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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
January 12, 2026
9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers or Electronic Participation
Municipal Administrative Centre
40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor
Bowmanville, Ontario
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
Councillor Elhajjeh called the meeting to order at 9:30 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
Members of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of
community interest.
5. Presentations/Delegations
5.1 Presentation by Daniel Salvatore, Sr. Manager, Public Affairs, CN,
Regarding Whistle Cessation at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road
Daniel Salvatore, Sr. Manager, Public Affairs, CN was present via electronic
means regarding whistle cessation at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road.
Daniel answered questions from Members of Committee.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
2
5.2 Delegation by Karen Tremblay, President of the Wilmot Creek Homeowners'
Association, Regarding Whistle Cessation at Bennett Road and Cobbledick
Road
Karen Tremblay, President of Wilmot Creek Homeowners Association was
present regarding whistle cessation at Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road.
Karen requested clarification on the changes to safety‑related requirements
associated with whistle cessation. K. Tremblay advised that a request was made
to CN for information on specific incidents in the area and noted that a link from
the Surface Transportation Board website indicated over 16,000 reported
incidents, with seven occurring in the area under consideration. Karen expressed
concern regarding the evolving requirements, the length of time it's taken to
implement the necessary changes and asked that Option A be approved. K.
Tremblay answered questions from Members of Committee.
Councillor Rang left the meeting at 10:51 a.m.
Alter the Agenda
Resolution # GG-001-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 7.1 - Report PDS-063-25 - Update
on Whistle Cessation at CN Grade Level Crossings at Bennett Road and
Cobbledick Road, at this time.
Carried
Councillor Rang returned to the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 PDS-063-25 - Update on Whistle Cessation at CN Grade Level Crossings at
Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road
Resolution # GG-002-26
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 funding 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.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
3
That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-063-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Amendment
Resolution # GG-003-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That Staff be directed, prior to the January 26, 2026 Council meeting, to report
back on:
1. Any information related to incidents that CN can report;
2. The continued negotiations with CN regarding the length of the fence;
3. The legal liability response from CN; and
4. The negotiations with Compass, Rice Group and Kaitlin to support
monetarily.
Carried
Main Motion as Amended
Resolution # GG-004-26
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 funding 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;
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 Staff be directed, prior to the January 26, 2026 Council meeting, to report
back on:
1. Any information related to incidents that CN can report;
2. The continued negotiations with CN regarding the length of the fence;
3. The legal liability response from CN; and
4. The negotiations with Compass, Rice Group and Kaitlin to support
monetarily.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
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That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-063-25, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried on a recorded vote (5 to 2)
Recess
Resolution # GG-005-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the Committee recess for 5 minutes.
Carried
The meeting reconvened at 11:43 a.m. with Councillor Elhajjeh in the Chair.
7.1.1 Memo-001-26 - Resolution #GG-181-25 - Update on Whistle Cessation at
Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road
This matter was dealt with under Item 7.1.
5. Presentations/Delegations
5.3 Presentation by Vanessa Bilenduke-Guppy, Supervisor, Community
Development and Events, Regarding Clarington Community Funding
Program - 2025 Highlights
Vanessa Bilenduke-Guppy, Supervisor, Community Development and Events
was present regarding Clarington Community Funding Program - 2025
Highlights. Using an electronic presentation Vanessa provided an update on
Clarington’s 2025 Community Funding Program, its purpose and highligh ted that
17 local organizations received a total of $64,000 in municipal grants. V.
Bilenduke-Guppy advised the program supported a range of community
initiatives focused on social inclusion, cultural celebration, food security, and
skill‑building. Vanessa discussed key outcomes, that included engagement of
over 3,000 residents, participation from more than 250 volunteers contributing
11,000 volunteer hours, and strengthened partnerships across libraries, cultural
groups, social agencies, and businesses. V. Bilenduke-Guppy highlighted several
impact stories that illustrated how funded programs foster belonging, dignity, and
community resilience. Vanessa outlined the next steps in promoting the 2026
funding program and answered questions from Members of Committee.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
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Resolution # GG-006-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the scheduled 1-hour break at 12:00 noon be delayed until 12:20 p.m.
Carried
Resolution # GG-007-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the Delegation of Vanessa Bilenduke-Guppy, Supervisor, Community
Engagement and Events, regarding Clarington Community Funding Program -
2025 Highlights, be received with thanks.
Carried
6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-008-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That all items listed in Section 6 be approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
6.1 LGS-001-26 - Lottery Licensing By-law Update
Resolution # GG-009-26
That Report , and any related delegations or communication items, be received;
That the By-law attached to Report , as Attachment 1, repealing and replacing
Clarington’s Lottery Licensing By-law, be approved;
That the By-law attached to Report , as Attachment 2, amending the Delegation
of Authority By-law, be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report , be advised of Council’s decision.
6.2 LGS-002-26 - 2026 Municipal Elections – Compliance Audit Committee
Terms of Reference
Resolution # GG-010-26
That Report LGS-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
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January 12, 2026
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That the By-law attached to Report LGS-002-26, as Attachment 1, to establish a
Clarington Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 -2030
term, and the Committee’s Terms of Reference, be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-002-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.3 FSD-001-26 - Use of Technology
Resolution # GG-011-26
That Report FSD-001-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the Council Use of Technology Policy as Attachment 1, be approved
effective November 15, 2026; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-001-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.4 FSD-002-26 - 2026 Budget Update Implementation
Resolution # GG-012-26
That Report FSD-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the Deputy CAO/Treasurer be authorized to make an application to the
Region of Durham for the necessary debentures, with the term being at the
discretion of the Deputy CAO/Treasurer, for the projects identified in the 2026
Budget Update;
That Report FSD-002-26 be adopted by resolution in accordance with provisions
of Ontario Regulation 284/09 of the Municipal Act, 2001 for the 2026 fiscal year;
That the Public Works vehicles identified in Report FSD-002-26, and included in
the reserve fund contributions during the years 2026-27, be authorized to be
ordered with delivery dates in the applicable fiscal year;
That the Deputy CAO/Treasurer is authorized to fund projects which have been
previously approved in the 2022 to 2024 budgets, 2025 budget update and not
completed with funding to be provided from the appropriate reserve or reserve
fund;
That the appropriate by-laws to levy the 2026 tax requirement for Municipal,
Region of Durham and Education purposes be forwarded to Council for approval,
once final tax policy information is available; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-002-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
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6.5 FSD-003-26 - 2025 Annual Leasing Report
Resolution # GG-013-26
That Report FSD-003-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.6 FSD-004-26 - Electric Streetlight Maintenance
Resolution # GG-014-26
That Report FSD-004-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Black & McDonald Limited with a bid amount of $242,626.67 (Net HST)
being the low, compliant bidder meeting all terms, conditions and specifications
of CL2025-40 Electric Streetlight Maintenance be awarded the contract for
electric streetlight maintenance;
That pending satisfactory performance and pricing, the Manager, Procurement, in
consultation with the Director of Public Works and Fire Chief, be given the
authority to extend the contract for this service for up to four additional one-year
terms; and
That the total estimated funds required for this project for the first-year term in the
amount of $242,626.67 (Net HST) be funded by the Municipality as provided.
Future budget accounts will include the funds required for the second, third,
fourth, and fifth-year term terms.
That the additional estimated funding of $62,626.67 (Net HST) be taken from
existing budgets at the discretion of the Director of Public Works.
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-004-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.7 FSD-005-26 - Community Climate Risk Assessment and Adaption Plan
Resolution # GG-015-26
That Report FSD-005-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability Inc. with a bid amount of
$105,606.53 (Net HST Rebate) being the highest scoring Proponent meeting all
terms, conditions and specifications of RFP2025-15 be awarded the contract for
Community Climate Risk Assessment and Adaption Plan.
The funds required to complete this project be funded from the approved budget;
and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-005-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
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8. New Business
8.1 Request for Council Support to Advocate for Express GO Train Service
from Pickering to Union Station (Councillor Elhajjeh)
Councillor Elhajjeh left the Chair and Mayor Foster assumed the Chair at 12:07
p.m.
Resolution # GG-016-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
Whereas efficient regional transit service is essential to the economic vitality,
employment access, and quality of life of residents in the Municipality of
Clarington; and
Whereas GO Transit’s previous express train services along the Lakeshore East
line—particularly those serving various Durham region stations including Oshawa
Station—significantly reduced travel times for commuters travelling to Toronto
and other regional employment centres; and
Whereas the discontinuation of these express services has resulted in longer
commute times, increased crowding on local trains, reduced service reliability,
and a measurable negative impact on daily commuters, students, and employers
in the region; and
Whereas the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Transportatio n, and
Metrolinx, as the operator of GO Transit, have both acknowledged the
importance of high-quality regional rail service and the need to continually
improve mobility options for growing communities across Durham Region; and
Whereas Clarington continues to experience population growth and economic
expansion, necessitating the reinstatement—and potential expansion—of
express rail services as part of a broader commitment to transit equity and
regional connectivity;
Now, therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington formally request
that the Ministry of Transportation and Metrolinx restore express GO Train
service on the Lakeshore East line for Durham Region commuters, including
consideration of reinstating previous express schedules and exploring
opportunities for enhanced peak-hour express service;
That Clarington Council expresses strong support for the reinstatement of
express service and requests a formal response and timeline for consideration;
and
That copies of this motion be sent to the Minister of Transportation, President
and CEO of Metrolinx, Regional Municipality of Durham, Durham Region Transit,
local Members of Provincial Parliament, and area municipalities along the
Lakeshore East corridor for their awareness and potential support.
General Government Committee Minutes
January 12, 2026
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Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0)
9. Confidential Items
10. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-017-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the meeting adjourn at 12:10 p.m.
Carried