-25
That Report PUB-019-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.5 CAO-021-25 - Semi-Annual Update on Outstanding Resolutions of Council
Suspend the Rules
Resolution # GG-189-25
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to introduce a motion to amend
something previously adopted by Council.
Carried
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Resolution # GG-190-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That Report CAO-021-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information; and
That Staff report back at a future meeting on relaxing the criteria for dog park
size.
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
Suspend the Rules
Resolution # GG-191-25
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to extend the meeting for an
additional 30 minutes.
Carried
6.6 CAO-023-25 - Homelessness Update
Resolution # GG-192-25
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That Report CAO-023-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information; and
That the sidewalk on the West side of Liberty Street, South of Baseline Road be
added to the priority snow clearing route.
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 CAO-024-25 - Council Expense Reporting
Resolution # GG-193-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That Report CAO-024-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
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That staff be directed to adopt quarterly reporting of Council expenses in addition
to the legislated requirement to report annually on Council expenses; and
That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-024-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
8. New Business
8.1 Requests to the Fire Marshal Regarding the Application of the Fire Code as
it Relates to Agricultural Housing (Mayor Foster)
Resolution # GG-194-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
Whereas the Municipality of Clarington acknowledges the significant
contributions of the agricultural industry to local employment and tourism;
And whereas the agricultural sector requires seasonal housing for its workforce;
And whereas the Municipality is committed to ensuring a safe work environment
for all agricultural workers and ensuring compliance with relevant fire code
requirements;
And whereas concerns have been raised by the agricultural community regarding
the interpretation and application of fire safety regulations in agricultural housing;
Now therefore be it resolved that:
1. The Fire Marshal for the Province of Ontario be requested to review the
current definition and application of the Fire Code as it pertains to
agricultural housing, specifically Section 9.3 Boarding Lodging and
Rooming Houses;
2. The Fire Marshal for the Province of Ontario evaluates the financial impact
of retrofitting agricultural occupancies, and as such, consider an
exemption for these occupancies under Section 9.3 Boarding, Lodging,
and Rooming Houses in the Fire Code;
3. The Fire Marshal for the Province of Ontario be asked to provide clear
guidance and direction to fire services across Ontario to ensure consistent
application of the Fire Code for occupancies housing agricultural workers;
4. A copy of this Council resolution be forwarded to the Fire Marshal for the
Province of Ontario, Minister McCarthy, Minister Piccini, the Agricultural
Advisory Committee and Charles Stevens.
Carried
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9. Confidential Items
9.1 LGS-042-25 - Potential Disposition of 247 King Avenue East, Newcastle
Resolution # GG-195-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the recommendations contained in Confidential Report LGS -042-25 -
Potential Disposition of 247 King Avenue East, Newcastle, be approved.
Carried
9.2 CAO-025-25 - Potential Property Acquisition in Courtice
Resolution # GG-196-25
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the recommendations contained in Confidential Report CAO -025-25 -
Potential Property Acquisition in Courtice, be approved.
Carried on a recorded vote (5 to 1)
10. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-197-25
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the meeting adjourn at 12:14 p.m.
Carried