One-Sentence Summary

Council considered a Presentation by Graham and Larose regarding the GSS Engineering proposal, reviewed a Manager of Engineering Services report on Roads Condition updates, and addressed discussion of additional Business recognizing Chris Webb for retirement.

Whole Meeting Summary

Jeff Graham and Timothy Larose of GSS Engineering presented a proposal for replacing the structurally deficient sanitary sewer on 16th Avenue East with new infrastructure sized for future growth while addressing soil contaminants. The Supervisor of Environmental Services provided a verbal report regarding transit dashboard data covering January to May 2025, noting that February and March service disruptions lost hours but reduced costs, while pass sales exceeded projections despite weather hesitancy and a revised East Bayshore route pilot project was approved until July 1st, 2025 following improved on-time performance. The committee received Supervisor of Environmental Services Report OP-25-024 regarding a Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks funded Great Lakes coastal cleanup event on September 28, 2025, recommending a bylaw to authorize execution of the grant agreement and purchase materials with approximately $11,000 in pending provincial funding for volunteer coordination and supply management. The Manager of Engineering Services presented a Roads Condition Update comparing PCI scores from 2021 and 2024, attributing the drop to different data collection systems rather than deterioration, with staff recommending CityLogix for future assessments starting in 2026. The Committee Operations received an informational report on winter control operations detailing statistics, cost increases, discontinued exercises, delayed cleanup, inefficient routes, material transitions, and a unanimous carried recommendation to receive the matter for information regarding weather cost correlations without making a formal Council decision. The Director of Public Works and Engineering presented Report OP-25-027 recommending approval of a Water Management Bylaw that shifts maintenance responsibility to owners, refines billing migration risks, and amends the delegation of authority bylaw while addressing condominium metre concerns and establishing an appeal process. The discussion of additional business included a report on an upcoming International Day in Recognition of Helen Keller event, staff observations that water capital project funding was significantly less than expected while wastewater had a slight overage, and committee recognition for Chris Webb’s retirement after twenty-one years managing engineering services.

Most Newsworthy Items

• Speaker Discussed Options for Constructing Additional Parking Area When Zoning Changes Allow: A speaker discussed options for constructing additional parking area when zoning changes allow more people to live in one house, noting that parking in landscaped areas not meant for parking is prohibited under traffic bylaws which currently forbid parking on boulevards and sidewalks. A clarification was provided regarding the distinction between permitted street parking and prohibited parking on the boulevard landscape strip, sidewalk, or driveway apron. It was noted that police issue summons rather than tickets for certain violations like those involving blind persons rights, requiring a court appearance, whereas the current system involves issuing summons to individuals parking on grass for extended periods which then proceed to court. A speaker indicated that changing the system to issue direct tickets would improve efficiency and align with prosecutor recommendations following a previous court case. The discussion included considerations of implementing an educational campaign and issuing warning tickets before full enforcement, as the department generally does not operate with immediate penalties for non-safety related issues. Concerns were raised regarding government involvement in private property matters, the loss of green space due to paving, and questions about the frequency and cost of legal fees versus the proposed system.
• Speaker Recommended Removing a Specific Regulation from the Bylaw to Reflect Actual: A speaker recommended removing a specific regulation from the bylaw to reflect actual conditions on Eight Street East, noting a typographical error regarding the affected roadway segment. The committee also addressed 7th Avenue East, recommending that time-limited no-parking restrictions be lifted to allow parking at any time while extending the no-parking zone slightly south of the intersection for safety. Additionally, staff discussed introducing a new mechanism into the traffic bylaw to more efficiently regulate and enforce parking on private property, addressing concerns raised by law enforcement about current cumbersome enforcement methods.
• Winter Control Operations Report and Staffing Review: The Committee Operations heard a report on winter control operations covering the years 2023 to 2025, which detailed weather event statistics and increased sand salt costs. The presenter noted that daytime load and haul exercises were discontinued due to safety concerns and explained that spring cleanup was delayed by late snowmelt. Councillor Kukreja questioned if an action plan exists for future severe winters to address low-priority roads, to which the staff member responded that a winter maintenance service review is ongoing and may result in operational changes but no commitments can be made yet.
• Council Reviews Winter Maintenance Operations and De-icing Materials: Council discussed winter maintenance operations, noting that current routes designed for vehicle counts create inefficiencies requiring depot refills. Staff confirmed they will review route designs to improve efficiency and optimize sidewalk plowing resources. Council reviewed the history of de-icing materials, transitioning from untreated salt to treated salt mixed with sand since 2018 to balance cost, safety, and environmental impact. A member questioned if statistics account for sweeper time due to higher sand content, which staff clarified is not currently included in purchase costs but will be considered in the upcoming review. Council received a recommendation to accept the winter control operations report for information purposes.

Meeting Recap

5.a Presentation from Jeff Graham and Timothy Larose of GSS Engineering Re

GSS Engineering representatives Jeff Graham and Timothy Larose presented a proposal to replace the structurally deficient sanitary sewer on 16th Avenue East, which has lost integrity due to suspected chemical attack. The project involves removing the deteriorated asbestos concrete pipe and replacing it with a new sewer sized for future growth, while also addressing minor salt contaminants in the surrounding soils. Council received a deputation regarding construction on 16th Avenue where pedestrian facility reconstruction will occur only as the hotel project advances, and the motion to receive the deputation for information purposes was carried unanimously.

Proposal to Replace Deficient 16th Avenue East Sewer GSS Engineering Representatives Jeff

GSS Engineering representatives Jeff Graham and Timothy Larose presented a proposal to replace the structurally deficient sanitary sewer on 16th Avenue East, which has lost integrity due to suspected chemical attack. The project involves removing the deteriorated asbestos concrete pipe and replacing it with a new sewer sized for future growth, while also addressing minor salt contaminants in the surrounding soils.

Project Schedule Cost Reduction and Hotel Servicing Details

The presentation outlined a project schedule with an insurance of tender on June 10, tender close on July 7, contract award on July 1, construction commencement on August 5, and substantial completion on October 28. The team aims to minimize costs by retaining the northernmost portion of the existing granular base within the road base, except for a specific contaminated area near 20th Street which requires careful handling under excess soil regulations. Regarding the proposed hotel fronting the project, pedestrian facilities and multi-use paths will be constructed by the developer’s contractor under a servicing agreement, with costs fully recoverable from the developer rather than the City. There is no existing sidewalk at 16th Avenue East; however, a curb near Bread Depot and Absolute Automotive will be removed and replaced, though future restoration of that area remains under debate.

Council Receives Deputation on 16th Avenue Construction

Council received a deputation regarding construction on 16th Avenue where pedestrian facility reconstruction will occur only as the hotel project advances. Contractors provided detour plans noting that while one lane remains open, full closure may be required for water main service to the hotel due to the sewer’s location west of the asphalt limit. The motion to receive the deputation for information purposes was carried unanimously.

8.a.1 Verbal Report from the Supervisor of Environmental Services Re Transit Dashboard

The Supervisor of Environmental Services provided a verbal report regarding transit dashboard data covering a specific period in 2025. The discussion noted that service disruptions during February and March resulted in lost hours but were offset by reduced operating costs. Pass sales exceeded projections despite weather-related hesitancy among riders. A pilot project extending a revised East Bayshore route was approved until July 1st, 2025, following feedback that improved on-time performance.

8.b.1 Report OP-25-024 from the Supervisor of Environmental Services Re Great Lakes

The committee received a report regarding a Great Lakes coastal cleanup grant funded by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for an event on September 28, 2025. Staff will coordinate with community partners to recruit volunteers and manage supplies using approximately $11,000 in funding, pending formal announcement from the province. A recommendation was made to pass a bylaw authorizing staff to execute the grant agreement and purchase necessary materials. The motion to approve the report and proceed with the cleanup initiative was carried unanimously after a declaration of pecuniary interest.

8.c.1 Report OP-25-016 from the Manager of Engineering Services Re Roads Condition

The Manager of Engineering Services presented a Roads Condition Update comparing PCI scores from 2021 and 2024, attributing the drop to different data collection systems rather than deterioration. Staff recommended using the CityLogix system for future assessments starting in 2026 to ensure consistent trending. A councillor moved that the report be received for information purposes and requested that future reports clearly identify the source of the evaluation tool used; this motion was carried unanimously. The committee discussed eliminating on-street parking between 5th Avenue West and 8th Avenue West to address collision risks and narrow roadway width, as well as prohibiting on-street parking on 9th Avenue East from 23rd Street East to 25th Street East. Additionally, a recommendation was made to implement a no-stopping zone on the south side of 15th Street A East between 8th Avenue East and 9th Avenue East during school hours. Staff confirmed that planned signs would indicate no-stopping zones with specific timings and explained enforcement mechanisms, noting that complaints received during business hours are monitored constantly via an online portal while after-hours issues may be addressed by police if available.

Speaker 02 for Information with Request to Identify Evaluation Tool

The Manager of Engineering Services presented a Roads Condition Update comparing average PCI scores from 2021 and 2024, noting a drop attributed to different data collection systems rather than actual road deterioration. Staff recommended using the CityLogix system for future assessments starting in 2026 to ensure consistent trending over at least three successive cycles. A councillor moved that the report be received for information purposes and requested that future reports clearly identify the source of the evaluation tool used.

Motion Carried on Transit Route Pavement Data

A speaker Speaker 09 condition index data for transit routes could be extracted from existing geospatial road data to monitor comfort levels. A staff member confirmed the raw PCI values and coordinates are loaded into the city’s GIS system and can be correlated to transit routes. The body then carried a motion unanimously.

Committee Discusses Parking Restrictions on Multiple Streets

The committee discussed eliminating on-street parking between 5th Avenue West and 8th Avenue West to address collision risks and narrow roadway width. Staff also proposed prohibiting on-street parking on 9th Avenue East from 23rd Street East to 25th Street East to reinforce driving lanes. Additionally, a recommendation was made to implement a no-stopping zone on the south side of 15th Street A East between 8th Avenue East and 9th Avenue East during school hours.

Council Discusses Parking Enforcement and Signage Timing

A speaker Speaker 10 would clarify weekend parking permissions and restricted hours, to which a staff member confirmed that planned signs would indicate no-stopping zones with specific timings. Council members discussed enforcement mechanisms, noting that outside the downtown area, enforcement is primarily complaint-driven rather than proactive patrols for general violations. Staff explained that complaints received during business hours are monitored constantly via an online portal, while after-hours issues may be addressed by police if available. A council member questioned why the recommended prohibition time ended at 5 p.m. instead of 4 p.m., and staff clarified that the timing aligns with when school staff typically leave around 4 p.m. Details regarding the specific hours are contained within the body of the report and will be set out in the amending traffic bylaw.

Police Monitor Driver Behavior at Schools Annually

A speaker Speaker 11 bylaw allows disconnection at 4:30 PM and questioned stopping through the day. Another speaker Speaker 12 includes education and engineering, noting that Oceanside Police Service monitors driver behavior at elementary schools at the beginning of each school year to address concerns.

8.d.1 Report OP-25-030 from the Director of Public Works and Engineering Re

The Committee Operations heard a report on winter control operations covering the years 2023 to 2025, which detailed weather event statistics and increased sand salt costs. The presenter Speaker 08 load and haul exercises were discontinued due to safety concerns and explained that spring cleanup was delayed by late snowmelt. Council discussed winter maintenance operations, noting that current routes designed for vehicle counts create inefficiencies requiring depot refills. Staff confirmed they will review route designs to improve efficiency and optimize sidewalk plowing resources. Council reviewed the history of de-icing materials, transitioning from untreated salt to treated salt mixed with sand since 2018 to balance cost, safety, and environmental impact. A member moved a recommendation to receive the report for informational purposes regarding winter weather cost correlations, which was carried unanimously by the Committee - Operations.

Winter Control Operations Report and Staffing Review

The Committee Operations heard a report on winter control operations covering the years 2023 to 2025, which detailed weather event statistics and increased sand salt costs. The presenter Speaker 08 load and haul exercises were discontinued due to safety concerns and explained that spring cleanup was delayed by late snowmelt. Speaker 01 questioned if an action plan exists for future severe winters to address low-priority roads, to which the staff member responded that a winter maintenance service review is ongoing and may result in operational changes but no commitments can be made yet.

Council Reviews Winter Maintenance Operations and De-icing Materials

Council discussed winter maintenance operations, noting that current routes designed for vehicle counts create inefficiencies requiring depot refills. Staff confirmed they will review route designs to improve efficiency and optimize sidewalk plowing resources. Council reviewed the history of de-icing materials, transitioning from untreated salt to treated salt mixed with sand since 2018 to balance cost, safety, and environmental impact. A member questioned if statistics account for sweeper time due to higher sand content, which staff clarified is not currently included in purchase costs but will be considered in the upcoming review. Council received a recommendation to accept the winter control operations report for information purposes.

Committee Receives Winter Weather Cost Report

A member moved a recommendation to receive the report for informational purposes regarding winter weather cost correlations. The motion was carried unanimously by the Committee - Operations.

8.e.1 Report OP-25-027 from the Director of Public Works and Engineering Re

The Director of Public Works and Engineering presented a report on a Water Management Bylaw aimed at enforcing property owner access for inspections and consolidating municipal standards like hydrant usage and emergency shut-offs. Council discussed the policy regarding individual unit metres in condominiums versus multi-apartment complexes, with a councillor expressing concern that the bylaw would limit staff discretion for water bill adjustments by shifting maintenance responsibility to property owners. Speaker 03 argued for a clear framework over subjective discretion for rebates, while another speaker Speaker 13 standardized appeal process. The source records a recommendation to approve measures reducing risk through migration to monthly billing, bring forward the substantially informed bylaw pending further refinement, and amend the delegation of authority bylaw to include specific powers for public works and engineering.

Water Management Bylaw Report and Access Enforcement

The Director of Public Works and Engineering presented a report on a Water Management Bylaw primarily motivated by the water metre project to enforce property owner access for inspections and installations. The bylaw also consolidates standard municipal aspects including hydrant usage, mandatory connection requirements, and emergency shut-off capabilities. Council discussed the policy regarding individual unit metres in condominiums versus multi-apartment complexes and the City’s billing responsibilities. A councillor expressed concern about language limiting staff discretion for water bill adjustments, noting that while staff currently handle such requests, the proposed bylaw would cease accepting applications at the staff level except through Council. Speaker 15 explained this change was intended to shift responsibility for equipment maintenance, such as hot water tanks and fixtures, directly to property owners.

Staff Discretion and Water Rebate Appeals

Speaker 03 argued that staff require a clear framework rather than subjective discretion to decide on water rebates, citing examples of minor leaks versus negligence. Speaker 04 suggested adding a standardized appeal process to ensure consistent decision-making parameters. Another speaker Speaker 14 bylaws use dollar thresholds or percentages to escalate decisions to council, while others prioritize community service over individual customer service.

Source Records a Recommendation to Approve Measures That Reduce Risk Through Migration

The source records a recommendation to approve measures that reduce risk through migration to monthly billing, bring forward a bylaw substantially informed by a draft water management bylaw pending further refinement, and amend the delegation of authority bylaw to include specific powers for public works and engineering.

12 DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

The meeting discussed additional business, including a report on an upcoming International Day in Recognition of Helen Keller event. A staff member reported on capital projects, noting that funding for water was significantly less than expected while wastewater had a slight overage. The committee then recognized Chris Webb for his retirement after 21 years of service as the manager of engineering.

Links

Read full transcript: https://helpos.ca/transcripts/owen-sound/committee-operations/2025-06-26

Agenda page: https://helpos.ca/agendas/owen-sound/committee-operations/2025-06-26

Official meeting page: https://pub-owensound.escribemeetings.com/MeetingsCalendarView.aspx/Meeting?Id=18de9177-22c0-4c78-a9c2-b291927da704

Original video: https://video.isilive.ca/owensound/New Encoder_OP_2025-06-26-05-32.mp4