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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-13 1 If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 General Government Committee Minutes Date: Time: Location: April 13, 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 Mayor Foster 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 Kirk Kemp, Algoma Orchards, Regarding a Request for an Irrigation Line on Concession Road 5, Orono Kirk Kemp, Algoma Orchards, was present regarding a request for an irrigation line across Concession Road 5, Orono. Kirk explained that changing weather conditions have impacted crop production, creating a need for an expanded irrigation system. K. Kemp answered questions from Members of Committee. General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 2 Resolution # GG-062-26 Moved by Councillor Woo Seconded by Councillor Zwart That the delegation by Kirk Kemp, Algoma Orchards be received with thanks; That the request from Algoma Orchards to install an agricultural irrigation pipe beneath Concession Road 5, Orono, be approved subject to any requirements deemed appropriate by Staff; That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor is delegated with the responsibility to prepare and execute a Road Crossing Agreement between Algoma Orchards and the Municipality of Clarington to authorize the installation of the agricultural irrigation pipe beneath Concession Road 5, Orono. Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0) 5.2 Delegation by Denis Beaulieu, Bowmanville Tennis Club, Regarding the Bowmanville Tennis Club 80th Anniversary Denis Beaulieu, Bowmanville Tennis Club, was present regarding the Bowmanville Tennis Club 80th Anniversary. Denis provided a brief history of the Bowmanville Tennis Club and outlined the club’s recreational focus, ongoing maintenance and funding responsibilities, programming, and community partnerships. D. Beaulieu answered questions from Members of Committee. Resolution # GG-063-26 Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh Seconded by Councillor Anderson That the Delegation of Dennis Beaulieu, regarding the Bowmanville Tennis Club 80th Anniversary, be received with thanks. Carried 5.3 Delegation by Bonnie Wrightman, Clarington Board of Trade, Ron Hooper, Hooper's Jewellers and Nancy Morgenroth, Pop-A-Lock Locksmith of Durham Region, Regarding Clarington Board of Trade 2026 Impact Report Bonnie Wrightman, Clarington Board of Trade (CBOT), Ron Hooper, Hooper's Jewellers and Nancy Morgenroth, Pop-A-Lock Locksmith of Durham Region, were present regarding the Clarington Board of Trade 2026 Impact Report. Using an electronic presentation, Bonnie provided an overview of the 2026 Impact Report, highlighting CBOT's role in supporting local businesses through programming, advocacy, and community partnerships. B. Wrightman advised CBOT advocates at all levels of government on matters impacting the local business community and emphasized CBOT’s collaboration with the Municipality on economic development initiatives and participation at various community events. General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 3 N. Morgenroth shared that since becoming a member two years ago, CBOT has supported their business growth through mentorship and collaboration, leading to the business exceeding its goals. R. Hooper expressed appreciation for CBOT’s leadership and collaboration during the COVID‑19 response, including coordination with the Ontario BIA Association, municipalities, and multiple business sectors, as well as their role in fundraising and business relocation efforts following the recent downtown fire. Bonnie reinforced CBOT's commitment to strengthening Clarington’s business environment. B. Wrightman and R. Hooper answered questions from Members of Committee. Resolution # GG-064-26 Moved by Councillor Anderson Seconded by Mayor Foster That the delegation be extended for an additional 2 minutes. Carried Resolution # GG-065-26 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Anderson That the Delegation by Bonnie Wrightman, Clarington Board of Trade, Ron Hooper, Hooper's Jewellers and Nancy Morgenroth, Pop -A-Lock Locksmith of Durham Region, regarding the Clarington Board of Trade 2026 Impact Report, be received with thanks; and That Council reaffirm the political and financial commitments to the Clarington Board of Trade. Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 1) 5.4 Delegation by Cynthia Davis, President and CEO and Chris Squire, Health System Executive, Lakeridge Health, Regarding a Durham Health Update The delegation was called but was not present at the meeting. 6. Consent Agenda Resolution # GG-066-26 Moved by Councillor Traill Seconded by Mayor Foster That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.7, and 6.8, be approved, in accordance with the Agenda. Carried General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 4 6.1 PUB-003-26 - Marie Hubbard Commemoration Resolution # GG-067-26 That Report PUB-003-26, and any related delegations or communications items, be received; That Council approve $12,000 to support the renaming of the Soper Creek Trail in honour of Marie Hubbard as a commemorative recognition of her service to the community; That Council defer the commemorative deck option (estimated at approximately $120,000) and direct staff not to proceed with any further work unless Council provides explicit direction through a future motion; That Council direct the Deputy CAO, Finance and Technology to fund the approved option(s) from the General Municipal Reserve Fund and identify which projects need to be cancelled; and That all interested parties be advised of Council’s decision. 6.2 CAO-003-26 - Municipal Accommodation Tax Program Resolution # GG-068-26 That Report CAO-003-26, Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Program, be received; That the Clerk be directed to bring forward the Municipal Accommodation Tax By- law, attached as Attachment 1, to establish a Municipal Accommodation Tax at a rate of five per cent (5%), effective July 1, 2026; That Council approve the eligibility‑based Traditional Bed & Breakfast (B&B) exemption framework included in the draft By‑law, and direct staff to operationalize the exemption application and verification process, including maintaining the initial list of pre‑approved establishments on a Schedule administered by the Director of Economic Development. That the Director of Economic Development in consultation with the Deputy CAO, Finance & Technology/Treasurer be authorized to execute an agreement with the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) to act as the Municipality’s MAT collection agent, including all documents ancillary thereto, in a form satisfactory to the Municipal Solicitor, and that the associated costs (one‑time $3,000 onboarding fee and ongoing collection fees of 1.8% for hotels/motels and 5% for short‑term rentals) be recognized as reasonable administration costs under O. Reg. 435/17; That staff be authorized to request and obtain any required consents from the Regional Municipality of Durham related to the incorporation of the Municipal Services Corporation, pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Municipal Act, 200 1, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended; General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 5 That Council approve the Tourism Municipal Services Corporation (MSC) Business Case Study (Attachment 2), and authorize staff to incorporate a tourism‑focused Municipal Services Corporation, named “Experience Clarington” if available, pursuant to Section 203 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and Ontario Regulation 599/06; and that the Deputy CAO, Finance & Technology/Treasurer be authorized to execute any supporting documents required to obtain consent for incorporation, including any documents required by the Regional Municipality of Durham or the Province, as applicable; That Council approve a one‑time start‑up loan in the amount of $15,000 to support incorporation and initial operations of the tourism ‑focused Municipal Services Corporation, to be repaid from the Corporation’s future share of Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) revenues; and that the Deputy CAO, Finance & Technology/Treasurer be authorized to execute any documents required to administer the loan, in a form satisfactory to the Municipal Solicitor. That for the purposes of incorporation, Council appoint the following positions as interim incorporators/first directors of the Municipal Services Corporation: one Member of Council (as appointed by the Mayor), the Director of Economic Development, the Deputy CAO, Finance & Technology/Treasurer, and up to two additional municipal staff; and that staff report back to Council with recommendations on the permanent Board composition, corporate by-laws, financial accountability agreement, asset transfer policy, annual budget, and other documents necessary to operationalize the Corporation; That the Director of Economic Development be granted the authority to enter into agreements with the Municipal Services Corporation, including all ancillary documents, respecting reasonable financial accountability matters required under Ontario Regulation 435/17 to ensure MAT funds provided to the Corporation are used for the purpose of promoting and supporting tourism in Clarington, all in a form satisfactory to the Municipal Solicitor; That a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) Reserve Fund be established to receive the Municipality’s share of net MAT revenues, and that staff bring forward a MAT Reserve Fund Policy for Council approval; That staff report back to Council in Q1 2027 on MAT program implementation and MSC set-up status. 6.3 CAO-004-26 - 2025 Annual Accessibility Update Resolution # GG-069-26 That Report CAO-004-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information. That Report CAO-004-26, be placed on the Municipality’s website to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements; and That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-004-26 be advised of Council’s decision. General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 6 6.4 FSD-013-26 - 2025 Annual Investment Report Resolution # GG-070-26 That Report FSD-013-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received. 6.5 FSD-014-26 - 2025 Annual Statement of Development Charges, Cash-in-Lieu - Parkland and Building Permit Reserve Funds Resolution # GG-071-26 That Report FSD-014-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information. 6.6 FSD-015-26 - Operational Replacements for Council Chambers Resolution # GG-072-26 That Report FSD-015-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council authorize the procurement of Council Chambers audio/visual system upgrades from AV Group (Aligned Vision Group); That Council authorize the procurement of the optional item (electronic voting); That Council authorize the use of the reserve fund up to $115,000 to fund the Council Chambers Audio/Visual System Upgrades project; That the installation be scheduled during the summer Council recess to minimize disruption to Council operations; and That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-015-26, be advised of Council’s decision. 6.9 LGS-020-26 - Appointment of Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee Members 2026-2030 Resolution # GG-073-26 That Report LGS-020-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That By-law 2026-004, which establishes the Clarington Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026-2030 term of Council, be amended (Attachment 2) to change the composition from “three members and one alternate member” to “three members and two alternate members”; That Council appoint Don Beaton, Wendy Peaker, and Andrew Villeneuve to the 2026-2030 Clarington Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee; That Ryan Frost and JoAnne Swaine be appointed as alternate members to the 2026-2030 Clarington Municipal Elections Compliance Audit Committee; General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 7 That the appointments be from November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030 or until such time the Committee has disposed of any remaining matters in accordance with the Act, whichever is later; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-020-26, be advised of Council’s decision. 6.10 LGS-021-26 - Appointment of Integrity Commissioner – 2026-2030 Resolution # GG-074-26 That Report LGS-021-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the Municipality of Clarington appoint Boghosian Allen LLP as Clarington’s Integrity Commissioner in accordance with s. 223.3(1) of the Municipal Act, for the Term of Council (2026-2030) commencing November 15, 2026, subject to the Council of the Regional Municipality of Durham approving and authorizing the appointment, as the Regional Municipality of Durham’s Integrity Commissioner with the option to renew for an additional Council term; That authority is granted to the Deputy CAO/Solicitor to execute an agreement with Boghosian Allen LLP for the provision of Integrity Commissioner services for the Term of Council (2026-2030) to implement the provisions of Report LGS-021- 26 with the terms similar to the Region of Durham; That the by-law (Attachment 1 to Report LGS-021-26), repealing By-law 2022-39 and appointing Boghosian Allen LLP, as Clarington’s Integrity Commissioner, with an effective date of the by-law being November 15, 2026, be approved; That Staff be directed to update Clarington’s Accountability and Transparency webpage following the appointment coming into effect; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-021-26, be advised of Council’s decision. 6.7 LGS-017-26 - EFW-WMAC Terms of Reference Update Resolution # GG-075-26 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh That Report LGS-017-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the updated EFW-WMAC Terms of Reference, Attachment 1 to report LGS- 017-26, be received; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-017-26, and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision. Carried General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 8 6.8 LGS-018-26 - Appointment to the Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee and the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee Resolution # GG-076-26 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Traill That Report LGS-018-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the resignation of Hawa Mire, Lauren Reyes Grange, the removal of Joseph Adesanya from the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee and the resignation of Glen Baswick from the Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee be received with thanks; That the removal of Joseph Adesanya from the Anti-Black Racism Committee, as requested by the Committee and documented in its minutes dated January 8, 2026, be approved; That appointments to the Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee be deferred until the next term of Council; That the appointment to the Energy from Waste - Waste Management Advisory Committee be referred to Staff to readvertise for a full slate of applicants; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-018-26, be advised of Council’s decision. Carried (7 to 0) 7. Items for Separate Discussion 8. New Business 8.1 Bursary Motion (Mayor Foster) Resolution # GG-077-26 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Anderson Whereas the Municipality of Clarington currently provides bursaries to students pursuing post‑secondary education; and Whereas the value of those bursaries has remained static at $100 per student for many years, despite significant increases in the cost of post‑secondary education; and Whereas recent changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) have reduced financial support available to many students, General Government Committee Minutes April 13, 2026 9 Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington increase the value of its post‑secondary education bursaries from $100 to $500 per eligible student, effective for the next bursary intake; and That the Deputy CAO/Treasurer be authorized to fund this increase from an appropriate account as deemed suitable. Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0) 9. Confidential Items 10. Adjournment Resolution # GG-078-26 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Zwart That the meeting adjourn at 11:31 a.m. Carried