Owen Sound Council Meeting - Regular Meeting Transcript — May 11, 2026

00:00:12 SPEAKER_135: Good evening, everyone. This is Owens Sound City Council.

00:00:15 SPEAKER_135: It's May eleven, two thousand and twenty-six.

00:00:18 SPEAKER_135: I note that Councillor Hamley and Councillor Kukrasi will be participating virtually.

00:00:25 SPEAKER_135: I don't see Councillor Kukrasi on the screen yet, but I'm sure she'll be there in a minute.

00:00:30 SPEAKER_135: Councillor Kepkie, I believe, are on motions today, so we're calling the meeting to order.

00:00:37 SPEAKER_135: I'm calling for any additional business. Go ahead. Thank you.

00:00:44 SPEAKER_135: I will have three items.

00:00:46 Pam Coulter: One pertaining to the Kelso Beach at Nawash Park playground and splash pad project.

00:00:53 Pam Coulter: The second is the Gray Bruce Home Show that I attended, and number three is garbage and recycling. collection in the River District. Good, thank you. Anyone else, Councilor Farmer?

00:01:05 SPEAKER_143: Through the Mayor, I'll have an item about an upcoming event hosted by Pollinate Owensound to plant one of our local gardens.

00:01:13 SPEAKER_135: Good, looking on screen, Councilor Hamley, Councilor Kukrachan. Nothing for additional business.

00:01:18 SPEAKER_135: Both indicating no. I have.

00:01:27 SPEAKER_135: I'm going to talk about two items down.

00:01:29 SPEAKER_135: Two items to that are coming up.

00:01:37 SPEAKER_135: Declarations of interest, general nature thereof.

00:01:41 SPEAKER_135: Seeing no hands going up, confirmation of council minutes, Councillor Kepkii.

00:01:48 SPEAKER_097: Moved by myself, seconded by Councillor Kukrasiya, that the minutes of the following meetings be adopted as printed.

00:01:54 SPEAKER_097: The closed session. of the regular council meeting held on April thirteen, two thousand and twenty-six, and the regular council meeting held on April twenty-seven, two thousand and twenty-six. And all in favor.

00:02:08 SPEAKER_135: That's carried with everyone voting in favor.

00:02:11 SPEAKER_135: Number five motion to move council into committee of the whole. Councilor Capkey.

00:02:16 SPEAKER_097: Moved by myself, seconded by Councilor Kukrasiya, that the city council now move into committee of the whole to consider public. meetings, deputations, and presentations; public forum matters arising from correspondence; reports of city staff;

00:02:31 SPEAKER_097: consent agenda; committee minutes; matters postponed; motions for which notice was previously given; and additional business. And all in favor.

00:02:44 SPEAKER_135: Two in the screen voted. Everybody, I looked. The exact opposite. I have favor. That's carried by everyone. Number six. public meetings.

00:02:53 SPEAKER_135: We have no public meeting scheduled.

00:02:56 SPEAKER_135: Number seven, we have no deputations or presentations. Number eight, public forum. Go to Ms. Bloomfield.

00:03:07 SPEAKER_138: Through your worship, no comments for public forum have been submitted electronically.

00:03:11 SPEAKER_138: If anyone present wishes to speak, please begin by stating your name and the municipality in which you reside.

00:03:17 SPEAKER_138: Each speaker is limited to a maximum of three minutes. and the total time allotted for public forum is fifteen minutes.

00:03:24 SPEAKER_138: The mayor may curtail comments that are repetitive or end any presentation for disorderly conduct.

00:03:30 SPEAKER_138: The mayor will respond to comments where appropriate.

00:03:32 SPEAKER_138: Council members will not enter into discussion or debate. Welcome, Ray. Go ahead.

00:03:46 SPEAKER_138: Good evening, Your Worship and Council.

00:03:48 SPEAKER_138: I want to thank. everyone and all staff who serve every day and the sacrifice they give that nobody knows.

00:03:57 SPEAKER_138: I'll also thank the city for having this.

00:04:04 SPEAKER_138: Help me, podium, that that rises up and down because I'm in a wheelchair, and someone sacrificed and. and and whoever paid for it, I guess the city.

00:04:19 SPEAKER_138: I'm very, very thankful because I'm very thankful for things like that.

00:04:25 SPEAKER_262: Today, I I want to say thank you, but I do have a major concern.

00:04:31 SPEAKER_262: I'm very thankful for all the accessibility within the city, from the city, but this is my experience.

00:04:42 SPEAKER_262: When I've been to the hospital, I can't leave because I'm not allowed to use my wheelchair in a taxi.

00:04:52 SPEAKER_262: They they said that it's sorry my words.

00:05:24 SPEAKER_262: It's it's it's a liability, and so I went to the I I had I I I had the.

00:05:34 SPEAKER_262: Police board reviewed that through the chairman a year ago, and they said that the police said because they license the taxis, they said it's an AODA, which is the Accessibility for Ontario Disabilities Act,

00:05:58 SPEAKER_262: and it's a hundred thousand dollar fine if I were to report it, and I've purpose not to because I believe we need to do something rather than cause a problem. And cause a problem.

00:06:07 SPEAKER_262: I want to help, and I am willing to help.

00:06:09 SPEAKER_262: But there are people who are in wheelchairs cannot go to the hospital unless they phone nine one one.

00:06:11 SPEAKER_262: And I think in this day and age, like using an ambulance where someone else really needs it, non emergent.

00:06:12 SPEAKER_262: And I've gone through every department.

00:06:14 SPEAKER_262: I am not here just as a whim.

00:06:15 SPEAKER_262: I've gone from. transportation to the police to the taxi companies, I've spoken to them all, and their hands are tied.

00:06:20 SPEAKER_262: Maybe it's an insurance thing, but I believe there's an answer.

00:06:27 SPEAKER_262: And what I would propose, because nobody has money, Mazel think big.

00:06:33 SPEAKER_262: Let's use the mobility service that I'm so proud that Owen Sound gives every day to extend. it, and there's no money for it, but I'm willing to give a hundred bucks. I wasn't planning that.

00:06:46 SPEAKER_262: I'll give a hundred bucks, and I will. And um, that's it.

00:06:52 SPEAKER_262: And I'm I'm just so thankful for everyone who serves.

00:06:56 SPEAKER_262: And when I leave this podium, I just want everyone to see publicly to never give up because you're worth it, and you're special.

00:07:06 SPEAKER_262: And this is this is our city together. Thank. you so much.

00:07:11 SPEAKER_135: Thank you very much, Mr. Boughton.

00:07:13 SPEAKER_135: Just just before you go, I was supposed to ask you what municipality you reside in, so we can just put that. I'm sorry.

00:07:22 SPEAKER_262: My name is Raymond Boughton.

00:07:24 SPEAKER_262: I live at ten eighty three Third Avenue A East in Owen Sound, and I'm a long term resident.

00:07:32 SPEAKER_262: I think I'm an Owen Sounder now. That's what I think. Thank you very much.

00:07:38 SPEAKER_135: We think you're no sounder too.

00:07:39 SPEAKER_135: We just need to put it in the record, and I forgot to ask you. Thanks, Ray. Okay. All right. Good evening, Marin Council.

00:07:57 SPEAKER_135: In regards to the Gray Bruce Poverty Task Force meetings. Oh, sorry. I'm Andres Vorgan.

00:08:05 SPEAKER_135: I'm Andrii Zvorygin from Owen Sound, and I'm here to ask the city to explore a compassionate and practical connection between housing affordability, food security, and local resilience.

00:08:14 SPEAKER_263: A common misunderstanding is that high-input farming is the most efficient way to feed people.

00:08:19 SPEAKER_263: Its main efficiency is labor efficiency—fewer people farming more acres.

00:08:23 SPEAKER_263: But food from that system depends on fuel, fertilizer, machinery, chemicals, debt, and long-distance transport staying affordable.

00:08:29 SPEAKER_263: As those inputs rise, food prices rise with them. Low-input farming, edible land.

00:08:34 SPEAKER_263: Low-input farming, edible landscapes, gardens, orchards, greenhouses, and small farms can produce better long-term yields and cheaper food by reducing dependence on expensive outside inputs.

00:08:42 SPEAKER_263: In the coming years, Gray County will need thousands more people involved in low-input growing, food processing, preserving, and local distribution to keep people fed as input costs rise.

00:08:51 SPEAKER_263: To make that possible, Owen Sound should explore community land trusts and village-scale housing models that connect affordable living with food-growing land and shared infrastructure.

00:09:00 SPEAKER_263: Owen Sound has rural and semi-rural areas where a careful Rural areas where a careful pilot could be explored.

00:09:05 SPEAKER_263: One possible model would be a central building with a shared kitchen, dining, washroom, laundry, storage, workshop, and gathering space.

00:09:10 SPEAKER_263: Around that hub, residents could begin with very low-cost dwellings such as permitted yurts or simple cabins, with a pathway to upgrade over time.

00:09:16 SPEAKER_263: Food security would be built into the design.

00:09:19 SPEAKER_263: Greenhouses, gardens, orchards, fields, and perennial food systems could help feed residents and the wider city.

00:09:24 SPEAKER_263: Each household or residence could have access to growing space sufficient for their needs and abilities, while also able to work with others. on shared growing, cooking, repairs, markets, and stewardship, this could help young families,

00:09:36 SPEAKER_263: workers, seniors on fixed incomes, new growers, and people who want to contribute.

00:09:40 SPEAKER_263: It could also create pathways for stability, dignity, responsibility, and belonging.

00:09:44 SPEAKER_263: I'm asking council to consider working with Grey County to explore the legal, planning, servicing, insurance, and partnership requirements for this kind of land-based housing and food security model.

00:09:53 SPEAKER_263: Since I already know many of the mayors, deputy mayors, and staff at the county level, I would be happy to help coordinate with the Grey County partners and.

00:10:00 SPEAKER_263: With the great county partners and support, the early work needed to move a practical pilot from idea to reality.

00:10:06 SPEAKER_263: Owen Sound has an opportunity to help people live affordably, grow food, support one another, feed our city, bring food costs down, and build long-term resilience with compassion. Thank you. Good. Thank you.

00:10:16 SPEAKER_135: Is there anyone else who wishes to speak tonight?

00:10:20 SPEAKER_135: Okay, I'm not seeing anyone else going to the microphone. Thank you both.

00:10:25 SPEAKER_135: Number nine in our agenda.

00:10:28 SPEAKER_135: We have no correspondence items being presented for consideration.

00:10:33 SPEAKER_135: At 10, we have no reports of city staff, so we're down to the consent agenda.

00:10:39 SPEAKER_135: Over to you, Ms. Bloomfield.

00:10:42 SPEAKER_138: Through your worship, on the consent agenda this evening is a report on an assignment of lease for the Owens Sound attack, a report on the appointment of a bylaw enforcement officer,

00:10:50 SPEAKER_138: and a report on an administrative amendment to bylaw number 2026-021 for the removal of the county of Wellington from the Guelph to Owen Sound Transit funding agreement,

00:11:00 SPEAKER_138: there are minutes for receipt from the Bruce Gray Poverty Task Force, the Graysonville Conservation Authority, and the Police Board.

00:11:06 SPEAKER_138: Business licenses were issued to Soothing Shores, a home-based business at five fifty-one Eighteenth Street A East.

00:11:13 SPEAKER_138: Haley Thompson is the new owner of Riverside Yarns at nine twenty-eight Second Ave East.

00:11:17 SPEAKER_138: Laura Sutherland RMT has relocated to ten fifty-one Second Ave East, Unit two one four.

00:11:24 SPEAKER_138: Mind Revitalized has. relocated to 945 Third Ave East, Unit 18B.

00:11:29 SPEAKER_138: Coaches Painting and Cleaning, a home-based business, has relocated to 206 Sixth Ave East.

00:11:34 SPEAKER_138: Sunside Skin and Wellness Studio relocated to 345 Eighth Street East, Unit or Suite 206, and an annual hawker and peddler license was issued for a fireworks retailer at 1350 Sixteenth Street East.

00:11:47 SPEAKER_138: Approval was issued for the VON Gray Bruce flag flying request for VON Week, and the last item on the consent agenda. is the information package.

00:11:55 SPEAKER_138: A full listing is available at eleven I. Good, thank you.

00:12:00 SPEAKER_135: Does anyone want anything polled and voted on separately?

00:12:04 SPEAKER_135: I'm looking at the screen first, seeing none.

00:12:07 SPEAKER_135: Seeing none that way, Councilor Fern.

00:12:10 SPEAKER_143: Through the mayor, I'd appreciate having eleven D, the poverty task force minutes, eleven E, the Gray Sable minutes, and one item of correspondence. Is it best to?

00:12:23 SPEAKER_143: pull the entire correspondence package or, yeah, and the correspondence package 11J.

00:12:32 SPEAKER_135: So, Councillor Kepkay, if you can go ahead and move all of those except for D, E, and J. Thank you, Worship.

00:12:43 SPEAKER_097: Moved by myself that, in consideration of the items listed on the May 11, 2026, consent agenda, City Council receive.

00:12:50 SPEAKER_097: City Council receives item eleven A to eleven I, save and accept items.

00:12:55 SPEAKER_097: Sorry, eleven A to eleven H, save and accept items eleven D and eleven E, and approves the recommendations contained in items eleven A to eleven C. Call the question. All in favor?

00:13:11 SPEAKER_135: It's carried in the room.

00:13:12 SPEAKER_135: Both hands went up on screen, so that carries.

00:13:15 SPEAKER_135: So I'll go over to.

00:13:16 SPEAKER_135: I guess we got to move it first, right?

00:13:19 SPEAKER_097: Eleven D. I'll move that, in consideration of item eleven D on the May eleven City Council Consent Agenda, that this item be received.

00:13:30 SPEAKER_143: Councilor Farmer, thank you, through the mayor.

00:13:33 SPEAKER_143: I note that the Poverty Task Force discussed food insecurity, which is an issue that impacts a lot of people in Owen Sound,

00:13:39 SPEAKER_143: and I was just hoping to hear a little bit more from Councilor Merton if there was anything that we should be highlighting in conversation at this table,

00:13:47 SPEAKER_143: and whether there are. opportunities for the City of Oceanside to more actively address food insecurity here, based on that conversation.

00:13:57 SPEAKER_143: Through you, Mayor, to Councillor Farmer.

00:14:00 SPEAKER_149: Thank you for the question.

00:14:02 SPEAKER_149: I would also ask the Clerk.

00:14:04 SPEAKER_149: There are two images regarding the Good Food Box, and if they could be displayed as I go through just a few descriptions of what the Poverty Task Force is saying about.

00:14:15 SPEAKER_149: Task forces saying about food insecurity.

00:14:19 SPEAKER_149: There is a dramatic increase in the demand for food assistance.

00:14:22 SPEAKER_149: Working families are increasingly needing food support.

00:14:26 SPEAKER_149: OSHaRE has expanded services to meet the growing community need, and the Good Food Box is an option for affordable produce for families.

00:14:37 SPEAKER_149: This matters to our community and to our council, since children are missing school due to lack of food. food insecurity has intergenerational and economic development impacts,

00:14:50 SPEAKER_149: and supporting children's food security is an investment in the future workforce.

00:14:57 SPEAKER_149: A key message sent at the poverty task force meeting is that free food is not free.

00:15:04 SPEAKER_149: The Good Food Box program is a cost-effective produce option to address food insecurity.

00:15:12 SPEAKER_149: It uses bulk. purchasing to bring down food costs, but relies on volunteers, and has not raised the cost past the price of twenty-five dollars per box yet in 2026.

00:15:26 SPEAKER_149: So, forty dollars of produce is still being sold for twenty-five.

00:15:31 SPEAKER_149: A driver goes to the Toronto Food Terminal to obtain the produce.

00:15:35 SPEAKER_149: However, as we all know, gas prices are going up. So, monitoring transportation costs.

00:15:41 SPEAKER_149: Entering transportation costs and collecting this data for this service will be a key focus on going for the poverty task force.

00:15:49 SPEAKER_149: They are asking organizations to get the word out to utilize and promote the Good Food Box for families and others in our community who are facing food insecurity today.

00:16:01 SPEAKER_149: The conversations that have occurred in various committees and at the council table regarding planning for a walkable community design. are important.

00:16:11 SPEAKER_149: Walkable access to groceries can improve food availability and reduce transportation costs.

00:16:17 SPEAKER_149: And as our city grows, this needs to be an important consideration for planning and design of our neighborhoods and our developments.

00:16:27 SPEAKER_149: And as I say, these conversations have been going on at committee and around the council table.

00:16:32 SPEAKER_149: The city of Owen Sound does have on their website information for residents regarding. food insecurity, they do have a community assistance and support page,

00:16:44 SPEAKER_149: and it includes our key partners as well as 211 for anyone wanting additional information.

00:16:52 SPEAKER_149: We also have a responsibility to advocate to speak up to all political organizations and representatives about this.

00:17:02 SPEAKER_149: In 2024, our council unanimously passed a.

00:17:07 SPEAKER_149: Amidously passed a motion requesting provincial increase to OW and ODSP.

00:17:13 SPEAKER_149: We also need to advocate to the federal government for a universal livable basic income.

00:17:20 SPEAKER_149: Those on fixed income, our children, families, and seniors need food security. Thank you. Call the question. All in favor? That's carried.

00:17:37 SPEAKER_097: Next one, go ahead, Mary. Thank you.

00:17:40 SPEAKER_097: Moved by myself that that city council hereby receives item eleven E contained on the consent agenda dated November, sorry, May eleven, twenty twenty six. Perfect, Councilor Parmer.

00:17:54 SPEAKER_143: You want to speak to that? Yes.

00:17:56 SPEAKER_143: Thank you, through the mayor.

00:17:57 SPEAKER_143: After a drought of GSCA minutes, we're faced with a spring flood, with the minutes from three. three meetings coming through, all at once,

00:18:07 SPEAKER_143: and I'm sad that we didn't get to speak to these earlier because the most consistent and impactful item across these agendas was the ongoing discussion and emerging details of the impact of merging the conservation

00:18:19 SPEAKER_143: authorities from watershed-based organizations into the regional councils.

00:18:23 SPEAKER_143: I wanted to highlight the key points of that change.

00:18:27 SPEAKER_143: Include that lower-tier municipalities like Owen Sound will cease to be participating municipalities. upper tier and single tier municipalities will become participating.

00:18:36 SPEAKER_143: So they're anticipating likely one representative from Gray County, one representative from Bruce.

00:18:42 SPEAKER_143: Governance representatives will be provided from each of those upper tiers, but also from those other upper tier municipalities across the new regional watershed,

00:18:51 SPEAKER_143: which stretches from the old Asawal Bayfield up all the way to like Lake Simcoe area.

00:18:58 SPEAKER_143: The proposal is for representatives.

00:19:01 SPEAKER_143: Proposal is for representation by population to guide that representation, but those details have not been ironed out.

00:19:07 SPEAKER_143: And the new governance structure is to take place starting February 1st of 2027.

00:19:13 SPEAKER_143: The apportionment proposed is supposedly going to be the same way.

00:19:18 SPEAKER_143: After 2027, the new participating municipalities will be apportioning the cost, so Gray County and Bruce County, respectively.

00:19:26 SPEAKER_143: But in 2027, the existing municipalities will be apportioning the Will be apportion the costs.

00:19:51 SPEAKER_143: In response to widespread fears that these changes were going to result in a loss of local knowledge and input into the governance of conservation authorities, the province added watershed councils that will be.

00:20:01 SPEAKER_143: We don't really know yet.

00:20:02 SPEAKER_143: The details are not clear, but lower than the regional level, probably closer to what's in existence right now, and we don't really know how that's going to work, but.

00:20:04 SPEAKER_143: Gonna work, but the what jumped out to me as these, as yeah,

00:20:24 SPEAKER_143: as both confusing and important to name is that now instead of having one watershed-based conservation authority where the municipalities that are paying for that are at the table making the decisions,

00:20:34 SPEAKER_143: now we're gonna have three layers of bureaucracy.

00:20:35 SPEAKER_143: There's gonna be the watershed council, and then the regional, and then the new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, and that,

00:20:37 SPEAKER_143: as at least the time of the meetings. all three of those will eventually be paid for off of the tax base,

00:20:39 SPEAKER_143: in the same way that the Conservation Act allows the municipalities currently participating in a conservation authority to fund that collectively.

00:21:04 SPEAKER_143: So, yeah, we're going to be covering three layers, and we also learned that although there were more than fourteen zero submissions to the ERO Environmental Registry of Ontario, I always forget what that acronym. means.

00:21:14 SPEAKER_143: For public comment on the issue, fourteen zero responses.

00:21:15 SPEAKER_143: Only a third of those have been made public, and of those, the great majority were opposed to the idea, like a staggering majority.

00:21:17 SPEAKER_143: But we don't know what the other ones said.

00:21:19 SPEAKER_143: Also included in those batch of minutes, the AGM took place in January, with special thanks to the Graceable Conservation Foundation, which has now ceased operation,

00:21:21 SPEAKER_143: but which contributed immensely to supporting the work of the conservation authority and also local education and. students over the years, we did elect a new chair and vice chair.

00:21:30 SPEAKER_143: The chair is our own deputy mayor, and the vice chair is Jen Shaw from Aaron Eldersley.

00:21:33 SPEAKER_143: And we approved the 2026 budget in February.

00:21:37 SPEAKER_143: We received a presentation about board and frazzle ice formation on the heels of the events in Clarksville and Miford.

00:21:44 SPEAKER_143: We approved the 2026 work plan, although there are a number of items that were put on pause there because we don't know what that's going to look like going forward. with that amalgamation,

00:21:54 SPEAKER_143: and updated the volunteer policy.

00:21:57 SPEAKER_143: I'll personally encourage folks to volunteer with the GSCA if you're looking for opportunities to do things like care for local conservation properties or protect turtle nests.

00:22:06 SPEAKER_143: That program launched last year and was really popular.

00:22:09 SPEAKER_143: We also updated the camp fees and discussed mechanisms for local organizations or businesses to sponsor GSCA summer campers.

00:22:17 SPEAKER_143: Anyone interested in that can contact the GSCA, and. the GSCA staff shouted to them.

00:22:23 SPEAKER_143: Found a couple of month window where updating the fees was not frozen by the province, which let the GSCA update some of their fees.

00:22:31 SPEAKER_143: You might remember in two thousand and twenty three, the province instituted a fee freeze, which made it harder for planning departments and conservation authorities to recover the real cost of providing that work.

00:22:42 SPEAKER_143: It required us to shift our budgeting as a result.

00:22:44 SPEAKER_143: And in March, we got. an update on the flooding in Hepworth and South Bruce Peninsula, and also a tour of the new admin's building, which looks amazing.

00:22:56 SPEAKER_143: And when that's open, everyone should go.

00:22:59 SPEAKER_143: Wanted to highlight that because it's going to change a lot of stuff for us, and some of it's good news too. Call the question. All in favor? That's carried on screen.

00:23:12 SPEAKER_135: Sorry, I didn't look this way. Okay, that's that's carried. Councilor Farmer.

00:23:22 SPEAKER_097: I guess we got to move correspondence. Go ahead, Mayor.

00:23:24 SPEAKER_097: Move by myself that 11A contained on the May 11, 2026 consent agenda be received. Thank you, Councilor Farmer.

00:23:30 SPEAKER_143: Something, Mayor, you wanted to speak to? Yes, thank you.

00:23:33 SPEAKER_143: Through the mayor, correspondence item 1B is from AMO, and as part of the update in that item, it includes their feedback on Bill 100, which is the bill that we discussed. previously,

00:23:46 SPEAKER_143: that would bring strong chair powers to provincial appointees at regional regional councils.

00:23:54 SPEAKER_143: So, AMO's in this correspondence lays out that they were clear that Bill One Hundred cannot be considered in isolation;

00:24:01 SPEAKER_143: that those proposed changes are the latest in a series of provincial actions in areas of municipal jurisdiction that undermine municipal authority and centralized decision making at the province.

00:24:11 SPEAKER_143: AMO writes that they're united with municipalities and the. province in wanting all orders of government to work efficiently and effectively, in the best interests of the residents.

00:24:20 SPEAKER_143: But some targeted governance changes may help further with that goal, but only if they're designed with local voices.

00:24:27 SPEAKER_143: And Amos has been really clear about calling for active partnership in redesigning the way that our municipal representation works.

00:24:35 SPEAKER_143: So they write that a successful path forward relies on the province setting clear objectives, providing the right implementation supports, and conducting the local consultation necessary to make changes successful,

00:24:47 SPEAKER_143: they go on to make four specific recommendations for improvements to that legislation, including keeping the selection of regional chairs and county wardens local rather than those being provincial appointees,

00:24:58 SPEAKER_143: empowering municipalities to to determine their own composition, structuring there's proposed weighted voting in these changes and structuring those around representation by population, and also passing Bill Nine.

00:25:08 SPEAKER_143: And also passing Bill 9 to reform the municipal code of conduct, so Bill 100 has now been passed.

00:25:14 SPEAKER_143: But I'm highlighting this here because I think it's exactly the kind of structural change that folks could gloss over because it sounds technical and bureaucratic in passing,

00:25:21 SPEAKER_143: but these sorts of changes can directly influence the conversations happening at regional and upper tier council tables across Ontario.

00:25:50 SPEAKER_135: So just like strong mayor powers, nobody asked for this, and we should make sure people know it's happening, happening in an election year, and that municipalities and regions across Ontario. were not in support.

00:26:00 SPEAKER_135: The public can learn more about all of that by looking into our correspondence package or visiting AMO's website for more info. Thanks.

00:26:02 SPEAKER_135: So, call the question on that. All in favor? And the room's good.

00:26:19 Pam Coulter: Both hands went up on screens, so that completes the consent agenda, number twelve A. We have minutes from Community Services Committee meeting held on April twenty first, twenty twenty six. Councillor Mittlebrock. Councillor Mitterbecher. Thank you, Your Worship.

00:26:29 Pam Coulter: The Community Services Committee met April 21st.

00:26:30 Pam Coulter: We confirm the minutes of the previous Community Services Committee meeting and closed session held on March 18th.

00:26:32 Pam Coulter: From deputations and presentations, the committee received a presentation from Tim Lanthier, CAO of the Grey-Sable Conservation Authority, regarding Bill 97 and the proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.

00:26:34 Pam Coulter: There was also a presentation from Miriam.

00:26:55 Pam Coulter: Presentation from Mariam Fairs of the Owen Sound Tourism Development Fund regarding an update on the grants that have been distributed for the fall two thousand and twenty-five and spring two thousand and twenty-six intakes to

00:27:04 Pam Coulter: local groups and events from the mat tax that we collect here at the city to support tourism.

00:27:06 Pam Coulter: Committee also received a presentation from the Senior Advisor External Relations and Investment Attraction regarding updates on economic development initiatives being undertaken by the city under. reports at Report 8A1,

00:27:08 Pam Coulter: there was a report from the committee and executive support coordinator regarding 2026 community services fees and charges update.

00:27:12 Pam Coulter: There were minimal charges beyond the usual CPI increases.

00:27:17 Pam Coulter: Primarily, new fees were to for the turf install and removal, as that's a new thing, and a new special event facility deposit for major events,

00:27:30 Pam Coulter: and then the Events and then they increase conversion fees at the Bayshore to reflect what the actual costs are.

00:27:36 Pam Coulter: At Report Eight B One, the report from Senior Advisor External Relations and Investment Attraction regarding Economic Health Report Card was received for information purposes.

00:27:50 Pam Coulter: Under Correspondence, Committee received a memorandum from the Chief Building Official and Manager of Planning and Heritage regarding the March Development Update, primarily just Skydev and Harbor Wester proceeding along nicely.

00:28:02 Pam Coulter: Twenty per Along nicely, twenty permits issued, thirty-nine thousand in fees received.

00:28:05 Pam Coulter: Construction value of two point two million.

00:28:08 Pam Coulter: Committee received correspondence from the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario regarding heritage helping housing grant.

00:28:16 Pam Coulter: The ACO is committed to keep, fix, and reuse heritage assets across the province,

00:28:22 Pam Coulter: and they are requesting the provincial government through pre-budget consultations to create a new application-based matching grant program of. 10 million a year to generate new housing by incentivizing owners to revitalize vacant or underutilized heritage

00:28:38 Pam Coulter: buildings to create new housing units.

00:28:41 Pam Coulter: There was a motion from member Busfield Bustedo from the committee that recommended city council endorse the ACO proposal for the 10 million dollar grant program, and that motion carried.

00:28:52 Pam Coulter: Committee also received for information correspondence from the Community Heritage Ontario regarding the spring quarterly newsletter. and with that, I move receipt of the community services committee minutes of April twenty one,

00:29:02 Pam Coulter: two thousand and twenty six, and approval of the recommendations contained within.

00:29:06 Pam Coulter: And can take any questions. Perfect. Thank you. Any questions, Councillor Farmer?

00:29:14 SPEAKER_143: Thank you to the fees and charges, and this might be a staff question, but the with the changes to the wooden floor installation and removal, does that include both installation and removal,

00:29:23 SPEAKER_143: or or if one event is coming in and we don't need the ice for a bit, like what does that look like, or is it always you're paying for for both?

00:29:37 SPEAKER_265: I'd I'd have to check the bylaw, and I don't have it in front of me this evening.

00:29:41 SPEAKER_265: But I'm happy to check and let you know.

00:29:45 SPEAKER_135: Okay, so we don't have an answer, but we will.

00:29:48 SPEAKER_135: So not seeing any hands going up on the screen, I'll call the question. All in favor? That has carried.

00:29:55 SPEAKER_135: Both hands and screen went. up. Thank you, Melanie. Number thirteen.

00:30:02 SPEAKER_135: We have no matters postponed, or if I read it right, there are no postponed matters.

00:30:09 SPEAKER_135: There are no motions for which notice was previously given. Discussion of additional business. Am I starting with?

00:30:16 SPEAKER_135: I think I'm starting with. Councillor Middlebro. Thank you, Your Worship.

00:30:25 Pam Coulter: Item one is Kelso Beach at Nawash Park Playground and Splash Pad Project.

00:30:31 Pam Coulter: This project will replace the 25-year-old playground and revitalize the 2011 Splash Pad to create a more accessible, inclusive, and engaging play space for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

00:30:45 Pam Coulter: This project is a partnership between the city and the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer.

00:30:49 Pam Coulter: Next week, the public is invited to a public open house Wednesday.

00:30:53 Pam Coulter: May the 20th, here at City Hall from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to see the preliminary designs and provide feedback.

00:31:01 Pam Coulter: There will also be a presentation at the Community Services Committee meeting.

00:31:05 Pam Coulter: Following that at 5:30 p.m., there is a project page on our city public engagement platform.

00:31:11 Pam Coulter: The page includes a survey and an opportunity to provide input on the draft concepts.

00:31:16 Pam Coulter: The page will launch May 13th, and the survey will be open from the 13th until May 27th.

00:31:22 Pam Coulter: Until May twenty-seven, all the feedback received will come back to the committee with the final design June twenty-fourth.

00:31:28 Pam Coulter: At item two, I attended the two thousand and twenty-six Gray Bruce Home and Lifestyle Show at the Harry Lemley Bayshore and J D Macarthur Arena last weekend.

00:31:38 Pam Coulter: I just wanted to congratulate staff, especially Jen Wright, our events coordinator, who, in partnership with the Knights of Columbus and Gray Bruce Home Builders Association, put on an exceptional event. It was sold out.

00:31:50 Pam Coulter: There were tons of vendors both outside the Bayshore, in the hallways, and throughout the main floor.

00:31:58 Pam Coulter: And it was a great success, fully sold out, and a steady stream of visitors throughout the entire weekend.

00:32:04 Pam Coulter: So that was a great event.

00:32:06 Pam Coulter: And my third item is regarding garbage and recycling collection in the River District.

00:32:12 Pam Coulter: As a business owner downtown, the last few times on Wednes.

00:32:29 Pam Coulter: On Wednesdays when garbage pickup is, and some every other week recycling,

00:32:32 Pam Coulter: there has been a number of recycling and garbage bags left out at the curb on days that it is not meant to be there, and it's becoming a large problem. It is a mess.

00:32:35 Pam Coulter: It is becoming a burden to our staff here at the city because they have to go out and pick up and deal with this mess, and it has to be paid for. by the taxpayers,

00:32:49 Pam Coulter: and I'm just looking to staff on what you might need from us or what options there are available to us to deal with this problem.

00:32:58 Pam Coulter: Question is for for staff, like for Lara.

00:33:07 Pam Coulter: I know that she or Tim or Mr. Simmons.

00:33:12 SPEAKER_008: Three, Mayor, and thank you, Councillor Middleboro.

00:33:14 SPEAKER_008: We we agree that. trash and recycling in the River District is is a need that needs to be addressed.

00:33:22 SPEAKER_008: We can we can meet internally with staff and our supervisor of Environmental Services, who is responsible for waste collection and managing that contract with our waste provider, and other internal staff,

00:33:32 SPEAKER_008: and come back to Council with with either Council or to Operations Committee with with some additional input and seek some guidance. Councillor Kapke, first.

00:33:47 SPEAKER_097: Is there a possibility that a notice could be sent to all the landowners or property, business owners, tenants—probably not tenants,

00:34:00 SPEAKER_097: but owners of those properties in the River District—to identify that this is a huge issue and something needs to be done?

00:34:09 SPEAKER_008: Mr. Simmons, thank you, and again, through you, Mayor, to Councillor Kapke.

00:34:12 SPEAKER_008: Mayor to Councilor Kepke, yeah, we have sent a number of correspondence letters to businesses, building owners, landlords on the very subject matter.

00:34:25 SPEAKER_008: And recently, our our supervisor of environmental services has created, working with our River District business coordinator, downtown coordinator, they've produced a postcard that Canada Post will be delivering to every tenant in every building.

00:34:38 SPEAKER_008: So it's not just a random. to the landlords, but yes, it's it's an issue that needs to be discussed more fully with the building owners and the landlords, who, quite honestly,

00:34:46 SPEAKER_008: we think are are just not policing their own tenants with when it comes to trash and recycling.

00:34:53 SPEAKER_008: Go to Councilor Hamley on screen, and then to Deputy Mayor Greig.

00:34:58 SPEAKER_008: Just it's it's a little bit of a separate issue, but the same issue.

00:35:06 SPEAKER_136: Like I recall last fall, I think it was, I moved a motion. and it passed.

00:35:11 SPEAKER_136: Looking for a staff report on options to increase the service level of actual cleaning of the downtown.

00:35:19 SPEAKER_267: And I was just wondering what what the status of that is.

00:35:23 SPEAKER_267: Through you, Mayor, to Councillor Hamley.

00:35:32 SPEAKER_008: There was a River District service level report that went the service review committee, and I believe it did outline. waste and trash pickup.

00:35:41 SPEAKER_008: In addition, the overall cleanliness. Sorry. Okay, Deputy Mayor Greig. Thanks for mentioning it.

00:35:51 SPEAKER_142: I was going to say I can certainly raise this or add it to an upcoming operations agenda.

00:35:56 SPEAKER_142: We're just six weeks into the transition away from what we were caring for it as a service level downtown,

00:36:03 SPEAKER_142: so I think it's it's still staff have been. trying to pivot and respond to various items that have been populating over the last five and a half weeks.

00:36:12 SPEAKER_142: Yet, so I'm happy to add that as an item at operations committee, just for further discussion from staff, and speak to it at that time too. Thanks, Councilman Mettler.

00:36:23 SPEAKER_135: Is that the list for you? We're good. Okay, Councilor Farmer. Oh, go ahead.

00:36:29 SPEAKER_143: Through the mayor, my understanding confirmed, perhaps by Dr. Google.

00:36:35 SPEAKER_143: Perhaps by Doctor Google, is that according to the Residential Tenancies Act, that any landlord that has a multi-residential unit with, well, Section 45.1 in a building containing more than one rental unit,

00:36:51 SPEAKER_143: one or more suitable containers or compactors shall be provided for garbage.

00:36:55 SPEAKER_143: Our conversations on these issues have often focused on policing the tenants,

00:37:02 SPEAKER_143: but my understanding of the information on Ontario.ca is that the landlords are responsible if they've got more than one unit for providing a place for that garbage to be,

00:37:12 SPEAKER_143: and I think that we've shifted at least rhetorically the responsibility onto tenants when the landlords, if they're not providing a dumpster, are not in accordance with this.

00:37:25 SPEAKER_143: Not a lawyer, but every time we talk about this, it's how do we get the tenants to stop doing that, and I think the conversation could be.

00:37:32 SPEAKER_143: How do we have the multi-residential landlords start to provide the service that it looks like they're responsible for?

00:37:40 SPEAKER_143: I don't know how we do that. Go ahead, Councillor Dawe. Thank you, Worship.

00:37:47 SPEAKER_143: Just for clarification, you asked about recycling, correct?

00:37:51 SPEAKER_143: Primarily the recycling that's being left.

00:37:52 SPEAKER_098: I think waste is still being collected, as you have noted.

00:37:56 SPEAKER_098: Waste would be still on that piece.

00:37:58 SPEAKER_098: It's the recycling days that are what I've noticed when I'm driving to my office. is, it's the recycling that's not being picked up because it's now biweekly,

00:38:05 SPEAKER_098: rather than being picked up three times a week.

00:38:14 SPEAKER_135: Okay, now I'm going to go to Councillor Farmer for his next additional business.

00:38:22 SPEAKER_143: I want to highlight that Pollinate Owen Sound is one of the many volunteer organizations that has this city buzzing. Has the city buzzing?

00:38:32 SPEAKER_143: They will particularly be getting folks together on Saturday, May thirtieth at ten a.m.

00:38:34 SPEAKER_143: They're hosting a work bee at the Marine Heritage Waterfront Center to plant the garden there.

00:38:40 SPEAKER_143: Their promo includes the request that interested folks should show up with work gloves, a small shovel, water, and a hat.

00:38:47 SPEAKER_143: You can find them on Facebook at Pollinate Owen Sound or email Pollinate Owen Sound at gmail.com for more info.

00:38:55 SPEAKER_143: If you want to dig into beautifying the city.

00:39:04 SPEAKER_135: So on my list, I attended the Canadian Nuclear Association conference in Ottawa a full week ago. Very fascinating.

00:39:10 SPEAKER_135: We had a provincial minister of energy, a federal minister of energy, saying they want Canada to be energy superpowers.

00:39:17 SPEAKER_135: With that, is going to be coming a lot of development of has to be clean, carbon-free energy. Doesn't have to be. I guess they could.

00:39:26 SPEAKER_135: It doesn't have to be.

00:39:27 SPEAKER_135: I guess they could burn coal.

00:39:28 SPEAKER_135: They've chosen to go clean.

00:39:30 SPEAKER_135: A couple days later, there was announcement about Brucece, so that wasn't announced that week for some reason.

00:39:40 SPEAKER_135: I was talking to an economist that talked about the need for energy as we all do more of these things and AI and all the power that's going to be needed in Ontario. and you're

00:39:55 SPEAKER_135: going to have to have ways of storing it,

00:39:58 SPEAKER_135: and also all the things we've been talking about the last number of years in this region.

00:40:02 SPEAKER_135: Of course, there's a lot of discussion about nuclear medical isotopes and treatment and things at the CNA.

00:40:13 SPEAKER_135: Last Friday, I attended a realtors' housing symposium where we discussed housing policy, affordability, smart growth.

00:40:19 SPEAKER_135: I have passed the. report that I received on to staff here and left it on their desks.

00:40:28 SPEAKER_135: I think it can be found also.

00:40:30 SPEAKER_135: One Point Associates of Realtors—they also have a a study that you can find online for this region.

00:40:39 SPEAKER_135: Friday night went to the Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

00:40:43 SPEAKER_135: Congratulations to all the inductees.

00:40:46 SPEAKER_135: There's an old saying that they always used that was the reason for the Sports Hall of Fame that good. athletes make great citizens,

00:40:53 SPEAKER_135: and all of those inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame and those that are on the wall, I think, prove that to be true.

00:41:01 SPEAKER_135: Tomorrow night we have Canadian Innovation Week 2026.

00:41:05 SPEAKER_135: There's a local event being hosted here by the city and Grey County up at Sittingham Campus from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

00:41:13 SPEAKER_135: There'll be discussions, networking, and a look at some of the various innovation going on in our city. and region, so it's going to be a really good event.

00:41:23 SPEAKER_135: If you haven't signed up yet, please sign up. Please attend.

00:41:27 SPEAKER_135: Coming up next week, no, I guess in two weeks, I won't be here at the next council meeting because I'll be attending the Canadian Radiotheranostics Leaders Summit in Toronto,

00:41:39 SPEAKER_135: which brings together leaders from across the globe, the global isotope supply chain business and investment community, government. representatives, healthcare leaders, academic students to share Canada's isotope leadership to support patients globally.

00:41:57 SPEAKER_135: Theme is collaboration in action, which is what our southwestern Ontario Isotope Coalition is all about.

00:42:04 SPEAKER_135: I'm going to be a panelist at that, which is kind of nice.

00:42:08 SPEAKER_135: Last thing that I forgot to mention, I received a letter on March thirty from two thousand and twenty-six from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators. the long-term, sorry,

00:42:18 SPEAKER_135: the long service recognition awards program of the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators, is dedicated to honor and celebrate the dedication of our members to public service, municipal management, cornerstone priority for our association.

00:42:34 SPEAKER_135: These awards are based on the duration of full-time paid employment, municipal government, especially in management roles such as chief administration office.

00:42:44 SPEAKER_135: Chief Administration Officer, or those reporting directly to them, recognition is granted at the ten-year mark and subsequently in five-year intervals.

00:42:54 SPEAKER_135: This year is our privilege to acknowledge the commitment of your City Manager Tim Simmons for his remarkable fifteen years of service in municipal government management roles.

00:43:04 SPEAKER_135: Tim's dedication to our role was undoubtedly contributed.

00:43:09 SPEAKER_135: Has undoubtedly contributed to the advancement of our municipality.

00:43:14 SPEAKER_135: Actually, me saying our, and the latter he's saying your municipality, and we are pleased to recognize his achievements.

00:43:21 SPEAKER_135: His certificate of recognition has been mailed directly to him.

00:43:24 SPEAKER_135: We invite you to assess while doing exactly what I'm doing tonight.

00:43:28 SPEAKER_135: Congratulations and thank you, Tim, for your 15 years of service.

00:43:36 SPEAKER_135: And your efforts have certainly benefited our community over the last six, six, right of.

00:43:43 SPEAKER_135: Six right about now, right? Years.

00:43:45 SPEAKER_135: So, thank you, thank you very much. It's great.

00:43:49 SPEAKER_135: I think that covers all the additional business.

00:43:56 SPEAKER_135: No one else's hand has gone up. Back to Councillor Kepkay.

00:44:04 SPEAKER_135: Motion that the committee of the whole rise and report.

00:44:06 SPEAKER_135: Moved by myself that the committee of the whole rise and report. And all in favor? That's carried.

00:44:15 SPEAKER_135: Both hands on screen have gone up in favor.

00:44:19 SPEAKER_135: Back into the formal session.

00:44:21 SPEAKER_135: Motion to adopt proceeds proceedings in committee of the whole.

00:44:27 SPEAKER_097: Moved by myself, seconded by Councillor Kukrasya, that the action taken in committee of the whole in considering public meetings, deputations, and presentations, public forum matters arising from correspondence. reports of city staff, consent agenda,

00:44:42 SPEAKER_097: committee minutes, matters postponed, motions for which notice was previously given, and additional business be confirmed by this council. All in favor. That is carried.

00:44:54 SPEAKER_135: Both hands on screen for number eighteen. Notices of motion.

00:44:58 SPEAKER_135: I'm going to hand the gavel to Deputy Mayor Greig to take over. And at this time.

00:45:08 SPEAKER_135: I will welcome Mayor Boddy. There might be others. Oh, okay.

00:45:15 SPEAKER_135: Yeah, I just presume that you would have already canvassed.

00:45:18 SPEAKER_142: Are there any notices of motion to be offered this evening, Mayor Mayor Boddy? Go ahead.

00:45:29 SPEAKER_135: I kind of threw you under the bus and didn't tell you I was going to be doing that.

00:45:32 SPEAKER_135: Sorry, I give a move by myself, seconded by Councilor.

00:45:36 SPEAKER_135: Seconded by Councillor Travis Dodd, to be considered at the Owen Sound Council meeting on June fifteenth, two thousand and twenty-six.

00:45:43 SPEAKER_135: Whereas councils of the City of Owen Sound have a long history of recognizing people who have dedicated their lives to civil civic duty and made meaningful and lasting contributions to the community,

00:45:54 SPEAKER_135: I therefore give notice that I will move at the regular Council meeting on June fifteenth, two thousand and twenty-six,

00:45:59 SPEAKER_135: that the City of Owen Sound recognize Arlene Wright and Ova Jackson by naming one of the atrium. meeting rooms in City Hall after each of them. Thanks. Okay, thank you.

00:46:12 SPEAKER_243: And that item being completed, I'll pass the chair the gavel back to the chair. Thank you.

00:46:20 SPEAKER_135: At nineteen, motion to move into the closed session, and we don't have any closed materials tonight. Number twenty reporting out. Nothing to report.

00:46:28 SPEAKER_135: So we're down to twenty-one. Miss Bylaws, Miss Bloomfield.

00:46:34 SPEAKER_138: Through your worship, the bylaws listed for approval on tonight's agenda include the confirmatory bylaw, a bylaw to repeal various city policies,

00:46:41 SPEAKER_138: a bylaw to amend the election sign bylaw to adjust timing for election campaign signs, a bylaw to govern the proceedings of council and committees, a bylaw to establish boards and committees,

00:46:50 SPEAKER_138: appointment or amend the terms of office for members, and repeal bylaw number two thousand and twenty-six zero zero eight.

00:46:56 SPEAKER_138: A bylaw to establish a compliance audit committee, adopt terms of reference for the committee, and delegate authority to appoint members of the committee to. the city clerk,

00:47:03 SPEAKER_138: a bylaw to amend the appointed officers bylaw to remove and appoint a bylaw enforcement officer,

00:47:08 SPEAKER_138: a bylaw to amend bylaw number twenty twenty six zero two one to remove the county of Wellington as a funder of the Guelph Owen Sound Transit,

00:47:15 SPEAKER_138: and a bylaw to execute an assignment of lease agreement with the Owen Sound Attack Inc. and Ecological Dynamics Sports Partnerships respecting use of the Harry Lumley Baschar Community Center.

00:47:26 SPEAKER_097: Councillor Kepke, moved by myself, seconded by Councillor Kukrasiya.

00:47:30 SPEAKER_097: By Councillor Kukrasi, that bylaw number twenty twenty six zero four nine through to and including bylaw number twenty twenty six zero five seven be passed and enacted.

00:47:41 SPEAKER_135: Call the question on favour. That's carried. Both hands up. Screen have gone up.

00:47:50 SPEAKER_135: That completes our business for tonight. It is six seventeen. We're adjourned. Thanks.