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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
June 1, 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 Traill called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Councillor Zwart 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 Noel Gamble and James Hogle, Regarding a Request for a
Reduction in Speed and No Entry Signage on Lovers Lane, Bowmanville
Noel Gamble and James Hogle were present regarding a request for a Reduction
in Speed and No Entry Signage on Lovers Lane, Bowmanville. Using an
electronic presentation Noel highlighted growing traffic and safety concerns,
noting a significant increase in both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
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June 1, 2026
2
James advised the road is extremely narrow, lacks sidewalks, is heavily used by
pedestrians accessing nearby schools and community services and requested
that the speed limit be lowered and that entry to the street be restricted during
peak morning hours to reduce traffic volume and improve pedestrian safety. Noel
and James answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-098-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Delegation by Noel Gamble and James Hogle, Regarding a Request for
a Reduction in Speed and No Entry Signage on Lovers Lane, Bowmanville, be
received with thanks; and
That Staff conduct a traffic study, implement any short term and long term
changes necessary, including but not limited to a speed limit reduction.
Carried
5.2 Delegation by Kevin Mitchell, Dufferin Aggregates a CRH Company,
Regarding a Request for Approval to Install a Concrete Culvert Across Best
Road
Kevin Mitchell, Dufferin Aggregates a CRH Company, was present regarding a
request for Approval to Install a Concrete Culvert Across Best Road. Using an
electronic presentation Kevin provided an overview of the site and requested
support for the installation of a concrete culvert beneath Best Road. K. Mitchell
advised that the culvert would facilitate the movement of materials between the
east and west portions of the existing aggregate operation, reducing reliance on
the current at-grade crossing and advised that there are no changes to
production levels or traffic volumes. Kevin advised the initiative has been
discussed with municipal staff, and construction is anticipated to be a short -
duration project, targeted for Fall 2027. K. Mitchell answered questions from
Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-099-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That the delegation by Kevin Mitchell from CRH Canada Group Inc. be received
with thanks;
That the request from CRH Canada Group Inc. to install an aggregate conveyor
system beneath Best Road, in the vicinity of the Dufferin Aggregates Mosport Pit,
be approved subject to any requirements and reasonable fees deemed
appropriate by Staff; and
General Government Committee Minutes
June 1, 2026
3
That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor is delegated with the responsibility to prepare and
execute a Road Crossing Agreement between CRH Canada Group Inc. and the
Municipality of Clarington to authorize the installation of the aggregate conveyor
system beneath Best Road.
Carried
5.3 Delegation by Melodie Zarzeczny, Marigold Hospice Care, Regarding a
Request for Additional Parking
Melodie Zarzeczny, Marigold Hospice Care, was present regarding a Request for
Additional Parking. Using an electronic presentation Melodie provided an update
on the operations at Marigold Hospice, highlighting strong occupancy levels and
periods of full nine-bed capacity and noted the positive feedback regarding the
quality of compassionate care and ongoing reliance on both government funding
and community fundraising.
Resolution # GG-100-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the delegation be extended for an additional 3 minutes.
Carried
M. Zarzeczny outlined the challenges related to the limited parking capacity du e
to high demand and site constraints and asked for 0.50 acre of land for additional
parking needs. Melodie answered questions from Members of Committee.
Resolution # GG-101-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the delegation by Melodie Zarzeczny from Marigold Hospice Care be
received with thanks;
That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor be authorized to transfer up to 0.50 acre of land to
Durham Hospice-Clarington in support of their request for additional parking
space;
That this resolution is conditional on Staff being satisfied that disposition of the
land will not interfere with any municipal needs or the property rights of any other
person; and
That this resolution is further conditional on Durham Hospice-Clarington
obtaining a reference plan and other reasonable requirements at the discretion of
the Deputy CAO/Solicitor.
Carried
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June 1, 2026
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6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-102-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of Item 6.8, be approved, in
accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
6.1 FSD-024-26 - Development of Special Event Strategy and Outdoor Special
Event Space Operational Plan
Resolution # GG-103-26
That Report FSD-024-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the proposal received from Sierra Planning and Management, being the
highest scoring proponent meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of
RFP2026-4 be awarded the contract for the provision of the Development of
Special Event Strategy and Outdoor Special Event Space Operational Plan,
That the funds required to complete this project in the amount of $122,106.91
Net HST Rebate, be funded from the approved budget; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-024-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.2 FSD-025-26 - 2026 Asset Management Plan Update
Resolution # GG-104-26
That Report FSD-025-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.3 FSD-026-26 - Awards from January 1 to May 15, 2026, Over $500,000 and
Under Delegated Authority
Resolution # GG-105-26
That Report FSD-026-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.4 PUB-004-26 - Regional Municipality of Durham 9-1-1 Service Agreement
Resolution # GG-106-26
That Report PUB-004-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
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June 1, 2026
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That Council authorize the Deputy CAO, Public Services to execute a 9 -1-1
System Agreement with the Regional Municipality of Durham, in a form
satisfactory to the Deputy CAO/Solicitor; and
That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-004-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.5 LGS-030-26 - Proposed Administrative Penalty System (APS) By-law
Resolution # GG-107-26
That Report LGS-030-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the Administrative Penalty System By-law attached to Report LGS-030-26,
as Attachment 1, be approved; and
That the amendment to the Municipality’s Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-059
attached to Report LGS-030-26, as Attachment 2, be approved; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-030-26, be advised of Council’s
decision.
6.6 CAO-005-26 - Semi-Annual Update on Outstanding Motions of Council
Resolution # GG-108-26
That Report CAO-005-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received for information.
6.7 PDS-051-26 - Veterans’ Crosswalk
Resolution # GG-109-26
That Report PDS-051-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That staff be directed to consult, and obtain approval from, the Royal Canadian
Legion Branch 178 on a simplified design for the crosswalk;
That staff be directed to implement the Legion approved design, by working with
the original vendor, as soon as possible, and at no cost to the Municipality;
That all interested parties listed in Report , be advised of Council’s decision.
6.8 CAO-006-26 - CODEFS - Postponement of Tender
Councillor Traill left the Chair and Councillor Elhajjeh assumed the Chair at 10:52
a.m.
Resolution # GG-110-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
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June 1, 2026
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That Staff be directed to proceed with the tender for the Clarington Operations
Depot, Emergency and Fire Services Training Facility (CODEFS).
Resolution # GG-111-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to allow Members of Committee to
speak to the foregoing Resolution #GG-110-26 for a second time.
Carried
Resolution # GG-112-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Item 6.8 - CAO-006-26 - CODEFS - Postponement of Tender, be deferred to
the June 22, 2026, Council Meeting.
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 1)
Resolution # GG-113-26
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That the scheduled 1-hour break at 12:00 noon be delayed until 1:00 p.m.
Carried
Councill Trail resumed the Chair at 11:57 a.m.
Councillor Woo left the meeting at 11:57 a.m.
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 LGS-031-26 - Appointment to the Newcastle Arena Board, Newcastle
Village Community Hall Board, and Resignations for the Accessibility
Advisory Committee and Diversity Advisory Committee
Resolution # GG-114-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That Report LGS-031-26, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
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June 1, 2026
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That the resignation of Luc Chaisson from the Newcastle Arena Board, Mel
Green from the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, Vincent Wong from the
Diversity Advisory Committee and Lesley Scherer from the Accessibility Advisory
Committee be received with thanks;
That By-law 2025-061, a by-law to establish a Municipal Service Board to
operate the Newcastle Memorial Arena, be amended by changing the
composition of the Board from seven citizen members and one Member of
Council to eight citizen members and one Member of Council;
That the Committee consider the applications, in accordance with the
Board/Committee Management Policy, for appointment to the Newcastle Arena
Board, and that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen representative for a
term ending December 31, 2026; and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-031-26 and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
Carried
Newcastle Arena Board
That Terry Meredith and Adam Rivers be appointed to the Newcastle Arena
Board for a term ending December 31, 2026.
8. New Business
8.1 Request for Provincial Support, Funding, and Coordinated Strategies to
Combat Tick-Borne Diseases (Councillor Elhajjeh)
Resolution # GG-115-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Mayor Foster
Whereas the prevalence of ticks, including those known to carry Lyme disease,
and other Vector borne diseases have increased across many parts of Ontario;
(Lyme disease is now the most common vector-borne disease in the province. In
2025 alone, there were 2,930 reported cases in Ontario, a sharp rise from the
1,865 cases in 2024);
Whereas residents have expressed growing concerns about public health risks
associated with tick exposure in parks, trails, and residential areas;
Whereas municipalities have limited jurisdiction and resources to effectively
manage tick populations at a broad ecological scale;
Whereas the Government of Ontario is responsible for public health policy,
environmental management, and vector-borne disease prevention;
Now therefore be it resolved:
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June 1, 2026
8
That Council for the Municipality of Clarington formally requests that the
Government of Ontario investigate and implement measures to reduce tick
populations and mitigate associated public health risks;
That such measures may include safe and effective tick control strategies, public
education campaigns, and coordinated regional approaches;
That the Province consider increased funding and support for local public health
units to address tick-borne disease prevention; and
That a copy of this motion be sent to the Minister of Health, Public Health
Ontario, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, local MPP(s),
Local MP(s), public health units, and organizations, and the Association of
Municipalities of Ontario.
Carried
8.2 Orono BIA Funding Request (Councillor Zwart)
Resolution # GG-116-26
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Mayor Foster
THAT Item 6.1 of the Orono BIA meeting minutes, dated March 27, 2026 to draw
$7,500 from the Orono BIA Reserve Fund, be approved, for the following
purposes:
Repair of downtown Christmas lighting, with the objective of extending its
useful life;
The Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) portion of the CCTV
camera installation;
Additional downtown décor and lighting enhancements; and
Preliminary exploration of relocating the Christmas Tree Lighting to the
mature tree located in front of Orono Town Hall, subject to logistical
considerations, including tree-lift requirements.
Carried
8.3 Support for Flexible Hybrid Work Models in the Public Sector (Councillor
Rang)
Resolution # GG-117-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That in accordance with Section 7.16.5 of the Procedural By-law, a New
Business Item, regarding Support for Flexible Hybrid Work Models in the Public
Sector, be added to the Agenda.
Carried
General Government Committee Minutes
June 1, 2026
9
Resolution # GG-118-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
Whereas the Government of Ontario has recently advanced a policy direction
encouraging a full-time, five-days-per-week return to the office for public sector
employees;
And Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that many public sector
roles can be performed effectively through remote and hybrid work arrangements
without compromising service delivery, accountability, or productivity;
And Whereas municipalities across Ontario have successf ully implemented
hybrid work models that maintain high levels of service while improving employee
satisfaction, recruitment, and retention;
And Whereas a rigid, five-day in-office requirement may undermine workforce
competitiveness, particularly in attracting younger professionals and specialized
talent who increasingly expect flexible work arrangements;
And Whereas the Province’s stated aim of adding to downtown Toronto’s
economy also applies to Durham communities that would benefit from workers
spending their dollars closer to home;
And Whereas hybrid work models contribute to measurable environmental
benefits, including:
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from decreased commuting;
Lower traffic congestion on the 401 and in downtown Toronto, particularly;
Reduced demand on urban infrastructure and parking systems;
And Whereas hybrid work arrangements support improved quality of life
outcomes, including:
Increased work-life balance for employees;
Reduced commuting time and costs;
Greater inclusion for individuals with caregiving responsibilities or
accessibility needs;
And Whereas municipalities are significant employers and leaders in advancing
sustainable, modern workplace practices that align with climate action goals and
community well-being;
Therefore be it resolved that:
Council formally expresses its support for maintaining flexible hybrid work models
within the municipal public sector, where operationally feasible;
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June 1, 2026
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Council urges the Province of Ontario to reconsider a blanket five -day return-to-
office approach, and instead adopt a principles-based framework that:
Empowers organizations to determine appropriate workplace models;
Recognizes the diversity of roles across the public sector;
Prioritizes outcomes, service delivery, and employee performance over
physical presence;
Council affirms that hybrid work arrangements are aligned with municipal climate
objectives, including emissions reduction and sustainable transportation
strategies;
Council supports staff continuing to leverage hybrid work policies that enhance
employee well-being, organizational efficiency, and service excellence;
That a copy of this motion be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of
Labour, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local Durham Members of
Provincial Parliament, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for
consideration and advocacy.
Carried
8.4 Reform of the Ontario Land Tribunal to Strengthen Municipal Decision-
Making Authority (Councillor Elhajjeh)
Resolution # GG-119-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That in accordance with Section 7.16.5 of the Procedural By-law, a New
Business Item, regarding Reform of the Ontario Land Tribunal to Strengthen
Municipal Decision-Making Authority, be added to the Agenda.
Carried
Resolution # GG-120-26
Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh
Seconded by Councillor Rang
Whereas municipal councils are elected by residents to make decisions affecting
their communities;
Whereas the Province has empowered municipalities to make decisions on
planning matters that are in keeping with provincial policy and legislation;
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June 1, 2026
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Whereas a 2024 performance audit by the Office of the Auditor General of
Ontario found that approximately 90% of development proposals appealed to the
Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) in 2023–2024 were allowed to proceed, even where
the municipal position was informed by detailed technical studies and public
consultation, demonstrating the significant influence the OLT has over
development outcomes across Ontario; and
Whereas municipalities across Ontario must often spend substantial public funds
on legal and planning experts to defend decisions at the OLT, diverting limited
municipal resources away from processing development applications and
providing community services that detracts from provincial and municipal
objectives of providing an increased supply of housing and building vibrant,
complete communities.
Therefore, Be It Resolved:
That Council calls on the Government of Ontario to undertake a comprehensive
review of the Ontario Land Tribunal with the objective of restoring appropriate
deference to municipal planning decisions that conform to provincially approved
Official Plans and policy frameworks;
That Council requests legislative amendments to the Planning Act a nd Ontario
Land Tribunal Act to ensure that the OLT gives greater weight to municipal
decisions where they are supported by technical evidence, community
consultation, and approved municipal planning policies;
That Council calls for improved transparency and accountability in Ontario Land
Tribunal decision-making, including clearer reasoning when municipal decisions
are overturned;
That Council supports reforms that address procedural inequities, including
measures to reduce the financial burden on municipa lities defending their
decisions against appeals by well-resourced development interests; and
That Council directs staff to forward this resolution to:
The Premier of Ontario;
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing;
Local Members of Provincial Parliament; and
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
Carried (5 to 1)
General Government Committee Minutes
June 1, 2026
12
9. Confidential Items
Resolution # GG-121-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended,
the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing a proposed or pending
acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.
Motion Lost
9.1 LGS-029-26 - Potential Land Acquisition
Resolution # GG-121-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended,
the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing a proposed or pending
acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board.
Motion Lost
Resolution # GG-122-26
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That the recommendations contained in Confidential Report LGS -029-26 -
Potential Land Acquisition, be approved.
Carried
10. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-123-26
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That the meeting adjourn at 12:23 p.m.
Carried