HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 24, 2025 - Draft
Council
Meeting Minutes
Electronic Meeting
November 24, 2025 - 07:00 PM
Chair: Mayor Ashe
Present:
Mayor K. Ashe
Councillor M. Brenner
Councillor S. Butt
Councillor L. Cook
Councillor M. Nagy
Councillor D. Pickles
Councillor L. Robinson
Regrets:
None
Also Present:
M. Carpino - Chief Administrative Officer
K. Bentley - Director, City Development & CBO
P. Bigioni – Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
S. Boyd - Fire Chief
J. Eddy - Director, Human Resources
J. Flowers - CEO/Director of Public Libraries
L. Gibbs - Director, Community Services
K. Heathcote Director, City Infrastructure
R. Holborn - Director, Engineering Services
F. Jadoon - Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
S. Karwowski - Director, Finance & Treasurer
S. Cassel – City Clerk
J. Litoborski – Division Head, Municipal Law Enforcement Services
V. Plouffe - Division Head, Facilities Management & Construction
C. Rose - Chief Planner
R. Kumar - Senior Financial Analyst – Development Charges & Capital Management
A. Shah - Senior Advisor, Creative Industries and Tourism
1
R. Perera – Deputy Clerk
Call to Order/Roll Call
The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating
electronically.
Playing of O Canada
Mayor Ashe asked all Members of Council to rise for the playing of O Canada.
Moment of Reflection
Mayor Ashe called for a silent moment of reflection.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement
Mayor Ashe read the Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement.
Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
Adoption of Minutes
Council Minutes, October 27, 2025
(includes Confidential In Camera Minutes under separate cover)
Executive Committee Minutes, November 3, 2025
Resolution #879/25
Moved By Councillor Butt
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the minutes, Items 6.1 through 6.2, be approved.
Carried
Presentations
There were no presentations.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
6.1
6.2
7.
Council Meeting Minutes
November 24, 2025
2
Delegations
Carion Fenn, President & CEO, Carion Fenn Foundation, Eithan Fenn,
Youth Director, Alex Monaghan Mental Health Program, Tanvi Chillakuru,
Member, Alex Monaghan Mental Health Program, and Kashvi Reddy
Peram, Member, Alex Monaghan Mental Health Program
Re: Mental Health Awareness
C. Fenn, President & CEO, Carion Fenn Foundation, E. Fenn, Youth Director, Alex
Monaghan Mental Health Program, T. Chillakuru and K. R. Peram, Members, Alex
Monaghan Mental Health Program, appeared before Council via electronic
connection and through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation spoke about the
initiatives conducted to recognize mental health. C. Fenn outlined the Foundation’s
programs, which aimed to educate, support, and provide resources to promote
mental health. C. Fenn introduced youth representatives from the Alex Monaghan
Youth Program, noting that the Program empowered youth to collaborate, support
one another, and complete community service hours required for high school
graduation while preparing for post-secondary education and the workforce. The
delegates outlined highlights of the Program including meeting Mayor Ashe to learn
about local government, participating in food distribution and homeless support
initiatives, attending Suicide Prevention Day, and engaging in recreational activities.
The delegates stated that the Program also hosted ongoing Mental Health Chat
sessions, with the next session scheduled for 6:00 pm on November 28, 2025, at
the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex, with a focus on youth
exploitation, substance use, and addiction with experts in attendance from
Lakeridge Health. The delegates noted that additional initiatives included raising the
Alex Monaghan Mental Health flag at Pickering City Hall in recognition of Mental
Health Month, hosting the third annual Mental Health Chat at Queen’s Park with
Members of Provincial Parliament, and securing lighting recognitions for mental
health awareness at CN Tower, Toronto’s 3D sign, and Niagara Falls. C. Fenn
expressed gratitude to Mayor Ashe and Council for their support in promoting
mental health awareness and youth engagement.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and the
delegates regarding:
whether the Program operated under any clinical or professional mental health
oversight;
•
whether the Program employed mental health professionals;•
whether the Foundation was based out of Ajax;•
the percentage of participants in the Programs who were from Pickering •
8.
8.1
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November 24, 2025
3
versus Ajax;
whether the Foundation received funding from the Mayor’s Gala;•
whether the Foundation received any financial support from the Town of Ajax;•
highlights of recent events held in Pickering and information on upcoming
events; and,
•
what the youth delegates were looking forward to accomplishing in the coming
year.
•
Report EC 09-25 of the Executive Committee held on November 3, 2025
Resolution #880/25
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Brenner
That Report EC 09-25 of the Executive Committee Meeting held on November 3, 2025 be
adopted, save and except Item 9.2, Report CS 31-25, Item 9.3, Report CS 32-25, Item 9.4,
Report CS 33-25, and Item 9.5, Report FIN 17-25.
Carried
Chief Administrative Officer, Report CAO 20-25
2025 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act Compliance Report
Council Decision:
That Report CAO 20-25 regarding the 2025 Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disability Act Compliance Report be received;
1.
That Council approve the City of Pickering’s Report of full Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disability Act Compliance, as set out in Attachments 1 and 2,
subject to minor revisions as may be required by the Chief Administrative
Officer;
2.
That staff be directed to submit the Compliance Report and the required
electronic reporting documents to Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility before
Wednesday December 31, 2025; and,
3.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
4.
Director, Community Services, Report CS 31-25
9.
9.1
9.2
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November 24, 2025
4
Advertising in Pickering Arenas
Request for Quotation No. Q2025-31
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
other companies that had bid on the contract;•
clarification on the revenue projections outlined in the Report;•
whether similar financial results could be achieved by awarding a one-year
contract instead of a three-year term;
•
whether awarding a three-year contract was standard practice;•
whether there was an escape clause in the agreement if performance was
unsatisfactory; and,
•
whether the City could terminate the contract if the vendor failed to fulfill its
obligations.
•
Resolution #881/25
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Brenner
That Request for Quotation No. Q2025-31 for Advertising at Chestnut Hill
Developments Recreation Complex Arena and Don Beer Arena submitted by
Futuresign Multimedia Displays Inc. in the amount of $78,131.00 (plus HST)
be accepted;
1.
That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the Form of
Agreement with Futuresign Multimedia Displays Inc. pursuant to Request for
Quotation No. Q2025-31, for a three-year term beginning December 1, 2025
and ending November 30, 2028, with an option to extend for an additional one
year term, until November 30, 2029, pending satisfactory performance in the
delivery of services; and,
2.
That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions
as indicated in this report.
3.
Carried
Director, Community Services, Report CS 32-25
Consulting Services for George Ashe Library & Community Centre
Renovation
9.3
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November 24, 2025
5
Resolution #882/25
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Brenner
That Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-10 for Consulting Services for
George Ashe Library & Community Centre, as submitted by Barry Bryan
Associates in the amount of $263,558.40 (net HST) be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost of $412,450.00 (HST included) for design and
associated costs, and the total net project cost of $371,424.00 (net HST) be
approved;
2.
That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project
cost of $371,424.00 as approved in the 2020 and 2023 Capital Budgets and
funded from the Casino Reserve, Library Building Reserve and Property Tax;
3.
That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the
OAA_600-2021-A_ V1.2_Contract with Barry Bryan Associates pursuant to
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-10; and,
4.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in the report.
5.
Carried
Director, Community Services, Report CS 33-25
Post Manor Feasibility Study Update
1970 Brock Road
Note: This item was referred back to staff at the Executive Committee Meeting
held on November 3, 2025.
A brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding the intent of the
referral motion being to ensure the City did not lose an opportunity for a potential
gallery at the intersection near Post Manor.
Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 17-25
2026 User Fees
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
whether there was any justification for the user fee increases presented in the •
9.4
9.5
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November 24, 2025
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Report;
how the City’s user fees compared with those in Ajax and Whitby;•
where Pickering ranked in comparison to other municipalities in terms of user
fees;
•
whether a cost analysis had been completed to determine how much revenue
the expected fee increases would generate; and,
•
clarification on the total revenue projected from user fees in the upcoming
budget.
•
Resolution #883/25
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Brenner
That Council approve the General Municipal Fees and Charges 2026 By-law
(to amend By-laws 6191/03) and Schedule I, as set out in Attachment 1, and
incorporate these into the 2026 Current Budget; and,
1.
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be given authority to take the
necessary actions to give effect thereto.
2.
Carried
New and Unfinished Business
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report BYL 02-25
Amendment to Vehicle for Hire By-law and Repeal of Accessible Service
Supplement Fees
P. Bigioni, Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, appeared before
Members of Council via electronic connection and stated that the proposed by-law
amendments would allow Pickering rideshare licensees to provide accessible
services in other Durham municipalities, while licensees from those municipalities
could also operate in Pickering. P. Bigioni noted that similar amendments had
already been approved by other Durham councils and that the intent was to improve
access to transportation for persons with disabilities and create additional business
opportunities for local licensees.
Discussion and a question and answer period ensued between Members of Council
and staff regarding:
10.
10.1
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November 24, 2025
7
how licensees would be held accountable for maintaining a sufficient number
of accessible vehicles if the fee was removed;
•
removal of the financial burden being welcomed by the taxi industry and
confirmation that the change was permanent and not temporary;
•
support for eliminating the fee, noting it would help a struggling industry and
create additional revenue opportunities by allowing accessible fares to be
picked up outside Pickering;
•
the proposal benefiting not only the industry but also residents, aligning with
inclusion priorities and improving access for persons with disabilities; and,
•
whether there was any enforcement plan related to the proposed changes.•
Resolution #884/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Butt
That Report BYL 02-25 regarding amendments to the Vehicle for Hire By-law
7739/20 be received;
1.
That the attached amendment to the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20
(Attachment 1) be enacted to increase access to accessible taxicab services;
2.
That the draft amendments to the Fees and Charges By-law (Attachment 2)
be enacted to repeal the Accessible Service Supplement; and,
3.
That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions
necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
4.
Carried
Chief Administrative Officer, Report CAO 18-25
City Property Naming of the Pickering Public Library Branch in Dorsay
Community & Heritage Centre
Brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding appreciation to the
Greenwood community for their input, the community’s enthusiasm for the new
facility and its heritage significance, the name reflecting the pride and history of the
Greenwood Hamlet, and the community looking forward to the opening of the facility
early next year.
Resolution #885/25
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Butt
10.2
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November 24, 2025
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That Report CAO 18-25 regarding the City Property Naming of the Pickering
Public Library branch at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre be
received;
1.
That Council approve the Pickering Public Library branch at the Dorsay
Community & Heritage Centre to be named the Greenwood Heritage Library
Branch; and,
2.
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
3.
Carried
Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, Report ECD 09-25
Update on Municipal Accommodation Tax & Destination Pickering
F. Jadoon, Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, appeared before
Members of Council via electronic connection and stated that the Report provided
an update on the Destination Pickering Municipal Service Corporation and its Board.
F. Jadoon stated that the Report included the organizational by-law, the Municipal
Accommodation Tax (MAT) background, and a policy for asset transfers, and
authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a service level agreement with
Destination Pickering, adding that Council would receive semi-annual or annual
updates on revenue and Board activities.
Discussion and a question and answer period ensued between Members of Council
and staff regarding:
the MAT being a strong source of revenue for the City and how this revenue
would assist with funding;
•
the importance for generating revenue and reinvesting in tourism to attract
visitors and grow local businesses;
•
examples of initiatives that could promote tourism and benefit businesses and
employment;
•
whether the City knew the percentage of hotel guests who were tourists
versus Durham residents;
•
whether Pickering residents staying at local hotels were exempt from the tax;
and,
•
concern regarding the implementation and the largest hotel in Pickering
opposing the tax.
•
10.3
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November 24, 2025
9
Resolution #886/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That Report ECD 09-25 regarding an Update on the Municipal
Accommodation Tax and Destination Pickering be received;
1.
That Organizational By-Law No.1 for Destination Pickering, with an effective
date of December 1, 2025, as set out in Attachment 1, be approved;
2.
That Policy ADM 300 – Asset Transfers to Municipal Services Corporations,
as set out in Attachment 2, be approved;
3.
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Service Level
Agreement between the City and Destination Pickering Inc. as set out in
Attachment 3; and,
4.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
5.
Voters Yes No Abstain Conflict Absent
Mayor Ashe X
Councillor Brenner X
Councillor Butt X
Councillor Cook X
Councillor Nagy X
Councillor Pickles X
Councillor Robinson X
Results 6 1 0 0 0
Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)
Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 18-25
Annual Treasurer’s Statement Report
Summary of Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2024
S. Karwowski, Director, Finance & Treasurer, appeared before Members of Council
via electronic connection and stated that the Report provided a summary of the use
of development charge funds and parkland funds.
A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
10.4
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November 24, 2025
10
regarding whether an audit had been done on the statement, with S. Karwowski
responding that the figures were from the audited financial statements provided by
Deloitte Canada.
Resolution #887/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That Report FIN 18-25 entitled “Annual Treasurer’s Statement Report:
Summary of Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2024” as required by
the Development Charges Act, 1997 and Planning Act be received for
information;
1.
That the City of Pickering’s “Annual Treasurer’s Statement Report” be made
available to the public on the City of Pickering’s website; and,
2.
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be given authority to take the
necessary actions to give effect thereto.
3.
Carried
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report IT 03-25
Consulting Services for the Comprehensive Assessment of Software
Platforms AMANDA and PRISM
RFP2025-15
P. Bigioni, Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, appeared before
Members of Council via electronic connection and stated that the assessment of the
two software platforms originated from the Council approved Development
Application Review Process (DARP) and aimed to evaluate the City’s continued use
of Amanda and Prism. P. Bigioni noted that these platforms managed core
municipal functions and highlighted the City’s ongoing digital transformation,
including the adoption of Microsoft Dynamics, and emphasized the need for an
independent review to determine whether to maintain, expand, or scale back on the
use of the two systems.
A brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding the usefulness of
the platforms and support for the approach of evaluating older software systems to
ensure that the City maintained current standards and safeguards against potential
risks from outdated software.
Resolution #888/25
10.5
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November 24, 2025
11
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That the proposal submitted by Perry Group Consulting Ltd. in response to
RFP2025-15 for consulting services to conduct a comprehensive assessment
of the current functionality of the City’s AMANDA and PRISM software
platforms, in the amount of $71,843.00 (net HST) or $79,778.00 (HST
included) be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost of $79,778.00 (HST included) and the total net
project cost of $71,843.00 (net HST) be approved;
2.
That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the total net
project cost of $71,843.00 from the previously approved 2025 Current Budget
10110.502230 (Cost Centre);
3.
That the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor be authorized to execute
the Form of Agreement with the above mentioned consultant pursuant to
Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-15; and,
4.
That the appropriate officials of City of Pickering officials be authorized to take
the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
5.
Carried
By-laws
Resolution #889/25
Moved By Councillor Nagy
Seconded By Councillor Butt
That By-law Numbers 8212/25 through 8214/25 be approved.
Carried
By-law 8212/25
Being a by-law to amend By-law 6191/03 to confirm General Municipal Fees.
By-law 8213/25
Being a by-law to amend By-law 7739/20, a by-law to regulate and govern vehicles
for hire within the City of Pickering.
By-law 8214/25
Being a by-law to amend By-law 6191/03 to confirm General Municipal Fees
11.
11.1
11.2
11.3
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November 24, 2025
12
Confidential Council - Public Report
Mayor Ashe stated that prior to the Regular Meeting of Council, an In-camera session was
held at 6:00 pm in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act and Procedure By-
law to consider matters pertaining to the Industry Stakeholder Appointments to Destination
Pickering Board of Directors and Legal Advice regarding a Land Purchase Matter. These
matters were discussed in closed session to receive advice subject to solicitor-client
privilege, to consider a proposed or pending acquisition of land by the municipality and
personal matters about an identifiable individual.
Confidential Memorandum from the Director, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects
Re: Industry Stakeholder Appointments to Destination Pickering Board of
Directors
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
whether staff directly contacted any of the three recommended candidates and
encouraged them to apply;
•
how much public outreach was conducted for the Board positions;•
how many applications were received, including whether the City knew how
many individuals saw the posting;
•
the types of individuals and skill sets sought and the skills the recommended
candidates would bring;
•
concern regarding the candidate selection process, limited public awareness
of the opportunity, and the CAO’s and the Mayor’s authority to appoint
members to the Board without Council oversight;
•
concern that the process lacked transparency and accountability and that
previous MAT discussions involved incomplete information, reinforcing the
need for caution; and,
•
appreciation for the Report and support for the appointments and the value of
industry leaders volunteering their time and expertise to promote Pickering as
a destination.
•
Resolution #890/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the following industry stakeholders be appointed to the Destination Pickering
Board of Directors for a term ending on December 1, 2028, or until a successor is
appointed:
12.
12.1
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November 24, 2025
13
Michael Bertuzzi
Dwyane McMulkin
Jeff Park
Voters Yes No Abstain Conflict Absent
Mayor Ashe X
Councillor Brenner X
Councillor Butt X
Councillor Cook X
Councillor Nagy X
Councillor Pickles X
Councillor Robinson X
Results 6 1 0 0 0
Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Confidential Report LEG
09-25
Legal Advice regarding a Land Purchase Matter
Resolution #891/25
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor be authorized to proceed with
the acquisition of Part 1, Plan 40R-33097, being a parcel of land adjacent to Walnut
Lane, in accordance with the provisions contained in Confidential Report LEG 09-
25.
Carried
Regional Councillor Updates
There were no updates from Regional Councillors.
Other Business
12.2
13.
14.
Council Meeting Minutes
November 24, 2025
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Councillor Brenner gave Notice of a Motion regarding Automated External
Defibrillator (AED) awareness.
•
Councillor Brenner gave Notice of a Motion regarding Innovation, Science and
Economic Development Canada conducting a review of Safety Code 6.
•
Councillor Cook gave Notice of a Motion regarding lack of GO Lakeshore Express
service. Brief discussion ensued regarding City staff receiving a response from
Metrolinx regarding the matter and the need to consult with staff.
•
Councillor Pickles gave Notice of a Motion regarding reopening the Seaton Trail.•
Councillor Pickles gave Notice of a Motion regarding the Whitevale Schoolhouse.•
Councillor Nagy promoted the City's upcoming winter fest event happening in
December 2025.
•
Confirmatory By-law
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That By-law 8215/25, to confirm the proceedings of the November 24, 2025 Council
Meeting be approved.
Carried
Adjournment
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Butt
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Dated this 24th day of November, 2025.
______________________________
Kevin Ashe, Mayor
______________________________
15.
16.
Council Meeting Minutes
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Susan Cassel, City Clerk
Council Meeting Minutes
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16