[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[1:00] Order, please. This meeting of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality Council will come to order for January 20th, 2026. We begin by acknowledging that we are in Magmoggy, the Ancestrum Unceded Territory, the Migma of People, guided by the Treaties, a Peace and Friendship. We also celebrate 400 plus years of African Nova Scotia descent. We strive to foster a diverse community that values everything that makes us unique. We are committed to equity, fairness, and dignity for all. At this time,
[1:29] I'd ask Lily to call the role.
[1:33] Mayor Clark, President.
[1:35] Councillor Gordon McDonough.
[1:37] Councillor McMolling.
[1:39] Councillor Marshall.
[1:40] Councillor Glass-B.
[1:42] Councillor Eldon McDonough.
[1:45] Deputy Mayor Prush.
[1:46] Councillor Parsons.
[1:48] Councillor McNeill.
[1:50] Councillor McKeegan.
[1:52] Councillor Oakley.
[1:53] Councillor Schupper Campbell.
[1:57] Thank you very much, Lily, and anticipate
[2:00] Councillor Schupper Campbell join.
[2:33] at this time for all those who are comfortable if I'd ask you to please rise for the
[2:39] You say, Porte la Cua, Tony Stua, Retune, Popeye,
[2:52] De Puebrio, De Fla,
[2:58] God, keep our land, glorious and free.
[3:09] Oh, can we stand on guard for thee?
[3:20] Oh, can we stand on guard?
[3:39] Thank you.
[3:43] Before we proceed with the business that is brought
[3:46] us gathered here today, I would like to acknowledge
[3:49] a couple of special guests.
[3:51] Everyone is welcome and special to the Chamber.
[3:54] but it's always great when you can have a former serving councillor join with you and not just one but two today
[4:00] We're very pleased to have Ivan Donkaster and may row with us who have served the citizens of the municipality and we're very pleased with your presence and we thank you
[4:10] for being here on
[4:13] behalf of council and more solemn note. I do want to convey the sympathies of council and staff to Councillor Gillespie and his wife Wendy
[4:21] on the passing of his father-in-law, John Clarke, a very dedicated and dedicated member of our community, and there'll be a more formal recognition at our next council meeting, but Steve to you and the family please pass on our deepest sympathies as well and comfort.
[4:39] Thank you.
[4:39] At this time, we have the approval of the agenda and moved by Councillor Gordon McDonald's,
[4:46] seconded by Councillor Parsons, discussion on the motion.
[4:50] Questions been called. I was in favor of signify by saying aye.
[4:54] Contrary to nay, motion is carried.
[4:58] That brings us to agenda item 2, proclamations and resolutions 2.1, Bell, let's talk today.
[5:03] Councillor McMillan.
[5:06] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[5:07] Belets Talk Day, whereas January 21, 2026 marks Belets Talk Day, a national day dedicated
[5:14] to raising awareness and promoting conversation about mental health.
[5:18] And whereas Belets Talk encourages meaningful dialogue about mental health, reduces stigma
[5:23] and promotes awareness, acceptance, and action to support those experiencing mental health
[5:28] challenges.
[5:29] And whereas the 2026 theme, take a moment for mental health, highlights the importance
[5:34] of pausing to reflect on mental health, checking in with ourselves and others and taking action
[5:38] to support mental well-being. And whereas the flag raising ceremony will be held on Wednesday,
[5:43] January 21st, 2026 at 10 a.m. at City Hall to recognize Bell Let's Talk Day and encourage
[5:50] all residents to share their support and actions using hashtag Bell Let's Talk and to take a moment
[5:55] for mental health and support those living with mental illness. Be it therefore resolved that CBRM
[6:01] Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council do hereby proclaim Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, as Bell
[6:08] let's talk today in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. And I'll move that, please.
[6:12] Moved by Councillor McMillan. Seconded by Councillor Marshall. Discussion on the motion.
[6:18] Question's been called. All is in favor of signify by saying aye.
[6:21] All right.
[6:22] Consuminate. Motion is carried. 2.2. Conversion. Therapy Awareness Month. Recognized
[6:28] Deputy Mayor Perouche.
[6:30] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[6:32] And whereas January is recognized as conversion therapy
[6:34] awareness month, and January 7th is recognized internationally
[6:38] as the data and conversion therapy.
[6:40] And whereas conversion therapy is based on and progates myths
[6:44] and stereotypes about sexual orientation,
[6:47] gender identity, gender expression,
[6:50] seeking to change an individual's sexual orientation
[6:53] to heterosexual, gender identity,
[6:56] and side-gender or gender expression to conform to the sex assigned at birth, causing significant
[7:02] harm, including depression, anxiety, self-rejection, social isolation, suicidal identification,
[7:12] suicide attempts, and infringing upon individuals' rights to dignity and equality, and whereas
[7:17] the government of Canada has taken decisive action to protect LGBTQS plus individuals, including
[7:24] including the unanimous passage of Bill C-4 by the Canadian Senate and the House of Commons in December 2021,
[7:30] which made conversion therapy illegal in Canada as of January 7, 2022.
[7:36] And it is therefore desirable to raise awareness of the harms caused by conversion therapy.
[7:41] Be it therefore resolved that CBR mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council do hereby proclaim January 20,
[7:48] 26 as conversion therapy awareness month in the Caprient and Rage of Mespality, and I so move.
[7:53] Moved by Deputy Mayor Peruch, a seconded by Councilor Aldermic Donald, discussion on the motion.
[7:59] Questions to call, all of the favor signify by saying aye.
[8:03] Consuminate, motion is carried 2.3 African Heritage Month, recognize Councilor Quinn.
[8:09] Thank you, Mayor.
[8:11] African Heritage Month, whereas February is recognized internationally as African Heritage Month,
[8:16] a time to recognize and salute the many contributions and ongoing achievements of people of African descent
[8:21] all over the world and here in the CBRM.
[8:23] We celebrate a time of greater understanding
[8:26] and whereas this year's theme,
[8:28] strengthen unity moving forward with purpose,
[8:30] prosperity, power, and progress.
[8:32] Recognizes unity as an active force for change.
[8:35] Honors more than 400 years of African presence in Nova Scotia
[8:38] celebrates the legacy of the province's 52 historic
[8:41] African Nova Scotia communities
[8:42] and acknowledges the vital role of elders
[8:44] as knowledge keepers, culture bearers and leaders
[8:47] who continue to guide present and future generations
[8:50] And, whereas, CBRM encourages all residents to participate in activities and events that
[8:55] honor the history, resilience, leadership, and contributions of African Nova Scotians and
[9:00] people of African descent, as we move forward together in unity with purpose, prosperity,
[9:05] power, and progress.
[9:07] Be it therefore resolved that CBRM Mayor Cecil P. Clarke and Council, to hear by proclaim
[9:11] February, 2026, as African Heritage Month in the CBRM, and I so move.
[9:16] Moved by Councillor McQuinn, seconded by Deputy Mayor Perouche, discussion on the motion.
[9:21] Questions been called. All in favour? Signify by saying aye.
[9:24] Contraint nay. Motion is carried. Thank you.
[9:29] That takes agenda item three. Presentations, we're very pleased to have a presentation today
[9:33] on the provision of a blood donation service for the CBRM. I welcome forward and McCormick,
[9:39] The anti-Kinish diocesan Catholic Women League president and with colleagues
[9:45] I'll just do leave that for any introductions and the microphone will be on shortly there and just
[9:54] I'll just
[9:56] One second it'll come on red there in a second. There you go. There it is. Welcome. Thank you
[10:01] Good afternoon, Mayor Clark
[10:05] Council members and members of the public
[10:07] My name is Ann McCormick. I am the Anakin-ish diocesan CWL President. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
[10:18] I am joined today by Denise Forgeron, Anakin-ish diocesan CWL Social Justice Chair and Sandra O'Connell Nova Scotia Provincial CWL President.
[10:31] We
[10:36] are here today on behalf of the Anakin-ish diocesan Council of the Catholic Women's
[10:42] League of Canada, which represents 27 local councils and more than 1,300 members across
[10:50] Eastern Nova Scotia to respectfully request council support in urging Canadian blood services.
[11:00] The organization responsible for managing blood in Canada to promote a blood donation service in the Cape Retin Regional Municipality.
[11:13] Since 2015, when the blood collection clinic in Sydney was permanently closed, there has been no place to donate blood east of Port Hawksbury.
[11:25] As a result, residents of this municipality have been unable to regularly contribute
[11:34] to Canada's blood supply.
[11:41] This issue was first raised in 2022 at our Ennick-Nish diocesan CWL convention when the
[11:51] late Erlene Landry, then education and health chair, spoke about Canadian blood services
[11:59] Partners for Life program.
[12:03] The Partners for Life program is a national
[12:07] initiative of Canadian blood services which encourages organizations and
[12:14] community groups to support Canada's blood system by pledging to donate
[12:19] blood as a team.
[12:24] The Catholic Women's League across Canada committed to this
[12:28] program and Erlene encouraged our local members to participate in this worthy initiative.
[12:38] However, participation in the partners for life program is not possible in the CBRM because
[12:45] there is no local blood donation clinic available.
[12:52] Erlene challenged members to advocate for change and provision of a blood donation service.
[12:59] For
[13:04] the past three years, the Anakin-ish diocesan Council has been advocating Canadian
[13:11] blood services to restore blood donation services in the CBRM.
[13:20] CWL members throughout the diocese have written letters to Canadian blood services, municipal
[13:27] Councilers, Provincial MLAs, the Minister of Health and Wellness, and Premier Tim Houston
[13:35] asking for their support.
[13:39] An appeal for support from the public was made through two letters published in the
[13:45] Capretton Post, and members were encouraged to sign an online petition through Change.org.
[13:52] In 2024, our Diocesan Council adopted a resolution urging Canadian blood services to
[14:04] provide blood donation services in the CBRM. When this generated no action from Canadian
[14:12] blood services, the resolution was broadened in 2025 to call on our municipal and provincial
[14:21] government's for support.
[14:25] This resolution has since been adopted by our provincial CWL
[14:31] Council and shared by our National Council with all provincial councils across Canada.
[14:41] Copies of the resolution have been sent to the CEO of Canadian Blood Services and to various
[14:49] board and executive members.
[14:53] Nomers, community partners throughout the CBRM have also been asked to support this
[14:59] the nation.
[15:00] Meeting will be planned with local MLAs and MPs, the Minister of Health and Wellness and Premier Houston.
[15:19] Since 2019, Canadian Blood Services has faced significant challenges balancing blood supply and demand. Decreased donor participation because of the pandemic and cancellation of blood donation clinics due to environmental factors
[15:37] factors such as flooding, wildfires, and severe weather events have resulted in the
[15:43] smallest donor base in a decade.
[15:46] These challenges have at times prompted Canadian Blood Services to alert healthcare facilities
[15:52] across Canada of low blood inventory levels.
[15:56] At the same time, the demand for blood in Canada has never been greater.
[16:01] Canadian Blood Services had made frequent public appeals for blood donations, including
[16:08] during the recent Christmas season.
[16:11] In the past year, Canadian Blood Services described the situation of decreased donor participation
[16:18] as unsustainable, and in May 2025 announced its most ambitious recruitment campaign ever.
[16:27] one million new donors over the next five years.
[16:32] That's an increase of donors from 100,000 per year
[16:36] as requested in 2023 to approximately 200,000 per year
[16:42] in 2025.
[16:47] This 2025 goal of Canadian blood services
[16:50] is a national call to action.
[16:53] But without a local blood donation service,
[16:56] residents of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality have limited ability to respond to this appeal
[17:03] and are effectively left on the sidelines.
[17:07] Donating at the nearest clinic in Port Hawksbury involves a round trip of approximately four
[17:13] to five hours.
[17:15] For many people, seniors, students, working parents, and those without reliable transportation,
[17:22] the time, distance, and cost and tail make this impractical, costly, and inefficient.
[17:32] Research consistently shows that donor convenience matters.
[17:37] When clinics are further away, donation rates drop, donors are less likely to return,
[17:45] and long-term donor relationships are harder to build.
[17:48] This is not about unwillingness. It is about accessibility. Accessibility generates participation.
[17:59] Canadian blood services itself states in its strategic plan that everyone in this country
[18:06] should have the opportunity to contribute to Canada's lifeline.
[18:11] We believe the residents of the CBRM deserve that same opportunity.
[18:27] We believe the CBRM offers an ideal location for a blood donation clinic.
[18:35] The CBRM is the second largest municipality in Nova Scotia with a population of approximately
[18:42] 109,000. It's cultural and ethnic diversity growing international and
[18:50] indigenous populations and inter-preventual migration align well with the Canadian
[18:57] Blood Services recruitment priorities of population density and diversity. A
[19:05] The 2025 letter from Catholic Canadian Blood Services states, we recognize that there is
[19:13] a growing population in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and the population size
[19:20] is certainly a key factor that is considered when shaping our plans and identifying future
[19:27] possibilities.
[19:29] The large post-secondary population at Caprette University, Nova Scotia Community College,
[19:37] and the province's second medical school offers ideal opportunities to recruit the next
[19:43] generation of donors and advocates.
[19:47] Young donors are critical to the sustainability of Canada's blood system, and they are right
[19:54] here.
[19:54] In addition, these campuses provide ideal locations for mobile clinics.
[20:01] We are aware that universities and colleges across Canada have been participating in
[20:09] the Partners of Life program with Canadian Blood Services.
[20:16] Canadian Blood Services has over 4,000 mobile clinics operating successfully across Canada.
[20:24] From clinics, blood is shipped and refrigerated trucks to the nearest processing center.
[20:31] The processing center for Atlantic Canada is in Dartmouth.
[20:36] In their 2025 letter, Canadian blood services stated, when determining our plans, a number
[20:44] of factors are considered, including the number of units we may be able to collect, as well
[20:50] as the distance and access to the nearest production site.
[20:56] Yarmeth, for example, offers several mobile clinics each year.
[21:01] The distance from Yarmeth's clinic to the processing center in Dartmouth is 320 kilometers.
[21:09] The distance from Sydney to the processing center is 390 kilometers.
[21:14] from Bathurst, 460 kilometers, and from Edmondston, 400 and Navy kilometers.
[21:23] Distance has not been a barrier to successful mobile blood collection in Atlantic Canada.
[21:30] Sydney is well positioned to implement this approach, an approach that is proven practical and
[21:35] already in use elsewhere.
[21:38] And please note that the populations of these locations is considerably less than the population.
[21:44] of the CBRM. Our residents are known for their legacy of giving and dedication to supporting
[21:52] healthcare needs. The Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the main trauma center and referral
[21:59] center for Cape Breton Island, is undergoing a major multi-million dollar upgrade, but infrastructure
[22:06] alone is not enough. While modern facilities are crucial, buildings alone cannot meet patient needs
[22:12] without a stable supply of blood products.
[22:16] Healthcare infrastructure and blood supply must go hand in hand.
[22:22] Residents in our area with hemocromatosis undergo therapeutic blood removal in our local hospitals.
[22:30] Yet, this usable blood is discarded.
[22:36] Through Canadian blood services, these donations could serve not only as therapy
[22:41] be by provide life-saving blood for others.
[22:52] What we are asking that the Cape Retin Regional Municipal Council formally support our resolution
[23:00] and advocate to Canadian blood services for the provision of a blood donation clinic in the CBRM.
[23:09] We thank you for your time and attention.
[23:14] Thank you very much for that comprehensive presentation.
[23:19] I would recognize Councillor Parsons.
[23:21] Excuse my voice as I'm getting over this longstanding flu, hope nobody gets and Sandra Denise.
[23:33] Thank you for your presentation.
[23:34] This is not new, Mr. Mayor.
[23:36] I'd just like to advise a council that our former council on behalf of its members did send
[23:41] In the Minister of Health, I had a call from a resident who lives on Patnik Avenue.
[23:46] She brought this to light, which is very important.
[23:48] The service is vital, as in my opinion.
[23:52] I think anytime that we have an increase in population, that we should be honoring,
[23:56] providing for services that everyone deserves.
[23:59] I will support this, and I will put the motion to the floor if I may, Mr. Mayor.
[24:03] So it's moved by Councillor Parsons to approve the recommendation as presented, a request
[24:11] I should say as presented, seconded by Councillor Aldermic Donald, discussion on the motion,
[24:17] recognized Councillor Gordon McDonough.
[24:20] I'm sorry.
[24:20] Councillor Harris.
[24:21] Go ahead, Councillor Parsons.
[24:24] I would like to motion, to make a motion that CBR and Mayor and Council adopt the formal
[24:29] resolution, resolution, and the anti-genish women's association, and I would also suggest
[24:35] that our mayor on behalf of Council, right alliter, to the Premier and Minister of Health
[24:40] respectfully to encourage the reestablishment of a blood donor service within the boundary
[24:45] of CBRL. Thank you.
[24:47] Okay. So that's concurrence there, Councillor, yes.
[24:51] Thank you very much. Any other discussion? Yourself, Councillor Parsons?
[24:54] I'm good. Okay.
[24:55] over to Councillor Gordon Macdonald.
[25:01] Thanks, Mayor, and through you to Ann, Sandra, and Denise, thanks for your presentation.
[25:06] This resolution is very easy to support from someone like me.
[25:12] You know, I could never understand when our blood services station at the Grand Lakeville Fire Department
[25:17] was taken away back when it was removed.
[25:20] It was something that was well used.
[25:23] The numbers were off at the time.
[25:24] They had to drop a little bit because of our population levels.
[25:27] but not the point that I thought it would be taken away.
[25:31] You pointed out, this is the second largest municipality
[25:34] and only one of two cities in the province
[25:36] and all the Scotia, so which we have to start looking at
[25:40] and have these services back in their mix in this area.
[25:44] As someone who's been through the healthcare world
[25:46] and has many, many times been in there,
[25:50] I've never been able to be a blood donor simply
[25:52] because of my past conditions.
[25:53] But I had I've used the service to get some point a few times over the years.
[25:59] So this is very important to not just myself, but many, many others in the CVRM.
[26:04] And you pointed out there's a huge cancer center being re-modified over in the CVRM.
[26:10] The amount of patients in that facility that require these services on a daily basis,
[26:16] whether it be just, it doesn't have to be because their blood just is going away because of the conditions
[26:22] that they're dealing with and I think it's very important that we push this agenda and I think we need to push it hard to be able to bring this service back because many of people that I've known over the years have lots of opportunities to make those goal contributions to, you know, the hundreds donation or the 50th or, you know, some of them are even larger than that so they missed out on those opportunities after this close so this one is an easy support and I'll be supporting it fully. Thank you very much.
[26:49] Councillor, recognize, Councillor Marshall.
[26:52] It's good to have it back in Cape Creek, and like, my brother is a big donor, but he said,
[26:58] what happened?
[26:59] Where can I go?
[27:00] He said, Port Hoxford.
[27:01] He said, like, people like travel a lot, but that's far for us, right, to travel that far.
[27:08] And how many people have no cards or, you know, and he said, if that comes back, I'll be back.
[27:14] And I'll donate more if they want more, you know, and the first nation community wants more up there like everywhere like fresh cancer, right?
[27:24] Mobile, they're mobile everywhere. I hope they can do that with that too with the same thing, right? Mobile, your stations, right?
[27:31] And that'll be nice to know what to go here, just community here and just get donations for blood.
[27:37] But it's very important, like I lost two people with that kind of stuff.
[27:42] My even my sister, she needed blood, but I wish we can do it and I'll support it.
[27:50] Thank you.
[27:51] Thank you, Councillor Gillespie.
[27:56] Thank you, Mayor Clark, and through you to the presenters, thank you very much for the presentation.
[28:02] And it was a pleasure to speak with you before we even started.
[28:05] If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to reach out, whether that's connecting you to another group organization or another level of government, I would be happy to help.
[28:18] As a member of a family that suffers from hemacromatosis, I was unaware that the blood that is taken from the phlebotomies is discarded.
[28:32] I was completely unaware of that, and knowing how big my family is, and how many times
[28:37] they're up at the hospital, and knowing how prevalent hemicromatosis is in Cape
[28:42] Breton Island, that imagine there is quite a bit of blood that is going unused.
[28:48] So, I wasn't aware of that, and I'm glad you brought that forward, so thank you very much.
[28:53] Thank you very much, Councillor.
[28:54] Any other discussion on the motion?
[28:56] Questions?
[28:57] Questions?
[28:58] The question has been called.
[28:58] All's in favor.
[28:59] Signify for saying aye.
[29:01] Consuminate.
[29:03] Motion is carried.
[29:04] So thank you very much.
[29:05] And we appreciate your advocacy.
[29:07] And more important, your compassion with fellow citizens in the health care system.
[29:11] So to all members of the Catholic women, we thank you for, again, making yourself available
[29:15] today.
[29:16] And hopefully this will be an opportunity for us to do the advocacy and write the letter.
[29:20] And I will note to counsel upon the briefing by the CWL, I did reach out to the Canadian
[29:27] Blood Service, and they responded back that there were no plans to go past Port-Oxperian.
[29:34] So again, this advocacy is very important to get it back in our region.
[29:38] So again, thank you so much, Ann.
[29:40] May I make a comment?
[29:41] Are you sure, Ann?
[29:41] We are aware that Canadian Blood Services makes their plans in the spring, likely in April.
[29:47] So we feel this is a very timely issue to put it before Canadian blood services.
[29:52] Thanks so much, and thank you again, very much appreciate it.
[29:54] Thank you, thank you.
[29:57] The moves is to agenda item four.
[30:00] 0.1 municipal property development would recognize our chief administrative officer, CEO.
[30:07] Thank you, Mayor. The purpose of this report is to simply provide council with an update regarding the status of the property that was previously the subject of two separate requests for proposals. The property is off Welton Street. It's a five-acre lot known as the jail field site. The site's zone to accommodate high density residential uses as well as a mix of
[30:32] sales and service development.
[30:34] In 2023, an expression of interest was released
[30:38] to seek development opportunities for the site.
[30:40] There was a successful submission,
[30:42] however, through their due diligence process,
[30:45] they determined they weren't going ahead with the development.
[30:48] Last year, in the effort to try to continue
[30:51] to facilitate development, staff issued two RFPs,
[30:55] one for a commercial portion and one for residential
[30:59] their set out in attachment B and yellow for the commercial and blue for the residential.
[31:09] No formal submissions were received at that time.
[31:13] So given the lack of market response, municipal staff are now pursuing options for site redevelopment.
[31:19] If funding is available, the use of the funds would be consistent with and
[31:23] supported of the Municipalities Land Banking Initiative, which seeks to proactively prepare
[31:28] surplus or underutilize lands for future housing development.
[31:32] Cost associated with the initiative may be funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund.
[31:38] So right now, staff will be meeting, we will be coming back to council with an updated proposal.
[31:46] Thank you.
[31:47] Thank you, CAO.
[31:48] Any questions or comments on the presentation?
[31:51] I'd recognize Councillor Shepper Campbell.
[31:55] Thank you, Mayor.
[31:56] Through you to the CAO, I was just wondering where it said to proactively prepare
[32:03] surplus under you to utilize lands.
[32:06] What does that involve for us to prepare?
[32:09] Well, that could be a number of things.
[32:12] It could be on the municipality preparing the site, putting in infrastructure.
[32:15] and then recovering those costs through the sale of the property, and if one school
[32:23] of thought is that if the infrastructure was already in, it's less on risk for
[32:28] developers to pursue that, so that is one thing we'd be looking at.
[32:32] Okay, thank you, Councilor Peruch.
[32:37] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and through you to the CAO, in consultation with staff when we're
[32:45] We're looking at this and the way that it's laid out right now, where we have it as a high density.
[32:51] I'm wondering if it would be beneficial if we looked at this just as you alluded to about infrastructure to potentially tying this into the existing plans that we have within the city that are, I won't call them prefab, but are plans that are already earmarked to potentially make this residential, maybe not high density or at least have staff look at the at the variables
[33:14] between the two. That certainly will be part of the discussions. We're not set on one specific path,
[33:20] so staff will be meeting the various departments and we'll be coming back with options. Perfect.
[33:24] Thank you, sir. Councillor, any other questions or comments for the CAO?
[33:30] There being none, thank you. We look forward to the feedback and recommendation and options in
[33:35] the near future.
[33:38] Now we move to agenda item five. Business arising from creating the whole 5.1 is
[33:43] community transportation solutions, more connected, inclusive, and mobile, CBRM.
[33:49] That's page 27 and
[33:56] 28.
[34:00] So the 27, sorry.
[34:05] So it's to move that to the budget process, the request is what it is.
[34:13] I don't think there's any further action.
[34:14] It's information.
[34:15] I mean, it would be for any comment or questions on that.
[34:20] No, it's already, it's just been directed to budget just for information.
[34:22] if there's any other follow-up discussion, that can be held at that time.
[34:26] Okay.
[34:26] Thank you.
[34:28] Move to 5.2, appointment of special constables and assignment of duties.
[34:32] We have our director of planning and development, Tyson Sims, welcome director.
[34:42] Thank you Mayor Clarek and members of council.
[34:45] On January 13th, the committee of the whole recommended that CBRM council approve the appointments.
[34:51] An amendments set out in the staff report dated January 6th, 2026.
[34:54] The proposed amendments identify staff for designation of special constables and provide for amendments to the roles and responsibilities of existing staff currently serving as special constables for the municipality.
[35:07] Staff therefore recommend that CBRM Council approve the appointments and amendments as outlined in the staff report, thank you.
[35:14] Thank you.
[35:16] Moved by Councillor Mcdonald, second by Deputy Mayor Perouche to approve as a presented
[35:21] discussion on the motion.
[35:24] Questions been called.
[35:25] All is in favor of signify by saying aye.
[35:28] Consuminate, motion is carried.
[35:30] Thank you, director.
[35:31] 5.3, property transfer to CBRM.
[35:34] With regards to Simpson Lane and Glase Bay, we have Robert Nearing, our manager of Public Works
[35:39] East Division.
[35:40] Welcome back, Robert.
[35:41] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[35:44] Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.
[35:46] On January 13th, during the Committee of the Whole Meeting, there was a recommendation from the Committee for Council to pass a motion to authorize the acquisition property by CBRM from Mr. Ryan Yates as identified in the subdivision plan.
[36:03] This is located between page 32 and 35 of your agenda package.
[36:08] And it's shown outlined as loss 2025-R1 on the attached plan.
[36:15] And it's at no cost to the municipality.
[36:18] So I'm here today to seek a motion for that.
[36:23] Thank you.
[36:24] Move by Deputy Mayor Cruz, seconded by Councillor Eldemic Donald to approve the recommendation as presented.
[36:31] discussion on the motion.
[36:34] Question?
[36:34] You called.
[36:35] I was in favor of, oh, sorry.
[36:36] Councillor Parson.
[36:37] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[36:39] Thank you, Mr. Daring.
[36:40] Just one question.
[36:41] As far as the subdivision goes, do we know how many building lots will be within that subdivision?
[36:46] Proposed?
[36:48] There's definitely some, through you, Mr. Mayor of the Councillor.
[36:51] There's definitely some potential for future development, but at this time, the property owner
[36:56] doesn't wish to subdivide.
[36:57] Okay.
[36:58] Thank you.
[36:58] Good. Thank you. Any other discussion?
[37:03] Questions been called. All in favor signify by saying aye.
[37:06] Contraryant nay, motion is carried. Thank you very much.
[37:13] Next, we have 5.4. Community litter update would recognize Councilor Steven McNeill.
[37:20] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and would it be prudent to reread the Council agenda request?
[37:25] That's your program, go ahead.
[37:27] Sure.
[37:29] Motion for Council to consider.
[37:32] The CBRM and Council requested an update from our CAO and staff on the review of our by-laws, policies and resources,
[37:40] requirements to improve enforcement and enhance anti-litering policies and by-laws within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
[37:47] Rationel, constituents within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and District
[37:52] Gate have been requesting an update since Council moved the previous request
[37:56] forward on May 13th, 2005. The intent is to ensure adequate commercial waste
[38:02] facilities, prevent illegal dumping, and strengthen anti-littering policies and
[38:07] by-laws. O comes sought, staff to report back to Council with recommendations for
[38:12] updated by-laws and policies to improve enforcement of litter regulations.
[38:17] If additional time is required, finaling the initial update, Staffshell report back
[38:22] to Mayor and Council within eight months of this request and ISO move.
[38:27] Moved by Councillor McNeill, seconded.
[38:31] The Councilor McNeill, discussion on the motion.
[38:36] Questions?
[38:36] No, Councilor Gillespie.
[38:40] Thank you, Mayor Clark, just a clarification regarding the update.
[38:48] We've been having these conversations for a little while now, probably of the last number of years.
[38:54] And one of the things that we seem to move away from is the costs involved in what we would like to see in this update.
[39:07] I've had conversations with recreation and solid waste and public works about additional garbage cans and better use of areas that would require receptacles.
[39:22] So hopefully that will come back with this and maybe a priority list of where these problem areas are and what we can do to facilitate that type of elimination
[39:36] elimination of the litter issue, so I just want to make sure that's that could happen.
[39:39] Yeah, and I can confirm that our Director of Public Works in terms of the downtown areas is part of the inventory.
[39:45] Their building up was extra waste receptacles and and the like as well as the community cleanup initiatives.
[39:50] But also the clerk has it noted for next month to have a full presentation by the director of and
[39:57] his team for solid waste and all the various components in terms of waste collection management.
[40:03] and the EPR and the community-based initiatives.
[40:07] Yes, and thank you for that, that's terrific.
[40:10] The other part of this, of course, is, you know, whose responsibility internally it's going to be because the conversations that we have with every department, they say, well, that's not necessarily our place to do that.
[40:24] So, if we're going to put up new receptacles at the bus stops or the shelters specifically,
[40:33] we'd like to make sure that, you know, they're on somebody's route, which department will be responsible for them, that kind of stuff.
[40:40] Okay, thank you.
[40:41] Thank you.
[40:42] Recognize Councillor Eldo McDonald.
[40:44] Thanks very much, Mr. Mayor.
[40:46] And just for further clarity on that, I mentioned this to our committee, the whole meeting.
[40:49] I also hope that staff will include in that the difference between litter and
[40:54] There are illegal dumping in garbage that happens around that that creates a litter problem
[40:58] in our community.
[40:59] There's many things that happen in regards to illegal dumping, bags can broken open,
[41:03] bag, the stuff contained in the bag, it's blown around.
[41:07] That's more an illegal dumping issue than it is a litter issue.
[41:11] We see along our highways where there's signs that say there's fines, I believe it might
[41:15] be $250.
[41:16] I understand to be correct on that, along our highways for littering.
[41:19] Who's responsible for that signage, those fines, and any information that I stated here to be accurate and correct.
[41:26] So if that information could be brought back to also, that way we're able to define exactly who's responsible for those initiatives.
[41:35] Thank you.
[41:36] Thank you.
[41:37] Any other discussion on the motion?
[41:40] Questions were called.
[41:42] All is in favor of signify by saying aye.
[41:45] Consuminate, motion is carried.
[41:47] Thank you.
[41:49] That moves us to agenda item 6, Corporate Services Issues 6.1, we welcome back our Director of Planning and Development, Tyson Sims.
[42:02] An updated presentation has been circulated to Council.
[42:06] Welcome back, Director.
[42:17] Thank you again, Mayor Clark, Members of Council.
[42:21] Planning and development staff recently prepared an information report regarding building and development activity in the municipality.
[42:27] and for reference a copy of the report is provided in your agenda package starting on page 44.
[42:38] So the following presentation provides an overview of our report.
[42:42] On the following slides, I will provide an overview of recent building and development activity in the municipality.
[42:47] Our progress under the Housing Accelerator Fund Program
[42:52] and a high level overview of how recent growth trends align with council's planning and growth management objectives.
[43:00] This presentation is being provided for Council's information.
[43:04] There's no decisions or directions that are being sought today.
[43:14] So Council will recall that the municipality committed to delivering 1,010 new residential units under the Housing Accelerator Fund by the end of 2026.
[43:25] updated data collected this month confirms that as of the end of 2025 a total of
[43:32] 906 residential units have been approved. Of those 536 were approved in 2025
[43:38] alone. Meaning the municipality is now close to meeting 90% of its housing
[43:45] accelerator fund target with one year remaining in the program.
[43:53] Looking more
[43:54] For broadly a development activity, the municipality has experienced consistent year over year growth since 2022.
[44:01] Permit volumes have increased by approximately 13%.
[44:05] Estimated construction values have more than doubled, and net housing production has nearly tripled increasing from 187 units in 2022 to 536 units in 2025.
[44:19] The most significant increase is occurred in 2024 and in 2025.
[44:30] So what is driving the increase in development activity?
[44:33] One observation is that it is closely aligned with the adoption of CBRAM Ford in the summer
[44:38] of 2023.
[44:40] The updated planning framework has expanded as of right permissions for higher-density residential
[44:45] development in service areas.
[44:47] It has reduced reliance on rezoning and discretionary approvals of council and has provided greater certainty for applicants.
[44:56] As a result, approval timelines have been re-
[45:00] And more projects are able to proceed more quickly.
[45:07] Council may also notice higher dwelling losses in 2022 and in 2023. And these losses are largely linked to Hurricane Fiona in September of 22, which resulted in a significant number of demolitions of unsafe and severely damaged structures. These figures provide in a report reflect post disaster recovery activity rather than typical redevelopment or market driven demolition.
[45:39] construction values reported through the permitting process are primarily based on information
[45:44] provided by applicants when they submit an application.
[45:47] In limited circumstances, our current permitting software generates an estimated construction
[45:52] value based on application type.
[45:55] However, these calculations rely on per-square meter rates that have not been really updated
[46:01] since the early 2000s.
[46:02] Now, as a result, the estimated construction value for many projects may be understated.
[46:08] The significant increase of construction value in 2025 is driven mainly by a larger and more complex projects that we're seeing in the municipality, including multi-unit residential development and institutional developments, such as the CBU Medical Campus, and they knew Maple Hill Manor long-term care facility, just as examples.
[46:29] In
[46:34] addition to residential growth, non-residential development activity has remained strong.
[46:39] In 2025, the municipality issued a 155 non-residential permits representing approximately $70 million
[46:46] in estimated construction value.
[46:48] This reflects increased investment in institutional, commercial, and employment-generating projects.
[47:00] A review of permit data also shows that growth is increasingly concentrated within the service area boundary,
[47:06] where municipal water, waste water, and other urban services currently exist.
[47:11] In 2025, approximately 78% of all new dwellings were constructed within service areas.
[47:17] This shift reflects both the adoption of new planning policies and increased market demand,
[47:24] for serviced higher density forms of housing.
[47:27] These results also reflect the direction of the municipality's growth management strategy,
[47:31] which encourages increased development within the existing service boundary.
[47:41] This pattern of growth and development inside the service boundary also closely aligns with the municipality's taxation and infrastructure base.
[47:50] Approximately 74% of municipal tax revenue is generated from properties within the service area boundary.
[47:56] Directing the majority of new growth to these areas supports long-term financial sustainability of municipal infrastructure and services.
[48:04] This alignment between growth, infrastructure, and taxation reflects council's planning
[48:10] and growth management objectives, and is consistent with the guiding principles of
[48:15] our municipal planning strategy.
[48:21] In summary, recent planning and regulatory changes with the adoption of new planning documents
[48:26] under CBRM forward are producing measurable results.
[48:31] Housing supplies increasing, growth is occurring in service and physically sustainable locations,
[48:37] and the municipality is well positioned to meet its housing accelerator fund commitments.
[48:42] Staff will continue to monitor development activity and may bring forward a review of our permit valuation process,
[48:49] including some suggested improvements.
[48:51] And staff will also work to bring forward potential initiatives for
[48:56] council's consideration to continue encouraging all forms of development in the municipality.
[49:01] Thank you.
[49:05] Thank you, Director Sims.
[49:07] Recognized council persons.
[49:08] Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[49:10] Thank you, Tyson, for your presentation.
[49:12] Just one question.
[49:13] I know we broke it down in and outside of our service area.
[49:17] Would we be able to get by district?
[49:19] I'd like to see exactly what new bills are happening
[49:21] in my district possible.
[49:22] Thank you.
[49:25] Through you, Mayor, to the Councillor, I'm sure we could break that down
[49:28] for your Councillor and provide that.
[49:30] Thank you very much.
[49:32] Recognize Councillor Shepard Campbell.
[49:35] Thank you, Mayor.
[49:36] Through you, two Director Simms, Director, I was just wondering.
[49:40] Out of those that we have accounted for, are they actual bills?
[49:44] Or are they the permits to build?
[49:47] Or are they in progress or are they finished?
[49:52] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, through you to the Council.
[49:54] So what we've identified is the number of permits that have been issued.
[49:58] That does not reflect everything that's been built on the ground.
[50:03] But my understanding is the total net dwelling units that are approved, those are in process.
[50:11] So as of this time, I can't equate what has been constructed on the ground.
[50:15] But we have received approvals and process approvals for the numbers we provide you today.
[50:22] Okay, great, looks like it's going along good.
[50:24] And one other thing I was wondering, are any of them out of any of them?
[50:29] Are there low-income, do you know?
[50:34] Mr. Mayor, through the Councillors, so what I can communicate is that through our commitments
[50:41] to CMHC under the housing accelerator fund, one of the targets, I'll call it sort of a sub-target,
[50:51] of that 1,010 figure that we promised over three years, is that we are also dedicated to
[50:56] providing 114 affordable units and as of today what we're seeing is that we've approved 115 so we've met our targets and we still have a year remaining in the program.
[51:10] Okay, good work. Thank you very much.
[51:12] Thank you Councillor, recognize Councillor Gillespie.
[51:16] Thank you, Mayor Clark and through you to the director.
[51:18] I just wanted to check on something when it comes to the total number of dwellings in units created versus total number of dwellings lost, and then your net dwelling units.
[51:32] What looks like to me is that although there is a significant number, you know, you're looking at 2022, 91 lost in 2025, 55.
[51:44] There's a better than average chance that although something has been torn down,
[51:48] something is being rebuilt in exactly the same spot.
[51:51] So although you're saying it's a net, it really is a change in that area.
[52:01] Mr. Mayor, through you to the Councillor, so I can't qualify whether or not where the sites where we've experienced demolition if we have new builds on those sites directly.
[52:11] We could look at the data and see what correlation there is there, but really what we're doing is a rough calculation of all demolition permits that we've issued for each year, and then just looking equate and measuring that against what we've approved.
[52:25] Yeah.
[52:26] Yeah.
[52:26] There are several in my district that came down and in within the next year, there's another hostway on it, so it's nice to see that.
[52:34] I just don't want people to think that we're losing dwellings, even if there is a net gain.
[52:39] Good, thank you.
[52:41] Thank you, Councillor McKiggan.
[52:44] Thank you, Aaron, through you to the director.
[52:47] Does this include the provincial bills?
[52:49] Like it would in Glace Bay, they're building a multi-unit building on steering road, I believe.
[52:56] Director.
[52:57] Thank you, Mr. Mayor, through you to the Councillor.
[53:00] So what we're counting are permits that have been issued by the municipality.
[53:03] If there's an instance where the province has built something without the issuance of a permit,
[53:08] But it wouldn't capture that.
[53:10] However, when I spoke earlier to Councilor Shepard Campbell's question regarding affordable
[53:17] units and low income units, that would comprise of units that the province has also been
[53:23] constructing in the area.
[53:25] So that would be part of that.
[53:26] Okay, so they do get permits that we would know of?
[53:29] In most cases, the province will get permits for development, but there are times in which
[53:36] which they may waive their ability to do that.
[53:41] Typically they will communicate that to us,
[53:43] either directly through the minister or department,
[53:46] will identify when that is occurring.
[53:49] It's not overly common.
[53:51] Okay, thank you.
[53:52] Thank you.
[53:54] Any other questions for the director?
[53:57] It's for information.
[53:58] Thank you very much, Director Sims, again.
[54:00] That moves us to 6.2.
[54:02] Contract approval.
[54:03] Recognize our municipal clerk and director
[54:05] of corporate information services.
[54:08] Thank you, Mayor Clark, through you to Council.
[54:12] On page 49 of your agenda package, you will find a report with a recommendation that
[54:17] Council approve a three-year contract with the current provider for the IT help desk.
[54:23] The contract has been yearly, however, the company recently moved to a three-year contract
[54:28] model.
[54:29] Although Council provided budget approval for these services, additional authorization
[54:33] is needed for a multi-year commitment to enter into the agreement.
[54:37] The cost to maintain the agreement is 2,912 and is paid annually.
[54:44] The proposed contract locks in set rates for licensing from January 20th, 2026 to January 20th, 2029.
[54:52] This arrangement ensures predictable costs and reduces the need for frequent renewals.
[54:56] Thank you.
[54:59] Thank you.
[54:59] Okay, moved by Councillor Aldermic Donald, seconded by Councillor Gordon McDonald to prove the contract
[55:05] recommendation is presented. Discussion on the motion? Questions of the call. All is a favor,
[55:11] signify by saying aye. Contrary to aye. Motion is carried. Thank you.
[55:16] That takes us to agenda item 7. Council agenda request 7.1, Transportation Committee, would recognize Councillor Gillespie.
[55:22] Thank
[55:26] you, Mayor Clark.
[55:29] So today I have a council agenda request for information that
[55:34] came up at our committee of the whole meeting and this is regarding the Transportation
[55:39] Committee recommendation. So my motion is for Council to request the CAO to direct staff
[55:46] to explore the creation of a CBRM-led Transportation Committee. The reason for this is during our
[55:55] Our last committee of the whole meeting, on Tuesday, January 13th, we discussed the
[56:00] challenges and future of transit and transportation in the CVRM.
[56:04] We're going to change the way we pay for transit.
[56:07] If we're going to change the way we pay for transit, partner with community organizations,
[56:13] increase service and provide multi-level transportation options.
[56:17] We must have community consultations and dialogue with residents if these types of policy and
[56:24] taxis and changes will occur.
[56:27] The outcome sought will be recommendations on the creation of a transportation committee
[56:32] to advise mayor and council on related issues and all forms of transportation operating
[56:38] within the CBRM.
[56:40] This should include but not limited to transit capretten, handy trans, taxi industry, ride
[56:47] share e-scooters, shuttle services, provincial and federal government initiatives, and their
[56:54] partners, such as the United Way.
[56:57] In addition to the recommendations, I would suggest the makeup of the committee include
[57:03] a set number of Councillors, a set number of residents from the general public, users,
[57:09] stakeholders, senior staff, transit staff, and marginalized or underrepresented groups.
[57:16] I would also suggest the committee operates similar to other CBRM committees, such as
[57:22] Police Commission, Library, Audit, which are outside the scope of the Committee of the
[57:28] whole. But as always, I am open to the Council discussion on this matter. Thank you.
[57:37] Thank you. Moved by Councillor Gillespie and Seconded by Councillor Parsons.
[57:42] Discussion on the motion? Councillor Gillespie.
[57:45] If I may, and just so that we're not looking at a specific timeline, a lot of the discussion that we have to have will probably work itself into a time frame after budget consultations for this year, so I would just add that.
[58:02] Good point.
[58:04] Other discussion on the motion?
[58:07] Questions I'm called.
[58:08] All is in favor of the seat and the five are saying aye.
[58:10] Aye.
[58:10] Aye.
[58:11] Constraint A. Motion is carried.
[58:13] Thank you, Councillor.
[58:15] We next have agenda made financial statements.
[58:19] To November 30th, 2025, we have our chief financial officer with us.
[58:25] Any questions for the CFO would recognize Councillor Parsons?
[58:29] Thank you, Mr. Chair.
[58:39] The CAO put together timeline with some of the items but just we come back.
[58:44] I know we have dates in March set up.
[58:47] I believe that was circulated CO, so the intended week is the last week of March, I believe
[58:56] CFO.
[58:59] Yeah.
[59:00] So the actual budget deliberations themselves officially would be following the March
[59:06] break and before the month ends so we have it done before the commencement of the new fiscal
[59:11] year.
[59:14] Good, thanks.
[59:16] And Councillor McNeill, see them.
[59:18] Well, thank you.
[59:19] I just had a couple questions for our director Dove.
[59:26] Thank you, director Dove.
[59:28] Welcome to the party.
[59:30] I just had a few questions for you.
[59:32] I was wondering if we could go to page 52 in our agenda.
[59:36] And I was just curious what the total extraordinary revenue was.
[59:41] What it was from.
[59:52] Just a second there.
[59:54] There you go.
[59:55] Okay.
[59:56] Through Mayor Clark to Councillor.
[1:00:00] Yes, actually that represents recoveries that we have received to date regarding some of the storm disasters. So that's basically due to the recoveries we received from the province.
[1:00:16] I'm sorry, I had a few other questions, let me clip through my notes here.
[1:00:24] And then on page 59, line 6040, professional membership's last dues, I just noticed it was over budget.
[1:00:35] I was just wondering if you could provide some clarity.
[1:00:42] So is this the municipal clerk budget that you're looking at?
[1:00:45] I am, yes.
[1:00:47] Yes, actually, there was an expenditure that was put through, that I don't think was part of
[1:00:52] the current budget or could be something that we need to transfer to another budget I'm
[1:00:58] not 100% sure yet but it was referring to an AI prototype agent or I believe regarding
[1:01:06] the policy modernization program.
[1:01:09] Let's go to the clerk.
[1:01:11] Chair.
[1:01:12] Hi.
[1:01:12] Thank you.
[1:01:13] Mayor clerk, through you to Councillor.
[1:01:16] Councillor, there were a series of miscoding when we separated out the budget last year for
[1:01:21] the communication center and we're still working through actually realigning those.
[1:01:26] So that should be reflected by this coming one or the next one.
[1:01:30] All right, thank you so much.
[1:01:32] And then if we could turn to page 60 line 9 for 2-0 appropriation to capital fund.
[1:01:40] I was just curious what was appropriated and I might have missed it from our budget binder there, but
[1:01:48] I just wasn't sure what it was for.
[1:01:49] Yes, actually, in the 2526 budget, that line item, excuse me, represents some reserves that we set aside, there was like a million dollars set aside to offset potential impacts regarding if the tariff item or issue were to transpire.
[1:02:14] and there was 90,000 that was set aside to address contracts and agreements and then there was another 750 that was set aside for to assist with solid waste capital projects.
[1:02:29] So that kind of makes up the 1.8 million that you're seeing there.
[1:02:32] It is, okay.
[1:02:33] Thank you so much.
[1:02:34] And my last question, if we go to page 63, into Fire Services line 6,000, I noticed that our eight month budget variance was over, I was just wondering for some clarification, you know, are we over budget in wages?
[1:02:51] I did look into this very briefly, but I haven't spoken to Fire Services directly, just sort of speaking with my own staff and it appears to be some overtime that was there due to some staffing.
[1:03:04] And as you know, the collective agreement hasn't been put in motion or anything at this point for that department.
[1:03:12] So that's kind of making up of that piece and my understanding is that it's not going to transpire much more than what you see there.
[1:03:18] Okay, lovely. Well, thank you so much for your time today.
[1:03:21] Thank you.
[1:03:22] Thank you. Recognized Councillor Gillespie?
[1:03:26] Thank you, Mayor Clark, and the question is regarding the technology budget, and I guess it's it is a kind of question to you, but also to the clerk, the motion that we just made a couple of minutes ago regarding a new system.
[1:03:43] Will that take care of the glitches and the problems that we've been having internally here within our council chamber?
[1:03:50] and clerk. Thank you, Mayor Clerk. Through you to the Councillor, the motion that you
[1:03:55] just made is related to the help desk, so that is our IT ticketing system, so that allows
[1:04:00] us to process your requests and track the work. With respect to the issues inside of the
[1:04:07] council chambers, we are working through that, and we've engaged a contractor to troubleshoot
[1:04:12] and rectify it. Okay, and that's the question I was asking. Thank you.
[1:04:16] Any other questions for the Chief Financial Officer?
[1:04:21] Yep, Chief.
[1:04:22] I'm Mayor Collack, I don't know if I can bring this up, but I was looking at my own finance budget.
[1:04:28] And I noticed that the tax exemption right offline is very low.
[1:04:33] And we offer, I think it's a $300 rebate for those who apply that qualify under the tax exemption policy.
[1:04:41] And I know in the past that it was currently asked to extend.
[1:04:46] I believe the deadline ended, I think around December 31st, so it would be nice if it could be extended to allow people to be able to take advantage of that.
[1:04:57] I didn't get it in in time to put it in the agenda, but I would like to be able to extend that to those that would qualify because the budget line is there to support it.
[1:05:06] Okay,
[1:05:09] moved by Councillor Gillespie seconded by Deputy Mayor Perouche to allow for the
[1:05:15] extension as recommended by the chief financial officer. Discussion on the motion?
[1:05:21] Questions from the call. All in favour? Signify by saying aye.
[1:05:24] Conquering at nay. Motion is carried. Thank you.
[1:05:28] Thank you, Mayor Clark.
[1:05:29] Councillor, Deputy Mayor Perouche.
[1:05:34] Through you, Mr. Mayor, to the CFO, just a follow-up question to Councilor McNeil's,
[1:05:41] both the extraordinary revenue.
[1:05:43] When you talk about the province where we were paid for outstanding bills, I'm just
[1:05:48] wondering, if you have a number, is there anything left outstanding with the province,
[1:05:52] whether it comes back to the 2016 flood or Fiona or Snowmageddon, just wondering what is
[1:05:57] left outstanding that we should be anticipated receiving?
[1:06:01] There's actually a large balance still anticipated and that does stand back to 2016 and we have had a meeting with DFAA already and it was a very positive meeting and I just received a call today for a follow-up on that.
[1:06:18] So I should have some more information to pass along but it was a good conversation and it looks like they are willing to work with us to get all this resolved.
[1:06:27] We are going to have a couple of smaller ones resolved before March 31st, some of the larger ones, which could range anywhere between 13 million, could be what we do know will be after that should be able to resolve that in the 26-27 fiscal year.
[1:06:42] Perfect. Thank you so much. Thank you, Councillor O'Quinn. Thank you, Mayor. And a question
[1:06:48] for the CFO. We need to talk about extending the deadline. Is there a date that you have in mind?
[1:06:53] Yes, sorry about that. It would be March 31st. It would have to be with our year end.
[1:06:58] Perfect. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Any other questions for the CFO?
[1:07:04] There have been none. Thank you very much. Thank you.
[1:07:06] appreciate that. Correspondence is included with regards to the Regional Fire
[1:07:12] Chiefs Association correspondence and with that we will transition out to
[1:07:18] in camera, so we'll take a moment to break.