Community Services Committee Agenda Preview — August 6, 2026

Hook: Csr-cs-19-26 Garafraxa Non-profit Homes

Grey County · Committee · August 6, 2026

Summary

One-sentence summary: The August 6, 2026 meeting at 2:00 PM considers emergency funding requests for Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Inc. regarding structural safety concerns from sinkhole damage and compromised retaining walls on 9th Avenue East; receives investment plan allocations including $1,404,200 from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and $322,900 from the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI); creates a full-time Systems, Planning & Compliance Analyst position fully funded by existing provincial allocations to support upcoming modernization initiatives starting Fall 2026; includes rental supplements, capital repairs at Dundalk, additions of 15 new affordable units, and housing support services.

This upcoming August 6, 2026 meeting at 2:00 PM will consider four items in this order: Call to Order; Delegation requests (Item 3); Systems Planning and Compliance Analyst Position creation for Community Services modernization initiatives starting Fall 2026 with a proposed annual cost of $150,000 funded by existing provincial allocations received July 2026 (4.a CSR-CS-10-26); Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative Investment Plan endorsement for fiscal year 2026–27 including COCHI funds for administration costs, rental supplements at Dundalk capital projects, repairs, and new affordable units plus OPHI allocation covering administration, rental supplements, and housing support services (4.b CSR-CS-18-26); and Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes emergency funding request to address structural safety concerns caused by sinkhole damage at their Owen Sound property on 9th Avenue East (4.c CSR-CS-19-26).

Top Newsworthy Developments

  • 4.c CSR-CS-19-26 Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Emergency Repairs Funding Request Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Inc. requests emergency funding to address structural safety concerns caused by sinkhole damage at their property on 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound.
  • 4.b CSR-CS-18-26 Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative Investment Plan 2026-2027 The report recommends receiving the investment plan for Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative funds allocated to Grey County for fiscal year 2026-27. The proposed allocation includes $1,404,200 from COCHI designated for administration costs of $70,210, rental supplements totaling $520,000 across returning units and new builds at Dundalk, capital repairs of $313,990, and a requirement to add 15 new affordable units. Additionally, the plan seeks endorsement for an OPHI allocation of $322,900 covering administration costs of $16,145, rental supplements totaling $274,465, and housing support services valued at $32,290.
  • 4.a CSR-CS-10-26 Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - Community Services Agenda item 4.a: CSR-CS-10-26 Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - Community Services --- Attachment: Community Services Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - CSR-CS-10-26.pdf Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/ea9fbe5d5f40ede28049629befc584626a0fa8ab1e1d717c4cc233cdc513f06b/4-a-1-community-services-systems-planning-and-compliance-analyst-position-csr-cs-10-26-pdf.pdf Committee Report To: Chair Nielsen and Members of Community Services Committee Committee Date: August 6, 2026 Subject / Report No: CSR-CS-10-26 Title: Community Services Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position Prepared by: Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services Reviewed by: Niall Lobley, Deputy CAO Lower Tier(s) Affected: All Recommendation 1.
  • 1 Call to Order The meeting is called to order.
  • 3 Delegations The section lists delegations as the third agenda item.

Key Topics & Sections

Meeting Details

Jurisdiction
Grey County
Body
Committee
Date
August 6, 2026
Transcript Status
Agenda package summary and extracted subreport text
Transcript URL
https://helpos.ca/transcripts/grey-county/committee/2026-08-06
Official Source
View official meeting page

Related Discussion

HelpOS discussion thread link pending.

Transcript Notice

This page is an accessibility-focused summary and extracted agenda text intended to promote civic accessibility.

It is an unofficial convenience copy and may contain extraction or summarization errors.

For the authoritative record, try to access the original source materials from Grey County using the original link below.

Original meeting link

Full Transcript

1 Call to Order

The meeting is called to order.

Agenda item 1: Call to Order

2 Declaration of Interest

The section is titled Declaration of Interest.

Agenda item 2: Declaration of Interest

---

Combined agenda package (secondary source)

2.

Declaration of Interest

3 Delegations

The section lists delegations as the third agenda item.

Agenda item 3: Delegations

---

Combined agenda package (secondary source)

3.

Delegations

4 Items For Direction or Discussion

The section lists four items designated for direction or discussion.

Agenda item 4: Items For Direction or Discussion

---

Combined agenda package (secondary source)

4.

Items For Direction or Discussion

4.a CSR-CS-10-26 Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - Community Services

Agenda item 4.a: CSR-CS-10-26 Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - Community Services --- Attachment: Community Services Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - CSR-CS-10-26.pdf Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/ea9fbe5d5f40ede28049629befc584626a0fa8ab1e1d717c4cc233cdc513f06b/4-a-1-community-services-systems-planning-and-compliance-analyst-position-csr-cs-10-26-pdf.pdf Committee Report To: Chair Nielsen and Members of Community Services Committee Committee Date: August 6, 2026 Subject / Report No: CSR-CS-10-26 Title: Community Services Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position Prepared by: Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services Reviewed by: Niall Lobley, Deputy CAO Lower Tier(s) Affected: All Recommendation 1.

Creation of Full-time Systems Planning and Compliance Analyst Position

The report recommends creating a full-time Systems, Planning & Compliance Analyst position to support Community Services' upcoming provincial modernization initiatives over the next five years. This new role will lead Early Learning & Child Care technology implementation and coordinate data management for CWELCC programs starting in Fall 2026. The proposed position is fully funded by existing provincial allocations received in July 2026, with an estimated annual cost of $150,000 including benefits.

Agenda item 4.a: CSR-CS-10-26 Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - Community Services

---

Attachment: Community Services Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst Position - CSR-CS-10-26.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/ea9fbe5d5f40ede28049629befc584626a0fa8ab1e1d717c4cc233cdc513f06b/4-a-1-community-services-systems-planning-and-compliance-analyst-position-csr-cs-10-26-pdf.pdf

Committee Report
 To:                             Chair Nielsen and Members of Community Services
                                 Committee
 Committee Date:                 August 6, 2026
 Subject / Report No:            CSR-CS-10-26
 Title:                          Community Services Systems, Planning and Compliance
                                 Analyst Position
 Prepared by:                    Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services
 Reviewed by:                    Niall Lobley, Deputy CAO
 Lower Tier(s) Affected:         All


Recommendation
   1. That report CSR-CS-10-26 regarding Community Services Systems, Planning &
      Compliance Analyst position be received; and
   2. That the creation of a full-time Community Services Systems, Planning &
      Compliance Analyst position be approved; and
   3. That the creation of the position occur prior to County Council approval in
      accordance with Section 26.6 (b) of Procedural Bylaw 5134-22, to be funded from
      existing provincial funds.


Executive Summary
As Community Services prepares for significant provincially mandated modernization initiatives
over the next five years, there will be increasing requirements for IT modernization, data
management, compliance monitoring, and performance measures, creating increased
operational demands across the department. A new full-time Community Services Systems,
Planning & Compliance Analyst position is proposed to support initiatives, strengthen
compliance and accountability, and support evidence-informed planning and reporting.
Fully funded through existing provincial allocations, the position will provide the capacity needed
to meet growing provincial expectations and support high-quality service delivery. Funding was
confirmed in July 2026, with recruitment anticipated for fall of 2026.


Background and Discussion
As we look toward upcoming modernization initiatives coming to all departments in Community
Services over the next 5+ years, there will be significant change in how service system
managers administer, monitor and report on various provincial initiatives.


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These changes require increasing time spent on data management, systems administration,
compliance monitoring, reporting and performance measures. Currently these responsibilities
are distributed across multiple staff positions, creating operational pressures and limiting the
department’s capacity to fully respond to the demands of service system management. The
province has adjusted funding in recognition of these increased expectations which allows for
the hiring of one full-time Systems, Planning and Compliance Analyst position.
The proposed Community Services Systems, Planning & Compliance Analyst position will
provide leadership for implementation of modernization initiatives while supporting ongoing
reporting, compliance, and service planning requirements.
Key responsibilities would include:

       Leading implementation and administration of Early Learning & Child Care technology
        initiatives. This is projected to take 3-5 years to reach full implementation
       Coordinating data collection, validation, and reporting across Community Services
        programs
       Supporting compliance and monitoring and accountability requirements related to
        CWELCC and other provincial funding programs
       Developing key performance indicators, dashboards, and performance measurement
        frameworks
       Supporting evidence-informed planning, demographic analysis and program evaluation
       Acting as a liaison between various Ministries, service providers, Information Technology
        Services, and community partners.
       Supporting preparation of Council, management, and Ministry reports
The creation of this position will support successful implementation of the provincial
modernization initiatives, strengthen compliance and accountability functions, and the approval
of the position will ensure the department has the necessary capacity to meet growing provincial
expectations while supporting high-quality service delivery across Community Services.
The funding allocation to support this position was received in July of 2026, with the intended
start date of the position being in Fall of 2026.

Legislated Requirements
The province has provided funding identified specifically for the provision of data analysis
activities and IT modernization.

Financial and Resource Implications
Grey County has received a new provincial allocation of $46,046 for Early Years IT
Modernizations in 2026. $10,500 of this grant is allocated directly to operators, leaving $35,546
to be used by Grey County. The County has also received a $132,797 increase to its EarlyON
grant allocation. As the funding was announced in July and the proposed position is not
expected to be filled until the fall, the position cost will be significantly less than the new grant. A
portion of the unspent funding can be applied against the levy allocated to EarlyON in 2026 to
create a surplus, after that any unspent funding will be returned to the province. In 2027 the full
cost of this position including benefits, supplies and materials is estimated to be $150,000.


CSR-CS-10-26                                       2                                   August 6, 2026



Assuming that the grant remains the same in 2027 as 2026, staff would utilize the grant to fully
fund this position and inflationary increases from the 2026 budget. Effectively this would result in
the 2027 Early Learning and Child Care budget being the same as the 2026 approved budget.


Relevant Consultation
☐       Internal (list)

        ☐       AODA Compliance (describe)

        ☐       Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)

☐       External (list)


Appendices and Attachments
None.




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4.b CSR-CS-18-26 Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative Investment Plan 2026-2027

The report recommends receiving the investment plan for Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative funds allocated to Grey County for fiscal year 2026-27. The proposed allocation includes $1,404,200 from COCHI designated for administration costs of $70,210, rental supplements totaling $520,000 across returning units and new builds at Dundalk, capital repairs of $313,990, and a requirement to add 15 new affordable units. Additionally, the plan seeks endorsement for an OPHI allocation of $322,900 covering administration costs of $16,145, rental supplements totaling $274,465, and housing support services valued at $32,290.

Agenda item 4.b: CSR-CS-18-26 Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative Investment Plan 2026-2027

---

Attachment: COCHI and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative Investment Plan 2026-27 - CSR-CS-18-26.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/db04185798d50af3970d5869285823e17ac251cbb89dac81c8168723bbefbaec/4-b-1-cochi-and-ontario-priorities-housing-initiative-investment-plan-2026-27-csr-cs-18-26-pdf.pdf

Committee Report
 To:                             Chair Nielsen and Members of the Community Services
                                 Committee
 Committee Date:                 August 6, 2026
 Subject / Report No:            CSR-CS-18-26
 Title:                          Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario
                                 Priorities Housing Initiative Investment Plan 2026-27
 Prepared by:                    Josh Gibson, Manager of Housing Programs
 Reviewed by:                    Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community of Services
 Lower Tier(s) Affected:


Recommendation
   1. That report CSR-CS-18-26 pertaining to Canada-Ontario Community Housing
      Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative investment plans be received;
      and
   2. That Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative and Ontario Priorities Housing
      Initiative Investment Plan 2026-27 be endorsed for annual program delivery.


Executive Summary
This report outlines the planned investments for Provincial funds being provided to Grey County
to support housing renewal, expansion and affordability. These funds are delivered through the
Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) and Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative
(OPHI). The funding received from the programs is to be allocated prior to March 31, 2027.


Background and Discussion
National Housing Strategy
On April 30, 2018 the Province signed a bi-lateral agreement with the Canadian Mortgage and
Housing Corporation regarding the National Housing Strategy. This agreement aligns programs
that include federal funding alongside Ontario’s Community Housing Renewal Strategy to
Increase the supply of affordable housing, improve access and supports, and ensure long-term
sustainability of community housing.
The National Housing Strategy is reaching the conclusion of its 9 years with the final fiscal year
ending on March 31, 2028.



CSR-CS-18-26                                      1                                August 6, 2026



The bi-lateral agreement provides the funding for the COCHI and OPHI Programs with targets
set out for Grey County as the Service Manager to meet regarding a number of units impacted
by new affordability through either builds or rental supplements.

Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI)
The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) is funding intended to protect the
long term viability of community housing by supporting ongoing repairs, support end of
operating agreements, and expand stock through new builds or new rental supplement
programs.
In order to meet requirements under the National Housing Strategy there is a requirement for
each service manager to add new affordable units with the funding allocation. Grey County is
required to add 15 new units to meet the funding requirements from the Province. The
investment plan will include 3 units funded under new build capital and 12 units funded as a
rental supplement.
Grey County has received an allocation of $1,404,200 for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The County
will retain 5% of funding as allowable to support administration costs.

Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI)
The Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative (OPHI) was developed to address local housing
priorities including the development of new construction, implementation of new rental
supplements, and repair of existing units to ensure long term viability. Grey County has been
allocated $322,900. The County will retain 5% of funding as allowable to support administration
costs.

Investment Plan
The table below outlines planned funding for the 2026-2027 allocation of COCHI and OPHI
funds.




CSR-CS-18-26                                   2                                August 6, 2026



2026-27 COCHI & OPHI Investment Plan
 Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COCHI)
                                           Program Allocation $1,404,200

 Administration
                                                                                $70,210
       5% of program allocation to support admin costs

 Rental Supplements

       45 returning unit subsidies                                            $520,000
       12 new rental supplements in direct to landlord

 Capital – New Build

       Dundalk Build Project                                                  $500,000
       3 Units Funded under COCHI
 Community Housing Repairs

       Funds to support Capital projects in Grey County                       $313,990
        Apartment buildings

 Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative
                                           Program Allocation $322,900

 Administration
                                                                                $16,145
       5% of program allocation to support admin costs

 Rental Supplements
                                                                               $274,465
       43 Returning Rental Supplements

 Housing Supports

       10% of OPHI allocation eligible to be used to for                       $32,290
        Housing Support Services to support tenants with
        retaining housing.



Financial and Resource Implications
These programs are 100% provincially funded.




CSR-CS-18-26                                   3                           August 6, 2026



Relevant Consultation
☒       Internal (Finance)

        ☐       AODA Compliance (describe)

        ☐       Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)

☐       External (list)


Appendices and Attachments
None.




CSR-CS-18-26                                   4                                August 6, 2026

4.c CSR-CS-19-26 Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Emergency Repairs Funding Request

Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Inc. requests emergency funding to address structural safety concerns caused by sinkhole damage at their property on 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound.

Emergency Repairs Requested for Sinkhole Damage

Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Inc. requests emergency funding to address structural safety concerns caused by a sinkhole and compromised retaining wall at their property on 9th Avenue East, Owen Sound.

Retaining Wall Movement Causes Parking Lot Settlement

An engineering review identified pavement settlement at Garafraxa Homes caused by granular base migration into a void, likely triggered by spring rainfall and exacerbated by movement in an adjacent precast block retaining wall since 2021.

Agenda item 4.c: CSR-CS-19-26 Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Emergency Repairs Funding Request

---

Attachment: Garafraxa Non Profit Homes Emergent Repairs Funding - CSR-CS-19-26.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/625fce812949c91ea26e73f07b1c971ecd9cb67da9c7242b2ec57138d4d44759/4-c-1-garafraxa-non-profit-homes-emergent-repairs-funding-csr-cs-19-26-pdf.pdf

Committee Report
 To:                            Chair Nielsen and Members of the Community Services
                                Committee
 Committee Date:                August 6, 2026
 Subject / Report No:           CSR-CS-19-26
 Title:                         Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Emergency Repairs Funding
                                Request
 Prepared by:                   Josh Gibson, Manager of Housing Programs
 Reviewed by:                   Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services
 Lower Tier(s) Affected:


Recommendation
   1. That report CSR-CS-19-26 regarding the Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Emergency
      Repairs Funding Request be received; and
   2. That an unbudgeted amount of $125,000 be provided to Garafraxa Non-Profit
      Homes Inc.; and
   3. That the unbudgeted expenditure be funded by $75,000 from the Non-Profit
      General Reserve and $50,000 from Canada Ontario Community Housing Initiative
      (COCHI).


Executive Summary
This report recommends providing emergency repairs funding in the amount of $125,000
through a combination of the Non-Profit Housing General Reserve and the Canada Ontario
Community Housing Initiative. Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes provides a mixture of below market
and Rent Geared to Income housing for 25 households in Durham, ON.
The repairs are urgent as a large sinkhole near the building has caused significant concern for
structural safety.


Background and Discussion
Garafraxa Non-Profit Homes Inc.
Located at 329 Garafraxa St. North, Durham, ON this Non-Profit housing provider offers 25
units of mixed housing, including 17 Rent Geared to Income Units. The property is located on
the north side of Durham on a relatively high slope. In April of 2026 a large sinkhole developed




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compromising the parking lot as well as a retaining wall on the property which required
immediate attention.
An Engineering report obtained by Garafraxa Non-Profit stated that the sinkhole was the result
of unusually high rainfall. The property has experienced water issues in the past, and the
sinkhole was a symptom of drainage issues on the site. The repairs required to repair the urgent
erosion issue and fix the issue long term is $275,000.
Garafraxa Non-Profit submitted a letter requesting financial support offsetting the impact to their
capital reserves for these repairs.

Non-Profit Capital Reserves
Non-profit Housing providers who receive ongoing support from Grey County are required to
maintain capital reserves funding under the Housing Services Act in an approved investment
fund. They are required to make an annual contribution to this reserve to ensure long-term
viability. Garafraxa continues to meet all the requirements for their capital reserve. The urgent
erosion was unable to be planned or budgeted for resulting in their ask for County financial
support.

End of Operating Agreements
As Non-Profit providers reach their end of operating agreements from the time of their original
builds Grey County is entering into new agreements to ensure we maintain affordable housing
in our community at a consistent level. If the repairs at Garafraxa were carried out with the Non-
Profit seeking a loan to cover the expense, Grey County would need to consider that ongoing
payment as part of long term subsidy which in addition would include interest on the loan to
ensure the project remains affordable for tenants.
Providing these funds through reserve and COCHI at the time of the repairs allows us to remove
this additional expense from the End of Operating Agreements.

Repairs Funding
Due to the scope of the work to be completed and large cost, this report recommends providing
a total of $125,000 in funding for repairs.
The unbudgeted expenditures are proposed to be funded with a $75,000 transfer from the Non-
Profit Housing General Reserve and $50,000 of provincial funding through the Canada Ontario
Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) which is intended to ensure the long-term viability of
Community Housing through repair funding.

Legal Considerations
None

Financial and Resource Implications
The Non-Profit Housing General Reserve had a balance of $247,592 at December 31, 2025
with no other planned withdrawals in 2026 or 2027. This reserve balance is made up of past



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surplus’s returned from not-for-profits and was created to help with any emergency needs of the
Not-for-Profit Housing providers.


Relevant Consultation
☒      Internal (Finance)

       ☐       AODA Compliance (describe)

       ☐       Contribution to Climate Change Action Plan Targets (describe)

☐      External (list)


Appendices and Attachments
Garafraxa Non-Profit Funding Request for Emergent Repairs June 2026
GEI Consultants Sinkhole Letter – 329 Garafraxa St.- Apr 23, 2026




CSR-CS-19-26                                   3                                August 6, 2026

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Attachment: Garafraxa Non Profit Funding Request Emergent Repairs June 2026.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/a0d56e5f09a96ff910d7c83c90a6b03aa2688f7260590dfe89ab7909e98b423a/4-c-2-garafraxa-non-profit-funding-request-emergent-repairs-june-2026-pdf.pdf

GARAfraxa NON-PROFIT HOMES INC. DURHAM, ONTARIO June 22, 2026 County of Grey 595 9th Avenue East Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 3E3 Attn: Anne Marie Shaw, Director of Community Services Dear Ms. Shaw: At a meeting of the Board of Directors, held June 8, the Board passed a resolution to request County assistance with emergency work required at 329 Garafraxa Street North. As previously discussed, a sink hole developed in April in the back parking lot. An engineering report stated that this sink hole occurred as a result of the unusually high amount of rainfall. The parking lot retaining wall was further compromised and needed to be taken down immediately and in a controlled manner. All of this work was completed at the same time as the emergency temporary repair to the parking lot. Garafraxa Non Profit Homes is built on the north hill coming into Durham. A comprehensive engineering report in 2021 reported numerous water issues as result of the run off from the hill. The units to the north are requiring exterior work to put in proper drainage to redirect the run off. All of the run off then continues under the back parking lot which is where the sink hole developed. In total, the work required to repair the back parking lot is $170,000 while the work to the north side of the building is $100,000. We respectfully ask the County to consider our request for additional funding to assist with these emergent repairs. Thank you Shari Huber Financial Administrator Mailing Address 1-700 21ST Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 6W1 Telephone: 519-376-0573 Email: durham@nphousing.ca

---

Attachment: GEI.pdf
Source: https://helpos.ca/attachments/09c34db1568ec97e6759af58271ef29550e86de6065f5276592ce94632ad4d86/4-c-3-gei-pdf.pdf

April 23, 2026 Project No. 2402904 VIA EMAIL: shari@nphousing.ca Shari Huber, Executive Director Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation 700 – 21st St. East Owen Sound, ON N4K 6W1 Re: Parking Lot Settlement – Initial Observations Garafraxa Homes, 329 Garafraxa Street Durham, ON Dear Shari: As requested by Andy Smit of JP Commercial Contractors Inc., the undersigned attended the above noted site at approximately 1:00 pm on April 17th, 2026 to review an area in the parking lot where localized surficial pavement settlement was initially observed by your staff on April 16th, 2026. The location of the pavement settlement is outlined in Figure No. 1 (below) and photos of the asphalt distress and subgrade settlement areas also provided below. Based on GEI’s initial surficial review of the asphalt pavement settlement (April 17th), it appeared that the observed asphalt pavement settlement is a result of a loss of the underlaying granular base/backfill which was used in the construction of the paved parking lot. The cause for the loss of granular material and creation of a void is likely due to surface water or shallow groundwater infiltration causing localized migration of the granular base soils into a surrounding or adjacent void. However, the receptor location where this granular material was transported to remains unconfirmed. It is noted that significant rainfall events have occurred this spring, which was likely a contributing factor. Figure No. 1 – Pavement Distress/Investigated Areas: The surficial asphalt was partially removed to expose the limits of the granular settlement, the granular subgrade appears to have a current void measuring approximately $0.7 \mathrm{~m}^{3}$. From the broken edge of the asphalt, the void mainly extends to the east by approximately 1.0 m and is approximately 0.5 m in depth (the void also extends slightly in the other directions). When probing using a steel rod, the undisturbed granular density is considered to be compact, with the exception to the east (where the granular is loose). www.geiconsultants.ca GEI Consultants Canada Ltd. 1260 $2^{\text {nd }}$ Avenue East, Owen Sound, ON 519.376.1805



Parking Lot Settlement – Initial Observations  
Garafraxa Homes, 329 Garafraxa Street  
Durham, ON  
April 23, 2026  

Since the gravel migration appears to be following an easterly tract (based on the location of the loose material), it should be noted that an existing precast block retaining wall is located approximately 3.0 m east of the observed asphalt settlement.

Photo No. 1 – Pavement Settlement  
Pavement Settlement & Migrated Granular  
Documented April 16, 2026  
(Site Location - see Figure No. 1)  

Photo No. 2 – Pavement Settlement (Initial Review Area)  
Pavement Settlement & Migrated Granular  
Documented April 17, 2026  
(Site Location - see Figure No. 1)

After the initial review, the contractor (JP Commercial Contractors Inc.) saw-cut and removed a ±2.0 m by ±2.0 m area of asphalt (directly over the subgrade void) and filled the subgrade void using Granular ‘A’ maintenance gravel (level with the surrounding asphalt surface). This approach is considered a temporary measure to make the parking lot safe for its intended use where the pavement settlement occurred. A small stockpile of gravel was also deposited along the perimeter of the paved parking area for the continuation of the granular maintenance until a more detailed subgrade investigation and proposed remedial works can be determined.

As noted above, the precast block retaining wall is located immediately east and downgradient of the settlement area. Upon discussion with GEI staff familiar with the site, photo documentation identified movement in the retaining wall since 2021 and subsequently in 2023. Significant freeze-thaw cycles, snowfall and groundwater observed during recent winter and spring seasons has likely contributed to the continuation of the retaining wall movement, resulting in the severe leaning condition (as compared to the 2021 site photos). Refer to Photos 3 and 4 below.

It is understood that a comprehensive plan for site improvements across this area has been completed and is under review. These proposed improvements would indirectly address the remediation works as part of a permanent overall solution, instead of temporary repairs. Regardless if the repairs will be temporary or long-term, it is recommended that monitoring of the parking lot surface be completed as an on-going assignment by the property manager/owner and any additional disturbances be reported accordingly.

GEI Consultants Canada Ltd.



Parking Lot Settlement – Initial Observations
Garafraxa Homes, 329 Garafraxa Street
Durham, ON
April 23, 2026

Photo No. 3 – Retaining Wall

Precast Block Retaining Wall
View looking South - April 17, 2026
(Site Location - see Figure No. 1)

Photo No. 4 – Retaining Wall

Precast Block Retaining Wall
View looking North - April 17, 2026
(Site Location - see Figure No. 1)

Based on the available data and observed site conditions, it is suspected that the observed pavement settlement is a result of the retaining wall movement. Since there is a perforated drainage tile installed in the retaining wall backfill to relieve hydrostatic pressure, the retaining wall movement may have severed or damaged the drainage tile and is permitting the migration of the parking lot granular into the void of the subdrain pipe or voided clear stone backfill. Further site investigation will be required to determine the actual cause and extent of the void/settlement. However, with the current condition of the retaining wall and the recent groundwater movement and migration of saturated soils, it was recommended to install a security fence around the retaining wall for safety reasons until the retaining wall can be reinforced or replaced.

Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions or concerns regarding the above noted observations and recommendations.

GEI CONSULTANTS CANADA LTD.
Per:
Derek Brewster, C. Tech.
DB/clw
cc: JP Commercial Contractors Ltd.: Andy Smit - asmit@jpcommercial.ca
GEI Consultants Canada Ltd.: Bill Dubeau, P.Eng. – bdubeau@geiconsultants.com
Brent Willis, P.Eng. – bwillis@geiconsultants.com

File No. 2402904

GEI Consultants Canada Ltd.

5 Correspondence

The section contains correspondence.

Agenda item 5: Correspondence

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

5.

Correspondence

6 Other Business

The section titled Other Business contains no substantive content.

Agenda item 6: Other Business

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

6.

Other Business

7 Next Meeting Date

The next meeting date is to be determined.

Agenda item 7: Next Meeting Date

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

7.

Next Meeting Date
To be determined.

8 Adjournment

The meeting concludes with the adjournment of Agenda Item 8.

Agenda item 8: Adjournment

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Combined agenda package (secondary source)

8.

Adjournment