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Home My WebLink About2026-03-20ClafiflgtOll Electronic Council Communications Information Package Date: March 20, 2026 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 Thursday at noon the two weeks 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. March 20, 2026 Electronic Council Communications Information Package (ECCIP) Pages 1. Region of Durham Correspondence 2. Durham Municipalities Correspondence 3. Other Municipalities Correspondence 3.1 Mayor Randy Greenlaw, Township of Oro-Medonte - Request for 3 Provincial Legislation Amendments, Health and Safety Concerns - March 13, 2026 4. Provincial / Federal Government and their Agency Correspondence 4.1 Environment and Climate Change Canada, Publication of an Amended 9 Section 46 Notice and Notice of Intent for the Federal Plastics Registry - March 16, 2026 5. Miscellaneous Correspondence 5.1 Minutes from the Orono Business Improvement Area meeting dated 12 January 23, 2026 5.2 Minutes from the Newcastle Business Improvement Area meetings dated 15 January 15, February 12 and March 12, 2026 Page 2 Township of Proud Heritage, Exciting Future March 13, 2026 Hon. David Piccini Ministry of Labour, Immigration, 14th Floor, 400 University Ave Toronto ON M7A 1 T7 Training and Skills Development Re: Request for Provincial Legislation Amendments, Health and Safety Concerns Dear Minister Piccini, At its meeting of Council on March 11, 2026, the Council of the Township of Oro- Medonte received correspondence from Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) regarding the above -mentioned request for support. The Township of Oro-Medonte fully supports AORS in their request, as our staff have, on numerous occasions, been subjected to abusive and aggressive behaviour from members of the public. We respectfully request your support in advancing measures that will strengthen protections for municipal workers and contractors. With provincial partnership, municipalities can better safeguard the individuals who work tirelessly to maintain critical services and keep our communities functioning safely. Sincerely, Mayor Randy Greenlaw Cc: Premier Doug Ford Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response �� Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 148 Line 7 South P: (705) 487-2171 wwW oro-medonte.Ca Oro-Medonte, ON L0L 2E0 F: (705) 487-0R@9e 3 Hon. Prabmeet Sakaria, Minister of Transportation Hon. Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure Doug Downey, MPP Barrie — Springwater - Oro-Medonte Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Association of Ontario Roads Supervisors (AORS) Ontario Municipalities Members of Oro-Medonte Council Page 4 AORS Inn 4. PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE. PURSUWG EXCELLENCE Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini 14t" Floor, 400 University Avenue Toronto, ON M7A 1T7 February 5, 2026 Dear Minister Piccini, On behalf of Ontario's municipal public works professionals, we are writing to raise an urgent health and safety concern that is increasingly placing municipal workers and subcontractors at risk while they maintain the critical infrastructure our communities rely on every day. While the Occupational Health and Safety Act establishes important protections against workplace hazards, it does not adequately address a growing and very real threat: unsafe working conditions created by interference, harassment, and dangerous actions from members of the public. Through consultations with AORS members across the province, we are hearing consistent and deeply troubling examples of escalating behaviour directed at municipal workers - particularly winter maintenance operators. These are not isolated incidents, but a pattern that is becoming increasingly normalized during significant weather events. Examples reported to AORS include: • An individual throwing a large chunk of ice at an active piece of municipal equipment while it was operating. • A resident threatening to kill a sidewalk plow operator. • A man climbing onto a snow plow and refusing to get off until the operator agreed to plow his road next. • Two municipal staff members being confronted, accosted, and aggressively yelled at in public - one at a gas station and another while simply standing in line for coffee - by individuals angry about road conditions that were not even under that municipality's jurisdiction, as well as a mailbox that had been struck. • A voicemail left by a resident threatening to shoot a municipal plow driver with a shotgun the next time the street was plowed. • A resident angry about snow at the end of their driveway jumping in front of an active plow and refusing to move. The plow was delayed for over an hour during a major snow event, placing service levels and the municipality's overall emergency response at risk. The situation was only resolved once supervisors and by-law officers arrived on scene. These incidents represent only a small sample of what municipal plow drivers and winter maintenance crews are experiencing across Ontario. What was once limited to disgruntled complaints has escalated into direct threats, physical interference, and dangerous confrontations that place workers, subcontractors, and the public at risk. This issue is becoming a systematic threat to municipal service delivery and is only amplified during significant weather events. Municipal workers and their contracted partners are responsible for maintaining roads, bridges, sidewalks, and other essential services - often in extreme weather and high -risk environments. When these workers are threatened or obstructed, it becomes not only a workplace safety issue, but a broader public safety concern. In some cases, conditions have become so unsafe that Page 5 municipal staff and subcontractors have walked off job sites, jeopardizing timely service delivery during critical events. We respectfully ask the Province to consider the following changes: • Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, when a municipality declares a Significant Weather Event, municipal winter maintenance vehicles and operators - including subcontractors working on behalf of municipalities - should be afforded enhanced protection, with interference or obstruction treated with the same severity as interference with police, fire, or paramedic services. • Establish clear public -safety interference provisions, similar in intent to Ontario's Slow Down, Move Over legislation, that recognize the essential role of municipal roadside workers. • Consider adopting provisions similar to Manitoba's recently passed Bill 38, an amendment to their Highway Traffic Act effective January 1, 2026, which requires motorists to maintain a minimum distance of 30 metres behind snowplows where speed limits are 80 km/h or lower, and 100 metres where speed limits exceed 80 km/h. These changes would provide clarity, deterrence, and enforceability —sending a strong message that interference with municipal workers performing essential services will not be tolerated. Just as Ontario protects first responders from obstruction during emergencies, we must extend similar protections to the public works professionals who keep our communities safe, connected, and functioning. AORS would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your staff to discuss these concerns further and to collaborate on legislative solutions that better protect municipal workers and subcontractors while strengthening public safety across the province. Thank you for your consideration of this critical issue. Sincerely, Karla Musso-Garcia, CRS -I Kelly Elliott President, Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Interim Executive Director Operations Manager, Township of Oro-Medonte Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Cc (via e-mail) Premier Doug Ford Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy Scott Butler, Good Roads Executive Director Walid Abou-Hamde, Ontario Road Builders' Association Chief Executive Officer Page 6 A OHS 411g, PROMOTING KNOWLEDGE. PURSUWG EXCELLENCE. Solicitor General of Ontario Michael Kerzner George Drew Building, 25 Grosvenor Street Toronto, ON M7A1Y6 February 5, 2026 Dear Solicitor General Kerzner, On behalf of Ontario's municipal public works professionals, we are writing to raise serious concerns regarding the safety of municipal workers and subcontractors who are increasingly facing harassment, threats, and dangerous interference from members of the public while delivering essential municipal services - particularly during winter maintenance and emergency operations. Across Ontario, municipal public works teams are responsible for maintaining critical infrastructure that residents depend on every day, including roads, sidewalks, bridges, and drainage systems. During significant weather events, these workers are frontline responders, ensuring emergency vehicles can travel safely and that communities remain connected and accessible. However, the behaviour directed at them has escalated well beyond routine complaints and has become a direct threat to both worker safety and public safety. Through consultations with AORS members province -wide, we continue to receive troubling reports that illustrate the seriousness of this issue. These include: • An individual throwing a large chunk of ice at an active piece of municipal equipment while it was operating. • A resident threatening to kill a sidewalk plow operator. • A man climbing onto a snowplow and refusing to get off until the driver agreed to plow his road next. • Two staff members confronted and aggressively accosted in public - one at a gas station and another while simply waiting in line for coffee - by individuals angry about road conditions and a mailbox strike that were not even related to that municipality. • A voicemail threatening to shoot a plow driver with a shotgun the next time the street was plowed. • A resident jumping in front of an active plow during a major snow event and refusing to move, delaying operations for over an hour and jeopardizing service levels and overall emergency response. These examples represent only a small sample of the experiences municipal plow drivers and winter maintenance crews are facing across the province. What was once occasional frustration has escalated into intimidation, threats of violence, and direct interference with equipment and operations. Equally concerning is that municipalities do not always receive consistent enforcement support when these incidents occur. We have heard directly from members who contacted the Ontario Provincial Police for assistance and were advised that, unless a physical assault had already taken place, the situation was "not a police matter." Waiting until a worker has been physically harmed before intervention is neither preventative nor acceptable. Page 7 This gap leaves municipalities and workers vulnerable and sends an unintended message that threatening or obstructive behaviour toward municipal staff carries little consequence. It also places supervisors and by-law officers in situations that may exceed their authority or capacity to manage safely. We believe a proactive and coordinated response is needed. Municipal workers and their subcontractors should not have to choose between their personal safety and providing critical services during storms and emergencies. We respectfully ask that the Province of Ontario and the Ontario Provincial Police take a clear and strong stance that interference, threats, and harassment directed at municipal public works staff will not be tolerated. Specifically, we would welcome: • Clear direction and guidance to police services, including the OPP, that threats, intimidation, and obstruction of municipal workers performing essential duties warrant timely enforcement and support. • Recognition that interference with winter maintenance and emergency public works operations presents a broader public safety risk, not merely a municipal operational issue. • Enhanced coordination between municipalities and local police services during significant weather events and emergency responses to ensure worker safety and continuity of service. • Consideration of legislative or policy tools that provide stronger deterrence and consequences for those who threaten or obstruct municipal staff and contractors. Municipal public works professionals are essential workers. They keep roads open for ambulances, fire trucks, school buses, and the travelling public. Their safety should be treated with the same seriousness as that of other frontline responders. AORS would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your staff to discuss these concerns and explore practical steps to ensure consistent enforcement support and stronger protections for municipal workers across Ontario. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued leadership in public safety. Sincerely, Karla Musso-Garcia, CRS -I Kelly Elliott President, Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Interim Executive Director Operations Manager, Township of Oro-Medonte Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Cc (via e-mail) Premier Doug Ford Page 8 Michelle Chambers From: FPR / RFP (ECCC) <FPR-RFP@ec.gc.ca> Sent: March 16, 2026 6:30 PM To: ClerksExternaIEmail Subject: Publication d'un avis modifie au titre de ('article 46 et d'un avis d'intention concernant le registre federal sur les plastiques / Publication of an Amended Section 46 Notice and Notice of Intent for the Federal Plastics Registry You don't often get email from fpr-rfp@ec.gc.ca. Learn why this is important EXTERNAL �I Cdn .(� � Cril�r�rclxnarCa�ed3 {maGeCgaCe�roJa English follows Bonjour, Le 14 mars 2026, le gouvernement du Canada a publie dans la Gazette du Canada, Partie I, un Avis modifiant ['Avis relatif a la declaration des resines plastiques et de certains produits en plastique pour le registre federal sur les plastiques pour 2024, 2025 et 2026. L'avis modifie reporte officiellement les dates limites de declaration pour les phases 2 et 3 du registre federal sur les plastiques. Les organisations sont tenues de continuer a declarer les donnees de la phase 1 pour les annees civiles 2024, 2025 et 2026, comme indique dans ('Avis relatif a La declaration des resines plastiques et de certains produits en plastique pour Le registre federal sur Les plastiques pour 2024, 2025 et 2026. Cela signifie que les producteurs d'emballages, d'equipements electroniques et electriques, ainsi que de plastiques a usage unique ou jetables destines au flux de dechets residentiels doivent continuer a declarer leurs donnees. De plus, un Avis d'intention de publier, en vertu de ('article 46 de la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l'environnement (1999), un avis relatif a la declaration des resines plastiques et de certains produits en plastique pour le Registre federal surles plastiques pour2027, 2028 et2029 a ete publie dans La Gazette du Canada, Partie I. L'avis d'intention indique que la ministre de L'Environnement s'engage a publier un nouvel avis afin de poursuivre Les activites de collecte d'informations pour le registre federal sur les plastiques pour les annees civiles 2027, 2028 et 2029. Pour participer aux consultations organisees par Environnement et Changement climatique Canada sur ('elaboration du nouvel avis, veuillez envoyer un courriel a RFP-FPR@ec.gc.ca en indiquant en objet: Consultation sur le nouvel avis du registre federal sur les plastiques pour les annees de declaration 2027, 2028 et 2029. Page 9 Pour plus d'informations, veuillez consulter la page Web du registre federal sur les plastiques. Cordialement, Division des affaires reglementaires des plastiques/Direction generale de la protection de l'environnement Environnement et Changement climatique Canada/Gouvernement du Canada RFP-FPRC�ec.gc.ca Plastics Regulatory Affairs Division/Environmental Protection Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada/Government of Canada RFP-FPR@ec.gc.ca r tw, ller!1l2.9t C Greetings, *1 Lanau' On March 14, 2026, the Government of Canada published a Section 46 Notice amending the Notice with respect to reporting of plastic resins and certain plastic products for the Federal Plastics Registry for 2024. 2025 and 2026 in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The amended Notice formally postpones the reporting deadlines for Phases 2 and 3 of the Federal Plastics Registry. Organizations are required to continue reporting Phase 1 data for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 calendar years, as outlined in the Notice with respect to reporting of plastic resins and certain plastic products for the Federal Plastics Registry for 2024, 2025 and 2026. This means producers of packaging, electronics and electrical equipment, and single -use or disposable plastics destined for the residential waste stream must continue to report. In addition, a Notice of Intent to Issue a Notice Under Section 46 of the Act with Respect to Reporting of Certain Plastic Products For2027, 2028, and 2029 has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The Notice of Intent states that the Minister of the Environment is committed to publishing a new Notice to continue information gathering activities for the Federal Plastics Registry for the 2027, 2028 and 2029 calendar years. To participate in engagement opportunities with Environment and Climate Change Canada on the development of the new Notice, please email RFP-FPRCcbec.gc.ca with the subject line: Consultation on FPR New Notice for Reporting Years 2027, 2028, and 2029. For more information, please visit the Federal Plastics Registry webpage. Kind regards, Plastics Regulatory Affairs Division/Environmental Protection Branch Environment and Climate Change Canada/Government of Canada Page 10 RFP-FPR@ec.gc.ca Division des affaires reglementaires des plastiques/Direction generale de la protection de l'environnement Environnement et Changement climatique Canada/Gouvernement du Canada RFP-FPR@ec.gc.ca Page 11 Orono DBIA Meeting Minutes January 2026 Date: January 23, 2026 Time: 8:30 A.M. Location: Harmer Wealth Management, 5301 Main Street, Orono, Ontario, L0B1M0 Attendance • Chad Harmer • Brad Beckstead (Virtual) • Will Davies • Shelly Rivers • Alison Dee • Samantha Aitken • Karen Lowery • Scott Story Approval of Agenda Motion: Chad Seconder: Brad Carried Approval of Minutes ( November 2025) Motion: Brad Seconder: Chad Carried Page 12 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 8:30 A.M. 2. Key Updates — Summary • Year-end financial balance confirmed at $7,250; all Santa Claus Parade sponsorships collected. • Bookkeeping transition approved: Lucy to replace retiring bookkeeper Sarah. • 2026 proposed budget discussed, including a $6,000 municipal levy, $4,000 in grants, and potential access to up to $20,000 for marketing and tourism initiatives. • Priority placed on collaborating with the Town Hall board to combine holiday events into larger joint activities. • Infrastructure priorities identified, including vacant property discussions and street lighting upgrades. • Waste management and recycling challenges remain ongoing, with focus on compliance and landfill reduction. 3. Financial Management and Budget Planning • Confirmed year-end balance of $7,250 with all Santa Claus Parade sponsorships collected. • Bookkeeping transition underway: Lucy (downtown Whitby bookkeeping shop owner) to replace Sarah. • 2026 budget proposal includes a $6,000 municipal levy, $4,000 in grants, and potential access to up to $20,000 in additional marketing and tourism grants. • Events committee budget estimated at approximately $5,500, with intent to grow sponsorship revenue. • Fixed operating costs reviewed, including social media management, flower maintenance, accounting/QuickBooks, web hosting, and Canva. • New municipal requirements introduced: 90 -day advance road closure applications and mandatory strategic safety plans for events. • Future meetings will be held in a hybrid format to increase participation. 4. Event Strategy and Community Engagement • Group discussed strengthening collaboration with the Town Hall board to unify holiday programming. • Downtown Christmas tree lighting proposed, including installation of a GFI receptacle to improve safety. • Plan to replace outdated holiday lights with higher -quality, maintainable decor using available funds. Page 13 • Long-term vision includes a Christmas village atmosphere, vendor markets, and expanded holiday programming. • Events committee exploring a summer festival concept featuring local bands. • Sponsorship strategy discussed, including tiered sponsor packages and prepaid Santa Claus Parade button sponsorships. 5. Infrastructure and Beautification Initiatives • Vacant property at the entrance to Town Centre View and Main Street identified as a priority. • Plan to engage the municipality regarding ownership, maintenance, and improvement options. • Snow removal and sidewalk clearing concerns raised, particularly for elderly and disabled residents. • Street lighting upgrades and permanent electrical outlets discussed to support beautification and events. 6. Waste Management and Recycling • Ongoing challenges with downtown recycling logistics and contamination. • Several proposed solutions ruled out through municipal discussions. • Increased landfill use noted as a growing concern due to limited recycling options. • Provincial regulations complicate waste management compliance. • Group to continue sharing interim solutions and advocating for broader municipal and provincial responses. 7. Municipal Infrastructure and Event Impact • Upcoming road construction in Newcastle expected to disrupt access and impact events over multiple years. • Jurisdictional complexity involving roads and utilities may cause delays. • Aging infrastructure concerns noted, including leaks and lack of a modern sewer system. • Potential need for alternative event timing or locations discussed. • Continued coordination with municipal bodies planned to minimize disruption. Page 14 Newcastle Downtown Business Improvement Association 2026 Annual General Meeting January 15th, 2026 6:00pm at The Newcastle Griddle In attendance: Marni Lewis, Greg Lewis (Desjardins Insurance), Theresa Vanhaverbeke (Syvan Developments Limited), Karen and Gus Bastas (Newcastle Parade Committee), Pat Dowling (Newcastle Parade Committee), Mayor Adrian Foster, Janeen Calder, Darryl Rowsell (Newcastle Massage Therapy), Tracey Yates, Roger Yates (Lang Enterprises), Valentine Lovekin (Lovekin Law), Councillor Marg Zwart, Councillor Willie Woo, Doug & Bev Sirrs (Vatandoust Sirrs Team), Carolyn Brooks (Newcastle Dentistry), Glen MacFarlane (Municipality of Clarington), Alison Dee (Clarington Library - Newcastle), Helen & Masood Vatandoust, Councillor Marg Zwart Regrets: Bonnie Wrightman (CBOT), Krista Klawitter (Family Chiropractic), Jane Black (Newcastle Parade Committee), Lina, Bill & Maddy Schmahl (Studio 37), Jim Norwood (Newcastle & District Chamber), Heidi & Katie Fairweather (Align Aesthetics) Kirby Eady (Royal Service Real Estate), Alyssa Crittendon (CBOT) Land Acknowledgement 1. Call to Order by the Chair — Valentine Lovekin Presidents Remarks: It is a beautiful winter day today. Clarington received 25cm of snow! With the death tolls in Iran rising, conflicts with the US President continue daily, we realize lots of people want to live here. Let's show them the BIA and all the opportunities there are for the businesses. 2. Thank you to Karan and his staff at the Newcastle Griddle for hosting us and providing an amazing dinner. Page 15 3. Approval of 2025 Minutes Moved: Janeen Calder Seconded: Karen Bastas Carried 4. Approval of the Actions of the Board of Management Moved: Bev Sirrs Seconded: Theresa Vanhaverbeke Carried 5. Treasurer's Report and Approval of the 2026 Budget Good news - • Our financials show steady, conservative spending. • We have $42,348.00 in the bank • The 2026 levy of $40,000.00 remains the same as last year. Approval of the 2026 Budget as presented Moved by: Doug Sirrs Seconded: Theresa Vanhaverbeke Carried 6. Report on Safety and Decor — Theresa Vanhaverbeke Snow: The Municipality of Clarington will be clearing the sidewalk snow again this year. Please remember to hire someone or clear your own snow and ice as they won't be doing the fine clearing with their equipment. Planters: Bloom Field Gardens will be providing our hanging flower baskets, and the planters at King/Beaver and King/Mill St. Banners: We will use our banners for 1 more year and after the 2027 street scape project will be get new ones for 2028. Page 16 7. Report on Marketing & Social Media - Marni Lewis Facebook overview January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 Page views - 205,000 accounts (an increase from 71,800) Page engagement - 6,700 (an increase from 6,500) Page likes - 245 new likes 101 posts were posted in 2025 Most popular posts in 2025 A video of a snowy day in February after a BIA meeting, "Stay safe out there" 77,351 views, 1304 engagement Instagram overview January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 Followers 249 new Reach - 16,737 accounts Engagement - 1912 Views - 70,130 103 posts in 2025 Most popular Posts in 2025 A video of a snowy day in February after a BIA meeting "Stay safe out there" Page 17 8. Report on Special Events Community Hall Lighting - Janeen Calder The Hall board installed permanent lighting on the Hall this year. The commercial Christmas tree held up in the winter weather great. The lighting before the parade works well for the community to take part in seeing it. Thank you to our volunteer Darryl for being on call for all tree issues and always getting them fixed. Breakfast with Santa - Marni Lewis The breakfast was a great day, approx. 255-300 people attended. We had the girls from U15 Darlington Soccer Club set up a bake sale, which was a huge hit. Rick and Terri had the kids up dancing. Pictures with Santa were provided by Lauren Amelia photography. Thank you to our volunteers from the Newcastle Stars, Old Newcastle House, Royal Services, Desjardins Insurance. The Community Hall is booked for Sunday, November 29th, 2026. Santa Parade - Karen Bastas The weather that night was great. The community sponsorships are wonderful. The Santa float gets bigger and better every year. We need more volunteers to help sell buttons the night of the parade and sell them in the BIA businesses. The button sales help us fundraise. Harvest Festival - Lina Schmahl The event was well attended, it was a very successful day for a record number of vendors, the weather cooperated. There are concerns for future events and new added costs to Municipal supplies we would use (picnic tables, garbage cans). Is there anything that can be done to wave these fees as the BIAs fall under the Municipality umbrella? Their door is always open, reach Page 18 out to have a conversation. Canada Day in Newcastle - Carolyn Brooks It was a great first event, with a record number of people attending. The weather was hot. Lots of community involvement from the Newcastle Public School choir, and cultural events. BIA business were all busy that day. They have their first meeting next week to start planning for 2026. They are looking at holding it on the weekend before Canada Day. They have applied for a Heritage grant but don't hear back until April, so they may have to scale back some of the activities. Motion to accept all reports as presented: Moved by: Marni Lewis Seconded: Tracey Yates Carried 9. Officer's of the BIA President - Valentine Lovekin Treasurer - Marni Lewis/Sue Holder - Bookkeeper Secretary - Marni Lewis Director - Janeen Calder Director - Tracey Yates Director - Lina Schmahl 10. Motion to Adjourn Moved: Masood Vatandoust Seconded: Tracey Yates Carried Page 19 Newcastle BIA MINUTES February 12, 2026 www.villageofnewcastle.ca 1. Attendance: Janeen Calder, Carolyn Brooks, Tracey Yates, Jim Norwood, Lina Schmahl, Bill Schmahl, Bev Sirrs, Councillor Willie Woo, Alyssa Crittenden, Brayden Siersma Regrets: Marni Lewis, Theresa Vanhaverbeke, Doug Sirrs, Glen MacFarlane, Jenn Gardner (library) 2. Land Acknowledgement read 3. Meeting called to order at 9:00am 5. Approval of Minutes: Held over, not enough members present to approve. Tabled to March 2026. 6. Business Arising From Minutes: N/A 7. President's Report: N/A 8. Treasurer's Report: N/A 9. Councillor's Report: Willie sent his report The streetscape is going ahead. The lights at Massey Drive/Pedwell Street are up but not yet signalized. The plan is still to also signalize Highway 2 at North Street/Baldwin Street in Newcastle. There was discussion about the Blue Box program, which affects the businesses across Clarington. 10. Committee Reports: Safety: N/A for a report but the CCTV camera location was discussed. Janeen to email Braden from Municipality with location that the cameras should be. They have been installed on Mill St. South of King, by Shoppers Drug Mart. There is also to be a second one at the 401 access area, on Mill South. Decor: N/A Page 20 Advertising: N/A Canada Day: Planning is underway and all is going well. Permits have all been submitted. A letter to the BIA will go out soon looking for sponsors. Still holding out for the possible Federal Grant, especially with the cost of the stage, garbage bins and picnic tables. There was more discussion about the BIA looking to get more support for these items from the Municipality as it is a $6000 extra cost per event. Hall Lighting: The Christmas tree will be taken down as soon as the ground thaws more and there is better weather to do so. They are looking for a lift to help do so and a BIA member offered assistance to arrange that. Santa Parade: Nothing to report. Santa Breakfast: 2 dates reserved temporarily. Nothing else to report at this time. 11. CBOT Report: Mayor's Address & Dinner will be held at the Canadian Mosport Park March 24th from 5:30-8pm. There is also a Shop Local campaign on now directing people to businesses. Visit cbot.ca/shopclarington to get your business on there too. 12. Economic Development/Streetscape: Braden from the Municipality of Clarington reviewed the Restaurant Patio Guidelines. There is a patio permit fee that goes to the owner. The details presented today will be sent to Marni to distribute to the BIA members. The CIP Review has a survey that will remain open until Mar 1, 2026. This is about changes they are making to the program. An email went out to BIA members to participate on Feb 9th with more info. 13. Chamber of Commerce News Page 21 The marketing and sales contest is rolling with Durham College. They need businesses to come out to help judge. They are also trying to resurrect a Home & Lifestyle Show at the arena on a Sunday. They put an ad in the community newsletter from last month to advertise it. They are hoping to get more participation. 14. New Business Acai House Smoothie Bar and Cafe is opening soon at 29 King Ave East in Newcastle There was discussion about the Blue Box program, which affects the businesses across Clarington. There was information sent out to BIA members about a recycle program with a PDF named "Recycling Solutions, Energy Savings & Services for Seniors". This is NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE BIA. Anyone choosing to move forward with this company (All Seasons Solutions Property Management and any organizations or persons associated with them) to do so at their own discretion. No new updates for the Home Hardware retail space replacement. Concerts in the Park will start up soon. Letters will be sent out for business that would like to sponsor this event. Concerts to start Tuesday June 23rd, 2026. 7. Next Meeting: Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 9am. 8. Meeting Adjourned 9:57am Moved by: Tracey Yates Seconded by: Lina Schmahl Page 22 Newcastle BIA MINUTES March 12, 2026 www.villageofnewcastle.ca 1. Attendance: Janeen Calder, Carolyn Brooks, Tracey Yates, Marni Lewis, Councillor Willie Woo, Theresa Vanhaverbeke, Laura Knox, Jenn Gardner, Jane Black, Amanda Speirs Regrets: Jim Norwood, Alyssa Crittenden, Kirby Eady 2. Land Acknowledgement read 3. Meeting called to order at 9:03am 4. Approval of December 2025 Minutes: Motion by: Carolyn Brooks Seconded by: Jane Black Approval of February 2026 Minutes: Motion by: Tracey Yates Seconded by: Janeen Calder 5. Business Arising From Minutes: N/A 6. President's Report: N/A 7. Treasurer's Report: Current bank balance $78,976.79 this includes the 2026 tax levy. 8. Councillor's Report: The streetscape is in the design phase with the Region. They want to add a turn lane east/west at Mill/King Ave. An update should be ready in the Spring. The lights at Massey Drive/Pedwell Street are up but not yet signalized. 9. Committee Reports: Safety: The CCTV camera location was followed up with DRPS confirming that each of the two cameras covers about 100 metres in both directions. With both in place, most of the downtown area will still be visible, and the Mill Street camera will also capture people and vehicles leaving the area. Page 23 He also explained why the locations were changed. Several of the poles downtown don't have power running all day, so it didn't make sense for DRPS to install cameras on poles that shut off during the day. The updated locations are the only ones with full-time power that still provide workable coverage based on what's available on site. Decor: Bloom Fields will be adding our Spring flowers once the weather gets nicer. Advertising: Instagram - Accounts reached - 2161 Accounts engaged - 301 Total followers - 2091 Views - 8738 Top posts 20 likes is enough share - 1726 views/ 1093 reach Acaihouse coming soon - 1373 views/ 603 reach Irish Market - 685 views/379 reach Treat yourself like someone you love - 394 views/279 Reach Facebook - Followers - 3982 Page 24 Post views - 38,886 Post engagement - 1584 Viewers - 21,000 Top Posts - Welcome Acaihouse - 29,735 views/1391 reach Happy Groundhog Day - 3649 views/ 46 engagement 20 likes is enough - 1289 views/ 35 engagement Irish Market - 615 views/11 Engagement Canada Day: They are in the planning stage and working within their budget until they hear about the Heritage Grant. Their permits have been submitted. They will promote the "Save the Date" Sunday, June 28th for the celebration this year. They have 42 vendors confirmed with 25 of them new vendors. They are looking for a Kids Zone Sponsor. OPG approved our grants for $2000.00 to go towards the Parade and $1000.00 for Harvest Festival. Hall Lighting: The Christmas tree was taken down and stored for the year. Santa Parade: Their permits are submitted. Page 25 Santa Breakfast: Hall has been booked for Sunday, November 29th. We are looking for a new business to take on running this event, if anyone is interested please reach out. 10. CBOT Report: N/A 11. Economic Development/Streetscape: The CIP Review should have a draft update ready for the Spring. The MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) will be going out in April. Seasonal patio applications will be available soon. Central Counties Tourism grant is open until April 30th. They are partnering with CBOT for their Job Fair on April 1st 4-7pm at Garnet B. Rickard. 12. Chamber of Commerce News: The marketing and sales competition at the end of February was very successful. The Home Show is May 24th at the Newcastle Memorial Arena, any business can get a booth and promote their services/products. 13. New Business: Concerts in the Park will run from June - August. Would the BIA like to sponsor the event? The BIA will sponsor $350.00 to the 2026 Concerts in the Park. Motioned by: Theresa Vanhaverbeke Seconded by: Tracey Yates The Community Hall is hosting a Comedy Night fundraiser on May 23rd at 7:00pm, snacks, cash bar, pizza, 16+event. Tickets are on sale now and available at Newcastle Massage Therapy, Studio37 and RONA all locations are cash only. Email communityhallnewcastle@gmail.com to ordertickets and e -transfer. 14. Next Meeting: Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 9:00am. Page 26