[1:49] Call the meeting to order with an acceptance of the

[1:50] Council agenda. Councillor Hutchin, our Council of Trevelli, Deputy Mayor

[1:55] Hutchin, that we accept the Council agenda for the 14th

[1:58] of July. All those in favor. That is carried. Moves

[2:05] us around long to the first, or declaration of pure

[2:09] interest. Oh, Councillor Trevelli. Yeah, thanks, Mayor. Good evening. Declaration

[2:14] on item 6. 1. Okay. All right. All right. That

[2:23] moves us along to item five on the agenda. And

[2:28] tonight, we're pleased to have Laurence Schneider and her family

[2:34] in attendance tonight. And as you know, I always, as

[2:36] a former teacher, I always like to encourage and celebrate

[2:40] all the young people in our community that are doing

[2:42] extraordinary things. And going on and making X - ray

[2:47] accomplishments and getting awards. And Lauren has some significant accomplishments

[2:56] in figure skating. She has her gold - free skate

[3:00] designation. And her quad gold medalist. And now she's also

[3:05] a coach so that she can instilled a passion for

[3:09] figure skating in our younger children here in Walkerton and

[3:15] Brockton. So that's very admirable to see a young person

[3:18] going on and doing that sort of coaching work also.

[3:21] So Lauren, congratulations. I have a certificate for you. So

[3:25] I'm going to call you up here right in the

[3:26] centre here and we'll get some pictures.

[4:26] Okay. So that move along on the agenda item seven.

[4:32] We have one delegation tonight. We have Chad Richards, senior

[4:35] strategist from Bruce Power. And he's going to give us

[4:39] an update on the activities that Bruce Power's been doing

[4:42] to promote Bruce C. Wonderful. Thank you so much, Mr.

[4:50] Merrill. Just a lot of the slides to come up

[4:52] on screen. And it was the best approaches for me

[4:54] to indicate when we moved to the next slide. Perfect.

[4:57] Um, excellent. Well, again, thank you very much for having

[5:00] me here this evening to speak to council about the

[5:03] Bruce Sea Project. We're really in an exciting, uh, phase

[5:06] for the project. There's lots of work going on and

[5:10] really wanted to use this as an opportunity to update

[5:12] Council on where we're at in that process. Um, and

[5:15] to provide a bit of information about, uh, an exciting

[5:17] initiative that we've, we've launched for regional readiness assessments when

[5:21] it comes to, uh, the Bruce C project. So I

[5:24] mean, if we can move on to the, the next

[5:26] slide. Wanted to start by acknowledging that the Bruce Power

[5:30] site is located within the Sagina Gymway nation territory, the

[5:33] shared treaty and traditional territory of the Chippewas of Sagin

[5:36] First Nation and Chip was of Nawash unseated First Nation,

[5:40] Nia Shinghaming. Bruce Power, through all that we do, whether

[5:43] that's our existing operations or exploring Transformative Project like the

[5:47] Bruce C project, uh, we do so in the spirit

[5:49] of, of reconciliation and respect with the indigenous communities that

[5:52] we work with, that includes, uh, this Aguino Jibway Nation,

[5:56] uh, the Mee T nation of Ontario, region seven and

[5:59] the historic Sagin Mate onto the next slide, please. So

[6:04] we like to start by setting the tone on why

[6:07] we're exploring something like a new build project. Where's the

[6:10] Ontario energy landscape at right now. Um, and when you

[6:14] look at the, the grid operations more broadly, the Ontario's

[6:18] independent electricity system operator every year, the system operator, what

[6:22] releases what's called the annual planning outlook. And for, uh,

[6:26] for folks like me who's been way too much time

[6:27] looking at electricity markets. That's like our Christmas Eve the

[6:30] day before the APO comes out. It's, uh, we're on

[6:33] pins and needles waiting for the next APO to drop.

[6:35] But when, when the system operator released their annual planning

[6:38] outlook, uh, earlier this year in 2026, the APO showed

[6:42] that the grid, when they look out to the year

[6:44] 2050, we're looking at about a 65 percent increase in

[6:47] electricity demand compared to what we have on the grid

[6:50] here today. So when you think about just the fundamental

[6:53] scale of building up about 65 percent more in addition

[6:56] to what we have today It's really a significant undertaking,

[6:59] uh, to meet that new demand with, with clean, affordable,

[7:02] reliable, uh, power going forward. Similarly, the, the, the province

[7:08] said, set out in their energy for generations report, uh,

[7:12] policy document effectively an integrated energy plan for the province

[7:16] and how we're going to meet that increase demand by

[7:19] meeting the and meeting those policy objectives of again, ensuring

[7:21] that our electricity grid remains reliable remains affordable. Um, and

[7:26] continues to, to operate at, at high degrees of efficiency.

[7:29] Unsurprisingly, the Bruce power site played a fundamental role in

[7:32] that, that planning document in the integrated energy plan. The

[7:36] plan speaks to the importance of the major component, uh,

[7:39] replacement program that is taking place, uh, currently at Bruce

[7:42] Power as part of our life extension work. Uh, it

[7:44] talked about growing our site output. So right now Bruce

[7:47] Power is about a 6, 500 megawatt site, uh, talked

[7:51] about growing that site output to 7, 000 megawatts through

[7:54] our project 2030 program, which is, uh, a program that

[7:57] we've, we're undertaking through some of our MCR work to

[8:00] get the most that we can out of our existing

[8:02] eight units at site, um, the, the plan speaks about

[8:06] the potential refurbishments of units one and two down the

[8:09] road. So obviously existing MCR work, uh, with contains units

[8:13] three to eight within scope. We're looking, the system operator

[8:16] is exploring what it would take to, uh, and we

[8:18] are exploring what it would take to potentially refer as

[8:20] units one and two in the 2040s. Talked about the

[8:23] role of Bruce Power and producing cancer fighting isotopes that

[8:26] are delivered across the world and supporting global supply chains.

[8:29] And then unsurprisingly talked about the Bruce C project, which

[8:32] we'll, we'll dig into here this into this evening. So

[8:35] yeah, move on. We can move on to the next

[8:37] slide. So in now that we've kind of mapped out

[8:41] the demand is growing. The province has, has set the

[8:44] policy conditions for meeting that new demand. And they understand

[8:47] that Bruce C fits or the Bruce Heap as a

[8:49] potential for meeting that new demand. We like to ask

[8:52] the question of why us, why are we looking at

[8:53] the Bruce Power site? What makes this a viable option

[8:56] for the system operator when it comes to new electricity

[8:59] generation here in the province? And there's, there's kind of

[9:02] three really significant strategic advantages. The first is the people

[9:05] that's around the site. We have access to a skilled

[9:08] workforce who understand how to work on these projects, who

[9:11] know how to, to build big things where when you

[9:14] look at the scope of our major component replacement project,

[9:17] we're effectively doing new build type work every single day

[9:20] on site in replacing those major components of our units,

[9:24] uh, so really fundamentally we have access to a skilled

[9:26] workforce, a supply chain existing here locally who is supporting,

[9:30] uh, safe, clean, reliable operations. And we have strong local

[9:34] leadership. We know that the municipalities, the municipal leaders that

[9:38] surround the site and leaders in our communities understand nuclear.

[9:43] They have a commitment to seeing that our sector thrive

[9:46] within the region. And really we count that as a

[9:48] significant strategic advantage. The second one being that we have

[9:51] an existing site. So we are not talking about expanding

[9:55] site boundaries. We're not talking about a new build site

[9:57] offsite with the Bruce C project is explored within our

[10:01] existing site boundary. And there's, there are some pretty significant

[10:03] advantages when it comes to having an established site for

[10:06] new electricity generation. And when you compare that to a

[10:09] potential, what we call a green field project where you're

[10:12] looking at starting a site net new. We have transmission

[10:14] running to the site, uh, we have, uh, again, an

[10:18] existing infrastructure on site that can support a new build

[10:20] program. And that really presents, uh, number of significant advantages.

[10:24] One of those key advantages that the rolls into the

[10:26] third point is that we have known, we have no

[10:29] understanding of the effects of our site, uh, in terms

[10:31] of baseline operations when it comes to interactions with the

[10:34] natural environment. So we have a well studied site that

[10:37] has been supported by environmental protection programs for, for decades.

[10:41] And we have a good base of knowledge to be

[10:43] able to begin, uh, the assessment work required to explore

[10:47] new electricity generation here in the province. We can move

[10:50] on to the next slide. So that leads us to

[10:52] the Bruce C project. And what is the Bruce C

[10:55] project? Well, fundamentally the Bruce C project is Bruce Power

[10:58] exploring the edition of up to 4, 800 megawatts of

[11:01] new nuclear capacity at the existing Bruce Power site. And

[11:05] we're undertaking that assessment work through a integrated impact assessment

[11:09] process, which is a federally regulated process led by the

[11:13] impact assessment agency of Canada and the Canadian nuclear safety

[11:16] commission because we're a nuclear project. Our impact assessment is

[11:19] a bit unique and incorporates the expertise of the Canadian

[11:23] nuclear safety commission. It also includes an additional component that

[11:26] other impacts don't include, which is a license to prepare

[11:29] site, which is a specific requirement for new nuclear generation.

[11:33] You're required to have that license before you can perceive

[11:35] with work. So our impact assessment is integrated. And it

[11:38] in that it includes the CNSC as well as that

[11:40] license to prepare site application as part of our process.

[11:44] Through this work, Bruce Power is going to assess the

[11:46] environmental, the economic, the social and the health impacts of

[11:50] a Bruce C project. What would that project look like

[11:52] on the region is the fundamental question that we're seeking

[11:55] to answer. And we're going to be doing that in

[11:57] a spirit of proactive engagement and, and transparency with indigenous

[12:01] nations and communities as well as local municipalities and the

[12:05] public. Move on to the next slide. So this, this

[12:10] slide gives you a picture of what the impact assessment

[12:12] process looks like. Uh, it's a lengthy process. We are

[12:15] currently in the impact statement phase. We formally entered the

[12:19] impact assessment process back in August, 2024, when we submitted

[12:23] what's called our initial project description. These, uh, these processes

[12:26] are very, very cleverly. They're used very clever names. The

[12:29] initial project description is effectively an early description of what

[12:33] the project is. So when we submitted that two regulators,

[12:36] uh, we formally entered the planning process for the, the

[12:39] impact assessment. And what happened at that point is the

[12:43] federal regulators. So the impact assessment agency and the Canadian

[12:46] suit nuclear safety commission. They took that initial project description

[12:49] and they developed what's called our integrated Taylored Impact statement

[12:53] guidelines. Those guidelines effectively set out the list of requirements

[12:57] that we must, uh, satisfy or what we must assess

[13:00] as the proponent for this project in what's called our

[13:03] impact statement. When we received those Taylor Impact statement guidelines

[13:07] from the regulators, we officially entered what's called the impact

[13:10] statement phase. And that's the, the phase that we're in

[13:12] now. If we can move on to the next slide.

[13:15] So during the impact statement phase, that's really the phase

[13:18] of the, of the impact assessment process that's heavy on

[13:21] the proponent. It's when we do the work to understand

[13:24] what the potential effects of this project will be on

[13:28] the communities that surround our site, the people that surround

[13:30] our site and the natural environment that surrounds our site.

[13:33] So through this process, we'll be documenting existing conditions. So

[13:37] in order to measure the effect of something, you need

[13:39] to understand where you're starting from. So it's significant amount

[13:41] of work has been going into documenting the conditions as

[13:44] we see them here today on the ground. Once we've

[13:48] documented those existing conditions, we will assess the potential positive

[13:51] and negative effects of the project. So, uh, we know

[13:54] we understand that there can be significant advantages of having

[13:57] this project come. But we also know that projects of

[13:59] this magnitude come with challenges. And so for any of

[14:02] those negative effects, we will undertake work to provide mitigation

[14:06] strategies on those negative effects. And for any positive effects,

[14:10] we'll be looking to amplify those measures. So what can

[14:12] we do, uh, to get the, the most juice for

[14:14] our squeeze, if you will on those positive, uh, positive

[14:17] impacts that we expect. Um, and all throughout this process

[14:20] will be engaging, uh, with indigenous nations and communities with

[14:23] the public with local municipalities. In fact, some of our,

[14:26] our info sessions that we've had here in Walkerton have

[14:28] been the most well attended sessions that we've had through

[14:31] our Public Engagement efforts. I think we had back in

[14:33] the fall, we had more than 75 people come out

[14:35] to a single session to learn more about the project

[14:38] and hear about the types of things that we're measuring

[14:40] through this work, uh, onto the next slide, please. So

[14:44] to give you a sense of what's happening now, uh,

[14:46] and you've heard me probably say engagement about six times

[14:48] already tonight, but engagement is absolutely critical to the impact

[14:51] assessment process. We're actively engaging with indigenous nations and communities

[14:56] with local municipalities with the public as we undertake this

[14:59] work. We have been, uh, undertaking significant effort to collect

[15:04] those baseline, uh, data to support those, uh, those baseline

[15:08] conditions that I described on a previous slide. We're doing

[15:11] that with respect to socioeconomic data, uh, cultural data, uh,

[15:15] archaeological work, environmental data all to support those baseline or

[15:19] existing conditions reports that we'll be part of our impact

[15:21] statement. And we've begun undertaking those effects assessments. So starting

[15:25] to understand how the project will change those existing conditions

[15:28] that we've measured onto the next slide, please. Setting aside

[15:34] the impact assessment process that the impact assessment process just

[15:37] to wrap up on, on impact assessment, uh, we intend

[15:40] to submit our impact statement later this year, uh, at

[15:44] once we submit that, that, uh, that impact statement, we

[15:46] will enter the assessment phase of the process all in

[15:49] the, we expect the federal government to make a decision,

[15:52] uh, on our impact assessment and that license to prepare

[15:55] site application by early 2028. That's the timeline that we're

[15:58] working on right now. But setting aside impact assessment for

[16:01] a moment, we are also advancing what's called Bruce C

[16:05] pre - development work. And many of you will have,

[16:07] uh, have heard about an announcement that was made earlier

[16:09] this year in May with the government of Ontario where

[16:12] the government announced support for pre - development work, uh,

[16:16] in support of the Bruce C project through pre -

[16:18] development, which doesn't have a specific tie into the impact

[16:22] assessment directly, uh, we're undertaking an activities such as technology

[16:26] selection, uh, workforce and commercial planning, uh, estimating the cost

[16:31] of site preparation activities. So that site preparation phase of

[16:35] work looking at understanding or getting some early cost estimates

[16:38] for that work, uh, developing cooling water strategies, uh, and

[16:42] we're also undertaking significant efforts when it comes to community

[16:45] readiness and indigenous engagement. This work all proceeds as I

[16:48] described in parallel with the impact assessment. Um, we can

[16:52] maybe move to the next slide. And a significant portion

[16:54] of that work and happy to answer any questions from

[16:56] council this evening on, on this scope of work. Um,

[17:00] we've launched an assessment fund as part of our pre

[17:03] - development work. So the regional municipal readiness assessment fund

[17:07] is a program that we've created at Bruce Power to

[17:09] really support municipal lead readiness assessment work that should be

[17:13] undertaken in anticipation of a potential positive outcome on the

[17:18] project. So really looking to make, uh, application - based

[17:21] funding available to municipalities around the Bruce Grey and here

[17:25] on region to support that municipal lead work in preparation

[17:28] of a potential Bruce C project. And we've, uh, we've

[17:31] released the fund, the application intake window has been open

[17:33] since June 1st. It'll close on August 1st. And we're

[17:37] looking for projects that can be completed early by the

[17:39] end of 2027 is our target. Um, and projects, uh,

[17:43] seeking no more than 75, 000 dollars from the fun

[17:46] just to ensure that we have resources to support a

[17:48] good number of projects across the region. And we've, uh,

[17:50] included a number of eligible categories. And I know, uh,

[17:53] staff with the municipality of Brockton have, have undertaken some

[17:57] effort to, to propose some options for, uh, for council

[17:59] as well too. And be happy to discuss the, the

[18:02] fund in Greater Detail, uh, during Q and A and

[18:05] maybe just onto the next couple slides, the, the next

[18:08] slide just gives you some information, uh, or ways that

[18:11] you can stay up to date on the project. Our

[18:13] Bruce C project registry page is a tremendous resource for

[18:15] some of our technical regulatory documents. All of our, our

[18:19] guidelines, all of our submissions, uh, to the federal regulators

[18:23] are available on our registry page. So please feel free

[18:25] to access, uh, that resource and feel free to reach

[18:28] out if you have any questions. We also do have

[18:30] a Bruce Power engagement page where you can can visit

[18:32] and find more information, uh, from us about the project

[18:35] and feel free to, to email us anytime, uh, with

[18:39] that, uh, Mr. Mayor. I'm happy to answer any questions

[18:41] that, uh, questions from council. Yes, Councillor

[18:50] McClain. I don't thank you, Chad, for the, uh, presentation

[18:53] of a question more. Just thank you very much for

[18:55] coming updating council. Um, it's a huge project with lots

[18:59] of benefits, but it's really important along the way, uh,

[19:01] to have the touchstones of the impact and certainly, uh,

[19:04] we're quite excited about that and certainly from, uh, our,

[19:08] our community. Have opportunities for engagement along the way in

[19:12] the process. So thank you so much. Councillor Clark. Thank

[19:18] you. And good evening. Thank you, Chad, for, uh, presenting

[19:21] this to us tonight. Certainly a, um, uh, an important

[19:24] project and one that's again going to take a lot

[19:27] of work to be able to sort of put all

[19:29] of this together. So it's great to have someone, uh,

[19:31] on that side of it come to present to us

[19:33] tonight. So we certainly appreciate that. Um, just going off

[19:37] of the one slide where they mentioned that feedback had

[19:40] been, uh, sort of looked at from different groups. I'm

[19:43] curious specifically about the indigenous nations and the public on

[19:46] Bruce C. And as that feedback generally been positive or

[19:50] negative. And if negative, I'm curious what those groups concerns

[19:54] are to date. Um, I know it's, it's one of

[19:57] those things that again, I've heard people on one side

[20:00] are really excited for it. Wanted to go forward. And

[20:03] then there's obviously people on the other side as well.

[20:05] I'm just curious from your perspective what's that sort of

[20:07] looked like. Yeah. Three, you Mr. Merritt's, it's a, it's

[20:11] a really great question. Um, we, we see lots of,

[20:14] uh, lots of really great feedback when it comes to

[20:16] the Bruce C project. We never take community support for

[20:20] both Bruce Power and for the project for granted, um,

[20:23] we did do some, some polling back in 20 and

[20:26] late 2025, uh, that showed that residents from across Bruce

[20:30] Grey and here on when it comes to support for

[20:31] the project. We had about an 86 percent support for

[20:34] the project would be good for, uh, the region and

[20:40] the and the community that they live in. So really

[20:42] again, we're starting from a really good place and lots

[20:44] of positive support. We do see a lot of engagement

[20:48] and really from a place of genuine curiosity about impacts.

[20:51] I would say that the more, uh, when we hear

[20:54] concerns from, uh, from members of the community, they're not

[20:57] insurmountable concerns. They are concerns that we know we can

[21:00] address through mitigation. Uh, we hear a lot about socioeconomic

[21:03] effects of the project. So I mean, probably unsurprisingly, but,

[21:07] um, uh, topics like housing, healthcare and education and impacts

[21:10] on those services and infrastructure become kind of the focal

[21:14] point for, uh, for folks who express, you know, concern

[21:18] or information they'd like or pieces where they would like

[21:21] more information. Like tends to be where, uh, where that's

[21:23] focused on. Thank you. And through Mr. Mayor, thank you

[21:30] very much, Chad, for being here tonight in the presentation.

[21:33] Um, I just want to acknowledge the importance of keeping

[21:35] members of council and the Public informed on an initiative

[21:38] of this size. Uh, it's certainly going to be, I

[21:40] think a great contribution to our community, not only here

[21:43] regionally, but also throughout the province of Ontario in ensuring

[21:45] that, uh, electricity demands are met in the future. Uh,

[21:48] especially as we have more dependencies on electricity itself. Um,

[21:53] I wanted to speak about two things. Uh, the first

[21:55] is around the timeline. You mentioned around the impact assessment

[21:58] later this year, uh, with the idea that a license

[22:01] to prepare would be issued in around 20, 28, uh,

[22:04] when would you see sort of peak project, uh, outlook?

[22:07] Is that still from that point about 10 years out?

[22:10] Um, or they'll just pause there and ask you that

[22:12] question. When would you anticipate sort of peak project to

[22:14] be fully underway. Yeah. Three of you, Mr. Mary, another

[22:19] really great question. So what we'll just walk through the,

[22:22] the timeline for sure. I think that's an excellent exercise.

[22:24] So, um, we're in the impact statement phase of the

[22:27] project now expecting that to, to conclude later this year

[22:31] with the submission of the impact statement, um, as you

[22:34] rightly pointed out, uh, impact assessment would run until early

[22:36] 2028. And that includes that license to prepare site application.

[22:41] If successful on all fronts, um, site preparation work could

[22:44] begin immediately effectively upon receipt of the, uh, the license.

[22:50] The site preparation phase of the project is about a

[22:52] three year window. So we would, uh, we would have

[22:54] a site preparation activities ongoing for about three years, uh,

[22:58] following, which would be a 14 year construction window for

[23:01] the project. So, uh, kind of mid, mid construction period

[23:05] is when we see that, that peak activity. And the,

[23:10] uh, further follow up question, you mentioned about being able

[23:12] to potentially speak more to the fund that's been established

[23:15] in terms of readiness. Um, I'm curious given the timeline

[23:19] how the studies, which really have expiry dates to them,

[23:22] you know, we can do extensive studies, spend thousands of

[23:25] dollars, uh, and see no value in return for studies.

[23:28] We've seen that here in Brockton before. Um, I'm curious

[23:30] about how I advancing on studies are going to help

[23:33] us in 2031 and beyond if we commence those today

[23:37] with a timeline of 2027. So are there abilities to

[23:40] use those funds for other things that really advance current

[23:44] initiatives in municipalities that will in fact assist in delivering

[23:47] on the impact and the overall community going forward. Through

[23:52] you, Mayor? We are really focused on understand getting an

[23:55] early assessment of initiatives that must be undertaken to or

[23:58] should be undertaken to support broader, uh, regional readiness. So,

[24:02] um, I think to, to the point of studies, I

[24:04] hear, I hear the, the general concern. I think what

[24:07] we're hoping to do is get a sense of, uh,

[24:10] of broadly across the region, what needs to be done

[24:12] in preparation for, uh, for the project in the scale

[24:16] of the, the Bruce C project. And really, we're, that's

[24:19] where we're looking to municipal leadership to provide us with,

[24:21] uh, with that expertise on what you need for your

[24:24] community, uh, to succeed and to be ready for a

[24:27] project of, of this scale, uh, and would hope that

[24:30] I think that we're anticipating a number of really great

[24:32] projects to be, uh, to be proposed by the, by

[24:34] the municipalities we work with. Consult your valley. Thanks, Mayor.

[24:39] And thanks, Chad. As you know, it's probably the second

[24:41] or third time I've seen this presentation, but I do

[24:43] appreciate it in the chance to ask you a couple

[24:45] of questions. I think further to Councillor Elfick's comment, I

[24:48] think, um, as, as perhaps by way of feedback, um,

[24:51] I certainly recognise the importance of the, you know, these

[24:53] readiness studies now. But, you know, maybe a message to

[24:56] the Bruce Power team is that as these years progress,

[24:59] you know, hopefully that there's continued partnership and opportunities for

[25:01] funding where it's appropriate in relation to the project for

[25:04] municipalities and the clean energy region, building off that with

[25:08] this new, um, you know, the federal government is introduced

[25:10] these projects of national interest, the National Project's Office. There's

[25:14] also the nuclear strategies. All these things I'm sure come

[25:16] across your desk every day. Should there be, and I

[25:18] know you, you can't read the tea leaves necessarily, but

[25:21] should there be, you know, an acceleration of this project

[25:23] or it's identified by the federal government as a priority.

[25:26] And it would, I guess, could you touch on or

[25:28] hypothesize with the IA process be sped up? Could a

[25:31] couple of years between now and 2031 be shaved off.

[25:34] Hypothetically? And if so, I guess what would that look

[25:36] like on Bruce Powers end. Through you, Mary? Another great

[25:42] question. I think we have, uh, signed what's called a

[25:45] project charter with the impact assessment agency of Canada and

[25:48] the Canadian nuclear safety commission. Uh, that, that bounds the

[25:51] timelines of our, of our impact assessment process. And so

[25:54] we're working, uh, in conjunction with that, with that signed

[25:57] charter for the, the impact assessment process. Just to follow

[26:01] up, if I may. So I guess despite of that,

[26:03] you won't get grandfathered in necessarily to a more condensed

[26:06] timeline. You'll be sticking with what's in place regardless of

[26:08] these other, I guess, national policy changes. Is that a

[26:11] fair assessment. Three. Yeah. We're, we're proceeding on the assumption

[26:16] that the, the timelines outlined in the project charter are

[26:20] the timelines that will stand. Okay. Thank you. Okay. And

[26:25] you further questions. No. Okay. Well, thank you very much

[26:30] for your, your work. Chad. And as you can see,

[26:33] a lot of questions from local councils about, uh, how,

[26:37] how to get ready for this project. And I think,

[26:40] um, the Bruce power team and the county have really

[26:43] coordinated the this approach to, uh, look at all of

[26:47] the, uh, the angles for the project. I think that's

[26:50] great. It's great work. It's learning from some of the

[26:53] lessons. I know on the MCR came. I was, um,

[26:58] was a new mayor. And we all thought that, uh,

[27:01] the gold rush. And there'd be a bonanza. And I

[27:04] don't think any of us looked at maybe some of

[27:06] the, um, the downsides, like the, uh, housing issues that

[27:10] it would create. And so I think it's just, uh,

[27:13] great that your team's looking at how to best prepare

[27:16] for this, uh, huge mega project. And so that, uh,

[27:21] all the communities could benefit. So thank you very much.

[27:24] Thank you. Appreciate it.

[27:36] Okay. That would lead us into. The minutes. Moved by

[27:45] Councillor Tavalli and Deputy Mayor Hutchin that we approved the

[27:50] June 23rd minutes. All those in favor. Carried. Then we've

[27:59] got the, uh, now we're into Reports. And on the

[28:05] topic of Chad's presentation, we've got Report One Regional Readiness

[28:11] Assessment Fund. By Councillor Tavalli. Second, Debmir Hutchin that we

[28:16] approve report CIO eight regional municipality, Ridness Assessment Fund Bruce

[28:20] C, prepared by Sonya Watson, CEO, and doing so support

[28:24] staff applying through the regional Mispala readiness assessment fund for

[28:28] the following studies. Municipal Service Delivery and organisational review. Municipal

[28:31] operation needs assessment study, East Ridge Business Park Servicing and

[28:36] Implementation Strategy. Councillor Trevalli. Thanks Mayor Peabody and I appreciate

[28:41] the report from staff. I think, um, given the fact

[28:43] that, uh, at least to my understanding, and that's where

[28:46] I'll get to in my question, that the impact on

[28:48] the tax rate with these studies. I think they will

[28:49] be beneficial. All three of them in our long -

[28:52] term planning with and without Bruce C. So certainly support

[28:55] as proposed. I guess my question would be, does staff

[28:58] anticipate in the application applying for the full 75 in

[29:02] each? Or are you going to have more estimated figures

[29:04] based on, you know, previous types of studies, I guess

[29:07] some could come in at 35, 40, 50 grand. So

[29:10] will the application kind of break it out by cost

[29:13] as opposed to just doing the max of 75, which

[29:15] maybe not as good for a chances in my mind.

[29:21] Through Mer Peabody, I have attaining quotes at this time.

[29:24] So most of them are from discussions very close to

[29:28] the 75, 000 dollar range It tried to pick, um,

[29:31] projects that would fit into that. So, um, it will

[29:35] be close, but yes, based on further, uh, discussions might

[29:38] be slightly lower. Yeah. So just to sort of follow

[29:45] up on that question, um, and that sort of goes

[29:47] into where, um, mine was going as well. What's the

[29:51] probability or is there a chance that the funding is

[29:54] it underfunds and the, the application or the project that

[29:56] we submit for goes over the 75, 000. So first

[30:00] question is that a possibility second part to that question,

[30:03] if it is a possibility, are we able to back

[30:05] out once we get more of a concrete quote? I

[30:08] just again, don't want to apply for 75, 000 and

[30:11] it costs 125, 000 and we're on the hook for

[30:13] an additional 50 on something that may be too early

[30:17] or we may or may not need. Body. We will

[30:24] be scoping the projects to, um, align within that budget

[30:29] mind. I can't guarantee that there's not a possibility that

[30:33] a tender would come in more than or across proposal

[30:35] may come in a bit higher. But we will be,

[30:39] you know, adapting our, um, Recross for proposals to include

[30:43] staff time to work on these projects to try to

[30:45] get them within this range. Thank you, indeed, through Mr.

[30:51] Mayor. Um, you know, I appreciate the recommendations by staff

[30:54] and the report. I do think that as a municipality,

[30:56] we need to take advantage of available funds to conduct

[30:59] some of these studies. Um, my concern is, uh, when

[31:02] I read the definition for the municipal service delivery review

[31:05] and also the municipal operations needs assessment. I see a

[31:08] number of overlapping themes. Um, and what I'm concerned about

[31:11] is there's not really a lot contained in the recommendations

[31:14] for infrastructure planning. Um, you know, looking at impacts, uh,

[31:18] on things like water usage in our communities, uh, looking

[31:20] at, uh, road network. And I know the county's going

[31:23] to do the transportation studies, but certainly, um, looking at

[31:26] how we are going to connect in terms of transportation

[31:28] and also in land development overall. And I know we

[31:31] were just coming out of a official plan review. Um,

[31:34] so I'm just, I'm mindful about whether we have the

[31:37] right things that we're asking for, I do think we

[31:39] should apply. I know the deadline is quite, uh, closest,

[31:44] but I would certainly be open to seeing us consider

[31:46] more other attributes along like workforce, uh, readiness. Um, I'm

[31:51] just struggling a little bit to be honest with the

[31:52] timeline. We're sitting here in 2026, uh, project, uh, 2031.

[31:58] How are these are really going to inform the future,

[32:00] uh, for us to actually have tangible and good, reliable

[32:03] information moving forward. I think that, um, it's a good

[32:06] snapshot in time, I suppose, but I really want to

[32:09] ensure that we're thinking about all of the impacts throughout

[32:11] our municipality. And I find that a number of these,

[32:14] uh, items that we're talking about here are really closely

[32:16] wedded in one area. And it'd be great to expand

[32:19] that to think to things like workforce, uh, readiness and

[32:22] also, uh, looking at other land development opportunities that we

[32:24] would have. So I don't know if that's an opportunity

[32:26] for us to consider making those changes here tonight or

[32:29] tasked after those and making the final submissions. Um, but

[32:32] I don't think that we need both a municipal services

[32:34] review and an operation needs assessment study when a number

[32:37] of those things by even their staff report overlap. Through

[32:46] your Meripodi, uh, noted, I guess the municipal operations needs

[32:50] assessment is to focus more directly on, um. On our,

[32:57] um, in addition to staff on our facilities on, um,

[33:01] we're, it's going to take into account, like I noted

[33:03] there, that we already do have a road study rule

[33:07] and a throughout Walkerton. Um, we also have our building

[33:10] condition assessments that we can now incorporate all this information

[33:13] to look at how we need to plan our facilities

[33:16] for the future based on our road networks based on

[33:19] our existing capacity of staff, um, pending growth that's projected

[33:26] versus when Bruce C comes. So that's study is very

[33:31] specific to our operations needs. There, I would agree there

[33:36] may be, um, some small overlap within looking at a

[33:39] whole municipal service delivery review. Um, again, we had a

[33:43] municipal service delivery view done in 2015. Um, it was

[33:47] a great basis. We've implemented a lot of those things

[33:50] that came out of that review, um, hired the By

[33:54] - law enforcement officer as one of those suggestions that

[33:57] came out of there. Um, so we don't have that

[34:00] guiding document to really look now at our service delivery

[34:05] and how we do equip them municipality. For workforce readiness.

[34:10] For the future. Okay. Well, if I could comment on

[34:17] that, the, um, priority there to me would be the

[34:19] East Ridge business park. And, uh, as, as we know,

[34:24] there will be potential for subcontractors. Who are manufacturing components.

[34:32] For the, um, Reactor to, uh, set up operations. And

[34:36] I think in, in terms of the, uh, surrounding municipalities,

[34:40] our business park is best set up, uh, to capture

[34:43] that. There's some other good business parks, but ours is

[34:45] just fantastic. So if we can, uh, make sure that

[34:48] 40 acres that we bought is opened up. I think

[34:53] it'll just be, um, that would be, um, that would

[34:57] be my priority for getting that. So it's good you

[34:59] asked that question, Chad, because it allowed me to, uh,

[35:01] explain to Chad what, uh, what my number one priority

[35:04] is on that list. So, okay. Thank you. Um, I

[35:10] just wondered, was there a limit to the number of

[35:12] applications we could make. There is not a limit. It's

[35:18] more to staff time. It's based on it's staff time

[35:20] working with a consultants, um, and looking at our existing

[35:23] needs, these all were viable projects that our senior management

[35:28] whole team identified based on the, you know, existing studies

[35:31] that we already have. And, you know, we, we do

[35:34] understand already what our water infrastructure requirements are. Um, so

[35:40] these were in addition to areas that we needed all

[35:43] felt we needed to look at. And just, uh, maybe

[35:49] further to that. What is the anticipated commitment for staff

[35:52] for staff time if all three of these reviews were

[35:54] to go ahead, um, just looking at the project runway,

[35:58] um, having them awarded, having them completed in 2027. It

[36:01] would seem if all three were approved that it would

[36:03] take a considerable amount of stuff time to assist in

[36:06] preparing these reviews. Through you my peabody, they would, they

[36:11] would take, uh, time, you know, the different departments that

[36:14] would be assigned to each of these. So I don't

[36:16] have a number. Tim. And so just out of curiosity,

[36:21] is that something that's part of the overall costing allocation?

[36:24] Or is it just the studies that are covered. Just

[36:28] the studies are covered in the 75, 000. Yes. Three

[36:36] RP body, you know, I brought forward these options as

[36:38] all, um, needed projects. It's certainly up to council on

[36:42] if they only want to narrow it down to one,

[36:44] uh, want to take as big of our, um, leverage

[36:48] as big opportunity as we could for our needs, um,

[36:51] without using the tax base. Um, but again, it's up

[36:55] to council. Yeah. Just one small follow up question. If

[37:02] we apply, are we allowed to back out of it?

[37:05] Like should we get all three and realise this is

[37:07] going to be way too much time, um, like, are

[37:10] we given more time to think about these? Or is

[37:13] if we're accepted that we have to go forward with

[37:15] those options as presented tonight. Three MRP body. I think

[37:21] in applying for the funding, we would want to do

[37:24] it in good faith. There would be an agreement come

[37:26] back, um, for council's consideration before we entered that, but

[37:30] I think we definitely want to apply, um, with the

[37:32] knowledge that we were going to proceed on these. Yeah.

[37:38] I would, I would certainly just given the conversation around

[37:40] the table. I think that our priority is clear. I

[37:42] think I completely agree with Mayor P body. You know,

[37:45] our ability for expansion of industrial lands is absolutely critical

[37:48] in the municipality and really a really well placed for

[37:51] it. I think that should be our focus for this.

[37:53] I would certainly support, uh, removing in its entirety, the

[37:57] municipal service delivery and organisation review from the motion. And,

[38:00] uh, if staff feel, I'd like to hear a little

[38:02] bit more about the operations needs, you know, we're hearing

[38:04] that we've done transportation. We've done water. We've done infrastructure.

[38:09] I'm not sure what the value add is. If we

[38:11] can, if we actually proceed with that anyways. So I

[38:13] would rather just have our priority here in Brockton focused

[38:17] and ensuring that we're actually able to deliver on this

[38:19] initiative to be ready, uh, to contribute to the Bruce

[38:21] the expansion project. Steve. Yeah. I'm happy with the three.

[38:26] I think multiple other municipalities, we know, I think Aaron

[38:29] Elder's league. Others that have received this and grey in

[38:31] here on our applying for multiple. Um, again, Bruce Power

[38:34] will be reviewing these and determining if the link and

[38:36] if it's substantial by their parameters. Um, so I don't

[38:40] think we need to be overly cautious here. Um, in

[38:43] my opinion, I certainly see the preference for the one.

[38:45] And I agree with that. Um, as our, you know,

[38:47] the best case scenario, if we only get one, it

[38:49] would be for Eastridge, but, um, there's no harm in

[38:53] my view in applying for the three. So that's the

[38:54] way I'm going. All right. Mitch. Yeah. Just one follow

[39:00] up piece, uh, to that. I guess again, my only

[39:02] concern is sort of twofold one, the staff time involved

[39:05] in the three applications. And then secondly, I'm still worried

[39:08] about that 75, 000 dollar limit not being hint, hit.

[39:12] And we've had this before where we'd be expected prices.

[39:14] We've had quotes. We've had, um, reasons to believe a

[39:17] price would be something. And then it's double it or

[39:19] it's one and a half times it. And so again,

[39:21] that's just what concerns me here. If I could get

[39:25] again, from staff, I guess what's the confidence that we're

[39:27] going to be under that 75, 000? I know you

[39:29] can't, uh, guarantee it, but can we sort of aim

[39:32] for 50? And if we go over 20, we're still

[39:34] good instead of aiming for 75 and going over 20

[39:37] or 30 or 40. I guess I can comment to

[39:43] that, that, um, when we put out the request for

[39:46] proposal, this still has to be accepted by council. So

[39:50] at that time, you know, if for some reason it,

[39:53] it comes in way over the expected budget. There's that

[39:56] opportunity for, um, for seeing circumstances. Councillor Tribali. Yeah. I

[40:01] would just add from previous experience working in South Bruce

[40:04] and so on. I think to your point, it's, it's

[40:06] very good to be cautious, but I think dealing with

[40:08] consultants doing this sort of study is different than like

[40:10] a road project where you're dealing with variables like construction

[40:12] materials. So I would find it very unlikely that they

[40:16] would be going over. And again, you're like you say,

[40:18] you put out that RFP, um, and again, if they're

[40:20] going to start projecting things out of the scope or

[40:22] over the amount that's in the RFP, that's the conversation

[40:24] where we need to pull back and say, okay, well,

[40:26] that's not what we ask. So you're not within the

[40:28] scope. Um, so that's just my own experience obviously defer

[40:31] to, um, you know, Sonia's comments on this, but from

[40:34] previous experience, that's sort of where I see it. Okay.

[40:39] We had a discussion. I'll call the question. All those

[40:41] in favor. All those opposed. Okay. The motion's carried.

[40:51] Homecoming agreement. Councillor Javeli Demir Hutchin that we receive recort

[40:56] 2026 number 15 Walker and Homecoming Agreement prepared by Colleen

[41:00] Gillis Director of Community Services for information purposes. Any questions.

[41:08] All those in favor. Okay. Thanks Colleen. Do you and

[41:12] your staff are working everything out. I, uh, here in,

[41:16] um, lots of great things about how things are moving

[41:18] along with the homecoming. So, uh, it's quite exciting. So

[41:23] thank you for your preparatory works. Ridout Street Culvert. Deputy

[41:28] Mayor Hutchin Councillor Ciavalli that we receive report public works

[41:31] number six right out street culvert tender prepared by Nicholas

[41:34] Schnerdirective operations. And doing so awards the tender to JT

[41:37] excavating in the amount of 590, 846 dollars and 76

[41:41] cents. Plus HST Councillor Trevelli. Thanks Mayor. Just a question

[41:45] through you to staff. Uh, I read the report that,

[41:48] uh, the work is estimated to cost 950, 000, including

[41:51] the total tender cost. And of course, we have the

[41:53] total tender cost at around 590K here. I guess can

[41:56] staff clarified if there is a figure on what those

[41:59] X or those separate engineering costs are. And if we're

[42:01] of course within that budget or not at this time.

[42:07] Yeah. Thank you through you, Mr. Mayor. When we initially

[42:10] put this budget together, we looked at the 950, 000

[42:13] looked at, you know, maybe some sidewalk me. We're going

[42:15] to expand a little bit. Um, but, you know, we

[42:18] have to fall within the guidelines of what, uh, sogging

[42:21] valley will allow us to do. So we're not going

[42:23] necessarily as big. Uh, there's also been no flooding issues

[42:26] there that we need to accommodate or go bigger. So

[42:29] we're kind of like for like, it's a steel culvert.

[42:32] We're putting in concrete one. Engineering. Uh, I don't have

[42:37] that right in front of me, but it's usually, um,

[42:39] you know, so we'll be using our engineer on retainer

[42:47] for that project. Kim. Thank you. Um, I'm excited that

[42:54] we might actually come well under budget. When this project

[42:58] is finished, what could you report back to us on

[43:00] what the final figures are. Please. Thank you. Hey. All

[43:07] in favor. It's carried. June modern wastewater. Dirt Beamer Hutchin

[43:13] Councillor Travelli received utilities report 10, 2026 water and wastewater

[43:17] prepared by Nicholas Schnurr for information purposes. All those in

[43:20] favor. That's carried financial report June 30th. Moved by the

[43:27] deputy mayor, seconded by Councillor Trevalli that we receive financial

[43:31] report 21, June 30th. Prepared by Trish Sorceratory CFO for

[43:37] information purposes. All those in favor. That's carried. Samuel Tax

[43:45] Rares to June 30th. Moved by Deputy Mayr Hutchin, seconded

[43:50] by Councillor Trelli that we receive report FIN 20 semi

[43:53] - annual tax rares to June 30th prepared by Jessica

[43:56] Schmidt tax collector for information purposes. Councillor Elfik. Thank you.

[44:02] And three, Mr. Mayor, certainly just a comment on the

[44:05] report. It's appreciated that council is being apprised of the

[44:08] amounts that are outstanding. But the figures certainly tell a

[44:11] story, uh, to all of us. I think here and

[44:13] anyone reading the report about the arreers that we're in

[44:15] 2023 and beyond. At 11 percent, 25 was at 36

[44:21] percent and then heading into 2026, we're at 51 percent.

[44:24] So some pretty big jumps, uh, for the percentage of

[44:27] total arrears that remain outstanding. Um, and, uh, we'd be

[44:31] hopeful to hear from staff at some point around, um,

[44:34] you know, how we're going to manage that and what

[44:36] sort of steps can we put in place, um, I

[44:38] know the limitations, but it would be good to know,

[44:40] uh, our plan, uh, given that, uh, total property tax

[44:43] arreers, you know, 847, 000 dollars being in a rear.

[44:52] So pretty, uh, pretty notable from my point of view

[44:55] as it really says report. Thank you. All those in

[45:01] favor. It's carried. Beating schedule. Deputy Mayor Hutchin, Councillor

[45:10] Tavelli that we receive report from clerk's office. The budget

[45:14] and council meeting schedule prepared by Sarah Johnson, Deputy Clerk.

[45:18] If you want to Hamilton, Director of Legislative and legal

[45:19] services and approves cancelling the proposed budget meeting on Wednesday,

[45:23] December 16th at 10 a. m. at the Bruce County

[45:26] Council. Um, and further approves the budget meeting dates for

[45:31] 2027 to be held at seven at the Bruce County

[45:33] Council Chambers electronically through Zoom. East Gribe unless otherwise noted

[45:38] in accordance with the procedural by - law. So some

[45:42] changes there due to the election, Councillor Trevalli. Thanks, Mayor.

[45:46] Yeah. Overall, no problem with the dates, but I do

[45:48] feel that as a courtesy and, uh, you know, out

[45:50] of a goodwill gesture to our user groups in the

[45:52] community, that we could push that September 7th deadline, if

[45:55] at all possible. I appreciate the budget work starts now.

[45:57] Um, but I think in the midst of a homecoming

[46:00] and ploughing match and other community events through the summer

[46:02] and fall September 7th is just on the heels of

[46:04] a busy summer. And I think a little bit of

[46:07] leeway. I think I brought this up last year too,

[46:09] if possible, uh, as a date for these service groups

[46:11] would be good. I mean, today we're in the middle

[46:13] of July. You know, we have to get notice out

[46:15] potentially in some form or fashion, I hope to serve

[46:18] it to user groups that will be coming forward inevitably.

[46:21] Um, so I think if we could even push it

[46:22] to the, you know, start of October if staff, you

[46:24] know, if that's feasible. Um, and again, we're not going

[46:27] to see the budget as a council until January 2027.

[46:31] So. Okay, it's a good idea. We'll change that. All

[46:40] right. Anything else. All those in favor. That's carried. So

[46:47] do we have clarity on that, sorry? Or what's. Okay.

[46:50] Thanks. Yeah. Fiona got it. Land acknowledgement moved by Councillor

[46:55] Alpha. Excited by Councillor McClain that we receive clerks report

[46:58] 13 land acknowledgement protocol policy prepared by Sarah Johnson's deputy

[47:01] clerk and Kirk Mugi Corporate Records assistant and doing so

[47:04] approves the Byla coming forward adopting the land acknowledgement protocol

[47:07] policy and the visual Brockton land acknowledgement protocol. Councillor McClain.

[47:15] Through you mayor. Glad to see this protocol. Um, certainly

[47:18] I'm quite proud of the work that Brockton's done over

[47:21] the last number of years in terms of the truth

[47:22] and reconciliation file. Um, and I think that this protocol

[47:26] certainly fits within, within that, uh, giving the public an

[47:29] understanding of how the land acknowledgement is used and kind

[47:32] of why we do it. Um, and, uh, I think

[47:34] to sit that up in a protocol is important. Um,

[47:37] the other thing I'd like to ask is, um, and

[47:39] maybe it was in the report and I didn't quite

[47:42] see it. I understand kind of model a little bit

[47:44] on Bruce County protocol. Um, does this protocol go to

[47:48] Sahn itself, our own once we pass this or have

[47:51] we gotten Sawns, uh, feedback on our specific policy here

[47:55] protocol. Through you Mayor Peabody, uh, we didn't specifically circulate

[48:04] them on the protocol. Um, but it has been based

[48:07] on, um, number one information that they themselves have provided

[48:12] to the public about land acknowledgements. And secondly, sort of

[48:16] from, you know, ongoing, uh, conversations, et cetera, about, um,

[48:21] how to be thoughtful about land acknowledgments in general, but

[48:24] we can certainly circulate it to some specifically. Sure. Thank

[48:27] you. I think that would be a great idea. And

[48:29] I was excited to see that the Walk for Wand

[48:31] Jack is on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

[48:35] locally here in Brockton on September 30th. So, um, happy

[48:38] to be part of that. Also, Travelli. Yeah. Thanks, Mary.

[48:42] Just seeking some clarity on some of the language. It

[48:44] wasn't entirely clear to me in the protocol. Um, about

[48:46] its use at Council and Committee meetings. Like, is it

[48:48] implemented as a standing item or it's at the discretion

[48:50] of the chair. For you Peabody, I think our intention

[48:56] is that, um, while formal council meetings, um, and public

[49:01] meetings would still have the land acknowledgement as a standing

[49:04] item. What would change is that it wouldn't be as

[49:07] prescriptive as it currently is within the procedural bylaw to

[49:10] allow for more personal reflection and growth. So there would

[49:14] still say something that's landing acknowledgement, but instead of just

[49:16] sort of reading something that's been pre - prepared, which

[49:19] could still serve as a guide, um, that it should

[49:22] be supplemented with some personal reflection or a land acknowledgement

[49:26] that's more tailored. Yeah. Sorry. Just as a follow -

[49:33] up, but I guess more on the committee meeting side,

[49:36] as far as I know, that's not a current practice.

[49:37] So again, is it at the discretion or option of

[49:39] the chair to read or say or do one? Yes.

[49:41] Through you Mayor Peabody, I think our, um, current policy

[49:45] even states that it's for regular council meetings. So even

[49:48] for special counsel meetings, um, we don't have the land

[49:51] acknowledgement as part of that. Standing item for that. So

[49:54] I think we would keep that, you know, it's meant

[49:57] to be for when, you know, main decisions are being

[50:00] made so that it doesn't sort of become something that's

[50:02] done as a rote gesture without thought and consideration. Councillor

[50:08] Elfik. Thank you. And more so a comment, uh, Mr.

[50:12] Mayor threw you that I very much support the report

[50:14] and I appreciate it. I was part of the original

[50:15] adoption of Brockton's Land Acknowledgement, uh, when it was introduced.

[50:19] And I'm, I'm certainly happy to see the work that

[50:20] we've done. Uh, what I would be curious to know

[50:23] is if there's opportunities for all of us, you know,

[50:25] as elected leaders in the community speaking about our own

[50:28] work around reconciliation and reconciliation efforts, uh, to really share

[50:32] in the delivery of that land acknowledgement, uh, exactly like

[50:34] our clerk was saying that one of the core purposes

[50:37] is to have that individualized reflection. Uh, that they're not,

[50:41] uh, intended to be prescriptive or just read out. It

[50:43] should be something coming from, uh, the individual who's at

[50:46] the meeting and delivering the meeting. So, uh, I'm just

[50:48] wondering if that might be something in the future we

[50:50] look at around, um, for a particular meeting or for

[50:54] formal council meetings that it rotate even between, uh, the

[50:56] members of council to deliver that land acknowledgement to share

[50:59] in their own work and their own reflections that they

[51:01] would have, uh, in reconciliation efforts. Through you mayor P

[51:10] body. Absolutely. There's opportunity for Council to provide feedback to

[51:14] clarify how you'd like to incorporate, um, the protocol. If

[51:19] you'd like to have a rotation of the land acknowledgement

[51:22] at Council Meetings, that's something we could easily incorporate into

[51:25] our new procedural bylaw that we would be updating for

[51:27] the new term in any event. But certainly I'm happy

[51:30] to take any feedback from council about, um, how we

[51:33] can kind of best move forward in a way that

[51:35] allows for each member of council to provide their personal

[51:38] reflection. Okay. Councillor Civali. Yeah. I certainly appreciate Councillor Alfix

[51:47] comment and commitment on this. I think that would obviously

[51:48] have to be at the discretion of individual members and

[51:51] respecting whether that's something they feel comfortable or wish to

[51:53] do, you know, similarly if someone wanted to offer a

[51:56] prayer at the start of a meeting, not every member

[51:57] would necessarily be comfortable. So I think being mindful of

[52:00] people's own beliefs or convictions or level of comfort and

[52:03] even giving some statement or reflection. So certainly would have

[52:05] to be, um, I'm obviously again at the chair's discretion.

[52:07] And if it's not something that someone intends to do

[52:10] or, or is comfortable, then that would not be meaningful

[52:13] either. So. That's my, uh, only supplemental to that. Through

[52:17] you mere peabody, perhaps one idea would be that much

[52:19] like other items on the agenda, if it's an item

[52:22] on the agenda and we don't have a prescriptive statement,

[52:25] then, you know, the chairperson could offer whether the comment

[52:27] that somebody wants to make at that time. Um, so

[52:30] that, you know, Council members would be free to participate.

[52:33] Or if not, then, you know, the chairperson could provide

[52:35] comment as well. Much like any other item on the

[52:37] agenda without sort of being too rigid. So that might

[52:40] be one, um, method of dealing with it that provides

[52:43] some flexibility. Okay. All those in favor. It's carried. Council

[52:51] term Equipment moved by Defner Hutchinson. I'm a Councillor Chevelli

[52:54] that we receive report clerk 14, 2027 Council Trim Equipment

[52:58] prepared by Fiona Hamilton, Director of Legislative Legal Services and

[53:01] doing so approves the purchase of seven laptops for the

[53:04] upcoming Council term to be funded from the elections reserve

[53:07] fund. Questions. Mitch. Yeah. Thank you. And through you mayor.

[53:13] Um, I agree with the, the thought process of rotating

[53:16] the laptops for each new, uh, council term. I mean,

[53:19] it makes sense from strictly a strategic standpoint to just

[53:23] sort of rotate the laptops. And it makes things a

[53:25] little bit easier. Uh, a couple of things I, I

[53:28] struggle with from the report though is, is the first

[53:30] one is the, the work that council's doing on these

[53:34] laptops is very minimal. Like truthfully, I think we could

[53:37] continue to use these laptops for two, three, four more

[53:41] years and be fine. Um, we're using, uh, web browser

[53:45] and email and maybe Outlook if you're a lot or

[53:48] sorry. Um, word if you're lucky or depending on what

[53:51] you're doing. So again, it's not like we're using these

[53:53] extensively. So that's my sort of one rationale on it.

[53:57] And then on the other side of things as well,

[53:59] spending 1700 dollars each of us is what it comes

[54:02] out to roughly. Uh, for these new laptops. I also

[54:06] wonder if there's cheaper options. If we are going to

[54:08] go forward with new ones, uh, that would satisfy counsel

[54:11] for what we're doing. Um, I also noticed in the

[54:14] report that it had mentioned that, um, these might be

[54:18] repurposed to a different department. Um, and I'm just curious

[54:21] from staff what those departments are that these would be

[54:24] useful for. That's using them less than what we are

[54:28] as a group. You mayor P

[54:37] buddy. I'll help Fiona with this one. Um, so the

[54:42] other departments that we repurposely laptops for kind of go

[54:46] across the entire organisation. So it can be summer students,

[54:52] um, throughout the organisation. It can be, um, support staff

[54:57] that don't need them on a continuous basis, but need

[54:59] them for different meetings. Um, and it can be basically

[55:03] anybody that needs one, um, that doesn't use it for

[55:06] an everyday purpose. Uh, the price point for the laptops,

[55:12] um, back and forth a couple of times. It was

[55:15] also noted at our Bruce County IT meeting that the

[55:19] price of infrastructure is going up. And I did hear

[55:22] back from, um, the supplier that we can expect monthly

[55:26] increases on the hardware itself. Um, it's not just the

[55:33] laptop itself. It's also all the software that comes with

[55:36] it. So there is added cost for the software and

[55:39] the security. Software that goes along with it as well.

[55:43] So. I think that answered all of your questions. There's

[55:46] a few of them. So. Okay. Thank you. And through

[55:54] you to, to staff, uh, you know, I recall, um,

[55:57] in the previous term of council, uh, were similar report

[56:00] came forward and council was asked to weigh in with

[56:02] respect to the selection of the quotes and looking at

[56:05] a regional provider or a local, uh, provider that was

[56:07] able to do that in our own municipality. I'm just

[56:10] wondering, uh, noting from the report, it sort of speaks

[56:12] to obtaining a single quotation for approximately 12, 000, uh,

[56:15] is this something that we have gone out and asked

[56:17] other vendors locally. If there is any other vendors in

[56:19] our own municipality that may be able to provide laptops

[56:21] for council. Through you, Merry Peabody, uh, not at this

[56:26] point. It's just a matter of trying to get the

[56:28] authorization to move forward so that we can order them

[56:30] and have them ready and purchase before we continue to

[56:33] see price increases for the, um, devices. Um, if approved

[56:37] by council, then staff can certainly go out and get

[56:40] formal quotations from everybody. Um, but I would expect a

[56:44] quicker turnaround since the quotes are typically only valid for

[56:47] five days when we receive them. Sorry. Is that still

[56:51] the intention then? So if council were to proceed with

[56:53] authorizing it, we will still get quotes. We will still

[56:56] look at vendors within our, our municipality first. I just

[56:59] know that was a conversation point in the last term

[57:01] of council. Three me repay buddy. Yes. Steph will go

[57:05] out and get the quotes and review the information. Um,

[57:08] that specific incident that you're speaking to. That's when we

[57:12] purchased like 25 desktops. And it was a large amount

[57:16] of, um, computers that we purchased. Um, so price point,

[57:21] it was a bit different. But yes, we can certainly

[57:23] ask for some different quotes and make sure that we

[57:25] get the best price point for the organisation. Yeah. Just

[57:34] one follow up. It's not, it's not really a question

[57:36] more of just a statement and, and I think ultimately

[57:39] where I struggle is again, laptops and hardware pricing is

[57:41] going up. It's expensive right now. And I think the

[57:43] laptops that we have ultimately are still, uh, sufficient and

[57:47] would work for what we're doing. I would have no

[57:49] prom staying on this one for, um, however long I

[57:52] should be here. And so, um, I personally just can't

[57:56] agree with going out and spending 1700 dollars for seven

[57:59] new laptops when these ones are working, especially in a

[58:01] situation where again, laptop and hardware prices are so expensive

[58:05] right now. Okay. We've got some different opinions. I'll call

[58:11] the questions. And see where it goes. All those in

[58:15] favor. All those opposed. Okay. Motion is defeated.

[58:25] Right. I'll have to be sure to be gentle on

[58:31] my laptop then as we go forward. Well, this, this

[58:35] term accounts have been pretty good. Trish, Trish will attest

[58:40] that in my first term of Council has pretty bad

[58:42] at, uh, breaking everything. Did they have laptops in your

[58:46] first term of council Mayor? I've had a good run.

[58:49] No, the first is mayor. Okay. All right. There. You're

[58:53] right. It was just, it was just a huge paper

[58:55] copy every week. Finder. Okay. All right. Okay. Uh, integrity

[59:05] commissioner. Moved by Deptimer Hutchin. So you're going to be

[59:08] Councillor Trevalli that we receive report. Clerks 15 Integrity Commissioner

[59:13] Retainer. 26 to 30 prepared by Fiona Hamill Director of

[59:16] Legionay Service in doing so proves a Byla coming forward

[59:19] to a point ADR chambers as the municipality of Brockton's

[59:22] integrity commissioner for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year

[59:26] until December 31st, 2030. All those in favor. That's carried.

[59:37] Okay. Final report Basra. Deptimer Hutchin, Councillor Ciavelli that we

[59:42] approve report clerk number 16 Basmer Municipal Services Corporations Business

[59:46] Case Study prepared by Fiona Hamilton. Director of Legislative Legal

[59:50] Services for Information Purposes. Okay. We do have a report

[59:58] on this coming in camera also. Okay. All those in

[1:00:02] favor. Let's carry it. All right. Takes us along to,

[1:00:11] um. Public Notification. And we have, um, Summer Street Fest

[1:00:19] on Friday, 10 o'clock downtown Walker to exciting deals from

[1:00:23] our downtown businesses. Family friendly activities and music. Music in

[1:00:27] the Park, July 25th, August 29th, music in the Park

[1:00:30] and August 30th at 1 p. m. for a special

[1:00:32] performance at the Heritage Garden, bring your own blanketer lawn

[1:00:35] chair donations. Welcome. Contact Committee Services Department or 8810625 for

[1:00:41] more information. Walker and Homecoming Walkerton turns 155 this year.

[1:00:46] Celebrate this exciting milestone at the Walkerton Homecoming. Happening July

[1:00:50] 30th to August 3rd. A Committee - wide event brought

[1:00:53] to life by passionate local volunteers. Get ready for a

[1:00:56] weekend filled with fund memories and hometown pride. Municipal officers

[1:01:00] closing for civic holiday. They'd be closed August 3rd for

[1:01:03] the Civic Holiday and Reopen August. 4th. And then finally

[1:01:09] we have our Green Bin Registration Form to municipalities implementing

[1:01:13] single source organics. It's part of the program. We'll be

[1:01:17] providing 45 litre bins at no cost that currently reside

[1:01:21] that receive curbside collection in Walkerton until August 28th. Residents

[1:01:25] are invited to voluntarily submit a Green Bin registration form

[1:01:28] to receive a green bin at no cost. Green bins

[1:01:31] will be delivered to residents in advance. Visitbrockton. ca Green

[1:01:36] Ben for more information than we have some correspondence requiring

[1:01:40] action 12. 1 a letter on the e - scooters.

[1:01:49] Through you Mayor Peabody. It's certainly up to council to

[1:01:53] provide direction to staff with respect to both of these

[1:01:55] letters. But at a minimum staff would suggest that, um,

[1:01:59] letters of acknowledgement and appreciation would be provided to both

[1:02:02] of those letters, um, provided there's no other further direction.

[1:02:10] Yeah. Yeah. Just speaking about, uh, 12 point one first

[1:02:12] related to e scooters, you know, the goal of the

[1:02:15] municipality was really to conduct a review and compare, uh,

[1:02:18] and look at what options existed either by enabling and

[1:02:21] enacting a regulation or simply maintaining the status quo, which

[1:02:24] is the provincial regulations. And I think there may be

[1:02:27] a disconnect, um, in understanding that what Brockton, uh, did

[1:02:32] Brockton did not in fact impose any ban, uh, Brockton

[1:02:36] chose not to proceed with enrolling in any pilot program,

[1:02:40] which would have enabled, uh, e - scooters in the

[1:02:42] community, uh, and the number of reasons. And I'll just

[1:02:45] refer back to the previous Council meeting where that decision

[1:02:47] was made. But more importantly, the understanding is that you

[1:02:51] still need to, even if you're operating one of these

[1:02:53] devices, be over the age of 16 and wearing a

[1:02:56] helmet if you're into the age of 18. And there

[1:02:59] does seem to be this idea that young people in

[1:03:02] our community who are under the age of 16 have

[1:03:04] been prohibited by a result of council's recent decision, uh,

[1:03:08] and that is not actually, uh, factual, uh, it's a

[1:03:11] provincial decision. It's a provincial regulation that sets out those

[1:03:15] limitations. And I think that whatever we can do to

[1:03:17] continue our education on safe riding, as is mentioned here

[1:03:20] in the letter. And to continue reviewing what options might

[1:03:23] exist for those users that are over the age of

[1:03:25] 16, uh, at some point in the future, potentially use

[1:03:28] Brockton roadways to operate their scooters. I think we're committed

[1:03:31] to leaving that conversation open and ongoing, uh, but that

[1:03:35] we weren't ready to make that decision in a previous

[1:03:37] Council meeting. So we didn't adopt that. And I think

[1:03:39] that's very important for the public to understand. Uh, because

[1:03:42] we do need to have rules. We do need to

[1:03:43] have, uh, more information, more education on these devices throughout

[1:03:47] our community and how they're operating and where they're being

[1:03:49] operated. So, uh, I certainly agree that we do need

[1:03:52] to provide a response, but more importantly about what the

[1:03:55] decision was that Brockton Council made versus what provincial regulations

[1:03:59] actually overshadow that decision. Thank you. Okay. And that's a

[1:04:05] good response. Yeah. Those were very, uh, eloquently put by

[1:04:13] Councillor Alpha. And even though a common, I'm a comms

[1:04:15] guy. I'm going to be a little more blunt. I

[1:04:17] think, yeah, we need to be just clear. We didn't

[1:04:18] do a ban. So just, I think communicating that as

[1:04:21] Councillor Elfic pointed out, um, what the future brings provincially,

[1:04:24] we can wait and see. It's like any province -

[1:04:25] wide framework. And secondly, what folks have for toys or

[1:04:29] leisure craft in their backyard. I mean, that's something of

[1:04:31] their own risk. Um, but nothing is saying, you know,

[1:04:34] kids can't get on a good old fashioned bicycle to

[1:04:36] bike downtown. And there are rules in place and safety

[1:04:39] in place with the bike too. But, um, yeah, we're

[1:04:42] just, we just reminded people of what was already there.

[1:04:44] We didn't change anything. And I understand that maybe cause

[1:04:47] some confusion, but certainly response. I agree. And I appreciate

[1:04:50] the advocacy. Hey, Mitch. Yeah. And just one follow up

[1:04:56] question of that as well. And when we respond to

[1:04:58] this group, I think again, it is important that what,

[1:05:00] uh, the two, uh, fellow councillors had mentioned gets mentioned

[1:05:04] to them too. And, and ultimately even maybe another social

[1:05:07] media push. I know I seen a couple of them

[1:05:09] on Facebook there. We had mentioned certain things. And again,

[1:05:12] just sort of clarifying and reiterating that, um, yeah, this,

[1:05:17] this is in something that council decided we're just going

[1:05:19] to ban them. And prior to that, uh, they were

[1:05:21] allowed. And so I just think again, education, education, education

[1:05:26] and ensuring that the public's aware of sort of what,

[1:05:28] um, had went on, uh, during that. And the rationale

[1:05:32] for, um, Council's Decision during that. Ultimately, um, safety is

[1:05:36] the most important thing that we can do around this

[1:05:39] table. And we have to ensure people are safe. Um,

[1:05:42] and so, uh, at this time right now, um, it

[1:05:46] made sense to go the route that we did and

[1:05:47] just follow the provincial government. But in the future, hopefully

[1:05:50] we do have some kind of a better framework from

[1:05:52] them that we can follow along with. And, um, and,

[1:05:56] uh, make it a little bit more easy for these

[1:05:58] residents to, uh, to use those items. Okay. And what

[1:06:01] do you want to say back about the letter on

[1:06:03] the dog park. Steve. Yeah. I just think an acknowledgement.

[1:06:08] I myself corresponded with Rose and I certainly am again,

[1:06:11] appreciate where she's coming from and the advocacy about, um,

[1:06:14] the location. And I do think, you know, we need

[1:06:17] to, aside from a response, but we could certainly incorporate

[1:06:19] it is that we are working on plans. And hopefully

[1:06:22] we have more tangible plans about next year's hopefully more

[1:06:24] permanent location up in Eastridge. That's all. Right. Okay. Moves

[1:06:31] this along to the information items. Councillor Elfik Councillor McLean

[1:06:35] that we receive all items in Section 13. All those

[1:06:38] in favor. Carried. Our bylaws. Councillor Elfik, Councillor McClain that

[1:06:47] we authorized the following Byleth B Red and Acted Sein

[1:06:49] tilt numbers followed 59 compliance audit 60 land acknowledgement 61

[1:06:55] ADR chambers integrity commissioner, 62 homecoming committee financing agreement by

[1:07:01] law 63 419 Durham Street East Fox Club bookshop encroachment

[1:07:05] agreement. 64 assume Riverview estate subdivision phase four is a

[1:07:09] public highway 65 Walker Hill Development grading memorand of all

[1:07:14] those in favor. That's carried. The Committee Minutes Councillor

[1:07:23] Elfik, Councillor McClain. Oh Councillor Clark that we received the

[1:07:29] minutes the following committees. Accessibility advisory committee May 22nd. All

[1:07:34] those in favor. That's carried, notice emotion brought forward. Councillor

[1:07:41] Clark, Councillor Elfick that we dispensed with a notice of

[1:07:44] motion with the procedural biolog. Consider the motion regarding AMO,

[1:07:49] all those in favor. That's carried. AMO motion Councillor Clark,

[1:07:54] Councillor Elfick that we authorize Council Trevi attending AMO in

[1:07:58] Ottawa, August 16th. Being his second conference this year in

[1:08:04] accordance with the Council Conference and Convention's policy. Discussion Councillor

[1:08:10] McClain. Just to confirm that's because of Councillor Trevalli running

[1:08:14] for the executive of email, correct? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Yeah.

[1:08:19] Just one publicly say that. All right. All those in

[1:08:23] favor. That's carried. That brings us, um. To, um, business

[1:08:33] brought forward. Anybody are that's additional business anybody else. We're

[1:08:42] bringing anything up. What's happening in the community business brought

[1:08:45] forward. No. Oh, yes. Yes. Yeah. Thanks. Mayor, the deputy

[1:08:54] mayor reminded me here. Just want to, um, uh, acknowledge

[1:08:57] that, uh, you know, the IPM is coming up and

[1:09:00] there was a great community fundraiser on Sunday afternoon out

[1:09:03] in CHEPSTO rev up for the match. Um, so just

[1:09:05] really thanks to community for showing up. And obviously, uh,

[1:09:08] many folks made that event possible. And it really is

[1:09:11] an exciting time for our community. So I just want

[1:09:13] to acknowledge that that happened. Great to see a number

[1:09:16] of members of Council were able to support that as

[1:09:18] well. Okay. Councillor Alfik. Yeah. Just building on the same

[1:09:23] theme just to acknowledge us will be likely to be

[1:09:25] our, well, this will be our last council meeting before

[1:09:26] the Walker and Homecoming. So, uh, lots of great work

[1:09:29] as we talked about earlier in the meeting, uh, certainly

[1:09:31] encourage all members of Council to attend and participate. Uh,

[1:09:34] it will be certainly a great event. Lots of activities

[1:09:36] planned, uh, great way to incorporate also the Bruce power.

[1:09:40] I know we had delegations here earlier, but they'll have

[1:09:42] their, uh, fun, fest day on the Saturday. Um, and

[1:09:45] it will be a great event for, uh, family friends

[1:09:47] and everyone to be reacquainted. So, uh, hope to see

[1:09:50] everyone there. Thanks. Mitch. Yeah. And also just want to

[1:09:54] comment on another, uh, community event that went on, uh,

[1:09:56] over the weekend, the dinner over the Yoca Sippi River,

[1:09:59] uh, just outside of Cargill there. And it was, uh,

[1:10:01] great event. And I heard them talking and I believe

[1:10:03] they had 95 people. So that's up from, uh, all

[1:10:06] of the other years as far as I'm aware. I

[1:10:08] think they had around 70 or 80 in the past.

[1:10:10] So it's great to see that turnout, uh, we, we

[1:10:12] had great weather. And, uh, yeah, I was certainly, uh,

[1:10:15] a fun evening. Okay. Councillor McClain, uh, this Saturday, uh,

[1:10:22] we are hosting at the Walker Deng Golf and Country

[1:10:24] Council Curving Club, not Country Club, Curling Club, uh, the

[1:10:27] Optimist Junior Golf Championship. We have 25 young golfers who

[1:10:31] get a chance to go to the Midwest tournament down

[1:10:33] in St. Mary's and winners there get a chance to

[1:10:37] play in Florida. So this is our fourth, fourth annual.

[1:10:41] Okay. And then, um, so it's great. Lots of great

[1:10:45] stuff going on in the community. Just wanted to share

[1:10:47] with Council and stuff. I've been getting, um, some complaints

[1:10:50] about, uh, Airbnbs and Public Safety. And I know we

[1:10:55] rejected that at one point due to staff cost, but

[1:11:00] been thinking, um, we should be doing something to, um,

[1:11:03] have a registry. There's a number of public safety issues

[1:11:07] out there. And, um, I don't want it to be

[1:11:10] a cash grab like Northern Bruce Peninsula is doing, for

[1:11:14] example, where they've had to hire a staff person to

[1:11:17] follow Airbnb listings and then phone them up and say,

[1:11:21] Hey, where's your tax for that one week? I don't

[1:11:24] want to follow that model. But, uh, so I'd like

[1:11:27] to, um, to bring something, um, forward Councillor Travelli. Yeah.

[1:11:31] Just to build off that, if I may, or certainly

[1:11:33] agree more from an accountability perspective. And, uh, you know,

[1:11:36] when certain incidents arise or problems that there can be,

[1:11:39] um, whether through Bylar other means appropriate follow up, um,

[1:11:42] certainly heard some, um, important feedback from residents that are

[1:11:45] late communities about that on the weekend. Um, so certainly

[1:11:48] support you in that. And, uh, look forward to further

[1:11:50] discussion. Okay. All right. And with that, we'll move to

[1:11:56] the closed session at 8 10. And, uh, we're addressing

[1:12:00] matters pertaining to a trade secret technical commercial financial information

[1:12:03] that belongs to the municipality and has a monetary value

[1:12:07] of potential monetary value municipal service corporation for BASRA. Labour

[1:12:11] relations municipal services Corporation for BASRA. Personnel matters about a

[1:12:16] digital individual, including local board employees, facility restriction request for

[1:12:20] reconsideration and litigation, potential litigation, including matters before administrative Tribunals

[1:12:26] affecting the MISPELD or local board, a potential settlement instruction.

[1:12:31] All those in favor, that's carried.

[2:27:44] Member municipality and two independent skills - based voting directors

[2:27:48] and that the Councilman Spell Brogni supporter reserved shareholder powers

[2:27:51] for BASRA Minicipal Service Corporation assured that major matters remain

[2:27:55] subject to shareholder approval and that the Council Multi of

[2:27:59] Brockton support the continuation of the existing Basra working group

[2:28:02] and the CAO officers as the transition committee through the

[2:28:05] implementation planning phase and with the transition committee providing recommendations

[2:28:09] to the member municipal councils for final approval. All those

[2:28:14] in favor, that is carried. Confirmation of proceedings, Councillor's Elfick

[2:28:19] and McClain, that we read the following By - Law

[2:28:23] be read and act to sign cell number to follow

[2:28:25] 66 July 14th, confirmatory by - law. All those in

[2:28:29] favor. That's carried, motion to adjourn at 929. Councillor McClain

[2:28:35] and Elfik, and we will meet again August 11th. All

[2:28:38] those in favor. That is carried.

Council Meeting

Agenda

Transcript