[2:36] Senior of the year Rob Bazinet, residents of Blind River
[2:39] and the press. It is Monday, June 15th, 2026, and
[2:44] we call the council meeting to order. We begin tonight's
[2:47] meeting with the acknowledgement that the land on which we
[2:49] are gathered is in the traditional territories of the initial,
[2:54] specifically Mississauga. We would also like to acknowledge the North
[2:57] Channel May tea council. We say migridge to thank Indigenous
[3:02] peoples for taking care of this land from time memorial.
[3:06] We are called to treat this sacred land. Its plants,
[3:09] animals, stories, and as peoples with honour and respect, we
[3:15] commit to the shared goal of truth and reconciliation. Prior
[3:20] to beginning this evening's agenda, I would ask that each
[3:22] councillor answer the roll call when I call your name.
[3:25] Deputy Mayor Paula Summers. Present. Councillor Betty and Denver. Present.
[3:30] Councillor Jim Dunbar. President. Councillor Jenifer Pasteriro. Present. Councillor Dan
[3:36] Middow. Present. Councillor Katie Whitlock. Present. This is the first
[3:42] meeting of the month of June, and we have a
[3:44] lot to celebrate. Juni is recognised as seniors'month pride awareness
[3:50] month, national aboriginal month, the lowest month of the school
[3:54] year, graduations beginning of summer and recognition of Father's Day.
[4:00] National Individual People's Day, St. Jean Batique Day, and from
[4:05] the internet 65 different recognition events. I didn't think anyone
[4:10] wanted me to recite them all. This is pretty much
[4:13] a celebration and recognition of each and every day. At
[4:17] this time, I would like to congratulate the winners of
[4:20] HGTV hometown Mako or contest, Port Al - Burney, British
[4:25] Columbia. Well, blowing river didn't make the cut. We definitely
[4:30] were in the running, and everyone should be proud of
[4:32] our efforts. It's all the more reason to raise a
[4:36] bar for 2027, and we're definitely on the radar of
[4:39] HGTV, hometown makeover team. So we'll be rallying out there
[4:43] and doing our hashtag to be ready. Blind Rivertown Council
[4:48] would like to extend our sincere thanks to the chemical
[4:51] corporation and the employees for sprucing up our community once
[4:55] again. Your commitment to making our town shines comes with
[4:59] heartfelt thanks for this and for all that you do,
[5:03] and hot off the press from the library. The centennial
[5:07] events continue to celebrate 2026 the year of the blind
[5:11] river public library. They invite everyone in town to a
[5:15] birthday barbecue on Tuesday, July 7th, outside the library in
[5:19] the neighbouring parking lot. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, and cake
[5:23] for all, as well as a thank you to the
[5:25] community for supporting the library over the years. The event
[5:29] starts at 4. 30, rain or shine with kind words
[5:32] from speakers at 4. 45 and cake cutting at 5
[5:35] p. m. We look forward to hearing from MPP Rosenberg,
[5:40] if you can make it. MPN CEO, Jen Ford, and
[5:45] just to name a few, and I think I will
[5:47] be speaking as well. Come and join us for this
[5:50] very special occasion. And on Tuesday, July 14th, they are
[5:55] celebrating authors Marguerite Peugeot and Bernadette Xi to another of
[5:59] the series of author, Meet and Greet events. The feedback
[6:02] from those attending these events have been very positive, and
[6:06] they hope to see everyone on the 14th. Along with
[6:09] the festivities, a regular library programming continues with more than
[6:13] 1, 000 patriots visiting the library in May to attend
[6:17] workshop. Use a computer or borrow a book. The staff
[6:20] is now in the planning stages for the summer reading
[6:23] program, which is always very popular. So without further ado,
[6:26] we will move on to the agenda and are there
[6:30] any conflicts of interest from councillors. Councillor Pastor Arrow. Thank
[6:35] you, Mayor Heckman. I need to declare a conflict for
[6:38] 17. 2. 1 due to my employment with the algoma
[6:42] district school board. Thank you. Councillor Jim Dunbar. And I,
[6:48] the Carol Config too in the in - camera section
[6:50] of 17. 2. 2. I believe, as I'm affiliated with
[6:56] an organisation that maybe discussed. Thank you for declaring. And
[7:01] just a note that there is not a public presentation
[7:05] from a naval candidature. And also 9. 1. 1 on
[7:10] your agenda. Uh, they're waiting for more information. So there's
[7:14] no motion on this agenda item. Alright. Getting on to
[7:19] the most important thing for the evening. We are very
[7:22] excited that Blind Rivers annual senior of the year Community
[7:25] nomination initiative is so successful. Each year, residents decide who
[7:31] they would like to see as their choice of the
[7:34] year. And I know it's hard. This year we had
[7:36] a great variety of names which shows how many individuals
[7:40] impact our beautiful community. And on tonight's agenda, actually, under
[7:47] 7. 2, you'll see a list of the nominees. And
[7:50] tonight we are here to celebrate a special someone who
[7:53] had the most nominations in 2026. This person was nominated.
[7:59] For donating his time often, never asking anything for return.
[8:05] Helping, can you cover my house? How big were they
[8:09] being ass - reliability and returning each summer season to
[8:14] lend a hand or a rake? And I've often seen
[8:16] this person with a shovel helping neighbours out as well.
[8:20] I would like to turn our microphone over to MPP
[8:24] Bill Rosenberg to say a few words of our esteem
[8:27] citizen coming up to the front bill.
[8:45] Yes. Well, I don't get off of the raded here.
[8:50] So all those folders over there, usually when I come,
[8:53] the whole money. But tonight, uh, it's pretty special tonight.
[8:57] I get to present my boom a while. So. I'm
[9:05] not, uh, I'm not in concept because I didn't get
[9:08] a vote. So it's, uh, it's a great, great to
[9:12] be here for sure. Um, volunteer. Royalty was what keeps
[9:18] communities alive and keeps us all together. Uh, so Robert
[9:22] does that on his own time. He'll give it up
[9:25] your own time. It's very special. And it's something that
[9:29] we all can do. And as we grow older, we
[9:31] seem to have more time to offer that to the
[9:34] people that really need it. So in a special here
[9:37] tonight for myself. Usually I have to look around the
[9:40] room to see if there's anybody older than all them.
[9:43] Tonight is not so much. So, um, so Robert, on
[9:48] behalf of the province of Ontario and residents of a
[9:52] one monitorin, is my great pleasure to extend heartfell, great,
[9:55] congratulations on your recognition. And senior of the year. That's
[10:02] kind of hard to hear. Just probably ordered the recognition
[10:07] of your exceptional character. Or whatever in leadership in the
[10:10] lasting impact you have made throughout the year. As a
[10:14] senior, you may not have earlier achieved excellence in your
[10:19] own endeavours. That have also become. I wear glasses. And
[10:29] inspiration strikes. To those around you, your dedication of tired
[10:33] of sculpt attributes as a left of profound mark on
[10:35] this community. Encourage others to follow your example. Pushing your
[10:40] health and happiness and one years ahead. Congratulations, invest wishes
[10:45] on the off the private. Congratulations.
[11:01] Thank you. Official title here.
[11:11] Mr. Robert Basnet, on behalf of your community neighbours, counsel
[11:16] and our staff. I am thrilled to present you with
[11:18] blonde rivers 2026 senior the year award alongside MPP bill
[11:24] Rosenberg. Tonight, sincere, congratulations.
[11:40] Again, some. Maple syrup. There you go. Con. Karen, do
[11:48] you need this for anything else? Each of you on
[11:50] the one side. Nice. Neighbours. Neighbourhood. Beautiful. Thank. You. Everybody
[11:59] coordinated. Thank you. So much. I think Karen wants to
[12:03] take you outside for some more pictures. My favourite time.
[12:07] Yeah. She doesn't want to stay for the county. I
[12:10] mean, everyone's welcome to stay for the council. Meaning we
[12:13] get very excited when we get an audience and it's
[12:15] not very much sucked. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you everyone
[12:20] for coming. Thank you for your support to Rob. Thank
[12:24] you to last year's recipient Yvonne Borni. You passed the
[12:27] torch to a great person. Rolf has something. He's got
[12:33] to speak. No, I don't have to say anything. Thanks
[12:37] for all my friends for coming. I did not expect
[12:39] us. I did not see this coming. There you go.
[12:43] That would be the senior part. Yeah, I forgot. We
[12:48] didn't need an offer for you. I was happy to
[12:52] see that he was here. Thanks a lot, Bill. Thank
[12:57] you. Karen's going to take an entourage of people outside
[13:03] and she wants to get a bunch of pictures with
[13:05] everyone. So thank you. Thank you for coming. Absolutely. I
[13:12] just want to get that over. Like that.
[13:26] Just get rid of sheets.
[13:56] Moving back to agenda item number five. The adoption of
[13:59] the previous minutes. Could I have a moving a second
[14:02] here please?
[14:33] Weird. Okay. So move by. Councillor Whitlock and seconded by
[14:40] councillor. Betty and Denver. Moved at the minute's be resolved
[14:46] that the council approved the minutes of the regular meeting
[14:49] of council on May 19th, 2026 in the minutes of
[14:52] the public meeting on May 19th, 2026 as presented. At
[14:58] this time, I'd like to have council vote.
[15:10] And the vote is carried. Thank you. Item number seven
[15:14] introduction and consideration of administrative reports. 7. 1 from administration
[15:19] on ongoing projects updates. This council, how many questions on
[15:23] this item. Moving on to 7. 2 from the director
[15:29] of facilities, community services, re senior of the year. We
[15:33] have a list. For council to peruse. 7. 3 from
[15:41] the treasure, read the MFN golf tournament donation request. Uh,
[15:46] there's a motion on the table. Move around a seconder,
[15:48] please. This is moved by Councillor
[15:58] Jim Dunbar. Second did by Councillor Posterrero. Sorry. Be it
[16:04] resolve that council approve the donation of 200 dollars to
[16:07] the Mississauga First Nation 3rd annual golf tournament and that
[16:11] council authorizes that schedule a policy 1. 1. 16 council
[16:16] donation policy be amended to include this as a recurring
[16:20] annual donation. Any questions or comments from council. Councillor Betty
[16:25] and Dunbar. Is this the third year that we have
[16:30] donated or is this the first time we've actually donated.
[16:35] This is the second time we did in year one
[16:38] minus year two. Ms. request came from year three. Thank.
[16:43] You. Seeing no other questions. I would ask counsel to
[16:50] vote.
[17:09] And the vote is carried. Councillor, Deputy Mayor Summers. Thank
[17:15] you Mayor Hagman. Um, can I just go back one?
[17:18] There was a question that I had on, um, on,
[17:21] uh, the updates that, uh, that we had, I just
[17:25] couldn't find, sorry, on the second part, there was, um,
[17:29] the fire breathing air compressor. And is that the one
[17:34] I was asking about? It said the RFQ was, was
[17:37] posted closed February 19th. I was just wondering if there
[17:41] was an update on that. So are you looking at
[17:44] the first list or the second list? Yeah. 7. 1.
[17:52] Sorry, Katie. I would refer that to, um, the fire
[17:56] chief. Mr. Balair.
[18:09] Hagman, who was Betty and Umedbars? No, Deputy Mayor Summers.
[18:13] My apologies. Um, so as an update, there has been
[18:17] a slight delay. Mostly due to miscommunication with, um, with
[18:23] the contractors. So to air on the side of the
[18:26] caution, we're going to be installing the compressor and the
[18:29] bay areas to allow for more, uh, more air circulation.
[18:34] And, uh, just a different setup. So we're hoping that
[18:37] that's going to be completed by next week is the
[18:41] latest update I got. Thank you. Moving on to agenda
[18:50] items number nine. Oh, yes, councillor. Denver. Thank you, Mr.
[18:58] Haykman. Yeah. I don't know what happened there. Uh, I
[19:00] had questions for seven. one. Oh, I did bring it
[19:05] to council's attention, but didn't see any hands going up.
[19:09] All the excitement we had to senior. I have a
[19:14] question. My first question is, um, who's doing the treatability
[19:20] study that we've over budgeted, uh, we've gone over budget
[19:26] for. Who's actually doing this study. Through you, Mayor Hegman,
[19:31] to you, councillor Dunbar. That's too la engineering is looking
[19:34] at the treatability study. They are the same engineers that
[19:39] did the planning for the new water source. Okay. And
[19:44] my second question, if I may is the public work
[19:47] tractor, I don't know if there was a, um. A
[19:51] fupa on the explanation, but on canoe procurement, the canoe
[19:59] procurement was utilised for this purchase. What canoe. Through you,
[20:04] Mayor Hegman, to you, Councillor Dunbar. So we've used this
[20:06] in the past and we've brought it forward to council.
[20:08] This is through LAS. So it's a branch of ammo.
[20:11] And what we do is the canoe, it is called
[20:14] canoe. That is not a fupa. Okay. That is a
[20:18] grouped, uh, bidding process. So they go out and do
[20:21] the tenders for municipalities and then municipalities can submit what
[20:25] we're looking for. And they already have the lowest pricing
[20:28] available. So that's where we find the lowest pricing. It's
[20:31] easier for us, especially smaller municipalities, which was one of
[20:34] the reasons that ALS brought this forward. Thank you for
[20:38] that. In my last question. Uh, is the sewer service
[20:43] line at the tourist information centre? Has that anything to
[20:46] do with, uh, the possible new motel area. Or is
[20:53] that another project we're looking at? So through you mayor
[20:57] Hegman to you, Councillor Dunbar, it does. And yes, it
[21:02] also has something to do with other businesses within that
[21:05] area. So we have to relocate the sewer line that
[21:10] is on the property of the new hotel location. Um,
[21:14] because obviously we don't do work on private property. And
[21:17] as something should happen to that line, it is our
[21:20] line to fix. So we are moving it off of
[21:22] that property now that we no longer own it. It's
[21:25] part, uh, has to do with the, um, the switch
[21:28] dump station as well as the information centre. But it
[21:31] would also, um, enable with the additional, um, that we're
[21:37] putting in would help with the new development, uh, also
[21:40] allow other businesses to connect to that. So we just
[21:43] tied in. It's all tied into that area and the
[21:45] development within that area. Perfect. Thank you very much, Mayor
[21:48] Eichmann. Thank you. All right. We are moving on to
[21:53] corresponden action. And you'll have to bear with me because
[21:56] I don't have any long nodes to see what is
[22:01] what on these. Um, so for the first one is
[22:06] telecang engineering new water intake Martin Street railway crossing tender
[22:10] award.
[22:24] So this is moved by Deputy Mayor Summers, seconded by
[22:27] Councillor Pastor Arrow. And I'll just wait for the screen
[22:30] to change. Possibly. Be it resolved at council accept the
[22:38] bid from industry construction in the reduced amount of 2,
[22:45] 363, 108 dollars in six cents including HST for the
[22:50] new water intake. Martin Street and Railway Crossing Project. Any
[22:55] questions on this councillor posture. Thanks, my hugban. Uh, my
[23:00] question was, I see that in the report that it
[23:03] was a reduced amount, uh, they, the singular bitter or
[23:07] was there the RFP with multiple bidders? Is this just
[23:10] a revision of something we've already done? Through you, I'm
[23:14] going to councillor Pastor Barrel. No, this was the only
[23:17] bidder that we received for this project. Um, it is
[23:20] a unique project to undertake with dealing with the railway
[23:24] and industria is also already on site doing the current
[23:28] water lines of this ties in with them. Not having
[23:31] to mulb and demob as well. So they already have
[23:36] employees in the area. Councillor Mido. Thanks, Mayor Hagman. Um,
[23:43] what does this all get us this 2. 5 in
[23:46] some change? What does this get us? Does this get
[23:49] us the rate out in the lake or is it
[23:51] just crossing the railway. So this connects us under the
[23:55] railway to here on street. And then that will do
[23:58] the other connection to the piece that's going out to
[24:01] the lake. So it's kind of the middle piece to
[24:05] tie everything together. The reason that it is so high
[24:09] is because of the intricate work that we have to
[24:11] do around the railway. Follow up. So. The other piece
[24:17] to this that has to go out in the lake.
[24:20] Is what you're saying. That is correct and that's already
[24:22] been part of the other bid that we're already undertaking.
[24:26] Councillor Denbar. Just to add on to that, uh, has
[24:30] that anything to do with the actual, uh, lift station
[24:33] or pump station down there. Involved with that money. Through
[24:39] you, my hegwim to you, Councillor Dunbar, not specifically to
[24:41] that money, but that will all tie into the lift
[24:44] station. It's all part of one project. Seeing no other
[24:50] questions coming forward. I would ask council to vote at
[24:53] this time.
[25:09] And the vote is carried. Thank you. Uh, blind river
[25:14] community days, uh, we have emotional on the table. Could
[25:17] I have a mover in a second, please?
[25:28] This is move my councillor Jim Dunbar, seconded by Councillor
[25:32] Katie Whitlock. It resolves at council approve of the closure
[25:40] of Hudson Street at Chiblo Street and Dyke Street and
[25:43] Hudson Street at Woodward Avenue on Sunday, July 12th from
[25:47] 10. 30 a. m. to 2. 30 p. m. for
[25:50] the schedule of community days activities, including a children's train
[25:54] ride and the annual duck race. Any questions or commies.
[25:59] Councillor Pastor Arrow. Is this the same motion that we
[26:03] deferred previously or has it been amended so that it's
[26:07] more inclusive of other, uh, patrons that would like to
[26:11] hold activities as well. Thank you, Mayor Hegman, to you
[26:14] councillor posture. This is the same motion that you had
[26:18] deferred previously. However, uh, the two groups are working together.
[26:21] And you'll see another motion on here where they're also
[26:23] asking for some road closures. This will just ensure that
[26:26] all the roads are closed no matter what is happening.
[26:29] We're covered. Both will have their time to have their
[26:32] event and everyone in the community will benefit. Thank you.
[26:39] Seeing no other questions, I would ask council to vote.
[26:59] And the vote is carried. Thank you. 11. 3 JR's
[27:03] pizza read the request for the approval. Of the annual
[27:07] touch a truck event. And I would ask for mover
[27:10] in a second, please.
[27:29] This is moved by Councillor Pastor Arrow, seconded by Councillor
[27:32] Whitlock. And. Just waiting for that to go. Be it
[27:37] resolved at council authorized the following road closures for the
[27:41] third annual touch of truck event on Sunday, July 12th,
[27:44] 2026. Closure of Fullerton Street from the Hawken Street intersection
[27:49] to the boat launch area. Closure of Hawkins Street from
[27:53] the Fullerton Hawkins intersection to Hudson Street and that the
[27:56] participation by municipal department's be at the discretion of the
[28:01] CAO clerk and department head. Are the questions on this
[28:05] item. And we are going first with Councillor Pastored and
[28:10] Councillor Woodlock. Thanks Mayor Hagman. I'm really happy then to
[28:14] see that they're collaborating and communicating with each other. That's
[28:19] why I asked a question. I just wanted to make
[28:21] sure I wasn't approving the motion. And then we're going
[28:23] to negate the second motion. So, so I'm really glad
[28:27] to see that there's collaboration in. They're all great events.
[28:31] So I can hardly wait for, uh, the community days.
[28:34] So thank. Councillor Whitlock. Thank you, Mayor Hegman. Pretty much
[28:39] the same thing. Glad to see both groups collaborating together
[28:41] and that also the very loud trucks will be moved
[28:43] a little bit further away so as not to interfere
[28:45] with other activities happening. But I'm excited to attend both
[28:47] of them. Councillor Mido, did you have a question comment?
[28:52] Yeah, thanks Mayor Eggman. Bear with me for a second
[28:55] because I've never been to a touch of truck, but
[28:57] I've seen some about the Zamboni in here. Are they
[29:01] driving that over there. Through you, Mayor Hagman, to you,
[29:05] um, Councillor Meadow, some of these vehicles that they were
[29:08] talking about were just not going to be able to
[29:10] accommodate because of the wear and tear on me. The
[29:13] trucks. Well, it would be nice to do the cost
[29:16] of the taxpayer would be too high to do. So
[29:19] we are working with the organisers of touch a truck
[29:23] to ensure that we get as many over there that
[29:24] we can. But again, it'll be based on the availability
[29:28] of the vehicle, whether it makes sense to bring that
[29:30] vehicle over. And if we have the person available for
[29:35] that as well, because it is a Sunday, that will
[29:37] be double time for a public works to be bringing
[29:39] vehicles over there. So it'll just depend on finding staff
[29:43] to do that. But we're working with them to ensure
[29:45] that we have some sort of a variety for the
[29:47] kids. See new other comments or questions. I'll call for
[29:53] the vote.
[30:09] And the vote is carried. The blind river fires firefighters
[30:15] association request. And this is for department attendance at community
[30:21] days demo derby. And if I move her in a
[30:24] second, please. This is moved by Councillor Jim Dunbar, seconded
[30:33] by Councillor Mido. So mine is very slow today.
[30:47] Be it resolved at council authorized a blind river fire
[30:49] department to attend the demolition derby to provide safety support
[30:53] to the event and that any firefighters able to attend
[30:57] will do so voluntarily. Any questions on this motion. Councillor
[31:02] Pastor Arrow. More so a comment. I just want to
[31:06] thank the blind river firefighters for taking this over. It's
[31:10] such a great community vent and just it's just them
[31:13] giving even more of themselves to our community. So thank
[31:16] you so much. Yes. Absolutely. And, and, uh, very much
[31:22] appreciated the firefighters when they were at downtown blind river.
[31:27] I visited the downtown at quarter after seven on the
[31:30] Sunday morning. And, uh, your team is absolutely amazing, Ryan.
[31:35] He's express counsel's appreciation to everything that they do. We're
[31:40] so lucky. At this time, I'd like to ask counsel
[31:43] to vote.
[31:59] And the vote is carried. Thank you. For Northumberland County,
[32:04] we protect our food act. And this was submitted by,
[32:11] uh, deputy mayor summers and councillor Bedyen Dunbar. And they
[32:16] requested that this item be submitted to the agenda.
[32:27] So I have no crib notes for any of my
[32:29] motions tonight. So bear with me when I, uh, going
[32:33] through these. So. Move by Deputy Mayor Summer, second dated
[32:42] by Councillor Jim Dunbar. Be it resolved that the council
[32:45] has supported the county of Northumberland with the request that
[32:48] the provincial government support Bill 21 protect our food act
[32:52] 2025. And every measure to protect our farmland to aggressively
[32:57] prevent further losses and to ensure further the future of
[33:01] agriculture in Ontario for future generations. And that this resolution
[33:05] be forwarded to the premier voluntario. The Minister of Agricultural
[33:09] Food and Agra Business, the Minister of the Environment, conservation
[33:13] and parks, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the
[33:17] Minister of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade. MPP Bill
[33:21] Rosenberg and the Federation of Ontario Agriculture and Emil. Questions
[33:27] or comments. Councillor Pastor Arrow. Thanks Mayor Hagman. I would
[33:33] definitely support anything that is protecting our agricultural lands. Uh,
[33:37] we know that fiasco that happened with the green belt.
[33:41] And that land is a finite resource. Um, so yeah,
[33:45] I would definitely support this. Thank you. At this time
[33:51] I would ask council to vote.
[34:06] And the vote is carried. Thank you. And from the
[34:10] municipality of hero inshores, return and chip service surface treatment.
[34:15] I'm moving a second, please. And this was submitted
[34:25] by Deputy Mayor Summers. Uh, for the agenda. And this
[34:32] has been moved by Deputy Mayor Summer, seconded by Councillor
[34:35] Jim Dunbar. Be it resolved at council support the county
[34:38] of Northumberland. Sure, it's your rate. Um. With the request
[34:45] that the provincial government support Bill 21, uh, sorry, I'm
[34:50] missing. I'm not on the right. When am I? Yep.
[34:53] Right. Yes. Oh, sorry. Oh, that's why. My
[35:03] computer is jumping all over the place tonight. People, I
[35:06] really apologise for that. Sorry. Moved by Councillor Betty and
[35:10] on our seconded by Councillor Pastorero. Be it resolved that
[35:14] council support the municipality of Huron shores. With the request
[35:21] at the Ministry of the Environment reconsider the sew of
[35:25] lighter grade oils for chip and tar surface treatment or
[35:28] develop a suitable alternative and recognition of the reduced durability
[35:33] and increase maintenance cost experience by municipality. And that a
[35:37] copy of this resolution be forwarded to the ministry of
[35:40] environment amo phenome good roads and MPP Rosenberg. Questions, comments.
[35:48] Councillor Jim Dunbar. Kind of a comment and question at
[35:52] the same time. So I guess they're using a lighter
[35:59] or the ministry would like to use a lighter alternative
[36:04] which would, um, not stand up as well. So in
[36:09] the short term, it's cost and municipalities more money. To
[36:15] surface treat the roads more frequently. Is that what my
[36:20] understanding would be, Ms. Scott on that. Through you may
[36:25] have mental you councillor Denver. I would have to research
[36:27] what this is about and what the municipality of your
[36:31] insurance actually uses. Is it the same as we use?
[36:35] I'm not sure. Is it different? Is the regulation looking
[36:38] at changing. I'm not sure. Um, but I can certainly
[36:41] bring something back to, to counsel with this. Arrow. Thanks,
[36:49] Mayor Hagrin. What I'm getting from this is exactly asset
[36:53] management, right? So if you're taking the lowest bitter for
[36:59] less, like the reduced quality materials just because it's cheaper.
[37:04] But long - term pain of paying the maintenance, replacing
[37:07] it more frequently, uh, is not viable for small municipalities
[37:12] that need to keep up with that asset maintenance. So,
[37:16] uh, short term gain for long - term pain. So,
[37:20] so if that is the case, then I would support
[37:22] it. Deputy Mayor Summers. Thank you, Mayor Hagman. That was
[37:27] my understanding as well. There was another, another, um, municipality
[37:31] in there that had also put in another motion similar
[37:35] to what this one was. So that was my understanding.
[37:38] That was why I forwarded because I know we do
[37:40] the surface treatment around our municipality as well. At this
[37:46] time, I would ask council to vote.
[38:02] The vote is carried. Thank you. And the next agenda
[38:06] item for the town of Bruce Mines called for repeal
[38:09] of provisions regarding the FOI, Bill 97, 2021. And this
[38:15] was put forward by Deputy Mayor Summers. And asked to
[38:19] have this included on the agenda. The motion is moved
[38:27] by Councillor Pastero, seconded by Deputy Mayor Summers. And the
[38:34] motion reads. Whereas the recent amendment to Bill 97 includes
[38:41] new exemptions for records held by the premier cabinet minister
[38:46] parliamentary assistance and their officers where their records are no
[38:49] longer considered FOI eligible records. Be it result that council
[38:54] supports the town of Bruce's minds with a request that
[38:56] the government of Ontario repealed his provision of the legislation.
[39:01] And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to
[39:03] the premier. The attorney general MPP Rosenberg, Amo Phenom and
[39:09] the information and privacy commissioner of Ontario. Hey, questions or
[39:13] comments. Councillor Pastor. Thanks Mayor Hagron. Uh, I would definitely
[39:20] support this as those kind of exemptions are an erosion
[39:23] of our democracy. And so if we're not all equal
[39:28] under the law, then, uh, it's not a fair system
[39:31] of democracy. So, uh, moving more towards, uh, an authoritarian
[39:37] system of governance. So thank you. See, no other questions
[39:42] I would ask council to vote.
[39:55] And the vote is carried. Thank you. 11. 8 from
[39:58] the township of Baldwin recalling upon the province of Ontario
[40:02] to conduct a review of OPP municipal policing billing model.
[40:07] Excuse me, deputy summers has requested this item be added
[40:10] to the agenda. This is moved by and deputy Mayor
[40:19] Summer, seconded by Kelsed or Betty and Dunbar. Reads. Whereas
[40:28] unorganized townships and territories contribute to policing costs through provincial
[40:32] taxation mechanisms and pay only a base rate. While receiving
[40:36] OPP policing services. And whereas residents of unorganized territories receive
[40:41] comparable OPP policing services to those provided in organised municipalities,
[40:47] therefore be it resolved at council supports the township of
[40:50] Baldwin with the request that the province of Ontario conduct
[40:53] an immediate review of OPP municipal policing billing model and
[40:58] the policing funding structure for unorganized territory. And that the
[41:02] province be requested to implement a fair and equitable funding
[41:06] model that ensures all communities receiving OPP policing services contribute
[41:12] appropriately to the cost of those services. And that the
[41:15] province consult with municipalities, particularly those in northern Ontario regarding
[41:20] financial impacts of OPP policing costs and the current inequities
[41:24] in the system and that a copy of this resolution,
[41:28] be forwarded to the Minister of the Solicitor General MPP
[41:31] Rosenberg, Amo Phenom and NOMA. Any questions or comments. Seeing
[41:39] none, I will ask council to vote.
[41:51] And that is carried. Moving on to 11. 9 from
[41:57] the municipality of Kelvin, read a provincial review of CVA
[42:02] - based proportionment and shared municipal and provincially mandated services.
[42:16] This is moved by Councillor Betty and on bar, seconded
[42:19] by Councillor Jim Dunbar. And. The motion reads, be it
[42:27] resolved that council support the municipality of Kelvin with a
[42:31] request that the province of Ontario undertake a review of
[42:34] policies, legislation and regulations governing the use of current value
[42:39] assessment and weighted assessment on the, as a basis for
[42:43] apportioning provincially mandated levees and shared service costs. And that
[42:48] the province considered developing fair and more balance of portionment
[42:51] models that may include hybrid formulas incorporating both CVA and
[42:56] population. Consideration of service access and service availability. Household count
[43:03] or permanent population metrics. Ability to pay considerations for small
[43:08] and rural municipalities. Reality and geographic isolation factors and measures
[43:15] to limit the dispersion of pre - resident levy impacts
[43:19] on smaller municipalities. And that the province work with AMO
[43:24] Romo, rural municipalities municipal service boards and regular service providers
[43:29] to develop best practices and model apportionment frameworks for shared
[43:33] municipal services and provincially mandated boards. And that a copy
[43:37] of this resolution, be forwarded to the premier voluntary, minister
[43:42] of municipal affairs and housing, minister of finance minister of
[43:45] rural affairs, Amo Romo and MPP Rosenberg. Have there any
[43:50] questions on this motion. Or the reports. Seeing none, I'll
[43:56] ask counsel to vote. And
[44:05] the vote is carried. 11. 10 from the municipality of
[44:11] Morris, Turnbury, conservation authority, consolidation and future funding. And this
[44:17] was brought forward by Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. And as
[44:22] with this view on the agenda.
[44:33] This is moved by Councillor Betty and Dunbar. And seconded
[44:36] by Deputy Mayor Summers. Whereas the province of Ontario has
[44:40] announced its intention to consolidate Ontario's 36 conservation authorities into
[44:46] nine regional entities. And whereas there is a broad concern
[44:50] among municipalities that the proposed changes do not reflect local
[44:54] priorities, knowledge, or the established partnership model between municipalities and
[44:59] the province. And whereas municipality is fund the majority of
[45:03] conservation authority operations with provincial contributions generally representing only a
[45:09] small percentage ranging from approximately two to eight percent. Therefore
[45:15] be it resolved. The council support the municipality of more
[45:18] turn barrier in opposing the consolidation of conservation authorities in
[45:23] Ontario. And that a copy of this resolution be forwarded
[45:26] to the premier of Ontario, Minister of Environment Conservation and
[45:30] Parks, AMO, Minister of the Minister of Environment Trace. Climate
[45:35] change and nature in Canada and MPP Rosenberg. Any questions
[45:39] on this, um, motion report. Seeing none, I will ask
[45:44] council to vote.
[45:56] And the vote is carried. Thank you. And under correspondence
[46:04] for information, um, Mr. Wisner said a thank you for
[46:08] sure von park. Thank you, Mr. Weisner, for your thank
[46:10] you. Ogoma Public Health, read a board of health meeting
[46:14] minutes from April 22. Tallic engineering for water intake and
[46:18] low lift pumping station. 2026. The minister of labour immigration
[46:25] skills development. And. That's it for our correspondence. We have
[46:30] no notices of motion. Under consideration of bylaws, 14. 1
[46:37] by law 26 - 45. And that's for delegation of
[46:43] authority from the CAO. We lame election 2026. Mover in
[46:52] a second, please. This is moved by
[47:03] Deputy Mayor Summers, seconded by Councillor Meadow, be it resolved
[47:06] at council authorized the mayor and CAO clerk to sign
[47:10] bylaw 26 - 45 being a bylaw of the corporation
[47:13] of the town of Blind River to delegate certain authority
[47:16] to the CAO clerk during the election period was passed
[47:19] in open council. This 15th day of June, 2026. Any
[47:24] questions or comments on this. Councillor Jim Dunbar. Just a
[47:29] short explanation for everyone as to what the lame duck
[47:34] means. Ms. Scott. Through you, Mayor Hegman, to Councillor Dunbar,
[47:38] thank you for the question. So join the election time
[47:42] come August 21st is the deadline for current members and
[47:47] new members of the public to bring forward their name
[47:51] to run for council. If 75 percent of the current
[47:55] table does not run, then you are in a lame
[47:58] duck situation, meaning that you cannot move any further business
[48:02] ahead, which means that all of our capital projects that
[48:05] we currently have underway, any of our potential new builds,
[48:11] any new development would all be put on hold as
[48:15] well as paying major financial bills that come in until
[48:18] the new council takes office. And that wouldn't be until
[48:21] November. So there would be quite a lengthy time when
[48:24] the town would be handcuffed from moving any business forward
[48:27] or completing any capital projects that we have underway. So
[48:31] this would allow myself as the CO clerk to continue
[48:37] the progress that this current council is has been working
[48:41] towards under the current budget, not outside of the budget,
[48:44] but within the budget that's already been approved. Um, and
[48:47] then any expenditures that are made during that time would
[48:52] be presented to the new council when they take office.
[48:55] That is again, only if 75 percent of this current
[48:58] council does not run, which means six.
[49:09] Six numbers sitting at the table must run again. Have
[49:12] their names forward to run again, not to be lame
[49:15] tuck. It actually works out to 5. 25 of you,
[49:20] but we're not going to cut anyone in half so
[49:23] it's six. Councillo. So, so also shout
[49:33] out August 21st. That list is looking pretty much. I
[49:39] know ourselves included, but, uh, get your name in there,
[49:43] uh, get involved with council put your name forth, uh,
[49:46] to serve, uh, the community. So August 21st is the
[49:50] deadline. Thank you, Councillor Pastorrell. This time I would ask
[49:56] council to vote.
[50:07] And the vote is carried. Thank you. 14. 2. -
[50:14] 46 blind river water treatment updates. Uh, this is the
[50:18] archaeological assessment agreement.
[50:37] This is moved by Councillor Mido, second divided by Deputy
[50:41] Mayor Summers, be it resulted. Council authorized the mayor and
[50:44] CAO clerk to sign by law 26 - 46 being
[50:48] a bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind
[50:50] River to authorize the municipality to enter into an agreement
[50:54] with the archaeological research associates limited to complete a cultural
[50:59] heritage report. Existing conditions and preliminary impact assessment to document
[51:04] any archaeological resources that may be present in areas of
[51:08] archaeological potential. Artifacts that may indicate the presence of significant
[51:13] cultural deposits include bone charcoal lithics stone tools and refuse
[51:21] generated by their production and use ceramics, glass, and metal
[51:27] was passed in open council this 15th day of June,
[51:30] 2026. Are there any questions on this motion. Seeing none,
[51:35] I will ask council to vote.
[51:57] And the vote is carried. 14. 3 bylaw 26 -
[52:03] 47, the agreement firehouse public safety foundation. Over in a
[52:09] second, please. This is moved by Councillor Pastor Arrow, seconded
[52:16] by Councillor Whitlock. I just want to make sure that
[52:25] we're getting on the right one here. Be it resolve
[52:28] that council authorized the mayor and CAO clerk to sign
[52:31] bylaw 26 - 47 being law to enter into an
[52:35] agreement with firehouse. Subs public safety foundation of Canada to
[52:40] purchase wildland firefighting gear and equipment was signed this 15th
[52:45] day of June, 2026. Are there any questions on this.
[52:49] Councillor Pastor Arrow. Just a. Comment. Shout out to Farce.
[52:54] For donating. The funding. To. Protect our firefi. And again.
[52:59] Thank you to the firefighters. For the work they do.
[53:02] In recline. Unfortunately, it's happening. More and more people. Thank
[53:07] you. And at this time I will call for the
[53:10] vote.
[53:20] And the vote is carried. Thank you. Um, bylaw 26
[53:26] - 48, the agreement with NOHFC remunity days 2026.
[53:42] This is moved by Councillor Jim Dunbar, seconded by Councillor
[53:45] Miedov. Be it resolve that council authorized the mayor and
[53:53] CAO clerk to signed bylaw 26 - 48 being a
[53:57] bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind River
[54:00] to enter into an agreement with northern Ontario heritage fund
[54:03] corporation for community days 2026 was passed in open council
[54:08] this 15th day of June, 2026. Questions, comments. Councillor Jim
[54:14] Dunbar. Thanks for having me. Just curious, is this a
[54:18] funding that, uh, the committee is seeking for and we're
[54:22] giving them a hand on it. So you mayor Higman
[54:26] to Councillor Dunbar. That's exactly correct. Um, the, the committee
[54:30] is looking for the funding, the committee did author the
[54:32] grant with assistance from municipal staff, but they are using
[54:36] the municipal, um, and under our umbrella to apply for
[54:40] the funding. Seeing no other questions or comments. I will
[54:46] call for the vote.
[55:00] And the vote is carried. Thank you. Last but not
[55:04] least on our bylines, 14. 5 bylaw 26 - 49
[55:08] tax rates 2026. Over in a second, please.
[55:22] Have moved by Deputy Mayor Summers, seconded by Councillor Jim
[55:25] Dunbar. Be it resolved. The council authorized the mayor and
[55:31] CAO cleric to sign bylaw 26 - 49 being a
[55:34] bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind River
[55:37] to set tax ratios fixed the tax rates and to
[55:40] provide for the levy and collection of municipal and education
[55:43] taxes for the year 2026 was passed in open council
[55:47] this 15th day of June, 2026. Any questions on this.
[55:52] Councillor Jim Dunbar. Thanks for Haygman. Probably goes to our
[55:56] treasure, Ms. Sued. My question is like, there's a lot
[56:01] of information here, but I just curious if she could
[56:05] give me a percentage that. We're going to be charging
[56:19] to use. Through my head when the tax rate increase
[56:24] was, which I think is what you're asking for, council
[56:27] Dunbar was 5. 53 percent the council approved. Sim. No
[56:33] other questions. I would ask counsel to vote.
[57:10] You have to get. Editor.
[57:20] And that motion is carried. We are all learning this
[57:23] new east gripe. Isn't it fun? Alright, moving on to
[57:27] council reports and announcement, and we do have a report.
[57:31] Complements of deputy mayor summers and councillor bitty and Dunbar
[57:34] on the phenomenon conference 2026. Does council have any questions
[57:39] or would either councillor Dunbar go ahead. Thank you, Mayor
[57:44] Eggman. I just, I missed putting in my report that
[57:48] it was actually Mayor Hageman that wrote this report. Paula
[57:53] and I just went along for the ride. I mean,
[57:56] we attended all the assessions with her. So if there
[57:58] are any questions, we would be happy to answer anything,
[58:02] but, um, no. Mayor hatman was the author of this
[58:06] entire report. And thank you, Mayor Health. Uh, and just
[58:13] for council's clarification, I was a representative for El Goma
[58:16] District Services Administration Board. They covered my cost. So initially
[58:21] I wrote the report for them. And, you know, if
[58:24] it's a great report plagiarism is the finest form of
[58:27] flattery. So there we go. So, and that, and I
[58:30] really appreciated having the two of you with me at
[58:33] the conference. It's nice when you have company. It was
[58:36] great. Councillor Jim Gunberg. Thank you, Herr Heikman. And I'm
[58:38] just curious. I mean, I didn't thoroughly read the report.
[58:42] But, um, was there a, um, any, uh, any concerns
[58:47] that was, um, many of the municipalities, uh, spoke of
[58:53] or had concerns, you know, moving forward. I'm just curious
[58:58] if there was a single one theme that's definitely the
[59:01] northern highways. There's a lot of concern over both Highway
[59:05] 17 highway 11 as well as our secondary highways like
[59:09] Highway 129, 144 101. All of the highways of northern
[59:15] Ontario need a lot of love. We know they cost
[59:18] a lot of money. But, uh, that would be the
[59:21] presiding, um, factor. Um, it was really nice to be
[59:25] able to have the bear pit sessioned with the ministers
[59:29] who were present. It was a lot more informal than
[59:34] either Roma or Amo. They actually came around and talked
[59:37] to those that were participating at the conference. And it
[59:41] was really enlightening to see their engagement with all of
[59:43] us. So is there anything else that I'm missing councillors.
[59:50] Yes. Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. The one thing that we
[59:54] did find out at this conference too is that they're
[59:56] going to start taking, um, delegations at phenome as well
[1:00:02] as the others. So with a smaller venue like that,
[1:00:06] I think it, that could be very beneficial as well.
[1:00:10] One of the other, uh, issues that the municipalities themselves
[1:00:14] were talking about and talking amongst us ourselves was, uh,
[1:00:19] the taxation of unorganized townships. And, you know, it needs
[1:00:25] to be addressed at some point. What's going to happen
[1:00:29] with that. But yeah. So the fact that they are
[1:00:32] going to start adding delegations to phenom. Is, is a
[1:00:35] good thing. Deputy Mayor Summers. Thank you, Mayor Hageman. I
[1:00:39] just wanted to say that we were lucky enough to
[1:00:41] go on the Northlander train. We didn't go anywhere, but
[1:00:44] we did. We were able to go on and see
[1:00:47] what it's about. And it's just absolutely beautiful. And it'll
[1:00:50] be very nice when they do get it running. And
[1:00:53] it'll go down into union station. Unfortunately, not in our
[1:00:56] area yet, but maybe someday. Is there a bar on
[1:01:00] that tree? It is a beautiful, beautiful train for sure.
[1:01:07] And we reminded me a lot of trains in Europe.
[1:01:09] Hitech. Hightech. Yes. Seeing no other questions, uh, we do
[1:01:15] not have anything on our addendum for tonight. So prior
[1:01:18] to the motion going forward to go into the closed
[1:01:21] session, I want to thank, uh, our staff once again
[1:01:24] for preparing these amazing reports and for the time that
[1:01:28] you've taken away from your family is this evening. We
[1:01:31] really do appreciate you. And our lone person left in
[1:01:34] the audience. Thank you for coming tonight. This is very
[1:01:36] nice to have, have someone actually stay after the senior's
[1:01:40] award. So thank you for that. All right. So can
[1:01:44] I even move her in a seconder. Uh, to go
[1:01:47] into the closed portion of our meeting. And this will
[1:01:51] be to discuss personal matters. As well as proposed impending
[1:01:55] app acquisitions or disposition of land by the municipality or
[1:01:58] local board. Thank you. This is more of my councillor
[1:02:06] Dan Mido. Second name by Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. Beat
[1:02:10] resolve that council go into the closed meeting at 659
[1:02:13] PM in accordance with section 239 of the municipal act
[1:02:17] in order to address matters pertaining to personnel matters about
[1:02:20] the identified individual, including municipal or local board employees. Personnel,
[1:02:26] I proposed your pending acquisition or disposition of land by
[1:02:29] the municipality or local board or litigation or potential litigation,
[1:02:33] including matters before the administrative tributals affecting the municipality or
[1:02:38] local board. And at this time I will call for
[1:02:41] the vote. And
[1:02:51] that is carried. We are now enclosed.
[2:18:49] Welcome back, Mined River, and we are back in the
[2:18:53] open session. And could I have a mover and a
[2:18:56] second, please? Move by Councillor Mido, seconded by
[2:19:06] Councillor Pastor Arrow, be it resolve that council resumes the
[2:19:09] open session at 816 p. m. And I will call
[2:19:13] for the vote.
[2:19:23] And that is carried. And during the closed session, as
[2:19:27] I mentioned before, we received CAO updates. Proposed in pending
[2:19:32] acquisitions for land. And disposition of land and litigation of
[2:19:39] potential or potential litigation. And I would ask counseled to
[2:19:47] look at the confirming bylaw, and could I have a
[2:19:50] mover and a seconder, please?
[2:20:01] This is moved by Councillor Betty and Dunbar, seconded by
[2:20:05] Councillor Miedo, be it resolved at council authorized the mayor
[2:20:08] and CAO clerk designed bylaw 26 - 50 being a
[2:20:12] bylaw of the corporation of the town of Blind River
[2:20:14] to adopt the minutes of the meeting of June 15,
[2:20:17] 2026 was passed in open council. This 15th day of
[2:20:20] June 2026. And at this time, I'd ask counsel to
[2:20:24] vote. And that is carried.
[2:20:34] Last but not least, I asked counsel to move the
[2:20:40] motion for adjournment. This is moved by
[2:20:50] Councillor Mido, seconded by Councillor Bitty and Dunbar. And if
[2:20:57] you resolve that council adjourned at 18 p. m., and
[2:21:02] I would call for the vote.
[2:21:14] And that is, Carrie. Thanks everyone. We are adjourned for
[2:21:17] the evening.