Open Council

1st Meeting of the Community and Protective Services Committee

Open Council

1st Meeting of the Community and Protective Services Committee

December 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM

Original link

1.   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

2.   Consent

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That Items 2.1 to 2.5, 2.7 to 2.9 and 2.11 to 2.13 BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (4 to 0)

2.1   11th Report of the Animal Welfare Community Advisory Committee

2024-11-07 - AWCAC Report

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 11th Report of the Animal Welfare Community Advisory Committee, from the meeting held on November 7, 2024:

a)    the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to provide an update to the Animal Welfare Community Advisory Committee (AWCAC) on the motion that was made at the AWCAC meeting held on September 5, 2024, with respect to limiting rodenticides; and,

b)    clauses 1.1, 3.1 to 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2 and 5.1 to 5.3 BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

2.2   11th Report of the Environmental Stewardship and Action Community Advisory Committee

2024-11-06 ESACAC Report - FULL

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That the 11th Report of the Environmental Stewardship and Action Community Advisory Committee, from the meeting held on November 6, 2024, BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

2.3   Contract Amendment - RFP20-68 Boler Road Cycling Improvements

2024-12-02 SR RFP20-68 Boler Road Cycling Improvements - Part 1

2024-12-02 SR RFP20-68 Boler Road Cycling Improvements - Part 2

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to a Contract Amendment for the Boler Road Cycling Improvements:

a)    the contract with Arcadis Professional Services (Canada) Inc. BE INCREASED by $116,946.85 to a total agreement value of $422,176.55 (excluding HST) to complete the detailed design and tendering for the Boler Road Cycling Improvements in accordance with Section 20.3 (e) of the City’s Procurement of Goods and Services Policy;

b)    the financing for this assignment BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary;

d)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract with the consultant for the work; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents including agreements, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2024-T05)

Motion Passed

2.4   Amendments to the Traffic and Parking By-law

2024-12-02 SR Amendments to the Traffic and Parking By-law

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the proposed by-law, as appended to the staff report dated December 2, 2024, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 17, 2024, for the purpose of amending the Traffic and Parking By-law (PS-114). (2024-C01A)

Motion Passed

2.5   Urban Forestry Strategy Monitoring Report

2024-12-02 SR Urban Forest Strategy Monitoring Report - Part 1

2024-12-02 SR Urban Forest Strategy Monitoring Report - Part 2

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to the Urban Forestry Strategy and Monitoring Report:

a)    the above-noted staff report BE RECEIVED;

b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to provide an annual Urban Forest Strategy Monitoring Report to update the community on actions and outcomes that advance the implementation directions of the Urban Forest Strategy; and,

c)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to complete the requisite technical studies and background research to update the Urban Forest Strategy, with finalized recommendations presented no later than Q1 2027;

it being noted that the linked 2025-2029 Tree Planting Strategy will be submitted for Council consideration in February 2025. (2024-E04)

Motion Passed

2.7   Dundas Place Traffic Management

2024-12-02 SR Dundas Place Traffic Management

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure and the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, with respect to Dundas Place Traffic Management, BE RECEIVED; it being noted that the actions described herein can be implemented administratively. (2024-T08)

Motion Passed

2.8   NG 9-1-1 Hosted Call Handling Solution Amending Agreement to the Bell Authority Service Agreement

2024-12-02 SR NG 9-1-1 Hosted Call Handling Solution Amending Agmt - Part 1

2024-12-02 SR NG 9-1-1 Hosted Call Handling Solution Amending Agmt - Part 2

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Enterprise Supports, and the concurrence of the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to the NG 9-1-1 Hosted Call Handling Solution Amending Agreement to the Bell Authority Service Agreement:

a)     the proposed by-law, as appended to the above-noted staff report, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 17, 2024, to:

i)    approve the Amending Agreement, as appended to the above-noted by-law, being the Next Generation 9-1-1 Authority Service Amending Agreement between The Corporation of the City of London and Bell Canada, amending the agreement enterned into between The Corporation of the City of London and Bell Canada on February 14, 2023;

ii)    authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the above-noted Amending Agreement;

iii)    authorize the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, or their designate, to approve and execute any further amending agreements to the above-noted Agreement;

iv)    delegate authority to the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, or their designate, to undertake any administrative actions that are necessary in connection with section 1 of the above-noted by-law;

b)    the above-noted staff report BE RECEIVED; and,

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with part a) above. (2024-P16)

Motion Passed

2.9   Civic Administration Key Learnings and Update Regarding the April 21, 2024 CPKC Train Fire in London, Ontario

2024-12-02 SR Key Learnings and Update Regarding CPKC Train Fire in London ON

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, and the concurrence of the Deputy City Manger, Enterprise Supports, the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, with respect to the Civic Administration Key Learnings and Update Regarding the April 21, 2024, CPKC Train Fire in London, Ontario, BE RECEIVED. (2024-P16)

Motion Passed

2.11   Life Stabilization Purchase of Service Agreements - Single Source Procurements

2024-12-02 SR Life Stabilization Purchase of Service Agmts - Single Source Procurement

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to Life Stabilization Purchase of Service Agreements – Single Source Procurements:

a)    a Single Source Procurements BE APPROVED at a total estimated cost of $700,000 ($350,000 of municipal costs and $350,000 utilization of provincial funds) (excluding HST) for the period of October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025, with the opportunity to extend for four (4) additional one (1) year terms, to administer Life Stabilization programs, as per the Corporation of the City of London Procurement Policy Section 14.4 d) and e); to the following providers:

i)    to allocate $300,000 to London Cares Homeless Response Services – “The Commons” (SS-2024-356)

ii)    to allocate $400,000 to VHA Home Healthcare - Extreme Clean/Hoarding Program (SS-2024-357);

b)    the Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development, or their written designate, BE DELEGATED authority to approve amendments to existing agreements authorized and approved above;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all administrative acts which are necessary in relation to this project and;

d)    the approval given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a Purchase of Service Agreements with each program. (2024-S04)

Motion Passed

2.12   Update on the Alignment of Rent Supplement and Housing Allowances Programs to a Portable Benefit System

2024-12-02 SR Alignment of Rent Supplement and Housing Allowances to a Portable Benefit System

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager of Social and Health Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to an Update on the Alignment of Rent Supplement and Housing Allowances Programs to a Portable Benefit System:

a)    the above-noted staff report BE RECEIVED; and,

b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to report back to the Community and Protective Services Committee annually about the Municipal Rent Assistance Program progress as part of the annual Housing Stability Action Plan. (2024-S14)

Motion Passed

2.13   2023 Ontario Works Participant and Service Delivery Profile

2024-12-02 SR 2023 Ontario Works Participant and Service Delivery Profile - Part 1

2024-12-02 SR 2023 Ontario Works Participant and Service Delivery Profile - Part 2

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development, the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to the 2023 Ontario Works Participant and Service Delivery Profile BE RECEIVED. (2024-S04)

Motion Passed

2.6   Publicly Accessible Washrooms - Parks and Facilities

2024-12-02 SR Publicly Accessible Washrooms - Parks and Facilities

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure and the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, with respect to Publicly Accessible Washrooms – Parks and Facilities, BE RECEIVED; it being noted that park washroom facility service provision will be a matter reviewed with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update; it being further noted that a communication, as appended to the Added Agenda, from S. Lewkowitz, with respect to this matter, was received. (2024-R04)

Motion Passed (4 to 0)

2.10   Property Standards By-law CP-24 - Amendments Related to Minimum Headroom and Information Regarding the Tenant-Landlord Forum

2024-12-02 SR Prop. Standards By-law CP-24 - Amend. Related to Min. Headroom and Tenant-Landlord Forum

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to Property Standards By-law CP-24 Amendments Related to Minimum Headroom and Information Regarding the Tenant-Landlord Forum:

a)    the above-noted staff report BE RECEIVED; and,

b)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the above-noted staff report, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 17, 2024, to amend By-law CP-24, being the Property Standards By-law, to reduce minimum headroom requirements in conjunction with amendments to the National Building Code and the Ontario Building Code. (2024-C01A)

Motion Passed (3 to 1)

Additional Votes:

Moved by S. Trosow

Seconded by D. Ferreira

Motion to amend part b) to read as follows:

b) that the matter of reducing minimum headroom requirements BE REFERRED back to Civic Administration to bring forward a report to a future meeting of the Community and Protective Services Committee with further details regarding the amendment including accessibility issues, health and safety issues, fire safety issues, financial implications including potential increases in assessments; and additional inspection staffing and implementation costs.

Motion Failed (1 to 3)

2.14   Special Events Policy Update

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated December 2, 2024, related to the Special Events Policy:

a)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the above-noted staff report, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council Meeting to be held on December 17, 2024, to amend By-law No. CPOL.-142-394, as amended, being “Special Events Policies and Procedures Manual”, by deleting and replacing Schedule “A”; and,

b)    the above-noted staff report BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed (3 to 1)

3.   Scheduled Items

3.1   Hamilton Road - Fairmont Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan

2024-12-02 SR Hamilton Road-Fairmont Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan - Part 1

2024-12-02 SR Hamilton Road-Fairmont Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan - Part 2

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

That on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the Hamilton Road Neighbourhood Connectivity Plan, as appended to the staff report dated December 2, 2024, BE APPROVED to inform the annual Renew London Construction Program and New Sidewalk Program;

it being noted that no individuals spoke at the public participation meeting associated with these matters; and,

it being further noted that the communication, as appended to the Agenda, from A. Harding, with respect to this matter, was received. (2024-T04)

Motion Passed (4 to 0)

Additional Votes:

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

Motion to open the public participation meeting.

Motion Passed (4 to 0)

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by J. Pribil

Motion to close the public participation meeting.

Motion Passed (4 to 0)

4.   Items for Direction

None.

5.   Deferred Matters/Additional Business

None.

6.   Adjournment

Moved by H. McAlister

Seconded by D. Ferreira

That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

Motion Passed (4 to 0)

The meeting adjourned at 2:04 PM.

Full Transcript

Transcript provided by Lillian Skinner’s London Council Archive. Note: This is an automated speech-to-text transcript and may contain errors. Speaker names are not identified.

View full transcript (1 hour, 24 minutes)

[1:02] Testing, hello, can you hear me? Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Yes, I can. Okay, perfect, I can hear you. Thank you. (indistinct chatter) Okay, I will be calling the first meeting of the community and protective services to order.

[20:33] I’d like to welcome everybody in the council chambers. Staff in the back, in the gallery, council is here in chambers as well and councilors online. The city of London is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lina Peiwok, and Adawandran. We honor and respect the history, languages, and culture of the diverse indigenous people who call this territory home. The city of London is currently home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit today.

[21:09] As representatives of the people of the city of London, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory. The city of London is committed to making every effort to provide alternate formats and communication supports for meetings upon request. To make a request specific to this meeting, please contact CPSC at london.ca or dial 519-661-2489 extension-2425. In chambers today, I have the wonderful Councillor Hadley McAllister, Ward 1, to my right, and the lovely Councillor Jerry Pribble to my right as well.

[21:46] And online, I have Councillor Sam Trusso on the screen up there. And I believe that would be it. Any visiting members today? Councillor Raman, visiting today as well, lovely, Kim Raman. Thank you very much. And I am just looking for any disclosures of pecuniary interest from visiting members. I see none. All right, we have a few consent items today. I have been made aware that consent item 2.6 and 2.10 is wish to be pulled.

[22:23] I just wanted to look at Councillor Trusso, I believe you were the one that has requested that, just to make sure those are the two items you’d like to pull. Okay, look in the committee for any other, sorry, Councillor. Yes, yes, we just received on the added this morning, the updated parks policy, special event policy. So I would like to, I’m not sure if I want to pull it, but I would like to just get a brief, just a very brief oral report just saying what the changes are.

[22:57] There might be some of us who want to vote no on parts of this in terms of the time. Thank you, Councillor, just a second. I’m just looking to staff, are we able to get a brief overview on the added? Okay, we will pay Councillor. I will, the Councillor, sorry, Councillor Perbola, the Councillor’s asking to pull 2.14, so I just want to confirm, are you looking to pull 2.14, and I can, 2.14, and I can also pull that.

[23:34] Councillor Trusso? Yes, the updated special events policy, which we just received. Okay, thank you. So I got 2.6, 2.10, and 2.14 to be pulled. Look in the committee for any other requests, Councillor Perbola. I just want to clarification, Councillor Trusso just mentioned the times, but then we decided, isn’t it a council decided matter? Then we deal with that already? That is correct. It is a council’s decided matter, but if the council wishes to pull it, he may.

[24:09] Okay. It’s, technically it’s a decided matter after this by-law comes to this committee and it goes back to council. So it’s still, it’s still before us. I mean, we’re, we’re, we’re voting on this. And who was this decided matter? It would be on our agenda. We’ve been through this before. I will pull that, Councillor. Thank you. Looking for a member to move consent items, all the remaining consent items. That would be 2.1 to 2.5, 2.7 to 2.9, 2.11 to 2.13, moved by Councillor McAllister.

[24:48] Seconded, Councillor Perbola. Okay, I will look to committee for anyone who wants to make any comments or questions. Councillor McAllister. Yeah, I just want to make some comments. We got 2.11 to 2.12. Oh, I think those were part of this, right? 2.11 to 2.12, yeah. Okay, just confirming. I know we’ve pulled a few. I just want to thank staff for the good work on these ones. In terms of the life stabilization, happy to see the extreme clean back.

[25:21] I know the service will be between London Cares and VHA. I was a supporter of this, the original multi-year, really happy to see it come back. And I think it’ll make a lot of impact for people looking to use this. I do, with 2.12, actually just want to give staff the opportunity to give a brief overview. I found this very interesting in the report, but I think it’s something that kind of flew under the radar, but I think it’ll be of interest to the public. Thank you, Councillor. I’ll look to Mr. Cooper. I’ll look to Mr. Cooper. Thank you, and through you, Mr. Chair, this report is a report back from some work that our teams have done in 2023, related to the alignment of our housing and rent supplement programs.

[26:08] So we’re moving to a portable benefit system, and this report provides some information on the various programs that we have implemented, as well as the status of a number of the recommendations from our consultants report. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you for that. And I know it’ll come back to us, I believe, on an annual basis, so that we’d be great to see those coming forward again. With 2.13, I was happy to look through this report as well. Great to see Glenn Karen up and running again. I know that service is appreciated in the community.

[26:43] Again, I just wanted to give to staff the chance any comments in terms of Ontario Works, in terms of what we’re seeing from the community, just in terms of what we’ve heard and whether any improvements can be made on that front. Thank you, Councillor. Mr. Dickens. Thank you, and through you, Chair. I’m not sure there’s much that we can identify in terms of improvements in that area. I think what you’re seeing in the 2.13 is we’re hitting all of our targets, we’re hitting all of our outcomes.

[27:19] We’re seeing some slight demographic change in terms of the caseload makeup. We have seen more volatility in the last three years, as opposed to the last 12 months, in terms of fluctuation of caseload size. But I am joined by Ms. Castillo, who is one of our senior managers in the Life Stabilization team, who could expand on some of the trends that we’re seeing in this report. Thank you, Mr. Dickens and Ms. Castillo. Yes, thank you, Kevin.

[27:54] Through you, Chair, what I can share, just to add on to what’s been shared in the report with regards to trends, with the return of our caseworkers, working out of Glen Karen, certainly increased presence of community at the center and something that is welcomed and needed and appreciated and more presence in our office as well, from clients coming into access to our services. We are looking to continue to encourage that presence in our office just to make ourselves more available to our clients in every way that we possibly can and be accessible as much as we need to, in wanting to get people the things that they need, particularly around trying to get folks connected with community services and supports.

[28:49] And so we do try to put our efforts into ensuring turnaround times for intakes and applications, trying to be available in accessible through different means, whether it’s through technology, but certainly encouraging that in-person presence, as we know, that can sometimes be a challenge and a barrier for some individuals. And so that’s step to be present in the community and that Glen Karen, we’ve certainly seen an increase of that client presence and certainly want to continue to build and encourage that with the community.

[29:26] Thank you. Thank you, Council. Yeah, and thank you Ms. Castillo for that. Pass along my thanks to OW workers. I did just wanna call that out ‘cause I know having Glen Karen, it’s definitely a service as well, appreciate it in the community. So thank you for all the work that our OW staff do and thank you for the other reports. I was happy to see that stuff come forward and I’ll be supporting it. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor, looking to members of the committee, Councillor Perm. Thank you, and so the chair to the staff, my first question is regarding 2.3, the Bull road cycling improvements.

[30:00] And from the report, it states that there were requirements to replace and upsize the existing water main and then additional required additional geotechnical investigation and access. I just wanted to ask if the 116,000 is really so late for this or if there were any additional changes we needed to make, thank you. Thank you, Councillor. I believe that’s Mr. McCray. Mr. McCray. Thank you for the question through the chair. That is the majority of the cost increase related to the water main.

[30:34] There are some additional service features particularly related to pedestrian crossings in the corridor that are also contributing to that number. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you for that answer. Next one, I have on my list 2.7 Dundas Place Traffic Management. And when I talk to the numerous merchants on Dundas Street, their feedback is that, or most of the one I received, that the closures are very beneficial when there is a special event because it brings people on Dundas Place. But when there isn’t, they feel it’s counterproductive and actually worse for their businesses.

[31:14] The other thing is they said that the timing in terms of the surveys would be better after they see the effects of BRT because through the BRT there are a lot of areas that there is no right hand turn. And I do want to thank staff who are reaching out all these different ways and I’m actually disappointed that only, I forget the percentage now, how many, with all our efforts that we have done, there was a low percentage that actually came back. But I wanted to ask you this. My question is this. In terms of the regulations of Dundas Place, because we are giving you, we are receiving it, but on the other hand, being noted that the actions described here and can be implemented administratively.

[31:56] So if we do this, are we potentially looking to do it on a continued basis or on later special as in the four areas that are listed there? And that’s one question, second one. If there is an opportunity to go back and after everyone sees the effects of BRT, it still could be revisited. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor, Ms. Smith. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. With respect to the closures on Dundas Place, the report is recommending only closing for activation. So that is aligned with the desires we heard from the businesses along the street.

[32:32] In terms of the changes to transportation, this is the removal of the construction related filter permeability that has been in place for a couple of years. So we’ll be opening up the road to more through traffic and adding more of the turn movements that have previously been restricted. So while this is a flexible space and we certainly can review it in the future, I think we’re quite aligned with removing those things that were associated with construction and returning the street to its intended purpose when it was designed. Thank you, Councillor. Perfect, thank you for the answer. I do have a 2.9, I just have a comment and thank you very much for the CPKC incident that we had and the four step procedure that was introduced or will be introduced, I think it’s very positive.

[33:16] So thank you for that, 2.11. I just want to make sure that it is all provincial money and it’s not the federal money that came. I just want to a confirmation of that, please. Thank you, Councillor, Mr. Dickens. Through you, Chair, as the staff report indicates, this is coming out of our life stabilization operating budget, which is a cost share between the municipality and the province through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. So it is a cost share between provincial and municipal. Thank you, Councillor. Perfect, thank you.

[33:48] I think 210 and 26 are being pulled, is that correct? That’s correct, 26, 210 and 214. Perfect, thank you very much, no more questions. Thank you, Councillor. Looking to other members of the committee first, I have none. Okay, visiting members, last call. Okay, let’s call the question. Council votes, yes.

[34:29] Councilor Pribble. Voting yes, thank you. Supposing the vote, the motion carries four to zero. Okay, next is scheduled items. We have one that is a public participation meeting for the Hamilton Road Fairmont Neighborhood Connectivity Plan. If I have any members in the gallery who would like to speak, I would ask you to, sorry, I should open the PPM first, but the microphones are here and there just to be ready.

[35:06] On a look, Councillor McAllister is looking to move to open the PPM, looking for a seconder, seconded by Councillor Pribble. Let’s call the question. Closing the vote, the motion carries four to zero. Okay, now the PPM is open. So if there’s anybody in the gallery who would like to speak to the public participation portion, this is for the Fairmont Neighborhood Connectivity Plan.

[35:41] I would ask you to move to one of the microphones. If not, I will look online. Okay, I’m gonna make one more call for any speakers in the gallery or online.

[36:20] Okay, look at the new committee to close the PPM, move by Councillor McAllister, seconded by Councillor Pribble. Call the question. Yes. Closing the vote, the motion carries four to zero. Okay, before we move on, I’m gonna go to staff, ‘cause I believe there’s a presentation for this. So I will look to staff and please, I guess, present to us the Connectivity Plan, thank you.

[37:02] Thanks, and through the chair, I’m just gonna bring my presentation up. The area we did this year for our Neighborhood Connectivity Plan was the Hamilton Road Fairmont area. The city is committed to maintaining strong and healthy communities through safe and accessible infrastructure like sidewalks. This has been something that’s been emphasized through many council policies dating back to the early 2000s. A big one of those is London Plan.

[37:42] Plan mobility policy 349 requires that sidewalks be built on both sides of most streets with very few exceptions. This policy aims to improve connectivity and accessibility in legacy neighborhoods that were built without sidewalks, but what we’ve heard is that this blanket approach is not the right fit. Residents would like a more deliberate strategic approach, adding sidewalks and established neighborhoods. We know sidewalks are an issue that people feel strongly about, and we’ve heard from Londoners on both sides. This NCP process aims to consider the whole community and recommend sidewalks that will offer the greatest benefit without automatically assuming sidewalks on every street.

[38:22] I want to thank all the residents that participated in the engagement process, whether online or in person. Their insight into their community greatly informed these recommendations before you, and it concludes today with the PPM, which has already been closed. The Hamilton Road Fairmont area was selected for 2024 because the closure of Fairmont Public School and the subsequent increase in school boundary area for Tweeds Mayor Public School led to many resident concerns about a lack of sidewalk connectivity in this area.

[38:57] Neighborhood was constructed in the 1950s. There’s home to around 3500 residents living in mostly in single-family homes, and like many areas, or many neighborhoods in this era, have sidewalks primarily only on neighborhood connectors, and there are many crescents and courts without sidewalks. On this map, you can see the red line indicates the study area, and the orange lines indicate existing sidewalks. That’s where we started from, what the recommendations are comprised of.

[39:32] We focus on community feedback, pedestrian destinations, and desire lines, while also considering available neighborhood data, complete streets, guidelines, and the city’s anti-racism, anti-oppression framework. At the same time, the NCP recognizes the clear feedback from community members to reduce impacts to trees, driveways, and landscaping whenever possible, and does recommend exemptions to mobility policy 349 for shorter, low traffic crescents and courts with no other connections. In total, sidewalks are recommended for 13 streets in the Hamilton Road neighborhood to be built at the time of street reconstruction, or in the case of some priority connections through the new sidewalk program.

[40:12] Alternatively, an exemption to mobility policy 349 is recommended for 24 streets, 18 crescents and six courts, and now a little more context to the NCP recommendations. On the screen, you’ll see a map showing the recommendations through different timelines of implementation. In red is the near-term projects, and it has Manitoulin Drive, which is the street we heard most about. A sidewalk has been recommended there in addition to sidewalks on Strathcona Drive and a second sidewalk on Montebello Drive to provide important connectivity and improve safety for students, parents, and residents in this area.

[40:55] These are all priority connections and are planned to be constructed through the new sidewalk program in the next one to five-year period. Two other projects have been flagged in the near-term in red. A section of missing sidewalk on Gore Road will be constructed in the coming years through the Gore Road and Hamilton Road roundabout project. And an extension of the existing park pathway south to Hamilton Road through the Hydro One corridor has been previously included in staff’s work plans for the coming years. The next group of sidewalks shown in purple receive lots of community support, but represent medium priorities.

[41:30] And we are planned to be constructed in the next six to 10 years. These are Maggi Street, connecting to Highbury, Cousins Avenue, and the second sidewalk on Tweedsmere Avenue for a small missing gap. And finally, the sidewalk recommendations plan to be delivered at the time of street reconstruction are shown in black and will likely be constructed in 10 or more years from now. These sidewalks are recommended to fill missing gaps on Fairhaven Circle and ensure neighborhood connectivity on Fairhaven Street and Gate, Short Avenue, and Ellsworth Avenue. Also, a sidewalk has been recommended on Eldorado Ave for a portion between Montebello Drive and the Kiwanis Park Access.

[42:11] In addition to sidewalks, the NCP suggests monitoring the need for two pedestrian crossings and improved park access off of Jasper Crescent. With that brief summary, I’ll turn it back to the chair. Thank you. Thank you. I will look to, actually I’m gonna look at the committee to move the item. Moved by Councilor McAllister, seconder. Moved seconded by Councilor Pribble. All right, looking for a speaker’s list.

[42:46] Councilor McAllister. Thank you, through the chair. No surprise, I guess I won’t comment on this. I mean, this is also my neighborhood. So I hear a lot from my neighbors on this one. I would say, I really appreciate all the work the staff’s done on this. I had the opportunity to go to our engagement sessions. It’s been a topic conversation for some time now. Really appreciate the high priority ones being flagged, especially Manitoulin, Montebello, Strathcona. Those are feeder streets, Tweetsmere, as staff indicated with Fairmont closing. Obviously, a lot more kids in the neighborhood going to Tweetsmere.

[43:21] So I hear a lot from parents in terms of kids walking, kids getting picked up. So it’s definitely top of mind for a lot of people in the neighborhood. And I also want to thank staff in terms of getting those crosswalks installed. But we are, unfortunately, in this situation now where we have crosswalks that don’t have the sidewalks. So I think as part of this plan, having these is a high priority, absolutely necessary. Because right now, crosswalks are nowhere. It’s not good for anybody. So really happy to see these ones flagged as a high priority. The other ones, I think the horizon in terms of the timeline that’s been given is reasonable.

[43:56] This isn’t going to happen overnight, as we say, with a lot of projects. But if something comes up in my conversations is to remind residents, the whole neighborhood’s not going to happen one cycle. This is going to take some years to get done. But these are legacy neighborhoods that do have missing gaps. Fair Haven’s one that I’ve always found strange, that you get a little bit of a sidewalk, and then everyone has to shovel back onto the road. I also appreciate the staff identified in terms of the street lighting. Fair Haven is one where I definitely think they need those street lights. It’s very dark at night.

[44:27] And we want people to be able to use the sidewalks and feel safe, especially having better lighting. My own another question, which I get a lot, that I want to put to staff, because thank you, Mr. Hall, for getting back to me. But in terms of the trees, people always ask about the trees, especially with older neighborhoods, mature trees, just so people know what the process is in terms of determining what we do with the trees and building sidewalks. Thank you, Councillor. Mr. Hall, or Mr. Hall? Mr. Chair? Anybody from staff? Through the chair, trees are always a hot topic when it comes to sidewalk construction.

[45:02] This recommendation in front of you is sort of stage one. We go to stage two, where we consult with the residents on the street when we go to implement a sidewalk. And at that time, we try and reduce impacts to trees, especially, but driveways, front lawns, with the location of the sidewalk for that street. We also do an assessment, we have our arborist team, do assessments of the health and condition of trees, where the construction can reduce impacts again. So it’s top of mind whenever it comes time to implement. sidewalks, but unfortunately, we don’t have that level of detail at this time in terms of which streets might have tree impacts and which might not.

[45:40] Thank you, Councillor. Thank you, Mr. Hall. And through the chair again, another thing to keep in mind, I know you mentioned in the presentation in terms of the London plan that typically we would allow, we want both. But in this situation, we’re looking primarily at just one sidewalk on one side of the street, just something so people are aware of. And to also say that a lot of these streets, you will already see a sidewalk, say, on one side. And obviously, we want to connect existing networks. So it’s not like we’re going to necessarily tear up every side of the street.

[46:13] It’s we’re trying to finish a network that was already started and goes nowhere. So just so people keep in mind, you’re necessarily starting from scratch, we’re trying to finish work that was already started, but that’s also part of phase two in terms of determining which side of the street we would choose for a sidewalk, correct? To staff. Thanks. And through the chair, yeah, absolutely. That is part of that stage two consultation, which side of the street is an important one. And we definitely look to where existing sidewalk already exists to connect to and where the destinations make the most sense to connect to.

[46:49] Thanks. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you. And through the chair, just as final food for thought for my colleagues, I know sidewalks can be a contentious issue. We hear it all the time. We’ve had other NCPs come forward. But I’m personally a supporter. This one’s literally not necessarily in my backyard, but in front yard, I guess. But I do think they’re important to the neighborhood, especially neighborhoods where you have schools. For me, ensuring that kids have a safe place to walk, have those crosswalks, this is really important, especially in older neighborhoods where we just don’t have it.

[47:26] We see it all the time. People are driving very fast. Spent a lot of time talking about traffic calming measures. And really, I think that this is an important step to take for a neighborhood that needs these sidewalks. And not everyone will agree with that. But I do think that it’s necessary. And so I look to support on this. But I’m also happy to hear from my colleagues if they have any other feedback. Thank you. And thank you to all the staff for all the work on this. Appreciate it. Thank you, Councillor. I like sidewalks as well. I have Councillor Trussell online. Councillor.

[48:00] Thank you very much to the chair. Reference was just made to traffic calming. Is it the contention that adding sidewalks is a traffic calming measure? How does this program mitigate some of the traffic effects, which we have all over the city, really? Thank you, Councillor. Mr. McCree. Thank you for the question through the chair. Traffic calming is sort of part of the package when we look at streets and as it is integrated into the neighborhood connectivity plan, we note the need.

[48:42] And that can inform the subsequent design of the sidewalk. And that could include various measures and the primary one being the potential narrowing of the street as part of the sidewalk project. Thank you, Councillor. That’s it. And can I just quickly respond to the council through the chair? Yes, you can. Appreciate it. Thank you, Chair. Just to Councillor Trussell’s point, I’d like to keep in mind as well. So traffic calming was installed on Tweedsmere. And one of the reasons why you’re also seeing Manitoulin described as a high priority one is we did see a fair amount of traffic move from Tweedsmere onto Manitoulin as a way of getting around.

[49:24] So people have found alternative ways of going around. And so I think having the sidewalks, again, is a safety feature for the area. Obviously, a lot of traffic is diverted. So not necessarily having to do traffic calming on every street, but I think it’s important to keep in mind that we did do it on one street. And we have seen a bit of a shift to the other streets as a result. Thank you, Councillor. Looking to other members of the committee, visiting members. OK, let’s call the question. Yes.

[50:07] Posing the motion carries 4 to 0. OK, that’s it for scheduled items. That moves us to items for direction. We have three pulled items from the consent. That’s 2.6, 2.10, and 2.14. I will look for a mover for 2.6 or anything that Councillor may have. Councillor Trostle? Councillor, we can’t hear you.

[50:47] Question about this is the addition from the suggestion that we received from a member of the public in the added. Could we get a little bit of discussion about that from staff in terms of adding some hours now? Councillor, there should be an item on the floor to speak to, but I will go to staff this one time to answer your question.

[51:20] I’ll move it. I’ll move it, and then get something on this. OK, I have a recommendation. Yes. OK, moved by Councillor McAllister, seconder. Seconded by Councillor Pribble. OK, Councillor Trostle, I will look to Mr. yeoman. Through you, Mr. Chair, so I am pleased to be able to report that we would be able to bring Gibbons Park Washroom online. Gibbons can be heated in the winter time to actually provide service.

[51:52] The challenge we’ve had is we’ve not had the proper resources to actually maintain the washrooms during the winter time. With the mayor’s approved budget, though, we’ll be able to do that going forward. It’s going to take us a little bit to get the people online. So in the new year, it’s something we’re going to be exploring and we’ll be making announcement as soon as we can. Thank you, Mr. yeoman. Councillor? Yes, yes. Through the chair, in terms of the specific request that we received in the letter, when you say we’re going to bring this online, could you be more specific in terms of what service improvements we could see at Gibbons Park with a— I mean, is it necessary to make a slight amendment to this motion?

[52:36] Or are you able to satisfy the request from the professor without an amendment? Thank you, Councillor, Mr. yeoman. Through you, Mr. Chair, so what our intention to be is to actually have Gibbons maintain its summer hours throughout the year. So effectively, we’d be very similar to Spring Bank Park, where we do that currently now. So I don’t think we need a motion to effect up, or we’re definitely welcome any direction from Committee and Council on that. Thank you, Councillor?

[53:10] Yeah, I’m not going to make a motion if Steph doesn’t think it’s necessary. I just want to make it clear that my intention is to concur with, I thought, the very, very useful and well-documented and well-written letter that we received, and that those thoughts are being incorporated into this policy at this time, or as soon as possible as we can implement this. I just wanted to make that clear. Thank you, Councillor. I will look to other members.

[53:44] Anybody visiting? OK, let’s call the question. Councillor Trosto. A vote, yes. Fosing the vote, the motion carries 4 to 0. OK, next on the items for direction is item 2.10. That’s the property standards by-law, CP24, amendments related to minimum headroom and information regarding the tenant landlord forum.

[54:17] I will look to a committee. Move the report. OK, moved by Councillor— McAllister, seconded by Councillor Cribble, looking for a speakers list. Councillor Trosto. Submitted an amendment to Part B. Would it be proper to put that on the floor at this time? You are able to do that. The clerk has that language. OK, the clerk will just bring that up for other committee members, and once it comes up, Councillor, if you don’t mind just reading that out.

[54:52] That would be— OK, that’s up on E-Scribe if everybody would like to just refresh.

[55:25] That’s the chair to read it to me to do right now. I can do that, just a second. OK, so motion to amend Part B as follows. B, that the matter of reducing minimum headroom requirements. B referred back to civic administration to bring forward a report to a future meeting of the Community Protective Services Committee, with further details regarding the amendment, ability issues, health and safety issues, fire safety issues, financial implications, including potential increases in assessments, and additional inspection staffing and implementation costs.

[56:01] Looking for a seconder, I would be interested in seconding it, but I do have some questions with staff. So I will second it so we can ask the questions. And then that may change my vote, but I am interested to seeing what staff have to say, so you can put my name for the second. Councillor, it’s still you.

[56:42] I’m not sure that this is due to chair the proper time to raise issues about the raw and delegated authority and procedures that’s used by this landlord form. The only reason I would raise it in conjunction with this item is that it was referred to in the report. And I did have the chance to talk to staff about this this morning. I don’t see Mr. Ling here. I don’t know if he’s— Yeah, Mr. Ling is present.

[57:20] Oh, OK, so this my question is we have this landlord tenant form that’s been— I’m not sure whether this was constituted by an act of council or whether it’s in our procedure by law, but they do seem to be advancing the business that’s coming to council. So I would be interested in being able to read their minutes with respect to this item. The report says it was discussed, but I don’t get a sense to what degree it was discussed and to what degree some of these other issues that I’d like to raise as questions came up.

[57:59] So I just feel as if I’m not getting a lot of information, not enough from the staff report, to really understand what this deliberation was all about. Could I just ask a background question then about this committee or this forum or task force, whatever it is we call it? I’m getting indications that you can. Yeah, I’m not sure who wants to respond to that, but I’d like some more specificity about exactly what this is and how one follows it. Through the chair, so this forum was created due to a resolution that council provided.

[58:39] There’s some more detail and report that’s in May 11, 2021 that talks about the terms of reference, and there was a resolution from council requesting that this forum be created. Thank you, Ms. Mayders, Councillor. How does one, how does an interested person, for example, a Councillor on this committee, review the agendas and review the minutes and understand who was there and what happened? Thank you. I will go back to staff about how would a Councillor review the minutes for the agenda.

[59:18] Through the chair, so this group is just a purely administrative function, so there isn’t any mechanism to be able to provide that back to council. You could make a Freedom of Information request if you’re looking for materials that we would have related to any of our groups. Thank you, Councillor. So if a Councillor would have to make a freedom of information, request to get the minutes of this body that is referred to in this staff report through the chair? Thank you, Councillor, Mr. Mayders. Through the chair, so I can direct this to maybe, if legal has any perspectives on that, that’s our normal way to be able to access any kind of a document that would be an internal document to the city.

[1:00:01] If there’s a resolution that said that this is information that should be brought to council or committee, then we’d be able to do that, but we really would rely on clerks and any considerations they’d have for how to access documents that are internal documents. Thank you, Councillor. Am I correct in assuming that the work of this committee does feed into and does lead into the process of council making decisions? Thank you, Councillor.

[1:00:32] I will go to Mr. Mayders. Through the chair, like any of our reference groups, we consult with various different people and in organizations. This is very similar to any of those groups. So we would go to folks to see if they have any perspective, some thoughts, get their commentary and bring that back to council. So that is part of our process in engaging with different community groups and so on to be able to ensure that we bring an informed product back to council. Okay, thank you and through the chair, I think in the interest of using my time wisely to actually speak to my desire to have more information on this, I’m going to defer this issue about this form or task force, maybe for another meeting and we could put that on the agenda and discuss this if that would be okay.

[1:01:24] Councillor, I would ask you to maybe confer with staff offline, I just want to keep— I did and I want to make sure I get this on the record. Okay, through the chair. So this would, I think what the councilor’s asking for is to consider this in a future meeting. So that would really be with the chair or clerks to be able to add this, maybe with a resolution or some other way, but there’s no mechanism for staff to be able to do that.

[1:01:54] If that’s something the councilor’s wishing to do, then that would be part of having a motion or something to bring this to a future meeting. Okay, thank you very much. I’m going to move on just to say to the chair. Through the chair. Through the chair, I’m going to move on. Through the chair, I’m going to move on. And I just, if I want to attend one of these meetings, how would I know when and where it is? Councillor, I would be happy to work with you offline to figure those out. I will go to staff on this last one, but I do want to keep the conversation as concise as I can to the topic, but I will look to staff to answer this one.

[1:02:34] Through the chair, so I think I was confused there. I thought he was talking about bringing this issue to a future committee meeting. So if he’s looking at wanting to attend one of the task force, we can provide him with the next date. And we’ll have to look at the terms of reference, but visitors are welcome at these groups as well. So that would be an opportunity that the council could center and we provide the date of the next meetings. Thank you, and through the chair, I’ll consult with the chair and you, Mr. Mathers, about that. Now, I did have a conversation with Mr. Lang this morning about the substance of the matter.

[1:03:11] I asked if there was a report from the fire department. May I? Councillor, we need to keep specific to the item. I do not believe. And my motion, my motion asks for this to be referred of for some additional information, and I’m getting to that right now. Okay, I will go to staff for these. Was there an indication at this meeting of anything from the fire department in terms of fire safety, particularly with basement windows, which have been a concern in the past?

[1:03:53] Councillor to Ms. Mathers. Through the chair, to add some clarity, the reason why this by-laws being changed is because of change in the building code. The building code has a consultation process. It’s driven by the province. It includes building officials, fire prevention officers, architects, engineers, builders, and the construction industry wide. They also had an ERO, environmental registry of Ontario postings about this to allow for people to provide feedback. So this is a very thorough process that the province brings forward to ensure that people are safe.

[1:04:29] What we’re suggesting is that we make that by-law change, is if we don’t make that by-law change, then our building inspectors and building chief building officials would approve permits, building permits that have a lower height, but then they wouldn’t be in conformance with our by-law. So we would approve it. We know by-law that we can create like this, could stop the building or CBO from issuing that permit because it’s not applicable law. So then we get into a situation where we’ve issued a building permit and our by-law doesn’t align with it and we would have to send out our minimal by-law folks to be able to go and find those people for having something that’s on conformance with a by-law.

[1:05:15] So that’s what we’re trying to just ensure that we can correct. The new building code comes into effect January 1st. So that’s the time period where the CBO would have to issue these permits. So that’s what we’re trying to just ensure that we bring this back to council to hopefully have this difference and this change rectified. Thank you, Ms. Mayders. Through the chair, councilor, you can go ahead. Well, I was gonna say through the chair. So let me say through the chair before you tell me to say through the chair, okay? I would like to recognize you as a chair as well.

[1:05:48] So I’m recognizing you now, councilor. Okay, through the chair. I did discuss this with Steph this morning and he agreed with my position that regardless of what’s in the provincial building code, it’s within the ability of a municipality under its broad health and safety powers to have more protective or more stringent guidelines. So to confirm the changes in the building code are not mandatory that we must adopt.

[1:06:23] They are permissive, which we can adopt. But my next question deals with, was there consultation here in London at this meeting? In preparation for this by-law, with anyone from the disability community regarding accessibility standards and these revised types of units? Thank you, councilor. You have 10 seconds left on your time, but I will go to staff for that question. So through the chair, as I mentioned, the building code change process, it includes all groups all across Ontario.

[1:07:01] We are conforming with that process. I’m asking about what happened here in London. Councilor? Through the chair. - Through the chair, councilor. Through the chair. And I would like, Mr. May, to answer the question. And you have 10 seconds after Mr. May, there’s answers to the question, Mr. May. That’s for an extension. Yep, absolutely. So my understanding is that that’s a province-wide undertaking, including all different forms of groups and considering the legislation that’s applied to it. So our process and what we’ve done is just to align the two. So in aligning the two, we’ve had some consultation with various groups, and I don’t believe that was one of the groups that we had contacted.

[1:07:43] However, I just will flag that there is no ability for us to not approve a permit that has a lower height in it. There’s no ability for us to do that. It does not, the permit and the building code does not allow us to do that. Thank you. Yeah, I have another question or two, so I’d like to ask for a two-minute extension. Look in a committee for a two-minute extension for Councilor Schossel, last call. Councilor, I had no members putting up the motion for that.

[1:08:18] Oh, Councilor. The chair, I’ll talk really quickly, has finance been consulted regarding any potential effect on reassessments regarding this matter? Thank you, Councilor. Your time is up. I will go to staff to answer that last question. No, they have not. We can provide better information before Council. Thank you. Okay, Councilor, Councilor, Councilor. I’d like to ask, and I would again ask for an extension, this is a committee.

[1:08:51] Councilor, I will look at the committee. I think shut down. I will look to committee one more time, but if I get no one to move a motion and second it, I can’t give you an extension. Look in the committee, sorry, Councilor. We do not have a mover for that extended two minutes. So I will— I’ll have to raise this at Council then. Yeah, okay. You can raise it at Council. Councilor McAllister, you’re next. Thank you and through the chair. I will not be supporting the amendment, just from staff answers.

[1:09:27] We’re trying to bring something in alignment in terms of the building code. So again, I’ll just to confirm, but through staff, this is just to conform with what’s been brought forward by the province, correct? Thank you, Councilor, Mr. Mathers. Through the chair, that’s correct. Thank you, Councilor. Okay, thank you. Through the chair, based on Mr. Mather’s responses and saying, you know, we need this to be in alignment for January 1st, I will not be supporting this because I don’t want to put this in, you know, I don’t know if competition is not the right word, but out of alignment with the province’s guidelines right now, thank you.

[1:10:05] Thank you, Councilor, Councilor Peril. Thank you, Mr. Chair. As the report clearly states, I’m in the Canadian National and Ontario Provincial Building Code as of January 1st, and Mr. Mathers was very clear in terms of saying the work that is being done under higher levels of government to come up with this proposal, I will not be supporting this amendment and I will be supporting this staff’s recommendation. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor. And I’m just going to make some comments from the chair. I did want to hear just what staff had to say on this amendment, but just from hearing kind of the answers that we had, especially with that we could be delaying this implementation, I will not be supporting the amendment as well.

[1:10:49] In two members of the committee who still have some time, that’s McAllister and Peril and visiting members. Okay, let’s call the question. Councillor Trussell? I vote yes. Supposing the vote, the motion fails, one to three. Okay, we’re back on the main motion. Looking to members of the committee.

[1:11:22] Councillor McAllister. Yeah, through the chair, just read right. Thanks, staff, ring this forward. Ensure that we’re in alignment. So January 1st, so I’ll be supporting the staff recommendation. Thank you. Any other members? Councillor Trussell, you have a good amount of time. You go ahead. I haven’t spoken to the main menu, main motion at all. So I have my full time, correct? That’s correct. So basically, I don’t think there’s any harm in us taking a closer look at this.

[1:12:00] Separate and apart from the federal and provincial regulations, the city has the ability through its broad police powers, which is not an issue here. And I would say obligation to look at health and safety issues. Now I thought it would be good to get a referral that did not pass, but I do want to say there are a number of questions here, which I think really need to be answered. And to not, we have some very special local circumstances, especially, I should add, in the near campus neighborhood, where there has been a problem of the proliferation of basement units.

[1:12:47] Many of them are legal over the years, many of which create fire safety and other health and safety issues. So I think to ask for a little bit of more local consideration with a local lens is not an unreasonable thing to do. So I also do have, I also do have somewhat of a technical question. If we allow this, is there a risk? And I really would like finance to look at this, ‘cause you never know what impact is gonna do.

[1:13:27] Is there a risk that in doing reassessments in the future should impact a receipt to go back to doing the reassessments that are very, very late? Is there a risk that the additional square footage of the basements will be folded in to the square footage of the property? And I would like to get some type of assurance from staff that that is not a concern or that if it is a concern, what we can do about it.

[1:14:02] And I think we need to be very careful in terms of how we draft this by law. Because I’m telling you now, if this comes back on people with increased assessments because you’ve got a basement now that was not conforming before, but it could be conforming. If you get a permit, so we’re gonna include this, I think you’re gonna have a lot of unhappy taxpayers down the road. So I’m gonna be voting no on this amendment and also be voting no when this comes to council unless I can get some more clarity on these issues. And I think it’s simply due diligence on my part to ask these questions.

[1:14:42] Thank you. Thank you, Councillor, just to confirm, the question with MPAC, I do understand that staff would probably be speculating a little bit, but is that a question that you want me to go to staff with or those just comments? Can’t hear you there. Yeah, those are my referral to staff to get this question answered was defeated. If certainly, certainly whatever we can get before the council meeting is better than nothing. But I think, Chair, you’re quite correct when you say you’re speculating ‘cause we really don’t know what MPAC is doing.

[1:15:23] One of the things that bothers me about this is there’s nothing written that says that homeowners are not gonna be faced with this. And that really worries me, that really worries me. So yeah, whatever we can get before council is great, but I think this really needs a lot more thought, which is why I’m voting now. Okay, thank you, Councillor. Looking to committee for our last call on this one, visiting members. Okay, let’s call the question. Councillor Trosto.

[1:16:01] I’ll vote no. Opposing the vote, the motion carries three to one. Okay, that brings us to item 2.14. That’s a special events policy update. Looking to committee to move a motion. Councillor Trosto. Councillor Trosto, your mute is on. I had a question which I’ll wait until this is on the floor. Okay, moved by Councillor McAllister.

[1:16:36] Seconder, seconded by Councillor Pripple. Okay, I will go to Councillor Trosto. Yes, since this was not included in the agenda, I haven’t had the opportunity to go through this carefully. I just wanna make sure that is there a different document other than the one through the chair, other than the one that we’re approving today that deals with the discussion that we had about extending hours or is this it?

[1:17:11] Thank you, Councillor Ms. Smith. Thank you, and through the chair, this is the updated special events policy that was presented to committee and council in September. So we presented that draft policy with all the proposed changes at that time. We then took out that policy for community engagement and community meetings. We reported back that information and had a public participation meeting on it later, just last month. And based on that, there was no further direction to make any changes to the policy.

[1:17:44] So on November 26th, last week, council directed us to bring back the updated special events policy. So that would have been the same policy that we presented to you in September 2024. There were no changes requested by council or directed to staff by council. Thank you. Through the chair, as this document stands now, which section is it regarding the hours and the possibility to extend hours? And could I get a vote?

[1:18:16] Could I just pull that out for a separate vote? Thank you, Councillor. Just a second. Councillor, the motion we have on the floor is that the proposed by-law be introduced, splitting it apart. And the other part of the motion would also be for the staff report to be received. So if you are not an approval, I would recommend voting the entire thing down. But through the chair, I’ll repeat my question. Specifically, is there a provision in the by-law?

[1:18:54] Not the motion, but the by-law that’s attached, which we just got, that deals with the hours of operation. Or is that issue dealt with in a different policy? It’s a 4.15 a. Could you read that for me? Everybody, through the chair, from now on. Ms. Smith. Thank you, and through the chair, the extended length of events at outdoor downtown core locations, Victoria Park, Harris Park, and Dundas Place to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays is in section 4.15a of the attached special events policy.

[1:19:34] Thank you, Councillor Trussell. So I’ll ask the chair and the clerk then. I really like a lot of what’s in this policy. In fact, I like a lot of what’s in this policy. My only concern is being consistent with the vote that I made at the previous meeting. So I would like the opportunity to call that specific section separately if possible. Just a second, Councillor.

[1:20:05] Let me just confer with the clerk to see if that’s a possibility. Okay, Councillor, again, the motion on the floor is to introduce the by-law to council. So we wouldn’t be able to pull that apart. I’m in the same category as you. I have lots of items that I do appreciate in the report, but I don’t support the extension of the hours as well. So I will be, you’ll see my vote. I can’t wait for the chair. Anyway, I’ll just leave it there.

[1:20:40] And I just wanna apologize to staff. You did a, through the chair, you did a lot of wonderful work on here. And there’s just a lot of great stuff in there. And I really feel bad that on this one item, I’m gonna have to vote no, because I really appreciate some of the improvements that you’ve made in here. And in my senses, it’s gonna pass, but I have to be for myself and for my constituents, and for people who have contacted me about the hours, I have to be consistent with what I’ve said before. So I’ll be voting though. Thank you, Councillor. Councillor B.

[1:21:12] Councillor McAllister. Councillor. Okay, there we go. Sorry, I wasn’t working for this thing. And through the chair. So this is more a comment on just what was the terms of Councillor Trosto, Councillor Ferrer. I would say that you’ve already gone on the record. My issue, especially as we are a committee of four, you’re both on the record in terms of your objection. If you vote against this, this will put us in a position where nothing will go to council.

[1:21:49] So I would just caution against that course of action considering you have already gone on the record. Voting down the by-law will put us in a tough position where we’re gonna just shuffle things to council. So just to be mindful of that. Point of order, okay, stay your point. To the chair, my point of order is, if we tie on this two to two, it still goes to the council’s report and they can overrule this committee. So it’s not correct to say it won’t go to council. Okay, thank you.

[1:22:20] Councillor, you still have more comments? Okay, you can continue, you have more four minutes left. Yeah, just that I believe we already had a full some discussion about this, understanding the Councillors who have had constituents reach out about the hours. But again, no recommendation would go to council if it’s voted, if it dies on a tie vote. So we would have to bring it back to the floor. I understand the Councillors wanting to have something specifically called out, but pulling apart a by-law at this stage is probably not a good idea.

[1:22:54] Thank you, Councillor. That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Councillor Perbault. As Councillor Trosto stated, there’s a lot of good things in this report. So I hope, and as Council, my colleagues, the stated, both of you already stated publicly, your opinion about the hours. I hope that you all vote yes now, so remove it for zero, because as Council, Trosto said, there’s a lot of good things in this report, and we need to move it forward. Thank you.

[1:23:27] Thank you, Councillor. Last call for questions, comments, visiting members. Okay, let’s call the question. I still have votes now. Opposed in the vote, the motion carries three to one.

[1:24:08] That’s it for items for direction. No deferred matters, additional business. That leaves us to adjournment. Looking for a motion to adjourn. Councillor McAllister moved, seconded by myself. That’s a hand vote. All those in favor? All those opposed? That motion carries. Where is your?