Senior of the year Rob Bazinet, residents of Blind River
and the press. It is Monday, June 15th, 2026, and
we call the council meeting to order. We begin tonight's
meeting with the acknowledgement that the land on which we
are gathered is in the traditional territories of the initial,
specifically Mississauga. We would also like to acknowledge the North
Channel May tea council. We say migridge to thank Indigenous
peoples for taking care of this land from time memorial.
We are called to treat this sacred land. Its plants,
animals, stories, and as peoples with honour and respect, we
commit to the shared goal of truth and reconciliation. Prior
to beginning this evening's agenda, I would ask that each
councillor answer the roll call when I call your name.
Deputy Mayor Paula Summers. Present. Councillor Betty and Denver. Present.
Councillor Jim Dunbar. President. Councillor Jenifer Pasteriro. Present. Councillor Dan
Middow. Present. Councillor Katie Whitlock. Present. This is the first
meeting of the month of June, and we have a
lot to celebrate. Juni is recognised as seniors'month pride awareness
month, national aboriginal month, the lowest month of the school
year, graduations beginning of summer and recognition of Father's Day.
National Individual People's Day, St. Jean Batique Day, and from
the internet 65 different recognition events. I didn't think anyone
wanted me to recite them all. This is pretty much
a celebration and recognition of each and every day. At
this time, I would like to congratulate the winners of
HGTV hometown Mako or contest, Port Al - Burney, British
Columbia. Well, blowing river didn't make the cut. We definitely
were in the running, and everyone should be proud of
our efforts. It's all the more reason to raise a
bar for 2027, and we're definitely on the radar of
HGTV, hometown makeover team. So we'll be rallying out there
and doing our hashtag to be ready. Blind Rivertown Council
would like to extend our sincere thanks to the chemical
corporation and the employees for sprucing up our community once
again. Your commitment to making our town shines comes with
heartfelt thanks for this and for all that you do,
and hot off the press from the library. The centennial
events continue to celebrate 2026 the year of the blind
river public library. They invite everyone in town to a
birthday barbecue on Tuesday, July 7th, outside the library in
the neighbouring parking lot. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, and cake
for all, as well as a thank you to the
community for supporting the library over the years. The event
starts at 4. 30, rain or shine with kind words
from speakers at 4. 45 and cake cutting at 5
p. m. We look forward to hearing from MPP Rosenberg,
if you can make it. MPN CEO, Jen Ford, and
just to name a few, and I think I will
be speaking as well. Come and join us for this
very special occasion. And on Tuesday, July 14th, they are
celebrating authors Marguerite Peugeot and Bernadette Xi to another of
the series of author, Meet and Greet events. The feedback
from those attending these events have been very positive, and
they hope to see everyone on the 14th. Along with
the festivities, a regular library programming continues with more than
1, 000 patriots visiting the library in May to attend
workshop. Use a computer or borrow a book. The staff
is now in the planning stages for the summer reading
program, which is always very popular. So without further ado,
we will move on to the agenda and are there
any conflicts of interest from councillors. Councillor Pastor Arrow. Thank
you, Mayor Heckman. I need to declare a conflict for
17. 2. 1 due to my employment with the algoma
district school board. Thank you. Councillor Jim Dunbar. And I,
the Carol Config too in the in - camera section
of 17. 2. 2. I believe, as I'm affiliated with
an organisation that maybe discussed. Thank you for declaring. And
just a note that there is not a public presentation
from a naval candidature. And also 9. 1. 1 on
your agenda. Uh, they're waiting for more information. So there's
no motion on this agenda item. Alright. Getting on to
the most important thing for the evening. We are very
excited that Blind Rivers annual senior of the year Community
nomination initiative is so successful. Each year, residents decide who
they would like to see as their choice of the
year. And I know it's hard. This year we had
a great variety of names which shows how many individuals
impact our beautiful community. And on tonight's agenda, actually, under
7. 2, you'll see a list of the nominees. And
tonight we are here to celebrate a special someone who
had the most nominations in 2026. This person was nominated.
For donating his time often, never asking anything for return.
Helping, can you cover my house? How big were they
being ass - reliability and returning each summer season to
lend a hand or a rake? And I've often seen
this person with a shovel helping neighbours out as well.
I would like to turn our microphone over to MPP
Bill Rosenberg to say a few words of our esteem
citizen coming up to the front bill.
Yes. Well, I don't get off of the raded here.
So all those folders over there, usually when I come,
the whole money. But tonight, uh, it's pretty special tonight.
I get to present my boom a while. So. I'm
not, uh, I'm not in concept because I didn't get
a vote. So it's, uh, it's a great, great to
be here for sure. Um, volunteer. Royalty was what keeps
communities alive and keeps us all together. Uh, so Robert
does that on his own time. He'll give it up
your own time. It's very special. And it's something that
we all can do. And as we grow older, we
seem to have more time to offer that to the
people that really need it. So in a special here
tonight for myself. Usually I have to look around the
room to see if there's anybody older than all them.
Tonight is not so much. So, um, so Robert, on
behalf of the province of Ontario and residents of a
one monitorin, is my great pleasure to extend heartfell, great,
congratulations on your recognition. And senior of the year. That's
kind of hard to hear. Just probably ordered the recognition
of your exceptional character. Or whatever in leadership in the
lasting impact you have made throughout the year. As a
senior, you may not have earlier achieved excellence in your
own endeavours. That have also become. I wear glasses. And
inspiration strikes. To those around you, your dedication of tired
of sculpt attributes as a left of profound mark on
this community. Encourage others to follow your example. Pushing your
health and happiness and one years ahead. Congratulations, invest wishes
on the off the private. Congratulations.
Thank you. Official title here.
Mr. Robert Basnet, on behalf of your community neighbours, counsel
and our staff. I am thrilled to present you with
blonde rivers 2026 senior the year award alongside MPP bill
Rosenberg. Tonight, sincere, congratulations.
Again, some. Maple syrup. There you go. Con. Karen, do
you need this for anything else? Each of you on
the one side. Nice. Neighbours. Neighbourhood. Beautiful. Thank. You. Everybody
coordinated. Thank you. So much. I think Karen wants to
take you outside for some more pictures. My favourite time.
Yeah. She doesn't want to stay for the county. I
mean, everyone's welcome to stay for the council. Meaning we
get very excited when we get an audience and it's
not very much sucked. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you everyone
for coming. Thank you for your support to Rob. Thank
you to last year's recipient Yvonne Borni. You passed the
torch to a great person. Rolf has something. He's got
to speak. No, I don't have to say anything. Thanks
for all my friends for coming. I did not expect
us. I did not see this coming. There you go.
That would be the senior part. Yeah, I forgot. We
didn't need an offer for you. I was happy to
see that he was here. Thanks a lot, Bill. Thank
you. Karen's going to take an entourage of people outside
and she wants to get a bunch of pictures with
everyone. So thank you. Thank you for coming. Absolutely. I
just want to get that over. Like that.
Just get rid of sheets.
Moving back to agenda item number five. The adoption of
the previous minutes. Could I have a moving a second
here please?
Weird. Okay. So move by. Councillor Whitlock and seconded by
councillor. Betty and Denver. Moved at the minute's be resolved
that the council approved the minutes of the regular meeting
of council on May 19th, 2026 in the minutes of
the public meeting on May 19th, 2026 as presented. At
this time, I'd like to have council vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. Item number seven
introduction and consideration of administrative reports. 7. 1 from administration
on ongoing projects updates. This council, how many questions on
this item. Moving on to 7. 2 from the director
of facilities, community services, re senior of the year. We
have a list. For council to peruse. 7. 3 from
the treasure, read the MFN golf tournament donation request. Uh,
there's a motion on the table. Move around a seconder,
please. This is moved by Councillor
Jim Dunbar. Second did by Councillor Posterrero. Sorry. Be it
resolve that council approve the donation of 200 dollars to
the Mississauga First Nation 3rd annual golf tournament and that
council authorizes that schedule a policy 1. 1. 16 council
donation policy be amended to include this as a recurring
annual donation. Any questions or comments from council. Councillor Betty
and Dunbar. Is this the third year that we have
donated or is this the first time we've actually donated.
This is the second time we did in year one
minus year two. Ms. request came from year three. Thank.
You. Seeing no other questions. I would ask counsel to
vote.
And the vote is carried. Councillor, Deputy Mayor Summers. Thank
you Mayor Hagman. Um, can I just go back one?
There was a question that I had on, um, on,
uh, the updates that, uh, that we had, I just
couldn't find, sorry, on the second part, there was, um,
the fire breathing air compressor. And is that the one
I was asking about? It said the RFQ was, was
posted closed February 19th. I was just wondering if there
was an update on that. So are you looking at
the first list or the second list? Yeah. 7. 1.
Sorry, Katie. I would refer that to, um, the fire
chief. Mr. Balair.
Hagman, who was Betty and Umedbars? No, Deputy Mayor Summers.
My apologies. Um, so as an update, there has been
a slight delay. Mostly due to miscommunication with, um, with
the contractors. So to air on the side of the
caution, we're going to be installing the compressor and the
bay areas to allow for more, uh, more air circulation.
And, uh, just a different setup. So we're hoping that
that's going to be completed by next week is the
latest update I got. Thank you. Moving on to agenda
items number nine. Oh, yes, councillor. Denver. Thank you, Mr.
Haykman. Yeah. I don't know what happened there. Uh, I
had questions for seven. one. Oh, I did bring it
to council's attention, but didn't see any hands going up.
All the excitement we had to senior. I have a
question. My first question is, um, who's doing the treatability
study that we've over budgeted, uh, we've gone over budget
for. Who's actually doing this study. Through you, Mayor Hegman,
to you, councillor Dunbar. That's too la engineering is looking
at the treatability study. They are the same engineers that
did the planning for the new water source. Okay. And
my second question, if I may is the public work
tractor, I don't know if there was a, um. A
fupa on the explanation, but on canoe procurement, the canoe
procurement was utilised for this purchase. What canoe. Through you,
Mayor Hegman, to you, Councillor Dunbar. So we've used this
in the past and we've brought it forward to council.
This is through LAS. So it's a branch of ammo.
And what we do is the canoe, it is called
canoe. That is not a fupa. Okay. That is a
grouped, uh, bidding process. So they go out and do
the tenders for municipalities and then municipalities can submit what
we're looking for. And they already have the lowest pricing
available. So that's where we find the lowest pricing. It's
easier for us, especially smaller municipalities, which was one of
the reasons that ALS brought this forward. Thank you for
that. In my last question. Uh, is the sewer service
line at the tourist information centre? Has that anything to
do with, uh, the possible new motel area. Or is
that another project we're looking at? So through you mayor
Hegman to you, Councillor Dunbar, it does. And yes, it
also has something to do with other businesses within that
area. So we have to relocate the sewer line that
is on the property of the new hotel location. Um,
because obviously we don't do work on private property. And
as something should happen to that line, it is our
line to fix. So we are moving it off of
that property now that we no longer own it. It's
part, uh, has to do with the, um, the switch
dump station as well as the information centre. But it
would also, um, enable with the additional, um, that we're
putting in would help with the new development, uh, also
allow other businesses to connect to that. So we just
tied in. It's all tied into that area and the
development within that area. Perfect. Thank you very much, Mayor
Eichmann. Thank you. All right. We are moving on to
corresponden action. And you'll have to bear with me because
I don't have any long nodes to see what is
what on these. Um, so for the first one is
telecang engineering new water intake Martin Street railway crossing tender
award.
So this is moved by Deputy Mayor Summers, seconded by
Councillor Pastor Arrow. And I'll just wait for the screen
to change. Possibly. Be it resolved at council accept the
bid from industry construction in the reduced amount of 2,
363, 108 dollars in six cents including HST for the
new water intake. Martin Street and Railway Crossing Project. Any
questions on this councillor posture. Thanks, my hugban. Uh, my
question was, I see that in the report that it
was a reduced amount, uh, they, the singular bitter or
was there the RFP with multiple bidders? Is this just
a revision of something we've already done? Through you, I'm
going to councillor Pastor Barrel. No, this was the only
bidder that we received for this project. Um, it is
a unique project to undertake with dealing with the railway
and industria is also already on site doing the current
water lines of this ties in with them. Not having
to mulb and demob as well. So they already have
employees in the area. Councillor Mido. Thanks, Mayor Hagman. Um,
what does this all get us this 2. 5 in
some change? What does this get us? Does this get
us the rate out in the lake or is it
just crossing the railway. So this connects us under the
railway to here on street. And then that will do
the other connection to the piece that's going out to
the lake. So it's kind of the middle piece to
tie everything together. The reason that it is so high
is because of the intricate work that we have to
do around the railway. Follow up. So. The other piece
to this that has to go out in the lake.
Is what you're saying. That is correct and that's already
been part of the other bid that we're already undertaking.
Councillor Denbar. Just to add on to that, uh, has
that anything to do with the actual, uh, lift station
or pump station down there. Involved with that money. Through
you, my hegwim to you, Councillor Dunbar, not specifically to
that money, but that will all tie into the lift
station. It's all part of one project. Seeing no other
questions coming forward. I would ask council to vote at
this time.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. Uh, blind river
community days, uh, we have emotional on the table. Could
I have a mover in a second, please?
This is move my councillor Jim Dunbar, seconded by Councillor
Katie Whitlock. It resolves at council approve of the closure
of Hudson Street at Chiblo Street and Dyke Street and
Hudson Street at Woodward Avenue on Sunday, July 12th from
10. 30 a. m. to 2. 30 p. m. for
the schedule of community days activities, including a children's train
ride and the annual duck race. Any questions or commies.
Councillor Pastor Arrow. Is this the same motion that we
deferred previously or has it been amended so that it's
more inclusive of other, uh, patrons that would like to
hold activities as well. Thank you, Mayor Hegman, to you
councillor posture. This is the same motion that you had
deferred previously. However, uh, the two groups are working together.
And you'll see another motion on here where they're also
asking for some road closures. This will just ensure that
all the roads are closed no matter what is happening.
We're covered. Both will have their time to have their
event and everyone in the community will benefit. Thank you.
Seeing no other questions, I would ask council to vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. 11. 3 JR's
pizza read the request for the approval. Of the annual
touch a truck event. And I would ask for mover
in a second, please.
This is moved by Councillor Pastor Arrow, seconded by Councillor
Whitlock. And. Just waiting for that to go. Be it
resolved at council authorized the following road closures for the
third annual touch of truck event on Sunday, July 12th,
2026. Closure of Fullerton Street from the Hawken Street intersection
to the boat launch area. Closure of Hawkins Street from
the Fullerton Hawkins intersection to Hudson Street and that the
participation by municipal department's be at the discretion of the
CAO clerk and department head. Are the questions on this
item. And we are going first with Councillor Pastored and
Councillor Woodlock. Thanks Mayor Hagman. I'm really happy then to
see that they're collaborating and communicating with each other. That's
why I asked a question. I just wanted to make
sure I wasn't approving the motion. And then we're going
to negate the second motion. So, so I'm really glad
to see that there's collaboration in. They're all great events.
So I can hardly wait for, uh, the community days.
So thank. Councillor Whitlock. Thank you, Mayor Hegman. Pretty much
the same thing. Glad to see both groups collaborating together
and that also the very loud trucks will be moved
a little bit further away so as not to interfere
with other activities happening. But I'm excited to attend both
of them. Councillor Mido, did you have a question comment?
Yeah, thanks Mayor Eggman. Bear with me for a second
because I've never been to a touch of truck, but
I've seen some about the Zamboni in here. Are they
driving that over there. Through you, Mayor Hagman, to you,
um, Councillor Meadow, some of these vehicles that they were
talking about were just not going to be able to
accommodate because of the wear and tear on me. The
trucks. Well, it would be nice to do the cost
of the taxpayer would be too high to do. So
we are working with the organisers of touch a truck
to ensure that we get as many over there that
we can. But again, it'll be based on the availability
of the vehicle, whether it makes sense to bring that
vehicle over. And if we have the person available for
that as well, because it is a Sunday, that will
be double time for a public works to be bringing
vehicles over there. So it'll just depend on finding staff
to do that. But we're working with them to ensure
that we have some sort of a variety for the
kids. See new other comments or questions. I'll call for
the vote.
And the vote is carried. The blind river fires firefighters
association request. And this is for department attendance at community
days demo derby. And if I move her in a
second, please. This is moved by Councillor Jim Dunbar, seconded
by Councillor Mido. So mine is very slow today.
Be it resolved at council authorized a blind river fire
department to attend the demolition derby to provide safety support
to the event and that any firefighters able to attend
will do so voluntarily. Any questions on this motion. Councillor
Pastor Arrow. More so a comment. I just want to
thank the blind river firefighters for taking this over. It's
such a great community vent and just it's just them
giving even more of themselves to our community. So thank
you so much. Yes. Absolutely. And, and, uh, very much
appreciated the firefighters when they were at downtown blind river.
I visited the downtown at quarter after seven on the
Sunday morning. And, uh, your team is absolutely amazing, Ryan.
He's express counsel's appreciation to everything that they do. We're
so lucky. At this time, I'd like to ask counsel
to vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. For Northumberland County,
we protect our food act. And this was submitted by,
uh, deputy mayor summers and councillor Bedyen Dunbar. And they
requested that this item be submitted to the agenda.
So I have no crib notes for any of my
motions tonight. So bear with me when I, uh, going
through these. So. Move by Deputy Mayor Summer, second dated
by Councillor Jim Dunbar. Be it resolved that the council
has supported the county of Northumberland with the request that
the provincial government support Bill 21 protect our food act
2025. And every measure to protect our farmland to aggressively
prevent further losses and to ensure further the future of
agriculture in Ontario for future generations. And that this resolution
be forwarded to the premier voluntario. The Minister of Agricultural
Food and Agra Business, the Minister of the Environment, conservation
and parks, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the
Minister of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade. MPP Bill
Rosenberg and the Federation of Ontario Agriculture and Emil. Questions
or comments. Councillor Pastor Arrow. Thanks Mayor Hagman. I would
definitely support anything that is protecting our agricultural lands. Uh,
we know that fiasco that happened with the green belt.
And that land is a finite resource. Um, so yeah,
I would definitely support this. Thank you. At this time
I would ask council to vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. And from the
municipality of hero inshores, return and chip service surface treatment.
I'm moving a second, please. And this was submitted
by Deputy Mayor Summers. Uh, for the agenda. And this
has been moved by Deputy Mayor Summer, seconded by Councillor
Jim Dunbar. Be it resolved at council support the county
of Northumberland. Sure, it's your rate. Um. With the request
that the provincial government support Bill 21, uh, sorry, I'm
missing. I'm not on the right. When am I? Yep.
Right. Yes. Oh, sorry. Oh, that's why. My
computer is jumping all over the place tonight. People, I
really apologise for that. Sorry. Moved by Councillor Betty and
on our seconded by Councillor Pastorero. Be it resolved that
council support the municipality of Huron shores. With the request
at the Ministry of the Environment reconsider the sew of
lighter grade oils for chip and tar surface treatment or
develop a suitable alternative and recognition of the reduced durability
and increase maintenance cost experience by municipality. And that a
copy of this resolution be forwarded to the ministry of
environment amo phenome good roads and MPP Rosenberg. Questions, comments.
Councillor Jim Dunbar. Kind of a comment and question at
the same time. So I guess they're using a lighter
or the ministry would like to use a lighter alternative
which would, um, not stand up as well. So in
the short term, it's cost and municipalities more money. To
surface treat the roads more frequently. Is that what my
understanding would be, Ms. Scott on that. Through you may
have mental you councillor Denver. I would have to research
what this is about and what the municipality of your
insurance actually uses. Is it the same as we use?
I'm not sure. Is it different? Is the regulation looking
at changing. I'm not sure. Um, but I can certainly
bring something back to, to counsel with this. Arrow. Thanks,
Mayor Hagrin. What I'm getting from this is exactly asset
management, right? So if you're taking the lowest bitter for
less, like the reduced quality materials just because it's cheaper.
But long - term pain of paying the maintenance, replacing
it more frequently, uh, is not viable for small municipalities
that need to keep up with that asset maintenance. So,
uh, short term gain for long - term pain. So,
so if that is the case, then I would support
it. Deputy Mayor Summers. Thank you, Mayor Hagman. That was
my understanding as well. There was another, another, um, municipality
in there that had also put in another motion similar
to what this one was. So that was my understanding.
That was why I forwarded because I know we do
the surface treatment around our municipality as well. At this
time, I would ask council to vote.
The vote is carried. Thank you. And the next agenda
item for the town of Bruce Mines called for repeal
of provisions regarding the FOI, Bill 97, 2021. And this
was put forward by Deputy Mayor Summers. And asked to
have this included on the agenda. The motion is moved
by Councillor Pastero, seconded by Deputy Mayor Summers. And the
motion reads. Whereas the recent amendment to Bill 97 includes
new exemptions for records held by the premier cabinet minister
parliamentary assistance and their officers where their records are no
longer considered FOI eligible records. Be it result that council
supports the town of Bruce's minds with a request that
the government of Ontario repealed his provision of the legislation.
And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to
the premier. The attorney general MPP Rosenberg, Amo Phenom and
the information and privacy commissioner of Ontario. Hey, questions or
comments. Councillor Pastor. Thanks Mayor Hagron. Uh, I would definitely
support this as those kind of exemptions are an erosion
of our democracy. And so if we're not all equal
under the law, then, uh, it's not a fair system
of democracy. So, uh, moving more towards, uh, an authoritarian
system of governance. So thank you. See, no other questions
I would ask council to vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. 11. 8 from
the township of Baldwin recalling upon the province of Ontario
to conduct a review of OPP municipal policing billing model.
Excuse me, deputy summers has requested this item be added
to the agenda. This is moved by and deputy Mayor
Summer, seconded by Kelsed or Betty and Dunbar. Reads. Whereas
unorganized townships and territories contribute to policing costs through provincial
taxation mechanisms and pay only a base rate. While receiving
OPP policing services. And whereas residents of unorganized territories receive
comparable OPP policing services to those provided in organised municipalities,
therefore be it resolved at council supports the township of
Baldwin with the request that the province of Ontario conduct
an immediate review of OPP municipal policing billing model and
the policing funding structure for unorganized territory. And that the
province be requested to implement a fair and equitable funding
model that ensures all communities receiving OPP policing services contribute
appropriately to the cost of those services. And that the
province consult with municipalities, particularly those in northern Ontario regarding
financial impacts of OPP policing costs and the current inequities
in the system and that a copy of this resolution,
be forwarded to the Minister of the Solicitor General MPP
Rosenberg, Amo Phenom and NOMA. Any questions or comments. Seeing
none, I will ask council to vote.
And that is carried. Moving on to 11. 9 from
the municipality of Kelvin, read a provincial review of CVA
- based proportionment and shared municipal and provincially mandated services.
This is moved by Councillor Betty and on bar, seconded
by Councillor Jim Dunbar. And. The motion reads, be it
resolved that council support the municipality of Kelvin with a
request that the province of Ontario undertake a review of
policies, legislation and regulations governing the use of current value
assessment and weighted assessment on the, as a basis for
apportioning provincially mandated levees and shared service costs. And that
the province considered developing fair and more balance of portionment
models that may include hybrid formulas incorporating both CVA and
population. Consideration of service access and service availability. Household count
or permanent population metrics. Ability to pay considerations for small
and rural municipalities. Reality and geographic isolation factors and measures
to limit the dispersion of pre - resident levy impacts
on smaller municipalities. And that the province work with AMO
Romo, rural municipalities municipal service boards and regular service providers
to develop best practices and model apportionment frameworks for shared
municipal services and provincially mandated boards. And that a copy
of this resolution, be forwarded to the premier voluntary, minister
of municipal affairs and housing, minister of finance minister of
rural affairs, Amo Romo and MPP Rosenberg. Have there any
questions on this motion. Or the reports. Seeing none, I'll
ask counsel to vote. And
the vote is carried. 11. 10 from the municipality of
Morris, Turnbury, conservation authority, consolidation and future funding. And this
was brought forward by Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. And as
with this view on the agenda.
This is moved by Councillor Betty and Dunbar. And seconded
by Deputy Mayor Summers. Whereas the province of Ontario has
announced its intention to consolidate Ontario's 36 conservation authorities into
nine regional entities. And whereas there is a broad concern
among municipalities that the proposed changes do not reflect local
priorities, knowledge, or the established partnership model between municipalities and
the province. And whereas municipality is fund the majority of
conservation authority operations with provincial contributions generally representing only a
small percentage ranging from approximately two to eight percent. Therefore
be it resolved. The council support the municipality of more
turn barrier in opposing the consolidation of conservation authorities in
Ontario. And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded
to the premier of Ontario, Minister of Environment Conservation and
Parks, AMO, Minister of the Minister of Environment Trace. Climate
change and nature in Canada and MPP Rosenberg. Any questions
on this, um, motion report. Seeing none, I will ask
council to vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. And under correspondence
for information, um, Mr. Wisner said a thank you for
sure von park. Thank you, Mr. Weisner, for your thank
you. Ogoma Public Health, read a board of health meeting
minutes from April 22. Tallic engineering for water intake and
low lift pumping station. 2026. The minister of labour immigration
skills development. And. That's it for our correspondence. We have
no notices of motion. Under consideration of bylaws, 14. 1
by law 26 - 45. And that's for delegation of
authority from the CAO. We lame election 2026. Mover in
a second, please. This is moved by
Deputy Mayor Summers, seconded by Councillor Meadow, be it resolved
at council authorized the mayor and CAO clerk to sign
bylaw 26 - 45 being a bylaw of the corporation
of the town of Blind River to delegate certain authority
to the CAO clerk during the election period was passed
in open council. This 15th day of June, 2026. Any
questions or comments on this. Councillor Jim Dunbar. Just a
short explanation for everyone as to what the lame duck
means. Ms. Scott. Through you, Mayor Hegman, to Councillor Dunbar,
thank you for the question. So join the election time
come August 21st is the deadline for current members and
new members of the public to bring forward their name
to run for council. If 75 percent of the current
table does not run, then you are in a lame
duck situation, meaning that you cannot move any further business
ahead, which means that all of our capital projects that
we currently have underway, any of our potential new builds,
any new development would all be put on hold as
well as paying major financial bills that come in until
the new council takes office. And that wouldn't be until
November. So there would be quite a lengthy time when
the town would be handcuffed from moving any business forward
or completing any capital projects that we have underway. So
this would allow myself as the CO clerk to continue
the progress that this current council is has been working
towards under the current budget, not outside of the budget,
but within the budget that's already been approved. Um, and
then any expenditures that are made during that time would
be presented to the new council when they take office.
That is again, only if 75 percent of this current
council does not run, which means six.
Six numbers sitting at the table must run again. Have
their names forward to run again, not to be lame
tuck. It actually works out to 5. 25 of you,
but we're not going to cut anyone in half so
it's six. Councillo. So, so also shout
out August 21st. That list is looking pretty much. I
know ourselves included, but, uh, get your name in there,
uh, get involved with council put your name forth, uh,
to serve, uh, the community. So August 21st is the
deadline. Thank you, Councillor Pastorrell. This time I would ask
council to vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. 14. 2. -
46 blind river water treatment updates. Uh, this is the
archaeological assessment agreement.
This is moved by Councillor Mido, second divided by Deputy
Mayor Summers, be it resulted. Council authorized the mayor and
CAO clerk to sign by law 26 - 46 being
a bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind
River to authorize the municipality to enter into an agreement
with the archaeological research associates limited to complete a cultural
heritage report. Existing conditions and preliminary impact assessment to document
any archaeological resources that may be present in areas of
archaeological potential. Artifacts that may indicate the presence of significant
cultural deposits include bone charcoal lithics stone tools and refuse
generated by their production and use ceramics, glass, and metal
was passed in open council this 15th day of June,
2026. Are there any questions on this motion. Seeing none,
I will ask council to vote.
And the vote is carried. 14. 3 bylaw 26 -
47, the agreement firehouse public safety foundation. Over in a
second, please. This is moved by Councillor Pastor Arrow, seconded
by Councillor Whitlock. I just want to make sure that
we're getting on the right one here. Be it resolve
that council authorized the mayor and CAO clerk to sign
bylaw 26 - 47 being law to enter into an
agreement with firehouse. Subs public safety foundation of Canada to
purchase wildland firefighting gear and equipment was signed this 15th
day of June, 2026. Are there any questions on this.
Councillor Pastor Arrow. Just a. Comment. Shout out to Farce.
For donating. The funding. To. Protect our firefi. And again.
Thank you to the firefighters. For the work they do.
In recline. Unfortunately, it's happening. More and more people. Thank
you. And at this time I will call for the
vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. Um, bylaw 26
- 48, the agreement with NOHFC remunity days 2026.
This is moved by Councillor Jim Dunbar, seconded by Councillor
Miedov. Be it resolve that council authorized the mayor and
CAO clerk to signed bylaw 26 - 48 being a
bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind River
to enter into an agreement with northern Ontario heritage fund
corporation for community days 2026 was passed in open council
this 15th day of June, 2026. Questions, comments. Councillor Jim
Dunbar. Thanks for having me. Just curious, is this a
funding that, uh, the committee is seeking for and we're
giving them a hand on it. So you mayor Higman
to Councillor Dunbar. That's exactly correct. Um, the, the committee
is looking for the funding, the committee did author the
grant with assistance from municipal staff, but they are using
the municipal, um, and under our umbrella to apply for
the funding. Seeing no other questions or comments. I will
call for the vote.
And the vote is carried. Thank you. Last but not
least on our bylines, 14. 5 bylaw 26 - 49
tax rates 2026. Over in a second, please.
Have moved by Deputy Mayor Summers, seconded by Councillor Jim
Dunbar. Be it resolved. The council authorized the mayor and
CAO cleric to sign bylaw 26 - 49 being a
bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind River
to set tax ratios fixed the tax rates and to
provide for the levy and collection of municipal and education
taxes for the year 2026 was passed in open council
this 15th day of June, 2026. Any questions on this.
Councillor Jim Dunbar. Thanks for Haygman. Probably goes to our
treasure, Ms. Sued. My question is like, there's a lot
of information here, but I just curious if she could
give me a percentage that. We're going to be charging
to use. Through my head when the tax rate increase
was, which I think is what you're asking for, council
Dunbar was 5. 53 percent the council approved. Sim. No
other questions. I would ask counsel to vote.
You have to get. Editor.
And that motion is carried. We are all learning this
new east gripe. Isn't it fun? Alright, moving on to
council reports and announcement, and we do have a report.
Complements of deputy mayor summers and councillor bitty and Dunbar
on the phenomenon conference 2026. Does council have any questions
or would either councillor Dunbar go ahead. Thank you, Mayor
Eggman. I just, I missed putting in my report that
it was actually Mayor Hageman that wrote this report. Paula
and I just went along for the ride. I mean,
we attended all the assessions with her. So if there
are any questions, we would be happy to answer anything,
but, um, no. Mayor hatman was the author of this
entire report. And thank you, Mayor Health. Uh, and just
for council's clarification, I was a representative for El Goma
District Services Administration Board. They covered my cost. So initially
I wrote the report for them. And, you know, if
it's a great report plagiarism is the finest form of
flattery. So there we go. So, and that, and I
really appreciated having the two of you with me at
the conference. It's nice when you have company. It was
great. Councillor Jim Gunberg. Thank you, Herr Heikman. And I'm
just curious. I mean, I didn't thoroughly read the report.
But, um, was there a, um, any, uh, any concerns
that was, um, many of the municipalities, uh, spoke of
or had concerns, you know, moving forward. I'm just curious
if there was a single one theme that's definitely the
northern highways. There's a lot of concern over both Highway
17 highway 11 as well as our secondary highways like
Highway 129, 144 101. All of the highways of northern
Ontario need a lot of love. We know they cost
a lot of money. But, uh, that would be the
presiding, um, factor. Um, it was really nice to be
able to have the bear pit sessioned with the ministers
who were present. It was a lot more informal than
either Roma or Amo. They actually came around and talked
to those that were participating at the conference. And it
was really enlightening to see their engagement with all of
us. So is there anything else that I'm missing councillors.
Yes. Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. The one thing that we
did find out at this conference too is that they're
going to start taking, um, delegations at phenome as well
as the others. So with a smaller venue like that,
I think it, that could be very beneficial as well.
One of the other, uh, issues that the municipalities themselves
were talking about and talking amongst us ourselves was, uh,
the taxation of unorganized townships. And, you know, it needs
to be addressed at some point. What's going to happen
with that. But yeah. So the fact that they are
going to start adding delegations to phenom. Is, is a
good thing. Deputy Mayor Summers. Thank you, Mayor Hageman. I
just wanted to say that we were lucky enough to
go on the Northlander train. We didn't go anywhere, but
we did. We were able to go on and see
what it's about. And it's just absolutely beautiful. And it'll
be very nice when they do get it running. And
it'll go down into union station. Unfortunately, not in our
area yet, but maybe someday. Is there a bar on
that tree? It is a beautiful, beautiful train for sure.
And we reminded me a lot of trains in Europe.
Hitech. Hightech. Yes. Seeing no other questions, uh, we do
not have anything on our addendum for tonight. So prior
to the motion going forward to go into the closed
session, I want to thank, uh, our staff once again
for preparing these amazing reports and for the time that
you've taken away from your family is this evening. We
really do appreciate you. And our lone person left in
the audience. Thank you for coming tonight. This is very
nice to have, have someone actually stay after the senior's
award. So thank you for that. All right. So can
I even move her in a seconder. Uh, to go
into the closed portion of our meeting. And this will
be to discuss personal matters. As well as proposed impending
app acquisitions or disposition of land by the municipality or
local board. Thank you. This is more of my councillor
Dan Mido. Second name by Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. Beat
resolve that council go into the closed meeting at 659
PM in accordance with section 239 of the municipal act
in order to address matters pertaining to personnel matters about
the identified individual, including municipal or local board employees. Personnel,
I proposed your pending acquisition or disposition of land by
the municipality or local board or litigation or potential litigation,
including matters before the administrative tributals affecting the municipality or
local board. And at this time I will call for
the vote. And
that is carried. We are now enclosed.
Welcome back, Mined River, and we are back in the
open session. And could I have a mover and a
second, please? Move by Councillor Mido, seconded by
Councillor Pastor Arrow, be it resolve that council resumes the
open session at 816 p. m. And I will call
for the vote.
And that is carried. And during the closed session, as
I mentioned before, we received CAO updates. Proposed in pending
acquisitions for land. And disposition of land and litigation of
potential or potential litigation. And I would ask counseled to
look at the confirming bylaw, and could I have a
mover and a seconder, please?
This is moved by Councillor Betty and Dunbar, seconded by
Councillor Miedo, be it resolved at council authorized the mayor
and CAO clerk designed bylaw 26 - 50 being a
bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind River
to adopt the minutes of the meeting of June 15,
2026 was passed in open council. This 15th day of
June 2026. And at this time, I'd ask counsel to
vote. And that is carried.
Last but not least, I asked counsel to move the
motion for adjournment. This is moved by
Councillor Mido, seconded by Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. And if
you resolve that council adjourned at 18 p. m., and
I would call for the vote.
And that is, Carrie. Thanks everyone. We are adjourned for
the evening.