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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
May 4, 2026
9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers or Electronic Participation
Municipal Administrative Centre
40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor
Bowmanville, Ontario
Members Present: Mayor A. Foster, Councillor G. Anderson, Councillor S. Elhajjeh,
Councillor L. Rang, Councillor C. Traill, Councillor W. Woo,
Councillor M. Zwart
Staff Present: M. Dempster, J. Newman, L. Preston, R. Maciver, T. Pinn, D.
Lyons, L. Reck
Other Staff Present: R. Brezina, K. Esseghaier, A. Micu, J. Mitchell, M. Westover
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
Mayor Foster 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.
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May 4, 2026
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5. Presentations/Delegations
5.1 Delegation by Angela Baltkois, Festival Director, and Eric Bartnes,
Rockstalgia Inc., Regarding a Request for a Noise Exemption
Angela Baltkois, Festival Director, and Eric Bartnes, Rockstalgia Inc., were present
via electronic means regarding a request for a noise exemp tion. Angela provided an
overview of the event scheduled to take place at the Orono Fairgrounds, noting that
it will feature live music, family‑friendly activities, and on‑site camping
accommodations. A. Baltkois and E. Bartnes answered questions from Members of
Committee.
Resolution # GG-079-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the Delegation by Angela BaltKois, Festival Director and Eric Bartnes,
Rockstalgia Inc., regarding a request for a noise exemption, be received with
thanks.
Carried
5.2 Presentation by John Henry, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of
Durham, Regarding a Durham Region Update
John Henry, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Durham, was present
regarding a Durham Region Update. Chair Henry acknowledged the Province’s
decision to transition to an appointed Regional Chair model and noted that it has
been an honour to serve the residents of Durham Region. Chair Henry played a
brief video and provided an overview of Durham Region’s 2025 –2035 Strategic
Plan, which focuses on building strong, connected, and inclusive communities
through improved transportation, housing, economic resilience, public safety, and
sustainability. Chair Henry highlighted several accomplishments including, Durham
Region Transit achieving record ridership, progress on the GO Transit Rail
Extension, serving Clarington through intergovernmental partnerships, continued
advocacy to remove tolls on Highway 407 East and an update on investments in
affordable housing, including over $30 million committed to deliver approximately
350 new units, as well as the ongoing redevelopment of Durham Housing
properties. Chair Henry provided an update on partnerships with the Mississaugas
of Scugog Island First Nation, regional economic and business resilien ce initiatives,
enhancements to police and paramedic services, clean energy leadership through
the Darlington New Nuclear Project, and regional support for the Bowmanville
Hospital redevelopment. Chair Henry advised Durham Region was also recognized
internationally as a Smart21 Community for innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.
Chair Henry thanked Mayor Foster for his work in the nuclear space and answered
questions from Members of Committee.
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May 4, 2026
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Resolution # GG-080-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Presentation by John Henry, Regional Chair, Region of Durham, regarding
a Durham Region Update, be received with thanks.
Carried
5.3 Presentation by Shaun Collier, Durham Regional Police Services Board,
Regarding an Update on Policing and Police Governance in Durham Region
Shaun Collier, Durham Regional Police Services Board, was present regarding an
Update on Policing and Police Governance in Durham Region. Using an electronic
presentation Shaun outlined the Board's composition and current priorities. S.
Collier advised the Board continues to operate under the 2024–2027 Strategic
Plan, focusing on modern and innovative policing, strengthened partnerships, and
building public trust. Shaun advised that Police Chief Moriera's term has been
extended to 2032, recruitment is underway for two Deputy Chiefs, and a ten ‑year
financial and staffing strategy is being finalized to address staffing growth and
capital infrastructure. S. Collier advised the Board is implementing all
recommendations arising from the Ontario Civilian Police Oversight Agency report,
in collaboration with the Inspector General of Policing and preliminary 2025 data
indicates overall crime levels remained stable, with per‑capita rates of violent and
property crime declining, collisions decreasing slightly, and significant reductions in
auto theft. Shaun added that improvements were also noted in bail compliance
oversight, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and youth engagement programs. S.
Collier advised the Board continues to enhance transparency and community
engagement through municipal outreach, stakeholder meetings, and the promotion
of the DRPS Community Safety Portal. S. Collier and Chief of Durham Region
Police, P. Moriera answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-081-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Presentation by Shaun Collier, Durham Regional Police Services Board,
regarding an Update on Policing and Police Governance in Durham Region, be
received with thanks.
Carried
General Government Committee Minutes
May 4, 2026
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5.4 Presentation by Yi Luo, Joseph Costigan, and Theresa Tran, Metrolinx,
Regarding the Bowmanville Extension - Clarington Update
Yi Luo, Joseph Costigan, and Theresa Tran, Metrolinx, were present regarding the
Bowmanville Extension - Clarington Update. Using an electronic presentation Yi
provided an overview of the GO Rail Mobile Extension Project, which will extend
the Lakeshore East line approximately 18.7 kilometres from Oshawa to the planned
Bowmanville station and will deliver two‑way, all‑day service. Y. Luo advised that
the extension represents an approximate 40% increase in both track length and
service capacity along the Lakeshore East corridor and is the largest expansion of
the line since the 1990s. Yi explained the project includes construction of new
passenger dedicated tracks within the CP rail corridor, along with new, modified,
and replacement bridges, including a new rail bridge at Green Road, which will be
the first major capital construction associated with the project in the Municipality of
Clarington. Joseph provided an update on environmental compliance, construction
progress and milestones. J. Costigan advised the upcoming works within the
municipality, including the Green Road rail bridge and noted that daytime
construction will commence shortly with construction coordination, traffic
management, and community engagement. Theresa advised that Metrolinx will
continue to work closely with municipal and regional engineering staff and will
adjust construction activities as needed to address timing or quality‑assurance
issues. T. Tran explained that pedestrian access will be maintained throughout
construction, supported by signage and detour plans, and community impacts will
be minimized through advance notice, online and on‑site communications, direct
coordination with nearby schools and stakeholders, and advised dedicated
community engagement team will remain available throughout the construction
period to respond to public inquiries and concerns. Yi, Joseph, and Theresa
answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-082-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to delay the scheduled break until 12:30
p.m.
Carried
Yi, Joseph and Theresa continued to answer questions from Members of
Committee.
Resolution # GG-083-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Presentation by Yi Luo, Joseph Costigan, and Theresa Tran, Metrolinx,
regarding the Bowmanville Extension - Clarington Update, be received with
abundant thanks.
Carried
General Government Committee Minutes
May 4, 2026
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5.5 Delegation by Marvin Rotrand, Director, United Against Hate Canada,
Regarding Support for Chinese Heritage Month
Marvin Rotrand, Director, United Against Hate Canada, was present via electronic
means regarding support for Chinese Heritage Month. Marvin expressed
appreciation for the motion supporting a national campaign to establish a Canadian
Chinese Heritage Month and outlined the historical contributions of Chinese
Canadians to nation‑building, the discrimination experienced through policies such
as the Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act, and the absence of a national Chinese
heritage recognition despite existing federal and provincial heritage months for
other communities. M. Rotrand referenced Ontario’s 2024 proclamation of May as
Chinese Heritage Month and to similar motions adopted by other municipalities.
Marvin asked for support for national recognition as a matter of equity, inclusion,
and acknowledgment of Chinese Canadians’ contributions to Canada and
answered questions from Members of Committee.
Alter the Agenda
Resolution # GG-084-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 8.1 - Chinese Heritage Month, at this
time.
Carried
8.1 Chinese Heritage Month
Resolution # GG-085-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
Whereas United Against Hate Canada and the Montreal Chan Associations have
launched a campaign calling on Parliament to establish a Canadian Chinese
Heritage Month, recognising the cultural and historical contributions of the Chinese
community; and
Whereas a similar initiative in 2024 resulted in Ontario officially recognising
February as Chinese Heritage Month through Bill 183, Chinese Heritage Month Act,
2024; and
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May 4, 2026
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Whereas Canada has 68 heritage months and commemorative days and will later
this year adopt a motion to create a Ukrainian Heritage Month. We believe it is a
glaring oversight that the Chinese community numbering 1.8 million persons and
whose history in Canada predates Confederation does not have a heritage month
that is nationally recognized; and
Whereas Over 17,000 Chinese pioneers came to Canada in the 1880's to help build
the railroad through the Canadian Rockies, thus uniting Canada from coast to
coast, both politically and geographically; and
Whereas from 1885, when Canada first imposed a head tax on Chinese migrants,
until 1947, when Parliament revoked the discriminatory Chinese Exclusion Act
legislated in 1923, the Chinese have faced systemic barriers in Canada faced by no
other ethnic or racial group. Despite official discrimination, the Chinese put down
deep roots in Canada, persevered and have contributed to Canada’s growth; and
Whereas; Clarington Regional Councillor Willie Woo, himself the son of a head
taxpayer, bears witness to the challenges faced by Chinese Canadians. His mother,
affected by the Chinese Immigration Act, was unable to reunite with her family until
1952. Councillor Woo’s personal experience underscores the importance of
honouring the history and legacy of the Chinese people who overcame adversity to
help build this great country of Canada.
Therefore, be it resolved that:
Clarington Council calls on Parliament to adopt a motion creating an annual
Canadian Chinese Heritage Month; and
That a copy of this motion be sent to:
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Jamil Jivani, M.P. Bowmanville-Oshawa North
The Honourable Philip Lawrence, M.P. Northumberland -Clarke
Marvin Rotrand, Director General, United Against Hate Canada
Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0)
The Committee recessed for their one hour scheduled break in accordance with the
Procedural By‑law.
The meeting reconvened at 1:28 p.m. with Mayor Foster in the Chair.
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May 4, 2026
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6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-086-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.1, 6.3, and 6.5, be
approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Motion Withdrawn
6.1 FSD-018-26 - Consulting Services Roster Limit
Resolution # GG-087-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Report FSD-018-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That the Procurement By-law 2024-052, a by-law to provide policies and
procedures for the procurement of goods and services, be amended (Attachment 1
to Report FSD-018-26) to change the following:
The per project roster limit for Consulting and Professional Services be increased to
$250,000 (Net HST Rebate) per project; and
The CAO be authorized to approve Consulting and Professional Services contract
awards made through the roster, up to $250,000 (Net HST Rebate) per project; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-018-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 1)
6.2 FSD-019-26 - 2026 User Fee By-law Review
Resolution # GG-088-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Report FSD-019-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That the By-law attached to Report FSD-019-26, as Attachment 1, being a by-law to
repeal By-law 2025-033, a by-law to require the payment of fees for services, be
approved and effective July 1, 2026; and
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May 4, 2026
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That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-019-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried
6.3 FSD-021-26 - Development Charge Demolition Credit - Extension Request -
Nash Developments Limited
Resolution # GG-089-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That Report FSD-021-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That Staff be directed to provide a one-year extension to the demolition credit for
Nash Developments Limited; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-021-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried
6.4 FSD-023-26 - Contract Administration and Construction Inspection Services
for Darlington Boulevard Reconstruction
Resolution # GG-090-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That Report FSD-023-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That the proposal received from LBMS Group Inc, being the highest scoring
proponent meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of RFP2026-2 be
awarded the contract for the provision of Contract Administration and Construction
Inspection Services for Darlington Boulevard Reconstruction, contingent on the
award of the construction contract;
That the funds required to complete this project in the amount of $169,888.32 (Net
HST Rebate) be funded from the approved budget; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-023-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried
6.5 LGS-024-26 - 2027 (January to June) Committee and Council Meeting
Schedule
Resolution # GG-091-26
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May 4, 2026
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Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That Report LGS-024-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That the Meeting Schedule for January to June, 2027, Attachment 1 to Report LGS -
024-26, be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-024-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
Carried
6.6 LGS-025-26 - Darlington Soccer Club – Bowmanville Community Complex -
Office Space Lease
Resolution # GG-092-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Report LGS-025-26 and any related delegations or communication items be
received;
That Council authorizes entering into a lease agreement with Darlington Soccer
Club for office space at the Bowmanville Community Complex, in a form and with
content approved by the Deputy CAO/Solicitor and substantially consistent with the
information contained in Report LGS-025-26;
That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of
the Municipality; and
That all interested parties be advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
6.7 PDS-037-26 - North Bowmanville Dog Park Update
Resolution # GG-093-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That Report PDS-037-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That Guildwood Park be endorsed as the location for a new off -leash dog park, and
Staff be directed to initiate a community engagement process to inform the design
prior to construction;
That a project budget of $195,553.89 be authorized, and funded from the Parks and
Recreation Development Charge Reserve Fund;
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That an annual operating budget increase of $5,00 0 for maintenance and
inspections, funded through the Public Works operating budget, be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-037-26, and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 LGS-023-26 - Appointment to the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the
Diversity Advisory Committee
Resolution # GG-094-26
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That Report LGS-023-26, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
That the resignation of Hawa Mire and Beatrice Kraayenhof from the Accessibility
Advisory Committee and Lauren Reyes Grange from the Diversity Advisory
Committee, be received with thanks;
That the appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Diversity
Advisory Committee be deferred until the next term of Council; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-023-26 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
8. New Business
9. Confidential Items
Closed Session
Resolution # GG-095-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended,
the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing a matter that deals with:
a matter that deals with litigation or potential litigation, including matters
before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality of local board; and
a matter that deals with advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege,
including communications necessary for that purpose.
Carried
Rise and Report
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May 4, 2026
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The meeting resumed in open session at 2:34 p.m.
Mayor Foster advised that one item was discussed in “closed” session in
accordance with Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and no resolutions we re
passed.
9.1 LGS-026-26 - Confidential Legal Proceeding
Resolution # GG-096-26
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the recommendations contained in Confidential Report LGS -026-26 -
Confidential Legal Proceeding, be approved.
Carried
10. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-096-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the meeting adjourn at 2: 39 p.m.
Carried