Regular Meeting

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council adopt the minutes of the Special Public and Regular meeting of Council held Wednesday, January 10, 2024 and the Special meeting held Wednesday, January 17, and February 7, 2024, as circulated.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to review the Fees and Charges By-law, Schedule 'H' and provide recommendations to further clarify the fees for furniture; AND THAT the recommendations be brought to Council at the March 13th Regular Council meeting.

WHEREAS both grader packers are off the equipment during the winter season; AND WHEREAS both packers require repairs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council grant pre-budget approval of $24,419.30 inclusive of HST, to repair the grader packers to be ready for the Spring and Summer grading season.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-02 being a By-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to adopt a site-specific Zoning Amendment to permit the additional use of Fire Hall and related activities in the General Industrial (M1) zone of the property described as THESSALON PLAN H792 LOT 20, was passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the proposed by-law to authorize a franchise agreement between The Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores and Enbridge Gas Inc. was read a first and second time this 14th day of February, 2024; AND THAT this Council approves the form of draft by-law and franchise agreement hereto and authorizes the submission thereof to the Ontario Energy Board for approval pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 of the Municipal Franchises Act; AND THAT this Council requests that the Ontario Energy Board make an Order declaring and directing that the assent of the municipal electors to the attached draft by-law and franchise agreement pertaining to the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores is not necessary pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 (4) of the Municipal Franchises Act.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-09, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to appoint Deputy Treasurer Helene Labrie, was passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2024; AND THAT this by-law repeals all previous Deputy Treasurer appointments.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-10 being a by-law to provide a schedule of retention periods for the records of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores was passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2024; AND THAT by-law #00-03 be repealed.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-11, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Enter into an Agreement with Algoma Manor to provide a Physical Facility for Temporary Shelter (Sowerby Hall) was passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-12 being a by-law to regulate Recreational Vehicles was read a first time in open council this 14th day of February, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-13 being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to establish 2024 interim tax rates was passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following municipal committees: Huron Shores Public Library - November 7, 2023 Environmental Advisory Committee - December 12, 2023 Infrastructure Services Committee - December 7, 2023 Protective Services Committee - November 9, 2023 Huron Shores Health and Safety Committee - October 24, 2023

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receives the Minutes of the following joint boards on which the Municipality has representation: Algoma Public Health Board of Health - October 25, 2023 Algoma District Services Administrative Board - November 23, 2023

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council set a Special Meeting on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. for Land Use Planning Training with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council sets a special meeting for discussion of the 2024 municipal priorities, capital requirements, and the status of reserves to be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoints Kuljot Singh Bhambra to the Huron Shores Fire Department Cadet Program, Station 2, effective January 17, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council hereby repeals by-law #16-44, #16-45, and #16-46 being maintenance service agreements for heating and cooling in all municipal buildings; AND THAT Council directs staff to obtain updated quotes for the servicing of various plants for heating and cooling in all buildings throughout the Municipality.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the Community Risk Assessment prepared by Arthur Booth, ABKM Consulting; AND THAT Council receive a 15-20 minute presentation, with an opportunity for questions, at the March 13th Regular Council meeting.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Protective Services Committee, Council approve amendments to Policy F 6.04 Personal Protective Equipment, as circulated and as follows: Increase Foot Protection subsidy from $150.00 to $200.00; 50% of the cost of one (1) high visibility winter coat and one (1) high visibility summer coat for permanent part-time employees and eliminate school crossing guard; The Municipality shall provide high-visibility vests for all other employees, and add tee shirts for Waste Site employees; and Addition of high visibility pants for all workers (public works and waste site caretakers); 2 pairs each for Public Workers and one pair for all Waste Site employees.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Protective Services Committee, Council authorizes the purchase of four (4) 7.5' 3-row aluminum bleachers to be utilized as floor-level seating for the Firefighter Challenge; AND THAT the grass mounting hardware also be purchased to install the bleachers at the Little Rapids Ball Diamond in the Summer months to offer a space for spectators for both the Thessalon Men's League baseball games and the Thessalon Family Ball Tournament; AND THAT the total cost of $6,636.00 plus HST and shipping be added to the 2024 budget, with the possibility of the costs to be offset by the HydroOne Energizing Life Grant.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council chooses Option 6 as the preferred option for the Long-term Waste Management Plan; AND THAT Council authorize a 3-month transfer station pilot project at Ward 2 landfill site to commence in May, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Infrastructure Services Committee, Council declares surplus the following items: Unit #2: 2011 GMC Sierra; Unit #4: 2005 International Model 7600 6x4 Plow Truck; Unit #7: 2005 Chevrolet Silverado One-ton Flatbed; Unit #13: 2006 Chevrolet 4x4, half-ton pickup; 1 (one) collapsible canvas wheelbarrow; 1 (one) 3-ton cyclone chainfall; 1 (one) Sears Roebuck sight level with stand and measuring stick; and 1 (one) Makita 3/8" drill with battery and charger. AND THAT a minimum bid of $7,500.00 be required for Unit #4; AND THAT the equipment and vehicles be sold as is, where is, by sealed tender.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes staff to apply for funding under the Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries Charitable Foundation, as per the request of the Fire Department, for 45 wildfire vests, 8 water rescue life jackets, 2 rescue helmets, and a water rescue boat with quick fill SCBA attachment.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT, as per the recommendation of the Recreation Committee, Council grant pre-budget approval in the amount of $3,000.00 to the Huron Shores Recreation Centre Gazebo budget to commence fundraising efforts for the 2024 ATV Fun Run.

WHEREAS the Town of Thessalon has provided an action plan detailing the objectives of their request for administrative support; AND WHEREAS upon review, the Fire Chief has noted that the amount of work required is too great to fulfill within the 5-hour allotment per week; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council respectfully declines the Town of Thessalon's request for administrative support; AND THAT Council directs Mayor Seabrook to write a letter to the Mayor and Council of the Town of Thessalon requesting their support in establishing a shared service agreement.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the purchase of 22 chairs from ANP Office Supplies for the Fire Department; AND THAT the cost be included in the Fire Department Minor Equipment budget.

WHEREAS the Municipality uses ProActive Maintenance Programs for the ongoing maintenance of the 2013 (#3) and 2017 (#9) John Deere 770GP Graders; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize CAO/Clerk to enter into a ProActive Maintenance agreement with Brandt Tractor for the term of 1 year (1000 hours) in the amount of $6,175.44 + HST for Grader #9 and $6,175.44 + HST for Grader #3; AND THAT said costs be included in the 2024 budget.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorizes Councillor Armstrong and Councillor Pirrie to attend the 2024 Annual Conference of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) being held in Ottawa, Ontario from August 18th – 21st, 2024; AND THAT it cover all associated expenses.

WHEREAS Canada has adopted 988, a National three-digit suicide and crisis hotline; AND WHEREAS the Municipality of Huron Shores recognizes that it is a significant and important initiative to ensure critical barriers are removed to those in a crisis and seeking help; NOW THEREFORE BE lT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Huron Shores continues to endorse the 988 crisis line initiative; and will display the 988 information poster in all municipal buildings.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council directs the annual grant request from the Iron Bridge Lions Club be

WHEREAS the recent recommendations from the Auditor General to close 6 out of 11 Public Health Ontario laboratory sites would threaten the health infrastructure and resilience of smaller and rural communities that depend on timely and accurate lab testing and safe drinking water; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores supports, in principle, the Letter of Concern regarding the Regional Public Health Ontario Laboratory closures; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Rena Retallick, former Operations Director of Regional Public Health Laboratories, for further distribution.

WHEREAS the Landlord and Tenant Board has permanently removed all in-person services post-pandemic creating a digital divide for people living in rural and remote areas, people living in poverty who do not have sufficient broadband or devices to participate, people who do not speak French or English, survivors of intimate partner violence where home is not a safe space to conduct a hearing, and individuals with disability, literacy, or numeracy challenges; AND WHEREAS the Landlord and Tenant Board allowed the terms of experienced adjudicators to lapse, creating an adjudicator shortage causing delays and backlogs of over 50,000 cases by March, 2023, and drew the Ombudsman of Ontario to investigate the Board; AND WHEREAS the Ombudsman released its report in May 2023 with 61 recommendations, and concluded that "...Over the past few years, the Board has proven itself unequipped for the task of reducing its extraordinary backlog of applications.. [the] Board is fundamentally failing in its role of providing swift justice to those seeking resolution of residential landlord and tenant issues"; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores supports the resolution of the City of Mississauga in their call to the Government of Ontario to immediately move forward on all 61 recommendations of the Ombudsman's Report on its investigation into the Landlord and Tenant Board's decision to remove all in-person services and the impact it has on the current hou

WHEREAS the federal government recently increased the carbon tax in April 2023, and will almost triple it by 2030; AND WHEREAS the Parliamentary Budget officer has admitted that when fiscal and economic impacts of the federal fuel charge are considered, the vast majority of households will see a staggering loss; AND WHEREAS this tax flows through from producers to transporters to the grocery store floor for our citizens; AND WHEREAS this tax does very little to reduce pollution and emissions; AND WHEREAS two-thirds of Canadians are approximately $200 away or less from not being able to pay all their bills at the end of the month; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports the City of Sarnia in their call on the Federal Government to cancel the carbon tax which is financially hurting our citizens at a time when affordability concerns are at an all-time high to ease the financial and inflationary pressure on our citizens; AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the City of Sarnia, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Huron Shores supports, in principle, the request of Municipality of Tweed for the Provincial Government to reinstate the License Plate Renewal system and allocate the $6 billion

WHEREAS all Ontarians deserve and expect a safe and respectful workplace; AND WHEREAS municipal governments, as the democratic institutions most directly engaged with Ontarians, need respectful discourse; AND WHEREAS several incidents in recent years of disrespectful behaviour and workplace harassment have occurred amongst members of municipal councils; AND WHEREAS these incidents seriously and negatively affect the people involved and lower public perceptions of local governments; AND WHEREAS municipal Codes of Conduct are helpful tools to set expectations of council member behaviour; AND WHEREAS municipal governments do not have the necessary tools to adequately enforce compliance with municipal Codes of Conduct; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Municipality of Huron Shores supports the call of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for the Government of Ontario to introduce legislation to strengthen municipal Codes of Conduct and compliance with them in consultation with municipal governments; AND THAT the legislation encompass the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's recommendations for: Updating municipal Codes of Conduct to account for workplace safety and harassment; Creating a flexible administrative penalty regime, adopted to the local economic and financial circumstances of municipalities across Ontario; Increasing training of municipal Integrity Commissioners to enhance consistency of investigations and recommendations across the pro

WHEREAS current provincial-municipal fiscal arrangements are undermining Ontario's economic prosperity and quality of life; AND WHEREAS nearly a third of municipal spending in Ontario is for services in areas of provincial responsibility, and expenditures are outpacing provincial contributions by nearly $4 billion a year; AND WHEREAS municipal revenues, such as property taxes, do not grow with the economy or inflation; AND WHEREAS unprecedented population and housing growth will require significant investments in municipal infrastructure; AND WHEREAS municipalities are being asked to take on complex health and social challenges - like homelessness, supporting asylum seekers, and addressing the mental health and addictions crises; AND WHEREAS inflation, rising interest rates, and provincial policy decisions are sharply constraining municipal fiscal capacity; AND WHEREAS property taxpayers - including people on fixed incomes and small businesses - can't afford to subsidize income re-distribution programs for those most in need; AND WHEREAS the province can and should invest more in the prosperity of communities; AND WHEREAS municipalities and the provincial government have a strong history of collaboration; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Huron Shores asks the Province of Ontario to commit to undertaking with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review to promote the stability and sustainability of mun

WHEREAS the jury that heard the Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk, and Nathalie Warmerdam inquest (The Renfrew County Inquest) issued 86 recommendations to prevent future deaths and delivered those recommendations to the Province of Ontario on Intimate Partner Violence, AND WHEREAS recommendation #1 of the inquest is for the Province of Ontario to formally declare intimate partner violence an epidemic; AND WHEREAS every six days in Canada a woman is killed by her intimate partner; AND WHEREAS this past year in Ontario, 52 woman or one every week, were victims of femicide; AND WHEREAS gender- and sexually-diverse Indigenous individuals are particularly at risk being five times more likely than non-Indigenous gender- and sexually-diverse individuals to experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime; AND WHEREAS according to Statistics Canada, 80 percent of intimate partner violence goes unreported; AND WHEREAS violence against women costs the natural justice system, health care systems, social service agencies, and municipalities nearly 10 billion dollars per year; AND WHEREAS municipalities are on the frontlines in addressing gender-based violence; AND WHEREAS over 60 municipalities and regions across Ontario have declared a gender-based violence and/or intimate partner violence epidemic; AND WHEREAS on August 20, 2023, Ontario Big City Mayors and Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario passed a motion declaring intimate partner violence and gender

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize Mayor Seabrook and Councillor Currie to meet with Cathy Marshall and the Huron Shores Health Network CEO, Tim Vine, to discuss the possibility of another Helipad within the catchment area.

WHEREAS on November 22, 2023, the Algoma Public Health Board passed a resolution to "undertake a feasibility study on the potential benefits and drawbacks of a voluntary merger of our two local public health agencies for the delivery of public health objectives"; AND WHEREAS Algoma Public Health (APH) and Public Health Sudbury and District (PHSD) jointly wrote to numerous stakeholders on January 19, 2024, advising that they are "undertaking a process to explore a potential merger of the two public health units" and seeking feedback from those stakeholders on this proposal; AND WHEREAS since 2019, the Government of Ontario has attempted to change the delivery of public health throughout the province, first by attempting to force the merger of all Northeastern Ontario health units into a single health unit in 2019, which the government abandoned at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequently by incentivizing health units to explore voluntary mergers by paying the costs associated with undertaking the feasibility studies for such exploratory reviews; AND WHEREAS consolidation of APH with PHSD would be servicing an area spanning over 700km east-west from White River to Warren and 500km north-south from Chapleau to Manitoulin Island; AND WHEREAS any merged board would be unable to maintain all the regional representation that is currently represented on the Algoma Public Health Board, which is made up of a representative from Elliot Lake, one representative from Blind Riv

BE IT RESOLVED THAT By-law #24-14, being a by-law of the Corporation of the Municipality of Huron Shores to Adopt the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting held Wednesday, February 14, 2024, authorizing the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby, was passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2024.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council does adjourn at 9:56 p.m.