HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 23, 2026
Council
Meeting Minutes
Electronic Meeting
February 23, 2026 - 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
L. Gibbs - Director, Community Services
K. Heathcote - Director, City Infrastructure
R. Holborn - Director, Engineering Services
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. Perera – Deputy Clerk
Playing of O Canada 1.
1
Mayor Ashe asked all Members of Council to rise for the playing of O Canada.
Call to Order/Roll Call
The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating
electronically.
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, January 26, 2026
(includes Confidential In Camera Minutes under separate cover)
Special Council Minutes, February 2, 2026
(includes Confidential In Camera Minutes under separate cover)
Planning and Development Committee Minutes, February 2, 2026
Special Council Minutes, February 9, 2026
(includes Confidential In Camera Minutes under separate cover)
Resolution #943/26
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Pickles
That the minutes, Items 5.1 through 5.4, be approved.
Carried
Presentations
2.
3.
4.
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
6.
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February 23, 2026
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There were no presentations.
Delegations
Troy Cheeseboro, Chief, Region of Durham Paramedic Services
(Available for questions if needed)
Re: Report FIR 02-26
Medical Priority Dispatch System and Tiered Response Implementation
Update
Refer to Agenda Item 9.4.
Carion Fenn, President, Carion Fenn Foundation/Durham Black Network,
Kingsley Gilliam, Director, Black Action Defense Committee Inc., Dauna
Jones-Simmonds, Co-Founder, 100 Accomplished Black Canadian
Women, and Eithan Fenn, Youth Director, Alex Monaghan Youth
Program
Re: Black History Month
C. Fenn, President, Carion Fenn Foundation/Durham Black Network, K. Gilliam,
Director, Black Action Defense Committee Inc., D. Jones-Simmonds, Co-Founder,
100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, and E. Fenn, Youth Director, Alex
Monaghan Youth Program, appeared before Council via electronic connection to
speak to Black History Month. Through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, the
delegates outlined the Foundation’s ongoing role in advancing equity, inclusion, and
opportunities for emerging leaders in Pickering and beyond. They highlighted how
community partnerships, including the City of Pickering, have enabled them to
expand programming, strengthen youth engagement, and elevate positive
representation of Black Canadians. The delegates spoke about the significance of
Black History Month in 2026, noting that this year marked the 30th anniversary of
Canada’s formal national recognition of Black History Month. They emphasized the
importance of continuing to share stories of Black achievement, resilience, and
contribution, and described how their organizations worked collectively to honour
historical figures, support present day leaders, and create pathways for the next
generation. The delegates also described their efforts in documenting and
celebrating the accomplishments of Black Canadians across various fields,
highlighting the need for visibility and accurate historical archiving. They shared
examples of youth involvement, leadership development programs, and community
events designed to bring together residents across different age groups, cultural
backgrounds, and lived experiences. The delegates also highlighted upcoming
Black Health Week activities, including the virtual Black Open Mic on Thursday,
7.
7.1
7.2
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February 23, 2026
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March 5 at 7 p.m. and the invite-only Black Experience Town Hall, hosted in
partnership with the Pickering Public Library, on Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m.
They noted that these events provided an opportunity for community connection,
education, and dialogue, and expressed their appreciation for the City’s ongoing
support in helping expand reach and participation.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and the
delegates regarding:
the dates and promotional materials for Black Health Week so Members of
Council could share information through their social media platforms and
community networks;
•
the legacy of nationally significant Black leaders and opportunities for the City
to continue highlighting their contributions through programming and
community engagement; and,
•
the delegates’ participation at recent regional and federal Black History Month
events.
•
Resolution #944/26
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the order of the agenda be changed to hear Item 9.4, Report, FIR 01-26 as the
next item of business.
Carried
New and Unfinished Business
Fire Chief, Report FIR 02-26
Medical Priority Dispatch System and Tiered Response Implementation
Update
N. Robinson, Deputy Fire Chief, appeared before Council via electronic connection
and advised that the Durham Provincial Ambulance Communications Centre
(DPACC) is transitioning to the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) effective
May 21, 2025. N. Robinson explained that MPDS replaces the outdated DPCI II
model and would significantly improve the ability to prioritize and dispatch medical
emergencies. N. Robinson further noted that, in alignment with this regional
transition, and to remain consistent with other fire services across Durham Region,
9.
9.4
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Pickering Fire Services would move from Tiered Response Level C to Level A
beginning March 1, 2026. N. Robinson stated that this change would help ensure
that Fire Services were dispatched only when medically necessary, reducing over
prioritization and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response.
T. Cheeseboro, Chief, Region of Durham Paramedic Services, appeared before
Council via electronic connection and provided additional context on the transition to
MPDS. T. Cheeseboro advised that the new system used far more detailed call
classifications which allowed dispatchers to gather more information before sending
resources and ensured that the most appropriate unit was deployed to each call. T.
Cheeseboro explained that the updated system reduced unnecessary responses to
lower-priority medical incidents, improved triage accuracy, and kept both paramedic
and fire resources available for higher-acuity emergencies. T. Cheeseboro noted
that this system had been successfully implemented in several Ontario jurisdictions
and was expected to enhance overall emergency response efficiency across the
Region.
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council, staff, and T.
Cheeseboro regarding:
the comparative speed of the new medical priority dispatch system versus the
former model;
•
whether the Seaton Paramedic Station was fully operational and how the
addition of an upcoming 12-hour resource would affect overall service levels;
•
confirmation that the Seaton Station operated on a 24/7 basis;•
whether implementation of MPDS would help reduce ambulance offload
delays at hospitals and improve the prioritization of high-acuity calls;
•
the extent to which enhanced triaging would reduce unnecessary medical
dispatches to Fire Services and increase Fire’s availability for fire related
emergencies;
•
whether a reduction in lower-priority medical responses would lessen
operational stress and workload for Fire personnel; and,
•
whether liability concerns could arise if a seemingly minor injury, such as a
rolled ankle, later proved more serious and an ambulance had not initially
been dispatched under the new system.
•
Resolution #945/26
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That Report FIR 02-26 regarding the Medical Priority Dispatch System and Tiered
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February 23, 2026
5
Response Implementation Update be received for information and endorsed.
Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote
Delegations
Vince Figliomeni, TACC Developments (Available for questions if
needed)
Re: Report PLN 02-26
Draft Plan of Subdivision Application SP-2025-01
Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 01/25
Taccgate Developments Inc.
Part of Lot 22, Concession 4
East side of Peter Matthews Drive, south of Alexander Knox Road
Vince Figliomeni, TACC Developments, appeared before Council via electronic
connect to answer questions regarding Report PLN 02-26. There were no questions
from Members of Council.
Report PD 01-26 of the Planning & Development Committee held on February 2,
2026
Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 01-26
681 Pleasant Street
Notice of Intention to Designate a Property under Part IV, Section 29 of the
Ontario Heritage Act
Resolution #946/26
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That Council endorse the recommendations of the Heritage Pickering Advisory
Committee, dated October 22, 2025, to designate the property located at 681
Pleasant Street under Section 29, Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act;
1.
That Council direct staff to serve a Notice of Intention to Designate the
property municipally known as 681 Pleasant Street as a property of cultural
heritage value or interest, pursuant to Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act;
2.
That, should no Notice of Objection be received by the City Clerk within 30
days of the publication of the Notice of Intention to Designate, the Designation
By-law for 681 Pleasant Street be forwarded to Council for enactment, and
3.
7.
7.3
8.
8.1
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that staff be directed to carry out the notice requirements as prescribed under
Section 29(8) of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take
such actions as necessary to give effect to this report.
4.
Carried
Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 02-26
Draft Plan of Subdivision Application SP-2025-01
Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 01/25
Taccgate Developments Inc.
Part of Lot 22, Concession 4
East side of Peter Matthews Drive, south of Alexander Knox Road
Resolution #947/26
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Brenner
That Draft Plan of Subdivision Application SP-2025-01, submitted by Taccgate
Developments Inc., to establish a residential plan of subdivision, consisting of
6 blocks for 76 detached dwellings, 3 blocks for 28 street townhouse units, 1
open space block, 1 trailhead block, 1 overland flow block, 1 stormwater
management facility block, and municipal roads, as shown on Attachment 4 to
Report PLN 02-26, be endorsed;
1.
That the conditions of draft plan of subdivision approval to implement Draft
Plan of Subdivision SP-2025-01, as set out in Attachment 5 to Report PLN 02-
26, be endorsed; and,
2.
That Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 01/25, submitted by Taccgate
Developments Inc., to implement Draft Plan of Subdivision SP-2025-01, on the
lands being Part of Lot 22, Concession 4, be approved, and that the draft
Zoning By-law Amendment, as set out in Attachment 6 to Report PLN 02-26,
be finalized and forwarded to Council for enactment.
3.
Carried
New and Unfinished Business
Director, Community Services, Report CS 04-26
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Roof K, J & I3 Replacement
8.2
9.
9.1
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Second-Stage Request for Quotation No. RFQQ2026-2
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
clarification on where the previous roof work had been completed and where
the new roof work would take place;
•
whether any facilities such as the squash courts or adjoining areas would be
impacted during construction;
•
when the Complex last underwent a full roof replacement;•
a detailed breakdown of consultant fees, including scope of work, hourly rates,
deliverables, and total contract value;
•
the rationale for granting the Director of Finance & Treasurer authority to
approve consulting costs exceeding $50,000 up to $65,000, and whether the
additional $15,000 represented a contingency buffer;
•
whether, in past projects, similar financial buffers had been required and how
frequently consulting costs had exceeded initial authorization limits; and,
•
how often project consulting costs historically surpassed the $50,000
threshold and under what circumstances additional authorization would
typically be needed.
•
Resolution #948/26
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the quotation submitted by Proteck Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. in
response to Second-Stage Request for Quotation No. RFQQ2026-2 for the
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Roof Replacement (I3, J and
K), in the amount of $962,166.24 (net HST) or $1,068,443.25 (HST included)
be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost of $1,338,513.00 (HST included), including
the amount of the tender, construction contingency, and other associated
costs, and the total net project cost of $1,205,372.00 (net HST) be approved;
2.
That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project
cost of $1,205,372.00 to be funded from the Facilities Reserve as approved in
the 2025 and 2026 Capital Budgets;
3.
That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to approve consulting
costs that may exceed $50,000.00 but not in excess of $65,000.00 to prevent
any related risks of delays in construction;
4.
That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the CCDC-2, 5.
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February 23, 2026
8
2020 Stipulated Price Contract with Proteck Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.
pursuant to Second-Stage Request for Quotation No. RFQQ2026-2; and,
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in the report.
6.
Carried
Director, Engineering Services, Report ENG 02-26
Beachfront Park Revitalization Master Plan (Phase 2)
Washroom Renovation/Expansion Detailed Design
A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
a detailed breakdown of associated costs;•
the anticipated timing for sharing updated design materials for Phase Two
washroom improvements with the public, including when design plans could
be showcased once the work was awarded;
•
whether the renovation would include a dedicated staff room and appropriate
storage space to replace the current use of mechanical areas for staff
functions; and,
•
whether the redesigned facility would include additional individual washrooms,
in addition to the two universal washrooms, within both the men's and
women's areas.
•
Resolution #949/26
Moved By Councillor Nagy
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That Council approve retaining The MBTW Group Inc. for the preparation of
detailed design drawings and tender specifications for the washroom building
renovation/expansion as part of the Beachfront Park Revitalization Plan
(Phase 2) in accordance with Purchasing Policy Item 10.03 (c), as the
assignment is above $50,000.00;
1.
That the proposal submitted by The MBTW Group Inc. for detailed design
consulting services for Beachfront Park Revitalization Plan (Phase 2), in the
amount of $79,561.06 (net HST) or $88,349.05 (HST included) be accepted;
2.
That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total
net project cost of $79,562.00 as follows:
3.
9.2
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The sum of $39,781.00 available budget in the capital project
C10320.2206 as approved in the 2026 Parks Capital Budget to be
funded by a transfer of funds from the Casino Reserve;
a.
The sum of $39,781.00 available budget in the capital project
C10320.2206 as approved in the 2026 Parks Capital Budget to be
funded by a transfer of funds from the Development Charges Parks &
Recreation Reserve Fund; and,
b.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
4.
Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote
Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 01-26
City of Pickering - Provincial Financial Indicator Review (2024)
Resolution #950/26
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Butt
That Report FIN 01-26 regarding Provincial Financial Indicator Review from the
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing be received for information.
Carried
By-laws
By-law 8233/26
Being a By-law to amend City Consolidated Zoning By-law 8149/24, to implement
the Official Plan of the City of Pickering, Region of Durham, for land at Part of Lot
22, Concession 4, City of Pickering. (A 01/25)
Resolution #951/26
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That By-law Number 8233/26 be approved.
Carried
Regional Councillor Updates
9.3
10.
10.1
11.
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There were no updates from Regional Councillors.
Other Business
Councillor Butt reminded the public of the community safety meeting being hosted by
the City and Durham Regional Police Services on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at
7:00 p.m. in the O’Brien Room at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation
Complex.
•
Confirmatory By-law
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Robinson
That By-law 8234/26, to confirm the proceedings of the February 23, 2026 Council Meeting
be approved.
Carried
Adjournment
Moved By Councillor Robinson
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Dated this 23rd day of February, 2026.
______________________________
Kevin Ashe, Mayor
______________________________
Susan Cassel, City Clerk
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