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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
March 2, 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 Rang called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Councillor Traill 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 James St. John, Central Building and Construction Trades
Council, Alton Anderson, and Donald Lush, Regarding Fair Wage Policy
James St. John, Central Building and Construction Trades Council, was present
regarding a fair wage policy. James requested the municipality adopt a fair wage
policy which would promote equitable compensation, protect workers, and
ensure the use of qualified licensed tradespeople and registered apprentices for
municipal projects.
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James encouraged Members of Committee to prioritize local and Ontario‑based
contractors to support the regional economy and proposed adopting a
best‑practice procurement strategy that pre‑qualifies bidders based on criteria
outlined in the submitted correspondence. J. St. John highlighted the Central
Ontario Building Trades support for the Hammer Heads program, which provides
training and apprenticeship for youth and expressed willingness to collaborate
with the municipality on developing a fair wage policy. James answered
questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-033-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That the delegations from the Central Ontario Building & Construction Trades
Council be received with thanks;
And whereas the Central Ontario Building & Construction Trades Council (COBT)
along with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has
requested that the Municipality of Clarington consider adding a fair wage policy to
its Procurement By-law per the document “COBT Submission to the City of
Clarington Regarding Fair Wage Policy.”
Now therefore be it resolved that Council request Staff to research and report
back to Council with recommendations on the request for implementation of a fair
wage policy.
Amendment
Resolution # GG-034-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That the foregoing Resolution #GG-033-26 be amended by adding the following
at the end:
That, in addition to investing fair wage policy, also investigate newer
procurement policies that have been adopted at the requests of the
building trades such as the one implemented at Lakeridge Health.
Carried
Main Motion as Amended
Resolution # GG-035-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That the delegations from the Central Ontario Building & Construction Trades
Council be received with thanks;
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And whereas the Central Ontario Building & Construction Trades Council (COBT)
along with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) has
requested that the Municipality of Clarington consider adding a fair wage policy to
its Procurement By-law per the document “COBT Submission to the City of
Clarington Regarding Fair Wage Policy.”
Now therefore be it resolved:
That Council request Staff to research and report back to Council with
recommendations on the request for implementation of a fair wage policy;
and
That, in addition to investing fair wage policy, also investigate newer
procurement policies that have been adopted at the requests of the
building trades such as the one implemented at Lakeridge Health.
Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0)
5.2 Delegation by Cathy Abraham, Regarding a Request for a Review of
Implementing a Walking School Bus Program
Cathy Abraham was present regarding a Request for a Review of Implementing a
Walking School Bus Program. Cathy expressed support for initiatives that
encourage children to walk to school and reduce vehicle traffic around school
zones, while raising concerns regarding the proposed motion’s approach. C.
Abraham highlighted that decisions regarding program interest and school
selection should be made by the school boards and individual schools. Cathy
recommended that Staff undertake comprehensive research, working with the
School Boards, on the feasibility of a walking school bus program, including cost,
liability, risk assessment, operational details, administration, scheduling,
volunteer coordination and existing models be studied prior to any pilot
discussions. C. Abraham answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-036-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
Whereas Walking School Buses (organized groups of children walking to school
together under adult supervision) have been shown to improve student safety,
promote healthy physical activity, reduce traffic congestion near schools, and
decrease greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles; and
Whereas many families in the Municipality of Clarington face barriers to safe,
active school travel due to concerns about traffic, distance, and lack of
supervision; and
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Whereas successful Walking School Bus programs in other municipalities have
demonstrated increased rates of walking to school, improved community
engagement, reduced traffic and congestion near the schools thereby creating
safer and more accessible neighbourhoods (including making it easier to access
side streets by emergency vehicles); and stronger connections between families,
schools, and neighbourhoods; and
Whereas such programs can be supported at relatively low cost, through
coordination with schools, the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, parent
volunteers, and Municipal Staff; and
Whereas the Canadian Cancer Society has established a framework for
implementation of the Walking School Bus program that can be adopted and
applied in Clarington.
Therefore, be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington directs staff to
research and report back on feasibility of implementing a Walking School Bus
Program in partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board,
parent volunteers, using the Canadian Cancer Society template as a precedent
to:
1. Establish three pilot routes at select elementary schools: the Duke of
Cambridge PS (154 within walking distance), GJ MacGillivray (704 within
walking distance); and Dr Ross Tilley (497 within walking distance); and
2. Advise regarding resource implications, so any potential impacts on
existing work plans and budgets are clearly understood and address the
feasibility of sharing any costs with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District
School Board, as well as explore potential funding opportunities through
provincial, federal, or non-profit active transportation and public health
grants to offset program costs; and
3. Recruit and train volunteers in collaboration with the schools, the
Kawartha Pine Ride District School Board, parent organizations and any
interested community partners; and
4. Provide safety resources, promotional materials, and modest logistical
support; and
5. Report back to the new Council (within 6 months) on the implementation
on the pilot project with a start date of spring 2027; and
6. Monitor the pilot program in the spring of 2027 to report back on the
outcomes of the pilot program, including recommendations for broader
implementation, in the fall of 2027.
Tabled, see following motions
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Resolution # GG-037-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That forgoing resolution GG-036-26, regarding the implementation of a walking
school bus program, be referred.
See following motion
Resolution # GG-038-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That forgoing resolution GG-036-26, regarding the implementation of a walking
school bus program, be tabled.
Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0)
5.3 Delegation by Libby Racansky, Regarding Item 6.6, Report LGS-012-26
Proposed Use of Roads and Boulevard By-law
Libby Racansky was present regarding Item 6.6, Report LGS-012-26 Proposed
Use of Roads and Boulevard By-law. Libby expressed concerns regarding
environmental protection and the need to address invasive species, reduce salt
use near sensitive wetlands and prohibit the diversion of groundwater or runoff
into ditches. L. Racansky referenced development agreements and their reported
support for limiting the use of road salt and requested that road salt usage be
included in the by-law. Libby requested a 'no dumping' sign on Hancock Road,
penalties for properties who have invasive species, and additional regulations for
light trespassing.
5.4 Delegation by Sarto Provenzano, Regarding Item 6.8, Report CAO-002-26 -
Hate Has No Home in Clarington
Sarto Provenzano was present regarding Item 6.8, Report CAO -002-26 - Hate
Has No Home in Clarington. Sarto expressed concerns with the wording in
multiple sections of Attachment 1 to Report CAO-002-26. S. Provenzano
answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-039-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the scheduled 1-hour break at 12:00 noon be delayed until 12:30 p.m.
Carried
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5.5 Presentation by Mary-Anne Dempster, Chief Administrative Officer,
Regarding a Year in Review
Mary-Anne Dempster, Chief Administrative Officer, was present regarding a Year
in Review. Using an electronic presentation Mary-Anne expressed appreciation
to staff and provided a mid-term update on Clarington's 2024-2027 Strategic
Plan.
Councillor Rang left the Chair and Mayor Foster assumed the Chair at 11:48 a.m.
Councillor Rang resumed the Chair at 11:52 a.m.
M. Dempster outlined major achievements, including the commencement of
construction of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, record community
event attendance, and recognized improvements in public engagement through
the Clarington Connected program. Mary-Anne highlighted economic
development activities, including the addition of 21 new businesses, and $1.3
million in film‑related economic impact. M. Dempster identified multiple health
and safety initiatives, including the implementation of a Physician Recruitment
Incentive Program, 877 fire‑service emergency responses, and expanded
animal care services. Mary-Anne provided an overview of parks and
development projects affecting future recreation facilities, trail planning, rink
openings, and continued progress on Secondary Plans, the Waterfront Strategy,
and an Affordable Housing Agreement. M. Dempster outlined organizational
performance measures and advised more than $2 million in efficiencies were
realized. Mary-Anne answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-040-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to extend the meeting for an
additional 10 minutes.
Carried
Resolution # GG-041-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Presentation by Mary-Anne Dempster, Chief Administrative Officer,
regarding a Year in Review, be received with extraordinary thanks.
Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0)
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Alter the Agenda
Resolution # GG-042-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 6.4 - Report LGS-004-26 - Staff
Accomplishments Annual Report - 2025, at this time.
Carried
6. Consent Agenda
6.4 LGS-004-26 - Staff Accomplishments Annual Report - 2025
Resolution # GG-043-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That Report LGS-004-26 be received for information.
Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0)
The Committee recessed for their one hour scheduled break in accordance with
the Procedural By‑law.
Mayor Foster left the meeting.
The meeting reconvened at 1:40 p.m. with Councillor Rang in the Chair.
6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-044-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.2, 6.4, 6.8, 6.9 be
approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
6.1 FSD-009-26 - Appointment of a Deputy Treasurer
Resolution # GG-045-26
That Report FSD-009-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
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That the By-law attached to Report FSD-009-26, as Attachment 1, be approved;
and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-009-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.3 FSD-012-26 - 2025 Annual Commodity Hedging Report
Resolution # GG-046-26
That Report FSD-012-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.5 LGS-010-26 - Public Event Alcohol Permit Municipal Designation
Resolution # GG-047-26
That Report LGS-010-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Resolution #GPA-429-12, related to guidelines for declaring events of
Municipal Significance, be rescinded, effective April 30, 2026;
That the Public Event Alcohol Permit Designation Policy, Attachment 3 to Report
LGS-010-26, be approved;
That the By-law attached to Report LGS-010-26, as Attachment 4 to Report LGS-
010-26, to amend the Delegation of Authority by-law regarding municipal
designation letters for alcohol permits, be approved;
That, pursuant Section 4 of the User Fee By‑law, the Treasurer be directed to
impose an interim fee for the Municipal Designation of Community and Cultural
Events for alcohol permits, effective April 30, 2026; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-010-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.6 LGS-012-26 - Proposed Use of Roads and Boulevards By-law
Resolution # GG-048-26
That Report LGS-012-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the By-law attached to Report LGS-012-26, as Attachment 1, to repeal and
replace the Boulevard By-law 2013-066, Entrance By-law 2006-105, and Road
Occupancy By-law 2014-22 and amendments, be approved;
That the By-law attached to Report LGS-012-26, as Attachment 2, to amend the
Delegation of Authority By-law 2024-042 be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-012-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
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6.7 PUB-001-26 - Social Awareness Crosswalk Maintenance
Resolution # GG-049-26
That Report PUB-001-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Council support the recommendations contained in this report for the
ongoing maintenance and replacement of crosswalks designed to promote social
awareness;
That Council direct staff to include the ongoing maintenance financial
requirements in future operating budget requests;
That Council direct staff, where future social awareness crosswalks are approved
or implemented, the ongoing maintenance, renewal, and replacement costs
associated with those crosswalks be identified and incorporated into future
operating and capital budget submissions, as applicable. Further, that Council
acknowledges enhanced crosswalk treatments require ongoing lifecycle funding
to ensure safety, visibility, and program sustainability, and that future approvals
be considered in alignment with available budget capacity, And;
That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-001-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Amendment
Resolution # GG-050-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the foregoing Resolution #GG-049-26 be amended to add the following after
the fourth paragraph:
That Staff be directed to look at alternatives to honouring veterans.
Carried
Main Motion as Amended
Resolution # GG-051-26
That Report PUB-001-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Council support the recommendations contained in this report for the
ongoing maintenance and replacement of crosswalks designed to promote social
awareness;
That Council direct staff to include the ongoing maintenance financial
requirements in future operating budget requests;
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That Council direct staff, where future social awareness crosswalks are approved
or implemented, the ongoing maintenance, renewal, and replacement costs
associated with those crosswalks be identified and incorporated into future
operating and capital budget submissions, as applicable. Further, that Council
acknowledges enhanced crosswalk treatments require ongoing lifecycle funding
to ensure safety, visibility, and program sustainability, and that future approvals
be considered in alignment with available budget capacity,
That Staff be directed to look at alternatives to honouring veterans, and
That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-001-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.10 PDS-023-26 - Request for Additional Funding for Anticipated Budget
Shortfall – Liberty Street Reconstruction – Longworth Avenue to
Concession Road 3 - Streetlighting
Resolution # GG-052-26
That Report PDS-023-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Council approve additional budget in the amount of $350,000 from the
Reserve Fund – Miscellaneous Capital to cover the Municipality’s commitments
to Durham Region for the installation of streetlighting as part of the reconstruction
of Liberty Street North; and
That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-023-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.2 FSD-011-26 - 2025 Annual Council and Local Board Appointees
Remuneration
Resolution # GG-053-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That Report FSD-011-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
Carried
6.8 CAO-002-26 - Hate Has No Home in Clarington
Resolution # GG-054-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That Report CAO-002-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Council direct staff to amend the Respectful Conduct Policy to explicitly
name symbols of hate as a form of disrespectful conduct.
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That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-002-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried on a recorded vote (5 to 1)
6.9 PDS-020-26 - Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan – 2025 Annual
Progress Report
Resolution # GG-055-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That Report PDS-020-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 LGS-011-26 - Appointment to the Clarington Heritage Committee and
Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade Committee
Resolution # GG-056-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That Report LGS-011-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the resignation of Noel Gamble, from the Clarington Heritage Committee
and Denis Keane from the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade Committee be
received with thanks;
That Jamie Cordeiro be appointed to the Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade
Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is
appointed;
That the Committee consider the applications in accordance with the
Board/Committee Management Policy, for appointments to the Clarington
Heritage Committee, and that the vote be conducted to appoint a citizen
representative, for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is
appointed; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-011-26 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
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Clarington Heritage Committee
That Ann-marie Harley be appointed to the Clarington Heritage Committee for a
term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
8. New Business
8.1 Request for a Review of Traffic and Safety on Liberty Street (Councillor
Traill)
Resolution # GG-057-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
Whereas concerns have been raised by residents regarding traffic safety at the
intersections of Liberty Street with Concession Road 4 and Concession Road 6;
Whereas a recent collision at Liberty Street and Concession Road 4 involved a
school bus and resulted in injuries requiring hospital transport, highlighting the
potential risks at this location;
Whereas residents have noted specific safety issues including a blind curve on
Liberty Street north of Concession Road 6, downhill grades on Concession Road
6, and winter road conditions that regularly include snow blowing from adjacent
fields and limited traction due to sanding-only practices;
Whereas Liberty Street currently functions as a through road at these
intersections, with no stop control at either location except for a flashing
overhead beacon at Concession Road 6;
Whereas community feedback indicates that converting these intersections to all-
way stop control may significantly improve safety, with limited impact on traffic
volumes north of Concession Road 6;
Whereas these locations may fall under the jurisdiction of the Region of Durham
or may be impacted by Regional long‑term transportation planning;
Now therefore it be resolved that Council direct staff to liaise with the Region of
Durham to:
1. Review the existing safety conditions at the intersections of:
o Liberty Street & Concession Road 4; and
o Liberty Street & Concession Road 6;
2. Evaluate the feasibility and warrants for implementing all‑way stop
control at both intersections, including consideration of maintaining the
existing overhead flashing beacon at Concession Road 6 with all
approaches converted to flashing red;
3. Assess short‑term and long‑term opportunities to improve safety at
these locations, including roadway geometry, signage, and winter
maintenance practices; and
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4. Report back to Council with findings, recommendations, and timelines for
possible implementation.
That this motion be circulated to the Regional Councillors and Regional Staff for
their information and collaboration.
Carried on a recorded vote (5 to 1)
8.2 OSAP Funding Changes (Councillor Elhajjeh)
Suspend the Rules
Resolution # GG-058-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to add an additional New Business
item, related to OSAO Funding changes to the Agenda.
Carried
Resolution # GG-059-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
Whereas the Government of Ontario, under Premier Doug Ford, has restructured
the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), reducing the maximum non -
repayable grant portion to 25 per cent and shifting the remaining support to
repayable loans;
And whereas this represents a significant departure from the previous model, in
which approximately 85 per cent of OSAP funding was delivered through grants
and only 15 per cent through loans;
And whereas the provincial government has also permitted colleges and
universities to increase tuition by up to two per cent annually;
And whereas these combined changes are expected to increase student debt
burdens, place additional financial strain on families, and potentially discourage
students—particularly those from low- and middle-income households—from
pursuing post-secondary education;
And whereas student advocates, community members, and elected officials,
have raised concerns and launched a “Save OSAP” campaign urging the
provincial government to reverse these changes;
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And whereas access to affordable post-secondary education is critical to local
economic development, workforce readiness, poverty reduction, and long-term
community prosperity;
And whereas increased student debt may lead to reduced local economic
participation, delayed home ownership, and diminished small business creation
within our municipality;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Clarington:
1. Formally express its opposition to the recent restructuring of OSAP that
significantly reduces the proportion of non-repayable grants available to
students;
2. Call upon the Government of Ontario to restore a higher proportion of
grant-based funding within OSAP to ensure equitable access to post-
secondary education;
3. Urge the provincial government to reconsider policies that enable annual
tuition increases that may compound financial barriers for students;
4. Affirm its support for students, families, and educational institutions within
our community who are affected by these changes; and
5. Direct that a copy of this motion be sent to the Premier of Ontario, the
Minister of Colleges and Universities, local Members of Provincial
Parliament, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
That this Council encourages other municipalities to adopt similar resolutions in
support of protecting accessible and affordable post-secondary education for all
residents.
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
9. Confidential Items
9.1 LGS-009-26 - Collective Bargaining with Clarington Professional
Firefighters Association, Local 3139
9.2 LGS-015-26 - 200 Baseline Road Disposition
Closed Session
Resolution # GG-060-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
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That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended,
the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing matters that deal with advice
that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for
that purpose.
Carried
Rise and Report
The meeting resumed in open session at 2:34 p.m.
Councillor Rang advised that two items were discussed in “closed” session in
accordance with Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and two resolutions
were passed to provide direction to Staff.
10. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-061-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the meeting adjourn at 2:34 p.m.
Carried