HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 6, 2023
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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Present:
Mayor Kevin Ashe
Councillors:
M. Brenner
S. Butt
L. Cook
M. Nagy
D. Pickles
L. Robinson
Also Present:
M. Carpino - Chief Administrative Officer
K. Bentley - Director, City Development & CBO
P. Bigioni - Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
S. Boyd - Fire Chief
L. Gibbs - (Acting) Director, Community Services
B. Duffield - Director, Operations
J. Flowers - CEO & Director of Public Libraries, Pickering Public Library
R. Holborn - Director, Engineering Services
F. Jadoon - Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
S. Karwowski - Director, Finance & Treasurer
K. Senior - Manager, Accounting Services
T. Higgins - Accessibility Coordinator
J. Litoborski - Manager, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement Services
K. Roberts - (Acting) Supervisor, Cultural Services
C. Redmond - (Acting) Deputy Clerk
A. MacGillivray - Committee Coordinator
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
The (Acting) Deputy Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and
participating in-person.
2. Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
3. Delegations
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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3.1 Jon Franke, Senior Vice President, Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation
Analiese St. Aubin, Manager Corporate Relations, Pickering Nuclear, Ontario
Power Generation
Re: Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Annual Update
Jon Franke, Senior Vice President, Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power Generation
appeared before the Committee to speak to the Pickering Nuclear Generating
Station Annual Update. Through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Franke
spoke to Ontario Power Generation’s connection with the community having been
in Pickering for over 50 years. He spoke to Pickering Nuclear Generating Station’s
current operating capacity and indicated that the future of the Station remains in
question. Mr. Franke spoke to the plan to place Units 1 and 4 into a safe storage
state at the end of 2024, and the Provincial government’s consideration of
refurbishing Units 5 – 8. Mr. Franke noted the Station’s current operating licenses
and agreements and provided an overview of the various milestones the Station
has achieved. Mr. Franke further spoke to the provincial government’s study of the
continued operation of Units 5 – 8 until 2026, and the anticipated timelines and
next steps involved in the process. Mr. Franke expressed that he would appreciate
the support of Pickering Council for refurbishment of Units 5 – 8 and requested a
Statement of Support from Council to that effect. He further discussed the goal of
decarbonizing Ontario’s electricity system and the need for medical isotopes, and
how refurbishment of Units 5 – 8 would help meet these ends. Mr. Franke noted
Pickering and Darlington Generating Station’s important role in the creation of
medical isotopes.
Moved by Councillor Butt
Seconded by Councillor Nagy
That Jon Franke, Senior Vice President, Pickering Nuclear, Ontario Power
Generation be granted an additional 2 minutes to continue his delegation.
Carried
Mr. Franke concluded his delegation by thanking the City for their support over the
years and indicated that Ontario Power Generation would continue to engage with
the community.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee and
Jon Franke regarding:
• the current staffing situation at the Station, and the potential to sustain jobs
in the community should the refurbishment of Units 5 – 8 proceed;
• the anticipated provincial government decision to approve or deny the
refurbishment by the end of 2023;
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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• the anticipated impacts and next steps should the province not proceed
with refurbishment of Units 5 – 8;
• clarification regarding the safe storage process involved in
decommissioning nuclear generating units;
• clarification regarding the plan to place Units 1 and 4 into safe storage,
noting that Units 2 and 3 are currently in safe storage;
• the process of creating Cobalt-60 medical isotope, and the potential
impacts to medical isotope supply should Units 5 – 8 not be refurbished;
• the anticipated impacts of the planned decommissioning of Units 1 and 4 to
the electricity supply;
• clarification regarding the process of importing and exporting electricity to
other jurisdictions including the Province of Quebec and the State of New
York;
• clarification regarding the interim period between 2026 and 2031 and
whether power would be generated during that time should the units
undergo refurbishment; and,
• whether the Province would be undertaking further community consultation
regarding the refurbishment should it proceed.
3.2 Greg Pereira, Manager, Transportation Planning, Region of Durham
Chris Leitch, Principal Planner, Transportation Planning, Region of Durham
Re: Durham Meadoway Visioning Study Update
Greg Pereira, Manager, Transportation Planning, Region of Durham and Chris
Leitch, Principal Planner, Transportation Planning, Region of Durham appeared
before the Committee to speak to the Durham Meadoway Visioning Study.
Through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Mr. Leitch provided an overview of
the Durham Meadoway Project including the project stages as well as the study
and community engagement process. Mr. Leitch provided an overview of the
proposed route and interim connections of the Durham Meadoway, including the
11.3 km in Pickering. Mr. Leitch noted the vision and guiding principles of the
Durham Meadoway project and spoke to the proposed amenities and typologies
being considered. He further discussed details of the four proposed segments
spanning Pickering and showed conceptual renderings of the designs and
typologies discussed. Mr. Periera outlined next steps of the project, and provided
an overview of the visioning, Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study, and
the construction stages of the project. He highlighted various potential advantages
of undertaking the visioning and Class EA stage in a coordinated fashion.
Moved by Councillor Butt
Seconded by Councillor Nagy
That Greg Pereira and Chris Leitch be granted an additional 2 minutes to continue
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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their delegation.
Carried
Mr. Periera continued and provided an overview of the cost estimations for Class
EA process for each segment of the project and indicated that they were
consulting local municipalities to see whether they would be willing to partner with
the Region of Durham in undertaking a coordinated Class EA process. He
explained that the Region is specifically looking to seek Council’s support for the
creation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that defines the project
administration, responsibilities, and cost-sharing arrangements as well as the
contribution of $315,000.00 towards the Class EA.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee, Greg
Pereira, and Chris Leitch regarding:
• how the Region would mitigate any potential impacts to wetlands and
environmentally sensitive areas along the proposed route;
• whether Hydro One and Infrastructure Ontario have provided approval for
this project on hydro corridor lands;
• clarification as to why an interim connection along Rossland Road and the
TransCanada Trail is provisioned for the Seaton Community within
Segment 4 instead of the preferred route through the hydro corridor;
• concerns regarding the project’s anticipated timelines;
• clarification regarding the impact on the project in the event local
municipalities did not support or provide additional funds for the
coordinated Class EA;
• the requested funding from local municipalities being proportional to the
length of the proposed Meadoway route within their respective municipality;
• whether the Region has considered covering the entire cost of the Class
EA project;
• clarification regarding whether local municipalities or the Region will be
responsible for maintenance and infrastructure along the proposed
Meadoway;
• the anticipated community benefits for the community and examples of
similar projects in other jurisdictions;
• clarification regarding why the interim route in Segment 2, north of Sunbird
Trail is being considered rather than the preferred route through the hydro
corridor;
• safety concerns regarding pedestrians crossing Whites Road, and potential
signaling solutions to mitigate safety concerns;
• the proximity of the interim route to the Durham Region Transit (DRT) Bus
Loop at Sunbird Trail;
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Meeting Minutes
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Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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• clarification regarding the anticipated timeline of delivering the project by
2030;
• concerns regarding the potential effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF’s)
on humans and wildlife as a result of close proximity to power lines, and
whether this had been studied;
• whether there were plans to mitigate any potential wildlife habitat loss;
• concerns regarding the potential for overgrown vegetation within the hydro
corridor and whether Pickering Fire Services has been consulted regarding
anticipated emergency response times;
• clarification regarding the responsibility of maintaining vegetation in the
corridor;
• clarification regarding why the right time for implementing this project is
now; and,
• clarification regarding whether accessibility has been considered in the
planning and implementation of the project.
3.3 Garth Atkinson, Pickering Resident
Re: Report PLN 37-23
Tree Protection By-law Update
- Phase 3 Recommendation Report
Garth Atkinson, Pickering Resident, appeared before the Committee to speak to
Report PLN 37-23. Mr. Atkinson spoke to the number of large trees in his yard in
contrast to the few or none in the yards of his neighbours, and indicated that his
neighbours were under the impression that the City already had a prohibitive tree
protection by-law in place similar to other municipalities. Mr. Atkinson spoke to the
number of trees that he had planted and removed in his yard over the years, and
stated that he views the proposed tree protection by-law as an attack on those
who have and need to maintain trees on their property. He further explained the
work and cost involved in maintaining trees and expressed that this proposed tree
protection by-law deters people from planting trees and infringes on the ability of
homeowners to enjoy their yard. He spoke to various circumstances that
homeowners may experience that may justify removal or planting of trees,
including disease and death. He remarked that the proposed tree protection by-
law that would prevent citizens from enjoying their yards is insulting and that the
tax levy to enforce the tree protection by-law is burdensome. He concluded his
delegation noting that trees do not last forever and questioned why the tree
protection by-law treats them like some type a monument.
4. Matters for Consideration
4.1 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 18-23
2023 Year End Audit (Interim)
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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Lilian Cheung, Partner, Deloitte, joined the meeting virtually by video connection
to speak to Report FIN 18-23. Ms. Cheung provided an overview of the 2023
Annual Audit Plan, including the preliminary Audit Risk Assessment and the focus
areas that will be a part of the audit. She further spoke to the Preliminary Audit
Materiality that will drive the extent and volume of testing that will be performed as
part of the audit. Ms. Cheung noted the adoption of new accounting standards
relating to asset retirement obligations and financial instruments. She concluded
her remarks indicating that she will continue to work with management on the
implementation of new accounting standards and will report back to Council at the
conclusion of the audit on the outcomes in the various risk areas.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee, Lilian
Cheung, and Staff regarding:
• clarification that the Audit is in the planning stages and that the results
would be presented at a future date;
• whether the effective utilization of casino revenue would be reviewed as
part of the audit;
• clarification that the audit would broadly examine any increase in casino
revenue and whether the revenue would be spent on eligible and valid
expenses;
• clarification regarding how the allocation of casino revenue is examined;
• ensuring that the 2023 and 2024 planned use of casino funds is clearly
outlined in budget documents;
• how the City currently allocates casino funds and whether there was a
formal guideline in place to determine how casino funds are utilized;
• clarification regarding the impact of Strong Mayor Powers in the budget
process;
• clarification regarding the allocation of casino revenues, prior to the
agreement with the Region of Durham; and,
• concerns regarding rising property taxes despite the addition of casino
revenues.
Paul Bigioni, Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, advised the Committee
that Staff could examine the implications of the new Strong Mayor Powers under
Provincial legislation and whether the concerns expressed regarding the use of
casino revenues could be addressed prior to the November 27, 2023 Council
Meeting.
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Executive Committee
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November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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Seconded by Councillor Cook
That the Audit Service Plan as submitted by Deloitte LLP, set out in Attachment 1
to this report, be received for information.
Carried
4.2 Director, Community Services, Report CS 28-23
2024 Community Festivals and Events
Approval of Events in Esplanade Park
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee and
Staff regarding whether the Butter Tart Festival was an outdoor event in the past
year, and whether it is planned to be an outdoor event in 2024.
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Cook
Seconded by Councillor Brenner
1. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Rotary Club of Pickering Rotary from Wednesday, June 12 to
Monday June 17, 2024, for Pickering Ribfest, on terms and conditions
satisfactory to Director, Community Services and Chief Administrative
Officer;
2. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Carea Community Health Centre on Friday, June 21, 2024, for
National Indigenous Peoples Day, on terms and conditions satisfactory to
Director, Community Services and Chief Administrative Officer;
3. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Canadian Food Truck Festivals from Thursday, August 8 to
Monday, August 12, 2024, for Pickering Food Truck Festival, on terms and
conditions satisfactory to Director, Community Services and Chief
Administrative Officer;
4. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Pickering on Tuesday, August 13,
2024, and Tuesday August 20 (rain date) for a Sing-A-Long, on terms and
conditions satisfactory to Director, Community Services and Chief
Administrative Officer;
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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5. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Affiliation For Inspiring Youth Upliftment Enterprise (A.F.I.Y.U) on
Saturday August 17, 2024, and Sunday, August 25, 2024 (rain date) for a
Movie Night, on terms and conditions satisfactory to Director, Community
Services and Chief Administrative Officer;
6. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Indo-Canadian Cultural Association of Durham Inc. on Sunday,
August 18, 2024, for A Festival of India’s Independence, on terms and
conditions satisfactory to Director, Community Services and Chief
Administrative Officer;
7. That Council authorize staff to issue a park permit for the use of Esplanade
Park by Ontario Conservative Electoral District Association on Saturday,
August 24, 2024, for MPP Bethlenfalvy’s Community BBQ, on terms and
conditions satisfactory to Director, Community Services and Chief
Administrative Officer; and,
8. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take
the necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.3 Director, Community Services, Report CS 29-23
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- 2023 Compliance Report
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee and
Tim Higgins, Accessibility Coordinator regarding:
• clarification as to whether the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
Act (AODA) is Provincial legislation and whether it applies to all Ontario
municipalities;
• whether the City has a record of the number of its employees living with
disabilities;
• whether the City’s Customer Care Centre Team is trained and equipped to
serve persons with hearing impairments and disabilities; and,
• the City’s efforts to make accessibility improvements to playgrounds and
public parks, and whether there is a plan bring all parks and playgrounds
into conformity with accessibility standards.
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Butt
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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Seconded by Councillor Brenner
1. That Council endorse the City of Pickering 2023 Accessibility Compliance
Report prepared by City staff and endorsed by the Accessibility Advisory
Committee, as set out in Attachment 1;
2. That staff be authorized to submit the City of Pickering 2023 Accessibility
Compliance Report to the Government of Ontario Ministry for Seniors and
Accessibility; and,
3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take
the necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.4 Director, Community Services, Report CS 30-23
Public Art Policy Updates
- CUL 130 Public Art Policy
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Seconded by Councillor Cook
1. That Council endorse the revisions in CUL 130 Public Art Policy, as set out
in Attachment 1 to this report, subject to minor revisions acceptable to the
Director, Community Services;
2. That Council endorse in principle the Public Art Plan 2023-2026, as set out
in Attachment 3 to this report; and,
3. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.5 Director, Community Services, Report CS 31-23
Community Safety and Well-Being Draft Plan
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee and
Laura Gibbs, (Acting) Director, Community Services regarding:
• the status of the creation of the Homelessness Task Force and when
Council could expect a report back on the matter;
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Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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• the City’s Respectful Conduct Policy and whether it applies to Committee
and Taskforce Members and their social media posts; and,
• the various issues that are sought to be addressed through the Community
Safety and Well-Being Plan.
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Butt
Seconded by Councillor Brenner
1. That Report CS 31-23, regarding the City of Pickering Community Safety
and Well-Being Draft Plan, be received;
2. That Mayor Ashe be requested to include funding in the amount of $25,000
in the City’s 2024 Current Budget (Culture & Recreation Administration) to
enable staff to undertake Community Consultation on the City of Pickering
Community Safety and Well-Being Draft Plan in Q1 2024;
3. That staff return the final City of Pickering Community Safety and Well-
Being Plan to Council for endorsement no later than Q2 2024; and,
4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take
the necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.6 Fire Chief, Report FIR 05-23
Ajax-Pickering Automatic Aid Agreement
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Seconded by Councillor Cook
1. That Report FIR 05-23 regarding Ajax-Pickering Automatic Aid Agreement
be received;
2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Ajax-Pickering
Automatic Aid Agreement, set out in Attachment 1 to this report, subject to
minor revisions as may be required by the Fire Chief and the Director,
Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and,
3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take
Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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the necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.7 Director, Operations, Report OPS 26-23
Supply & Delivery of Nine Midsize SUVs
- Request for Quotation No. Q2023-47
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Seconded by Councillor Cook
1. That Request for Quotation No. Q2023-47 submitted by Downtown
AutoGroup, in the amount of $328,230.00 (HST excluded) be accepted;
2. That the total gross project cost of $370,900.00 (HST included), and that the
total net project cost of $334,007.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved;
3. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total
net project cost of $334,007.00 funded from the Vehicle Replacement
Reserve as provided for in the 2023 Capital Budget; and,
4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.8 Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 35-23
Proposed Memorandum of Understanding to govern the delivery of municipally
requested programs and services offered by the Central Lake Ontario
Conservation Authority to the City of Pickering under the Conservation Authorities
Act
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Seconded by Councillor Cook
1. That Council endorse in principle the draft Memorandum of Understanding
between the City of Pickering and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Authority (CLOCA), as set out in Appendix I to Report PLN 35-23, to secure
the continuation of municipally requested programs and services CLOCA
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Meeting Minutes
November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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offers to the City of Pickering in compliance with the Conservation Authorities
Act;
2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Memorandum of
Understanding, between the City of Pickering and the Central Lake Ontario
Conservation Authority, as set out in Appendix I to this report, subject to any
minor revisions as may be required by the Chief Administrative Officer, the
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, and/or the Director, City
Development & CBO; and,
3. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions
as indicated in this report.
Carried
4.9 Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 37-23
Tree Protection By-law Update
- Phase 3 Recommendation Report
A question and answer period ensued between Members of the Committee and
Staff regarding:
• concerns regarding the proposed expenditure and property tax levy to
enforce the proposed tree protection by-law;
• clarification regarding what protections are in place for trees under the
existing by-law in regulated areas and how tree protection decisions are
currently made;
• concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of the proposed tree
protection by-law on property rights and values;
• concerns regarding the proposed creation of additional bureaucracy and
cost to enforce the proposed tree protection by-law;
• clarification regarding whether the proposed tree protection by-law outlines
penalties for unauthorized removal of trees by developers;
• the penalties for unauthorized tree removal and the final determination of
penalties by the Court based on a variety of factors; and,
• the need to penalize developers rather than penalizing homeowners for
unauthorized removal of trees.
Recommendation:
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Seconded by Councillor Cook
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November 6, 2023
Hybrid Electronic Meeting – 2:00 pm
Chair: Councillor Pickles
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1. That Report PLN 37-23 be referred back to staff to revisit the
recommendations that were prepared by the Corporate Working Group as
set out in Appendix 1;
2. That staff be directed to review an implementation plan that would not
necessitate the need for a special tax levy to fund the program;
3. That staff be directed to address the confusion that exists among existing
homeowners with respect to tree protection; and,
4. That staff be directed to report back to Council on this matter in January
2024.
Carried
5. Member Updates on Committees
There were no Committee updates from Members.
6. Other Business
6.1 Councillor Butt gave notice that he would be bringing forward a Motion to recognize
the contributions of Pickering resident Sigrid Squire for her work with the Pickering
Horticultural Society.
7. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Brenner
Seconded by Councillor Butt
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
The meeting adjourned at 4:20pm.