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General Government Committee

Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
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 C. Traill, 
  • Councillor W. Woo, 
  • and Councillor M. Zwart 
Regrets:
  • Councillor L. Rang 
Staff Present:
  • M. Dempster, 
  • J. Newman, 
  • L. Turcotte, 
  • D. Lyons, 
  • R. Maciver, 
  • T. Pinn, 
  • L. Reck, 
  • and J. Gallagher 
Other Staff Present:
  • M. Machacek, J. MacLean, A. Micu, M. Westover

     

Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

Councillor Anderson joined later in the meeting at 11:03 a.m.

Councillor Woo led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 

There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.

Membifers of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of community interest.

Sahar Foroutani, Manager, Homeless System Management, Region of Durham, was present regarding Report CAO-008-25 - Winter Warming and Homelessness. Using an electronic presentation, Sahar provided an overview of the winter warming initiative and integrated community outreach network in Clarington. S. Foroutani outlined the engagement and contributions received, site operations, and community responses. Sahar provided an overview of the Durham Region and Clarington homelessness numbers. S. Foroutani provided an update on the Newtonville parking lot signage, noted that the Region recommends continuing street outreach to deliver postcards, and answered questions from Members of Committee.

Mayor Foster thanked the Integrated Community Outreach Network in Clarington (ICONIC) and presented a certificate for their efforts to provide coordinated support, meals, and community connection to those experiencing homelessness in Clarington.

  • Resolution #GG-058-25
    Moved byCouncillor Elhajjeh
    Seconded byCouncillor Zwart

    That Report CAO-008-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor be granted authority to sign a lease of the former Tourism Office located at 181 Liberty Street South to The Regional Municipality of Durham, for the purposes of continuing its use as a Winter Warming Centre from November to April for the 2025-26 season, for a nominal rent;

    That Staff review the lease at the end of the 2025-2026 season and report back to Council with any changes or plans for long-term use of the space;

    That Council recognize the work of ICONIC (Integrated Community Outreach Network in Clarington) for their efforts to provide coordinated support, meals, and community connection to those experiencing homelessness in Clarington; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-008-25, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

    Carried

Jackie Hall, Associate, Hemson Consulting, was present regarding the 2025 Development Charges (DC) Study and Community Benefits Charges (CBC) Strategy. Using an electronic presentation, Jackie provided an overview of the public meeting and framework for growth-related capital. J. Hall outlined the DCA statutory exemptions and other requirements, DC study process, development forecast to 2034, municipal-wide capital program, and the calculated residential DC Rates. Jackie compared the current versus draft calculated municipal-wide residential rates per single-detached and non-residential rates. J. Hall provided an update since their delegation at the February 3, 2025, General Government Committee meeting. Jackie outlined the residential rate comparison for single/semi-detached, industrial, and non-industrial. J. Hall provided an overview of the draft 2025 DC by-law policy changes, CBC legislative basics, and the CBC capital program. Jackie stated that the proposed CBC rate is a maximum permissible 4 per cent of land value. Jackie outlined the revenue forecast versus capital costs for 2025-2034, the comparison to other municipalities for their land value percentage, and the timeline and next steps. J. Hall answered questions from Members of Committee.

There was no one present in support of or in opposition to the by-law.

The Public Meeting concluded at 10:40 a.m.

Tom Barrie, Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC), was present regarding a 2024 DAAC Update. Using an electronic presentation, Tom provided an overview of the DAAC, including their accomplishments. T. Barrie outlined the local farm sales, the number of farms, acres of farmland, average farm size, and the 2024 activities.

  • Resolution #GG-059-25
    Moved byCouncillor Woo
    Seconded byCouncillor Zwart

    That the delegation be extended for an additional 3 minutes.

    Carried

    Tom provided an overview of the major issues facing agriculture in the Region and answered questions from Members of Committee.

     


  • Resolution #GG-060-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That the Delegation of Tom Barrie, Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC), Regarding a 2024 DAAC Update, be received with thanks.

    Carried

Councillor Anderson joined the meeting at 11:03 a.m.

Elaine Popp, Durham College, was present regarding Item 6.1, Correspondence from the Town of Ajax, Regarding Impacts of the International Student Program Changes to Local Post Secondary Programs. Elaine explained the role Durham College plays in Clarington and the Region and the support from private and public sector organizations. E. Popp provided an overview of the hardships post-secondary organizations are facing due to the lack of provincial funding and policy shifts, including grant funding and tuition rates. Elaine noted that the Ontario tuition rates have been frozen for another two years, despite inflation. E. Popp provided an overview of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) changes to limiting international students. Elaine stated that there is a cap placed on international students, which is also placed on college programs and work permits. E. Popp explained that resulting from the IRCC changes, they are having funding shortfalls and challenges.

  • Resolution #GG-061-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Woo

    That the delegation be extended for an additional 3 minutes.

    Carried

    Elaine stated that they eliminated over 100 employees from the college and have successfully balanced this year's budget. E. Popp requested that Council endorse the resolution by the Town of Ajax and answered questions from Members of Committee.


  • Alter the Agenda

    Resolution #GG-062-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the Agenda be altered to consider 6.1, Correspondence from the Town of Ajax, Regarding Impacts of the International Student Program Changes to Local Post Secondary Programs, at this time.

    Carried

6.
Consent Agenda

  
  • Resolution #GG-063-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the Delegation of Elaine Popp, Durham College, Regarding Item 6.1, Correspondence from the Town of Ajax, regarding Impacts of the International Student Program Changes to Local Post Secondary Programs, be received with thanks;

    That the following resolution from the Town of Ajax, regarding Impacts of the International Student Program Changes to Local Post Secondary Programs, be endorsed by the Municipality of Clarington:

    Whereas the Town of Ajax recognizes the significant contributions of Durham College (DC) to our local economy and community through its diverse range of programs and skilled graduates;

    And whereas the recent changes to the International Student Program (ISP) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have negatively impacted post-secondary institutions in Ontario, including Durham College, by reducing international student study permits and limiting eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) to programs in fields of study identified as having national labour market shortages, irrespective of local labour market needs;

    And whereas the Blue-Ribbon Panel report commissioned by the provincial government highlighted the need for long-term, sustainable funding for the post-secondary sector, noting that Ontario’s colleges are funded at 44% of the national average, with tuition revenue first cut by 10% in 2019 and then frozen for the past six years;

    And whereas the financial sustainability challenges faced by Ontario’s post-secondary institutions have been exacerbated by significant wage and cost inflation, as well as the growing reliance on international enrolment;

    And whereas DC has compiled a short list 34 programs not currently PGWP eligible to the IRCC list of fields of study (ATTACHMENT #1) which provide skilled graduates who are vital to growing our local economy, and in some cases, the College relies on international student enrolment in these programs to create financially viable cohorts for domestic students;

    Now therefore be it resolved that Ajax Council calls on the federal government to add the 34 programs listed in ATTACHMENT #1 and offered at DC to the IRCC list of fields of study;

    Ajax Council calls on the provincial government to enact the recommendation in the Blue-Ribbon Panel report to provide long-term, sustainable funding for the post-secondary sector; and

    A copy of this resolution be sent to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Minister Marc Miller, the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Regional Municipality of Durham Chair John Henry, and all lower-tier Durham Region municipal Councils.

    Yes (6)Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo
    Absent (1)Councillor Rang
    Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
  • Recess

    Resolution #GG-064-25
    Moved byCouncillor Elhajjeh
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the Committee recess for 10 minutes.

    Carried

    The meeting reconvened at 11:38 a.m. with Mayor Foster in the Chair.


5.
Presentations/Delegations

  

Hawa Mire was present regarding Report CAO-009-25 - IDEA and Accessibility Program Update. Hawa questioned why the funds are going into a reserve when there is a current need and what is happening to the front-line IDEA work. H. Mire also questioned why the position and funds are no longer required and what has changed in the community to suggest the work is no longer required.

Hawa explained that Clarington is getting more diverse and suggested investing to prevent and respond to the different forms of hate in the community. Hawa requested that Committee deny options A and B and keep the funds in the IDEA portfolio to support prevention, safety, community, and Clarington representation. H. Mire answered questions from Members of Committee.

  • Alter the Agenda

    Resolution #GG-065-25
    Moved byCouncillor Anderson
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 7.3, Report CAO-009-25 - IDEA and Accessibility Program Update, at this time.

    Carried

7.
Items for Separate Discussion

  
  • Resolution #GG-066-25
    Moved byCouncillor Anderson
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That Report CAO-009-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That Council reallocate the funds of the identified $100,800 salary redundancy to the Future Staffing Reserve Fund to help offset future impacts to the tax levy; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-009-25, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

    Carried
  • Resolution #GG-067-25
    Moved byCouncillor Anderson
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to delay the scheduled break at 12:00 noon by 30 minutes, until 12:30 p.m.

    Carried
  • Alter the Agenda

    Resolution #GG-068-25
    Moved byCouncillor Traill
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the Agenda be altered to consider Items 6.9 Veteran's Crosswalk, 7.1 LGS-006-25 Procedural By-law, and 9.1 Council Attendance and Training, at this time.

    Carried

6.
Consent Agenda

  
  • Resolution #GG-069-25
    Moved byCouncillor Traill
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That Report CAO-007-25 and any related delegations or communication items be received;

    That the Veterans’ crosswalk design be approved as shown;

    That staff be directed to install the Veterans’ crosswalk on the north side of the King Street and Temperance Street intersection, crossing east/west;

    That funding of up to $30,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund be approved for the installation of the crosswalk design;

    That Staff be directed to hold an opening ceremony on October 31 to coincide with the raising of the Poppy Flag;

    That Staff report back on a potential second site in Courtice; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-007-25 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

    Motion Withdrawn (6 to 0)

    Later in the meeting, see following motion.


  • Resolution #GG-070-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Woo

    That the foregoing Resolution #GG-069-25 be amended by adding the following at the end:

    That Staff report back on potential additional sites for a Veteran's crosswalk in communities where there are cenotaphs.

    Motion Withdrawn
  • Resolution #GG-071-25
    Moved byCouncillor Anderson
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to delay the scheduled break an additional 30 minutes, until 1:00 p.m.

    Carried

    The foregoing Resolution #GG-069-25 was then withdrawn.


  • Resolution #GG-072-25
    Moved byCouncillor Traill
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That Report CAO-007-25 and any related delegations or communication items be received;

    That the Veterans’ crosswalk design be approved as shown;

    That Staff be directed to install the Veterans’ crosswalk on the north side of the King Street and Temperance Street intersection, crossing east/west;

    That funding of up to $30,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund be approved for the installation of the crosswalk design;

    That Staff be directed to hold an opening ceremony on October 31 to coincide with the raising of the Poppy Flag; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-007-25 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

  • Amendment

    Resolution #GG-073-25
    Moved byCouncillor Woo
    Seconded byCouncillor Zwart

    That the foregoing Resolution #GG-072-25 be amended by adding the following:

    That Staff report back at the May 5, 2025, General Government Committee meeting on additional Veteran's crosswalks at a minimum of one per ward.

    Yes (6)Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo
    Absent (1)Councillor Rang
    Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
  • Main Motion as Amended

    Resolution #GG-074-25
    Moved byCouncillor Traill
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That Report CAO-007-25 and any related delegations or communication items be received;

    That the Veterans’ crosswalk design be approved as shown;

    That staff be directed to install the Veterans’ crosswalk on the north side of the King Street and Temperance Street intersection, crossing east/west;

    That funding of up to $30,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund be approved for the installation of the crosswalk design;

    That Staff be directed to hold an opening ceremony on October 31 to coincide with the raising of the Poppy Flag;

    That Staff report back at the May 5, 2025 General Government Committee meeting on additional Veteran’s crosswalks at a minimum of one per ward.

    That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-007-25 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

    Yes (6)Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo
    Absent (1)Councillor Rang
    Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
  • Resolution #GG-075-25
    Moved byCouncillor Elhajjeh
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That Report LGS-006-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the By-law attached to Report LGS-006-25, as Attachment 1, to repeal and replace Clarington’s Procedural By-law 2023-033, be approved; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-006-25, and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision.

  • Amendment

    Resolution #GG-076-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the foregoing Resolution #GG-075-25 be amended by adding the following after the second paragraph:

    Whereas the Municipality of Clarington is proudly Canadian;

    And whereas the Municipality of Clarington recognizes the importance of national pride and unity;

    And whereas Clarington wants to make it clear that we support Canadian values, sovereignty, residents, business, goods, and services;

    And whereas the playing of the Canadian National Anthem, "O Canada," at the beginning of Council meetings will foster a greater sense of community and patriotism;

    Now therefore be it resolved that the Procedural By-law be amended to add the Canadian National Anthem to regular meetings of Council agenda’s order of business following the Land Acknowledgement and before the Moment of Silence;

    That Staff be directed to ensure that a version of “O Canada” is available and played at each regular Council meeting, where technically feasible; and

    That this resolution be implemented as soon as possible.

    Yes (6)Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo
    Absent (1)Councillor Rang
    Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)
  • Amendment

    Resolution #GG-077-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Woo

    That the foregoing Resolution #GG-075-25 be amended by adding the following to the second paragraph:

    That the Procedural By-law be amended to add a section 2.5.7 as follows:

    “Members of Council participating in a meeting electronically shall have their cameras always turned on during the meeting.”

    That Staff be directed to update the definition of Electronic Participation to reflect the above change.

    Yes (3)Mayor Foster, Councillor Zwart, and Councillor Woo
    No (3)Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, and Councillor Elhajjeh
    Absent (1)Councillor Rang
    Motion Lost on a recorded vote (3 to 3)
  • Main Motion as Amended

    Resolution #GG-078-25
    Moved byCouncillor Elhajjeh
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That Report LGS-006-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the By-law attached to Report LGS-006-25, as Attachment 1, to repeal and replace Clarington’s Procedural By-law 2023-033, be approved with the following amendments:

    That the Procedural By-law be amended to add the Canadian National Anthem to regular meetings of Council agenda’s order of business following the Land Acknowledgement and before the Moment of Silence;

    That Staff be directed to ensure that a version of “O Canada” is available and played at each regular Council meeting, where technically feasible;

    That this resolution be implemented as soon as possible;

    That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-006-25, and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision.

    Carried

Item 7.1.1 was considered during Item 7.1.

Item 7.1.2 was considered during Item 7.1.

  • Suspend the Rules

    Resolution #GG-079-25
    Moved byCouncillor Traill
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to extend the meeting for an additional 10 minutes.

    Motion Lost
  • Councillor Traill left the meeting.

    The Committee recessed for their one-hour scheduled break in accordance with the Procedural By‑law.

    The meeting reconvened at 1:55 p.m. with Mayor Foster in the Chair.


  • Resolution #GG-080-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Woo

    Whereas the Procedural by-law states that a Member of Council has a duty “to deliberate on the business submitted to Council or Committees of Council, as the case may be”;

    And whereas it is the role of a Member of Council to be a representative, a policy-maker, and a steward;

    And whereas attendance at meetings facilitates Members’ roles;

    And whereas Council has made a policy commitment to attend certain training (Policy CP-006, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility Training Plan for Council Policy) and should endeavour to attend other municipally-organized training offered to Members of Council;

    And whereas other municipalities such as Brantford, Collingwood, and Guelph have attendance reporting;

    And whereas Clarington does not have a reporting mechanism to hold Members of Council accountable for meeting attendance and training;

    Now therefore be it resolved:

    That Staff be directed to provide Council with an annual report on the attendance record of each member of Council for the previous calendar year that documents:

    1) Attendance at regular and special Council and Standing Committee meetings to indicate whether the member was:

    a. In attendance In-Person
    b. In attendance online
    c. Absent with regrets
    d. Absent without regrets

    2) Attendance at training or education sessions deemed by any Council policy or resolution to be a requirement.

    Carried
  • Resolution #GG-081-25
    Moved byCouncillor Elhajjeh
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the foregoing Resolution #GG-080-25 be deferred to the May 5, 2025, General Government Committee meeting.

    Motion Lost

    The foregoing Resolution #GG-080-25 was then put to a vote and carried.


  • Resolution #GG-082-25
    Moved byCouncillor Woo
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That the remaining Items listed in Section 6, with the exception of Item 6.6, be approved.

    Carried
  • Resolution #GG-083-25

    That Memo-002-25 Civic Recognition and Dedication Policy, be received; and

    That Council repeal Policy F9, Proclamations Policy, in addition to the items repealed through PUB-016-24.

  • Resolution #GG-084-25

    That Report LGS-012-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the By-law amendment attached to Report LGS-012-25, as Attachment 1, be approved; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-012-25, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

  • Resolution #GG-085-25

    That Report LGS-014-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; and

    That the Deputy CAO/Solicitor is authorized to finalize the form and content of a Lease Agreement with Creative Outdoor Advertising for the provision of garbage receptacles, and to execute the Lease Agreement for up to 10 years on behalf of the Municipality.

  • Resolution #GG-087-25

    That Report PUB-004-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That Council approve additional funding of up to $300,000 to complete the required modernization of the Municipal Administrative Centre (MAC) and Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre (SJWHC) elevators; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-004-25, be advised of Council’s decision.

  • Resolution #GG-088-25

    That Report CAO-002-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the Report CAO-002-25, be placed on the Municipal website to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-002-25 be advised of Council’s decision.

  • Resolution #GG-089-25
    Moved byCouncillor Woo
    Seconded byCouncillor Zwart

    That Report FSD-012-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the proposal received from Royalcrest Paving and Contracting Ltd. with a bid amount of $282,151.73 (Net HST Rebate) being the lowest bidder meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of CL2025-5 be awarded the contract for the completion of Rose Parkette;

    That the provisional items 4.03 – Concrete Paving (Playpod) – Colour, 4.05 – Concrete Paving (Park Entrances) – Colour and 4.10 – Amourstone, be included in the award;

    That additional funding as required for this project be approved and would be funded from the Parks & Recreation Development Charges Reserve Fund;

    That Public Services staff be directed to work with Deputy CAO/Treasurer of Finance to address operational financial implications associated with increased operational costs in future budgets; and,

    That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-012-25, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

    Carried

7.
Items for Separate Discussion

  
  • Resolution #GG-090-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Anderson

    That Report LGS-011-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

    That the resignation of Colin Maitland be received with thanks;

    That the Committee consider the applications for appointments to the Clarington Heritage Committee, and that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen representatives, in accordance with the Board/Committee Management Policy; and

    That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-011-25 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

    Carried
  • Clarington Heritage Committee

    That Olivia Mar be appointed to the Clarington Heritage Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.

  • Resolution #GG-091-25
    Moved byCouncillor Zwart
    Seconded byCouncillor Elhajjeh

    That the meeting adjourn at 2:43 p.m.

    Carried