HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 12, 2025 - Special Council
Special Council
Meeting Minutes
Electronic Meeting
August 12, 2025 - 03:00 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
K. Heathcote - Director, City Infrastructure
L. Gibbs - Director, Community Services
R. Holborn - Director, Engineering Services
F. Jadoon - Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
S. Karwowski - Director, Finance & Treasurer
S. Cassel - City Clerk
J. Halsall - Division Head, Finance
P. Helgesen - Division Head, Water Resources & Development Services
V. Plouffe - Division Head, Facilities Management & Construction
D. Quaife - Division Head, Information Technology
1
A. Mostert - Manager, Landscape & Parks Development
R. Kumar - Senior Financial Analyst – Development Charges & Capital Management
H. Thakor - Senior Officer Economic Development & Strategic Projects
R. Perera - Deputy Clerk
Call to Order/Roll Call
The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating
electronically.
Disclosure of Interest
Councillor Pickles - Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor,
Confidential Report LEG 05-25
A conflict of interest was declared under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with
respect to Item 3.1, Confidential Report LEG 05-25 from the Director, Corporate
Services & City Solicitor, regarding the potential acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay, on
the basis of the possible involvement of an organization that he was affiliated with.
Councillor Pickles did not take part in the discussion or vote on this matter and left
the virtual meeting room during the in-camera portion of the Meeting.
Councillor Robinson - Corr. 36-25
A conflict of interest was declared under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with
respect to Item 6.1, Corr. 36-25, Integrity Commissioner’s Recommendation Report
Regarding Multiple Complaints against Councillor Robinson, August 5, 2025.
Councillor Robinson stated that in accordance with Section 5 of the Municipal
Conflict of Interest Act, she reserved her right to take part in the discussion of the
matter, however, would not take part in the vote.
In Camera Matters
Resolution #804/25
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Robinson
That Council move into closed session in accordance with the Municipal Act and the
Procedure By-law to receive advice subject to solicitor-client privilege, and to consider
matters pertaining to a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the
municipality; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations
information, supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could
1.
2.
2.1
2.2
3.
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2
reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere
significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or
organization; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that
belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary
value; and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any
negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local
board. The matters being discussed in closed session pertain to the potential acquisition of
Frenchman's Bay, a presentation from Elexicon, Elexicon Corporation – Corporate Matters,
and an economic development update regarding Ontario Power Generation.
Carried
Mayor Ashe reminded Members of their confidentiality obligations under the Procedure By-
law and the Council Code of Conduct.
Council took a brief pause to allow the livestream of the Meeting to be severed.
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Confidential Report LEG
05-25
Re: Potential Acquisition of Frenchman's Bay
Councillor Pickles declared a conflict on this item. ( A conflict of interest was
declared under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with respect to Item 3.1,
Confidential Report LEG 05-25 from the Director, Corporate Services & City
Solicitor, regarding the potential acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay, on the basis of the
possible involvement of an organization that he was affiliated with. Councillor
Pickles did not take part in the discussion or vote on this matter and left the virtual
meeting room during the in-camera portion of the Meeting. )
This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera
meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In
Camera minutes.]
Presentation from Amanda Klein, President and CEO, Cynthia Chan,
Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Vetsis, VP of Regulatory Affairs and
Stakeholder Relations, and Jodi MacLean, Manager of Communications
and Public Affairs, Elexicon
3.1
3.2
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This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera
meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In
Camera minutes.]
Confidential Memorandum from the Director, Corporate Services & City
Solicitor
Re: Elexicon Corporation – Corporate Matters
This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera
meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In
Camera minutes.]
Confidential Memorandum from the Director, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects
Re: Economic Development Update regarding Ontario Power Generation
This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera
meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In
Camera minutes.]
Resolution #805/25
Moved By Councillor Robinson
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That Council rise and resume into the open session of the Special Meeting of
Council.
Carried
It was the consensus of Council to take a short recess. Council recessed at 5:25
p.m. and reconvened at 5:53 p.m. in open session.
Council took a brief pause to allow the livestream of the Meeting to be resumed.
Confidential Special Council - Public Report
Mayor Ashe stated that during the closed portion of the meeting, Council considered
3.3
3.4
4.
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August 12, 2025
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matters pertaining to the potential acquisition of Frenchman's Bay, a presentation from
Elexicon, Elexicon Corporation – Corporate Matters, and an economic development
update regarding Ontario Power Generation. These matters were discussed in closed
session to receive advice subject to solicitor-client privilege, and to consider matters
pertaining to a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality; a
trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information,
supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be
expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the
contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization; a trade
secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the
municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; and a
position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on
or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.
Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Confidential Report LEG
05-25
Re: Potential Acquisition of Frenchman's Bay
Having previously declared a conflict of interest, Councillor Pickles did not vote on
the following item.
Resolution #806/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the confidential direction provided to staff through Report LEG 05-25, be
approved.
Carried
Confidential Memorandum from the Director, Corporate Services & City
Solicitor
Re: Elexicon Corporation – Corporate Matters
Resolution #807/25
Moved By Councillor Robinson
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the confidential direction provided to staff through the confidential
memorandum from the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, be approved.
Carried
4.1
4.2
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Confidential Memorandum from the Director, Economic Development &
Strategic Projects
Re: Economic Development Update regarding Ontario Power Generation
Resolution #808/25
Moved By Councillor Butt
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the confidential direction provided to staff through the confidential
memorandum from the Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, be
approved.
Carried
Delegations
There were no delegations.
Correspondence
Corr. 36-25
Jeff Abrams, Co-Principal and Janice Atwood-Petkovski, Co-Principal,
Principles Integrity, Integrity Commissioner for the City of Pickering
Re: Integrity Commissioner’s Recommendation Report Regarding Mulitple
Complaints Against Councillor Robinson - August 5, 2025
Councillor Robinson declared a conflict on this item. ( A conflict of interest was
declared under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with respect to Item 6.1, Corr.
36-25, Integrity Commissioner’s Recommendation Report Regarding Multiple
Complaints against Councillor Robinson, August 5, 2025. Councillor Robinson
stated that in accordance with Section 5 of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, she
reserved her right to take part in the discussion of the matter, however, would not
take part in the vote. )
J. Abrams, Co-Principal and J. Atwood-Petkovski, Co-Principal, Principles Integrity,
appeared before Council via electronic connection to provide opening remarks on
the Recommendation Report Regarding Multiple Complaints Against Councillor
Robinson, August 5, 2025. J. Abrams stated that this was the sixth report regarding
Councillor Robinson and that they were confident in their findings, included in the
Report. J. Atwood-Petkovski provided a high-level overview of the complaints as
4.3
5.
6.
6.1
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outlined in the report. J. Abrams stated that the recommended expedited approach
would not affect procedural fairness as Councillor Robinson would still be able to
comment on the Preliminary Findings Report. J. Abrams reminded Council that this
was a disciplinary matter and they should base their decision on how the
recommendation fitted against the findings of the Report.
Discussion and a question and answer period ensued between Members of
Council, J. Abrams, and J. Atwood-Petkovski regarding:
whether the investigation had reviewed the nature of the complaints to
determine whether they were vexatious;
•
whether a discussion of the complaints was held outside of the formal
complaint/investigation process;
•
whether the Integrity Commissioner had consulted anyone on the new
expedited complaint process and whether a similar process had been
recommended to other municipalities;
•
whether the Integrity Commissioner had consulted the Durham Regional
Police Services on the complaints;
•
the legislative obligations of the CAO to ensure the well-being of all employees
and a duty to address issues any time a staff member felt they were harassed;
•
multiple staff members being subjected to false allegations by Councillor
Robinson;
•
whether any new information had come to light since the publication of the
recommendation report that may affect the recommended sanctions;
•
the need to engage staff respectfully, even if there are differences of opinions;•
harassing behaviour not being tolerated in any other corporate workplace
setting; and,
•
the publications noted in the recommendation report and how they
intentionally impugned the reputation of the City of Pickering, its staff and
Council.
•
Resolution #809/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That the Report of the Integrity Commissioner, dated August 5, 2025, as
contained in Corr. 36-25, pertaining to Councillor Robinson be received;
1.
That in accordance with the Integrity Commissioner’s Report
recommendations, the salary remuneration paid to Councillor Robinson be
suspended for a period of 90 days starting on September 22, 2025 and ending
on December 20, 2025;
2.
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That the following process be followed in the event the CAO forms the opinion
that disparaging remarks have been made by Councillor Lisa Robinson toward
staff in meetings of Council or one of its committees, or on Youtube, which
warrant intervention by the Integrity Commissioner:
An allegation of breach is brought to the attention of the Integrity
Commissioner by the CAO that Councillor Robinson, in either a meeting
of Council or one of its committees, or in a posting on YouTube, has
made comments about staff that fall into one or more of the following
categories:
is overtly harassing;i.
is unjustifiably critical or disrespectful to identifiable staff members;ii.
impugns staff’s credibility, impartiality, or integrity;iii.
a.
If the Integrity Commissioner forms a prima facie (‘on its face’) opinion
that the allegation would, if the facts prove to be true, form a breach of
the Code of Conduct, the Integrity Commissioner will compile a
Preliminary Findings Report (PFR) and share the PFR with Councillor
Robinson, with the requirement that the Councillor respond within 14
days with a submission in respect of the findings made in the PFR,
whether they constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct, and any
comments she may have on a) a potential remedy to the breach, and/or
b) the imposition of a monetary sanction; and,
b.
The Integrity Commissioner will consider the submissions, if any, of the
Councillor and submit a Recommendation Report (containing the text of
the PFR and any revisions, along with the Integrity Commissioner’s
recommendations and concluding remarks) to the next available meeting
of Council if the conclusion remains that the Code of Conduct has been
breached and a sanction is warranted.
c.
3.
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 0 0 1 0
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Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 0)
Matters for Consideration
Request for Council Endorsement
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Committees
Councillor Nagy
Pursuant to Section 11.04 of the Procedure By-law, at 6:50 p.m., the Chair, after
previous attempts to call the Member to order, ruled that Councillor Robinson would
not be recognized for the balance of the Meeting and would not be permitted to
speak or vote for the remainder of the Meeting.
A brief discussion ensued regarding Councillor Nagy's experience to date on the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and other committees.
Resolution #810/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) represents the
interests of member municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within
federal jurisdiction;
And Whereas, FCM’s Board of Directors is comprised of elected municipal officials
from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and
provide FCM with the united voice required to carry the municipal message to the
federal government;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the City of
Pickering:
Endorses Councillor Mara Nagy to serve as a committee member on
committees of FCM’s Board of Directors, for the period starting in June 2025
and ending at the end of the current Council Term on November 14, 2026;
1.
That the City assumes all costs associated with Councillor Nagy attending
FCM’s committee meetings or other relevant FCM Board-related meetings,
and such costs shall be covered in accordance with Policy ADM 190, Council
Compensation Policy; and,
2.
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to FCM. 3.
Carried
7.
7.1
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Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, Report ECD 06-25
Amendment to ROFR Agreements (Employment Land – 2019 Parcel 3) With
Unity Hub Industrial Park Ltd., Amalgamation of Shirva Investment and
Development Corporation and 10466921 Canada Inc.
A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and F.
Jadoon, Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects regarding:
clarification regarding the amalgamation process of Shirva Investment and
Development Corporation and 10466921 Canada Inc;
•
the timelines for the amalgamation of the two properties; and,•
the types of buildings that would be constructed on the subject lands.•
Resolution #811/25
Moved By Councillor Butt
Seconded By Councillor Pickles
That Report ECD 06-25 from the Director, Economic Development & Strategic
Projects regarding the proposed amendment to the Right of First Refusal
(ROFR) Agreements entered into pursuant to the Agreements of Purchase
and Sale for:
5.28 acres sold to Shirva Investment and Developments Corporation
(PIN 26402-0159);
a.
1.12 acres sold to 10466921 Canada Inc. (PIN 26402-0158), both of
which are now amalgamated as Unity Hub Industrial Park Ltd., be
received;
b.
1.
That Staff be authorized to replace the existing ROFR Agreements with the
new ROFR Agreement attached to this report, provided that Unity Hub
Industrial Park Ltd., executes and registers on title an Amending Agreement
with His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of
Infrastructure substantially in the form attached to this report;
2.
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the attached new
ROFR Agreement (Attachment 2) with Unity Hub Industrial Park Ltd. with an
additional 2.5 years to commence construction of new buildings on the said
lands; and,
3.
That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions
necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
4.
Carried
7.2
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Director, Engineering Services, Report ENG 16-25
Detailed Design for Shoreline Improvements – West Shore Boulevard to
Marksbury Road
A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
the importance of the Project and the trail providing connectivity in the
waterfront trail system; and,
•
the timelines for completion of the project and when construction was
expected to begin.
•
Resolution #812/25
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That Council approve retaining the services of the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority to prepare the detailed design for the Shoreline
Improvements from West Shore Boulevard to Marksbury Road, as an
Exception in accordance with Purchasing Policy 010, Appendix 1, item 8;
1.
That the proposal submitted by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to
prepare the detailed design for the Shoreline Improvements from West Shore
Boulevard to Marksbury Road, in the amount of $150,096.00 (net HST) or
$166,675.00 (HST included be accepted;
2.
That Council authorize staff to execute a letter of agreement with the Toronto
and Region Conservation Authority to prepare the detailed design for the
Shoreline Improvements from West Shore Boulevard to Marksbury Road, on
such terms as are satisfactory to the Director, Engineering Services and the
Director, Finance & Treasurer;
3.
That the total gross project cost of $183,343.00 (HST included), including the
fee amount and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of
$165,106.00 (net HST) be approved;
4.
That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total
net project cost of $165,106.00 as follows:
The sum of $82,553.00 available budget in capital project C10572.2404
as approved in the 2025 Parks Capital Budget to be funded by a transfer
of funds from Development Charges City Share Reserve Fund;
a.
The sum of $82,553.00 available budget in capital project C10572.2404
as approved in the 2025 Parks Capital Budget to be funded by a transfer
of funds from the Development Charges Parks & Recreation Reserve
b.
5.
7.3
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Fund; and,
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the
actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.
6.
Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote
Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 12-25
Amendment to DC By-law 8190/25 - Demolition Credit Proof of Payment
A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff
regarding:
whether there was any financial impact on the City; and,•
the end date for the waiver of proof of prior Development Charges payment for
demolition credits.
•
Resolution #813/25
Moved By Councillor Butt
Seconded By Councillor Pickles
That Report FIN 12-25 regarding Amendment to Development Charges By-
law 8190/25 - Demolition Credit Proof of Payment Requirement be received;
1.
That Council approve an amendment to the Development Charges By-law
8190/25 to waive the requirement for proof of prior DC payment in the
calculation of demolition credits, for demolitions occurring between July 1,
2025 and December 31, 2026;
2.
That Council enact the Amending Development Charges By-law as set out in
Attachment 1 of this report; and,
3.
That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the actions necessary
to implement these recommendations.
4.
Carried
Director, City Infrastructure, Report INF 09-25
Supply & Delivery of Various Trucks with Attachments Request for Quotation
No. Q2025-7
Resolution #814/25
7.4
7.5
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Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Butt
That Quotation submitted by John Bear Buick GMC Limited, in response to
Request for Quotation No. Q2025-7 for the Supply & Delivery of Various
Trucks with Attachments in the amount of $319,864.00 (net HST) or
$355,195.00 (HST included) be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost of $355,195.00 (HST included), and that the
total net project cost of $319,864.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved;
2.
That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total
net project cost of $319,864.00 as provided for in the 2025 Capital Budget as
follows:
The sum of $319,864.00 to be funded from the Vehicle Replacement
Reserve Fund; and,
a.
3.
That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the
necessary actions as indicated in this report.
4.
Carried
Director, City Infrastructure, Report INF 10-25
Supply & Delivery of Two Wide Area Mowers
Quotation No. RFQQ2025-10
Resolution #815/25
Moved By Councillor Pickles
Seconded By Councillor Butt
That the quotation submitted by Turf Care Products in response to Request for
Quotation No. RFQQ2025-10 the amount of $542,483.00 (net HST) or
$602,403.00 (HST included) be accepted;
1.
That the total gross project cost including estimated tariffs of $602,403.00
(HST included), and that the total net project cost of $542,483.00 (net HST) be
approved;
2.
That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the total net
project of $542,483.00 as follows:
That the sum of $225,000.00 as approved in the 2025 Capital Budget be
increased to $271,241.50 and be funded from the Equipment Reserve
Fund for the Wide Area Mower replacement;
a.
That the sum of $225,000.00 as approved in the 2025 Capital budget be
increased to $271,241.50 and be funded from Development Charges –
Parks and Recreation Reserve for the new Wide Area Mower; and,
b.
3.
That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the 4.
7.6
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necessary actions to give effect hereto.
Carried
By-laws
By-law 8199/25
Being a By-law to amend By-law 8190/25, Development Charges By-law.
Resolution #816/25
Moved By Councillor Butt
Seconded By Councillor Cook
That By-law Number 8199/25 be approved.
Carried
Confirmatory By-law
Moved By Councillor Cook
Seconded By Councillor Nagy
That By-law 8200/25, to confirm the proceedings of the August 12, 2025 Council Meeting
be approved.
Carried
Adjournment
Moved By Councillor Brenner
Seconded By Councillor Pickles
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
______________________________
Kevin Ashe, Mayor
8.
8.1
9.
10.
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______________________________
Susan Cassel, City Clerk
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