is the 24th meeting of the 146th Council of the Corporation of the City of St.
Thomas and I'm hoping everybody's already enjoying a great start to summer
and uh we will start off with there any disclosures of interest from any of the
members. Seeing none minutes. >> Thank you your worship. First item that
the minutes of the meeting held on June 15, 2026 be confirmed. Moved by
councelor Riml, seconded by councelor Gibson. questions or comments on the
minutes? Seeing none, all those in favor? Are there any opposed? That's
carried. >> Thank you, worship. Council will now
resolve itself into the committee of the whole to deal with matters from four
committees tonight. First one is strategic direction and development.
First item under new business, an item relating to housing accelerator fund
affordable housing grant program recommended recipients. Motion that
reads that report CMO 5226 relating to housing accelerator fund affordable
housing grant program recommended recipients be received for information
and further that the 2026 housing accelerator fund affordable housing
grants be provided to recipients as follows. One w YWCA St. Thomas Elgen in
the amount of $25,000 stream one, $350,000 stream two and $350,000
new funding towards the construction of 40 new affordable units and support
services aimed primarily at lowincome seniors. Number two, Eastwood Housing
Corporation in the amount of $25,000 stream one and $50,000 stream two
towards the construction of two new affordable units through renovation.
Number three, the trustees of the central congregation of the United
Church of Canada in the amount of $25,000 stream one towards pre-conult uh
pre-construction costs for preliminary work on proposals for 35 potential new
affordable units and further that the YWCA St. Thomas Elgen receive an
additional allocation of 1,975,000 from the housing accelerator fund over
2026 through 2028 as a part of the municipal contribution via federal
funding towards the Hayawa affordable homes project subject to an agreement
and further that council direct that bylaws be prepared to enter into
municipal contribution agreements for each of the housing accelerator fund and
affordable housing grant recipients. Moved by councelor Baldwin Sans,
seconded by councel Clark. >> Questions or comments? Councelor Baldwin
Sans, then councelor Herbert. >> I am pleased to support this initiative.
Number one, it strengthens the relationship we've already have with the
YW.CA CA and with Eastwood Baptist and I'm glad to see that that continue but
to see someone new coming to the table with Central United and being able to
provide that that was something that we discussed at AMO last year how we can
expand that program and also that we have been seeing especially through our
child care program with expanding that through the churches as well with First
United Church and the new program that we've created there. I was wondering if
you would like to make some comments your worship in regards to the new
partnership that we're creating with central.
» I mean I have can do nothing but shout like you did that the um we said a while
ago and I think really on our trip to AMO last year or some place that we
talked about maybe we need to involve some more of the churches. There's
available land for us and look at what's coming to fruition if we can use the um
the accelerated fund to to make it happen. Um, we continue to move forward
on now not just supportive housing, but also affordable housing and affordable
seniors housing. So, um, I'm I'm going to vote surely in favor of all of this.
Council Herbert, thank you, Worship. So, Brandon, that that's a great report that
you sent to us. Uh, when I read it, I'm thinking, my goodness, Lindy Rice should
be so excited to get the money that she's getting in High Water Street is
getting the extra $2 million. Uh I don't know how uh Eastwood we'd really be
excited to and I I I fully support the the bylaws for this to be done because
uh it's a step in the right direction. I mean Lindsay's group and her and her and
her team just got done with tiny homes. I mean how how good is that? Tiny homes
over there a few times. Unbelievable. And it looks like Haywatha Street's
going to be the same way. So thank goodness to the the YWCA to get on board
with all this. So, I I I fully support the uh the doing the bylaws and thanks
very much for your report. >> Thank you, Councelor Kohler.
» Thanks, your worship. I certainly will be supporting this too. I uh you know
what's made us successful in the past and continue to make successful is these
partnerships that we continue to enter. And this is a well-rounded way to
continue to expand our housing stock and diversify it. And so excited to see the
component with the uh low-income seniors as well. and that's uh how we need to
continue to move forward. But just great news.
» Councilor Raml, did I see a hand from you? Yes, you're next. And then
councelor Clark, >> um I have some questions. Mainly it's
fully supportive. It's it's wonderful. Uh mainly so it said that this program
um was new more in uh October 2025 and we had a program similar did we in
before this? >> Brandon, did you want to answer that?
We've had a number of programs that have all been either federal or provincial in
this one. >> Yeah. Through your worship. So this was
created as one of our HIF action plan initiatives that we had to do last year.
And so we created the overall program framework and then we were launching it
this year once we received our HAF funding and the intent is to do it for
three years. So we've kind of have a commitment for the next three years to
do this program. So this is the first year for it. just have a couple
questions. So, um, so what I think is great with this program is there's no
tax, no municipal tax dollars involved. This is straight, uh, federal funding
» through your worship. That's correct. That's where we're leveraging and using
that and that helps us with our contribution without having to use
municipal tax uh, amount. And um so when the houses are we have 20
20 years where we have the affordable beds do you have to monitor that like to
keep on top of that or you know you don't want things to be too ownorous as
far as because you have to monitor timelines for the project and thing and
but what happens to the beds after 20 years
» through your worship that is a good question. So that is one of the
requirements of this program is not only to be affordable but at 80% or below for
average market rent. Each grant recipient would have to enter into an
agreement and so that there would be stipulations and clauses within the
agreement and there would be generally there's annual reporting so that we know
that that is still the case throughout that time period. uh most of the
particularly these recipients most of these ones uh look to beyond that time
frame. So we know for example Eastwood housing is continued beyond that time
frame. Uh that's kind of our minimum requirement is to get there. So after
that I guess at the end of the 20 years we would be looking at it and seeing if
it can continue. >> Couple more.
» Okay. You let me know when you're done. >> Okay. So what if what if a project
becomes over budget during the construction um and it it exceeds the
amount of funds that we have? Is that our concern
» through your worship? So that's another good question. So we do have uh template
agreements for these and that there are some clauses within the agreement and
and those agreements will come to council uh probably in August for the
bylaw. So you can look at them at that point for sure. But there would be some
clauses about the construction costs and anything if anything escalates it would
not have an impact or be anything on this municipal contribution.
If the project in the end does not happen then this amount would then come
back to us. What we're setting up in the agreements are different milestones for
when the funds would be released. So once the project is committed hopefully
on on budget, once there's building permits, once there's some completion of
some of it, that's when we would start to release some of the funding. There
would be a little bit upfront, especially for the pre-construction ones
where they need some design work money, but there would be some safeties in
agreement for that. >> And do we have a policy or procedure uh
in place for uh requests that come outside of the affordable housing?
someone has a project they want and they're looking for city funds. Do we
have a policy or procedure for those kind of applications?
» Well, certainly we have our own community improvement fund money and
we'll vote on a few more of those tonight, too. And that's where for that
builder who's maybe not doing a deeply affordable piece, but is simply creating
new beds, creating new rooms, um, and andor fixing fascia or some other
things. Our community improvement uh committee has been quite busy at keeping
all of these things up to date and and making sure we can honor all of the
requests that have come to us. It's July and we've already spent a great deal of
community improvement fund this year. So, but that's that's the municipal
contribution that that this council really gets to decide on.
» Just one more. >> Do any of these units become uh city
stock and part of our stock >> through your worship? uh these units
would not be part of the directly citymanaged social housing stock. So
they would be managed and operated by these non-forprofit uh partners
organizations. So then there's essentially there wouldn't be
necessarily the direct obligation for the municipality to then maintain or
operate them.
» Really Joan, you're finished for now there. This was just the first
topic item for tonight. So, we're okay. Councelor Clark, you're next.
» Thanks, your worship. I've just got one comment. Um, they're all worthy
projects, but I'm especially excited about the Hayawa Street project because
most of the uh the project is built on surplus city land. It's in the core and
it's uh affordable senior housing and uh with no real tax implications for the
city. So, I think it's they're all great, but that's one uh I think really
stands out for me. >> Thank you, Council Clark. Further
questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Are
there any opposed? That's carried. Thanks.
» Thank you, worship. Next item relates to proposed official plan and zoning bylaw
amendments and deeming bylaw application for 358 Elm Street, for Morrison Drive.
Follow-up report. Motion that reads that report PD 4026 relating to proposed
official plan and zoning bylaw amendments and deeming bylaw application
follow-up report be received for information and further that council
authorize staff to prepare a sight specific sight sight specific draft
amendments to the city of St. Thomas official plan and zoning bylaw 5088 to
permit clinic and business office uses at 358 Elm Street and 4 Morrison Drive
which can be described as part one on registered plan 11R 448 and part lot 73
plan 270 and lot 10 plan 11M138 and further that council authorize staff
to prepare a deeming bylaw for lot 10 plan 11M138
being for Morrison Drive moved I councelor Gibson, seconded by councelor
Taylor. >> Questions or comments?
Councelor Herbert. >> Thank you, Worship. Well, they're pretty
specific on what they want their application for. And uh just to clarify,
it says to to permit a clinic, business office, single detached dwelling. But
what is accessory uses? What would that what does that come under? could be
anything because you're you're specific on the on the what the what it's the
bylaw is going to be what the permits for. I just curious what could accessory
uses be. >> So so
sorry. So >> go ahead.
» Been a couple weeks. Um so through your worship um accessory uses would need to
meet our definition of accessory in the zoning bylaw which are generally um uh
uh assoc affiliate like um subordinate to and serve the purposes of the primary
uses that are on the site. So often times I know for example um we'll often
see accessory uses um if you have a clinic would be a pharmacy but that
pharmacy would have to have the same operating hours and only be accessed
directly through the clinic. So that's the sort of thing that we see in terms
of accessory uses. So it would have to be tied to those primary uses.
» Just to follow up to where Sure. So you're saying Michelle that if you you
could put anything in there or just specific to medical or things like that.
Is that what you're looking at here? >> Uh so through your worship it would be
um it would be uses that are they would have to be accessory to those identified
uses. Um, so they'd have to be uh sort of subordinate to those uses. And um I
would also note that in our zoning bylaw in pretty much all the almost all the
zones, it does allow for accessory uses in these instances. So yes, perfect. No
problem. >> Further questions or comments?
Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Worship. Next item relates to community improvement plan project Michelle and
Carol Sylvester 35shire Avenue. Motion that reads that report PD 4326 relating
to a community improvement project by Michelle and Carol Sylvester 35
Airshshire Avenue a Avenue be received for information and further that council
approve a residential grant and a planning and building fees grant for
application 2026-163 as submitted by Michelle and Carol
Sylvester for 35 Airshshire Avenue moved by councelor Herbert seconded by
councelor Riml >> questions or comments
seeing none all Those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Worship. The next item deals with a uh community improvement plan project for
Holy Angels Parish, 502 Talbet Street. Motion that reads that report PD4226
relating to a community improvement project by Holy Angels's Parish for 502
Talbet Street be received for information. and further that council
approve a heritage design grant and a heritage facade and building improvement
grant for the church located at 502 Talbet Street as recommended by the
community improvement program evaluation committee and further that council
approve an additional heritage facade and building improvement grant for the
rectory building also located at 502 Talbet Street moved by councelor Kohler
seconded by councelor Gibson >> questions or comments
seeing none all those in favor any opposed carry
Next item deals with a community improvement plan project YW.CA St.
Thomas Elgen 51 to 53 Hayawata Street and 105 Scott Street. Motion that reads
that report PD 4426 relating to a community improvement project by YW.CA
St. Thomas Elegen for 51 to 53 Hayawa Street and 105 Scott Street be received
for information and further that council approve a residential grant and a
planning and building fees grant for application 2026-16
as submitted by the YWCA St. Thomas Elegen for 51 to 53 Hayawatha Street and
105 Scott Street. Moved by councelor Baldwin Sands, seconded by councelor
Clark. >> Questions or comments?
Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Worship. The next item is a community improvement plan project for 100095949
Ontario Incorporated, 242 Elma Street. Motion that reads the report PD4126
relating to a community improvement project by 100095949
Ontario, Inc. for 242 Alma Street be received for information. And further
that council approve a residential grant and loan development charge grant, tax
increment grant, parkland dedication grant, and planning and building fees
grant for application 2026-162
as submitted by 10009-5949
Interior Incorporated for 242 Elma Street. and further that council
authorize a bylaw be prepared to enter into a residential loan agreement with
1000905949 Ontario Inc. relating to a CIP project
at 242 Elma Street. Moved by Councelor Gibson, seconded by Councelor Herbert.
» Questions or comments? Councelor Taylor. >> Thank you, your worship. Just one quick
question. This lot um has a lovely little red brick house on it right now.
I just wanted to confirm that the red brick house is being removed and a new
building constructed. Just a question. Thank you.
» Great. Michelle, is it you? >> I can through your wish. I can try to
answer that. No. >> Sure. Our guest speaker, Mr. Pompilly.
Yes. >> Um through the report and my
understanding it is for a new um a new fourunit building on the place.
» Further questions or comments? Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed?
Carried. Next item relates to heritage property
tax relief. That report PD uh 3926 relating to heritage property tax relief
be received for information. Moved by councelor Riml, seconded by councelor
clerk, >> questions or comments?
Seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Next item as a notice committee of adjustment minor variance 85 Benjamin
Parkway. Notice of a public meeting to take place by Zoom on July 23rd, 2026 at
10 a.m. has been received from the committee of adjustment regarding an
application for a minor variance by Ed and Donna Ellis to permit lot coverage
of 37.4% whereas the maximum is 35% and to permit
a threeseason sun room 5.76 m from the rear lot line whereas the minimum rear
yard depth is 7 m at 85 Benjamin Parkway.
The final item under this committee your worship committee of adjustment. This is
a notice for consent 57 and 65 Walnut Street. Notice of a public meeting to
take place by Zoom on July 23rd, 2026 at 10 a.m. has been received from the
committee of adjustment regarding an application for consent by Walnut Park
Incorporated to sever two lots for the purpose of facilitating separate
mortgage financing for threetory and five-story apartment dwellings at 57 and
65 Walnut Street. Next committee tonight, your worship is
community engagement and services. First item under new business, 2026 Downtown
Octoberfest road closure request and a motion that reads that report ES 3826
relating to the 2026 Downtown Octoberfest road closure request be
received for information and further that council approve the temporary
closure of Talbat Street from Ros Street to Horton Street and Ros Street from
Talbet Street to Center Street from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday,
September 19th, 2026 to allow for downtown October Fest. Moved by
councelor Gibson, seconded by councelor Riml.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any
opposed? Carried. >> Sorry. Did you have a question,
Councelor Herbert? The road closure is where we don't let the cars go there.
No, >> no. Just a clarification. It's a new
location this year. >> Yes. Moving further to the where the
murals were, but it's at the other in the big empty lot. So
» So people will know where it is. >> Too big of a crowd to handle in the old
spot. We got to move to a bigger one. Yeah. Okay. Next.
» Next item. Your worship. Uh item that deals with ice allocation policy review.
Motion that reads that report PR 2026 relating to the ice allocation policy
review be received for information. And further that council approve the sole
source retention of healthy placemaking solutions led by Dr. Troy Glover to
undertake a comprehensive review of the ICE uh the city's ice allocation policy
and further that the results of the review, including recommended policy
updates, be presented to council for consideration prior to implementation
for the 2027 2028 ice season. Moved by councelor Rho, seconded by councelor
Clark. >> Questions or comments?
Councelor Clark, >> I think it's a great idea to get an
outside voice and especially somebody far away so that people that don't like
the results, uh, you know, they got to got to go fair ways to tar and feather
them and it won't be us that'll be t taking the heat because it's always a
sensitive subject and, uh, it's good to get an outside voice who is neutral and
and can review this. And it's it it really does need uh looking at since we
have so many new people applying and it's it's tough to keep everyone happy.
» I and I agree, Councelor Clark, and I thought about it right away. You're just
trying to protect us, aren't you? Excellent. Further questions or
comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Next item relates to 2026 declaration of compliance adult day program. Motion
that reads that report VV0326 relating to the 2026 declaration of
compliance adult day program be received for information. And further that
council approve the compliance declaration for Valley View Home Adult
Day Program and authorized staff to forward it to Ontario Health. And
further that council direct a bylaw be prepared to authorize the Marin clerk to
sign the declaration of compliance. Moved by councelor Baldwin Sands,
seconded by councelor Taylor. >> Questions or comments? Councelor Riml,
» just want to say this is a it's fantastic for Valley View and day
program is wonderful and we were there a couple of weeks ago for some extra
funding and I just want to mention a bit about the day program. A lot of people I
don't think are aware that the day program operates two groups per day,
Monday to Friday, and it's only $15 per 4hour session and that includes a meal.
Uh if you want transportation, it's an extra $15. And they also can accommodate
one person on an overnight stay for two nights uh during the week, and that's a
$46 uh per night. But um they also have a tub. And I don't think a lot of people
realize you you don't have to go to the day program to book a a tub bath.
Anybody that's had knee surgery or hip surgery and you get your stitches out,
all you'd love to do is just soak in a tub. But at your own home, who's going
to get you out? So, um you can go to the day program and have a lovely bath and
uh so there's so many options available at the day program and kudos for uh for
doing this and they uh you know they would like to expand the current area
and we would also like to expand on a second site and I'm just wondering at
what point do we need to look at because uh they're they're actually um okay kind
of at this point with looking at Memorial Arena and I know with the
master parks and wreck uh survey that that arena will be staying. You know,
it's still going to be in the system. So, we've got this big open space. At
what point do we kind of have a serious look and see is this somewhere where we
we could really uh start to put some, you know, wheels in motion to apply for
a day program because uh Minister Flack when he was there said, you know, apply
often, apply big. So, I think we should we should do that. And I have no doubt
that you're absolutely right and I want to thank all of council. I wasn't able
to attend that day and 100% of the rest of the council showed up to to to help
with this announcement on the on addition to the day program. The um the
declaration of compliance that we're that is on here is something that's kind
of mandatory from the ministry that we have to say yes to each year. So, but
all the great things we've been doing with the day program, I'd love to see us
expand and double. I'll take Minister Flack up on his extra money when he uh
tells us to ask for it. Um he should say yes when we do.
Further questions or comments? Seeing that all those in favor? Any opposed?
Carried. Next item. 2026 Declaration of
Compliance Valley View Home. Motion that reads that report VV0226
relating to the 2026 declaration of compliance Valley View Home be received
for information. And further that council approve the compliance
declaration for Valley View Home and authorize staff to forward it to Ontario
Health. And further that council direct a bylaw be prepared to authorize the
mayor and clerk to sign the declaration of compliance. Moved by councelor Clark,
seconded by councelor Taylor. >> Questions or comments on this
declaration? Councelor Rhiml. I just want to say that, you know, having
worked in long-term care myself, this is it's really a challenge to be in
compliance with the Ministry of Health and long-term care. So, kudos for the
staff. It's also, you know, when you're advertising spots um you know, people
looking at homes to to uh enter into that this is, you know, they can declare
that they're compliant and and it's a really big deal and um congratulations
to them. Thank you. >> Well, thank you, Councelor Raml, for
bringing that up. And I see Michael Carol is on here tonight online with us.
So pass our kudos on Michael to you and all the staff on the compliance on both
the day program and on the valley view program. Thank you for for all you do
for um further questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Are
there any opposed? Carried. >> Worship. The next committee is
infrastructure and civic operations. First matter under new business relates
to 2026 drinking water quality management system DWQM management
review. Motion that reads that report ES 3726 relating to the 2026 drinking water
quality management system DWQMS management review be received for
information. Moved by councelor Riml seconded by councelor Taylor.
» Questions or comments? Councelor Taylor. >> Thank you your worship. I appreciate
that. I've got a question in regards to great report holy mackerel. I read
through this report there's a lot of good stuff in here but one thing that
confused me is that we are stating that we are losing 16.4% of the water that we
bring into the city I guess or 800 almost 800,000
cubic meters of water is being lost. yet the report that came out from
whoever sent the report in says that there are no leaks detected. So, I'm
just trying to figure out um in preparation for another item coming up
under 15C where we are going to be contributing
7.5 or $7.5 million to the replacement of our water meter system. And one of
the reasons that we're talking about leakage is that some of it is being not
calculated in the current water meter system. So, I'm just trying to in my own
mind trying to figure out where did 800,000 cubic meters of water go um
when no leaks are detected and that we're going to spend $7
5 million to replace water meters that are a contributing factor to water loss.
Somebody could answer that question, I'd appreciate it.
Okay. Who wants it?
What' you do with all the water? No. Uh through your worship. Uh
we don't find any leaks. We do the testing. We bring someone in to do the
uh testing. A lot of this goes to um construction sites. Overland and stuff
is not metered. Um it's metered through the homes, but we also flush through the
metering. uh we monitor our flushing but through construction through other
aspects like that we do use what we call lose a lot of water. Um that next
program coming up will capture a lot of that. We're also doing metering now on
construction projects. So we're metering our testing because we flush for the
entire week. So that's basically a two-inch main running for the entire
week. So, we'll start capturing that as part of this.
» You okay, a followup? >> Yes, thank you very much. That is the
answer I was looking for because I didn't really see that in the report.
When you when the public reads this, um, they they will notice that 16.4% of our
water disappears. It's not due to evaporation, but I can understand that.
I think it's even when we are flushing water manes for fire hydrants, maybe
that kind of stuff is just water that >> understandable. So was the report able
to find are we losing water because of poor water meters? Did was that
examined? Thank you. >> Uh through your worship, yes, we lose
accuracy in meters. Um it kind of drops off every 5 years. Uh so after 15 years,
you start to lose 5%. So if we take 5% times the 17,000 meters we have in the
city, it does add up.
» Okay. You all right? Councelor Gibson, then councelor Herbert.
» Uh, just one question. So, I'm assuming because we don't moderate moderate the
water when we're flushing, I'm assuming when we have we've had many large fires
this past year. So, I'm just wondering if that's also accountable not being
measured uh with with so many fires. I'm assuming that we're not measuring that
water loss even in that area. through your worship. Uh, yes, we
estimate that. Um, the trucks don't have any kind of flow measuring, so it's just
an estimate we do based on how long we figure they were flushing for.
Okay. >> Did I see councelor Herbert, you're
next? >> Yes. Thank you, worship. Well, thank you
for the report. It's an excellent report. It's a good read. The ones that
I always catch my eye eye is is the one that when there's a possible presence of
bacteria in the water. So in here there was one July 10th. So when you get that
result, how fast is the information sent over to
the public health? And how if it was an afternoon on a Saturday, is there a
process a new a process where you find it? How's it sent? How's it responded?
How does the public health say gee to 450 homes there's possible presence of
bacteria? How does all that take place? because you did have one on July 10th
that could be a very big concern, but just how does it relayed on and how
quick is it happen? >> Uh through your worship, we have an SOP
in place uh that lays out exactly who calls who um and how quickly it happens.
Uh I am the first call from the laboratory and then it goes from me to
the health unit to spills action and that way and then two staff to go out
and start flushing and sampling. just to follow up your words. So the
assumption is they can get a hold of you. What if they can't get a hold of
you? What's what's the process then? Is there a follow because that's it goes
way back to Walker. All this stuff all changed because of all this stuff here.
And uh I just concerned there could be a delay. Is there a big danger to the 450
homes if they don't find out for 24 hours
» uh through your worship? um we have in place where they call if
they can't get a hold of me, they immediately call the next person in
line. They have a call list to follow the same as as we do. Um
they would they have a right to notify us within the hour of them finding out
um and they just keep calling until they find someone. So it uh we sample on
Mondays and Wednesdays uh to make sure that that call should be coming in at
the latest to us on Thursday at 4:00. So we're still staff are still around and
staff are still available. So we should never get that call on a Saturday.
» So So should you have it set up with public health who to call?
» Yes. >> They're on call 247 for that information
and they would send I just want to make sure the process is clear and there's
not a real danger when you're talking E.coli. That's all. So okay, thank you
» councelor Riml. just um I'm on the water board and just that when we talk about
um Valley View and compliance, the compliance for the water uh board, the
water system is I don't know if you it's fair to say a hundred times more, but
the amount of regulations and the testing and the reporting they do is
phenomenal. So, I think people can rest assured that, you know, um the city is
certainly on on top of things. It's it's just amazing the amount of reporting
that's done. Anyway, thank you. >> Thank you. Very detailed report. Further
questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any
oppose? Carried. Thank you. >> Next item, your worship relates to
front-end loader tender 2026 058 award. Motion that reads that report ES4126
relating to the front end loader tender 2026-058
award be received for information and further that council accept a tender
submitted by Brandt Tractor in the amount of $252,500
excluding HST for the purchase of a new front-end loader as specified in their
submission to tender 202658. Moved by councelor Riml seconded by
councelor Herbert. questions or comments on the loader. Councelor Gibson,
» thank you. Worship, just one question. Um, so there's a there's good to be um I
I realize it's just for the uh the machinery itself, but not for the
attachments. So there's going to be uh $93,56
remaining. Is that going to be enough for any attachments that you need? And
you if you're going to be coming back to council in the next budget for
attachments required >> uh through your worship. No, they won't
be coming back for any more money.
» Great answer, Councelor Clark.
» The the old is this an additional load lo loader or will we be uh replacing one
or will the will the old one continue in operation for some time? Uh
» through your worship, this will be a replacement.
So, we'll declare it surplus and the old one will be sold for asset.
» Yes. Great. Further questions or comments?
Jing. All in favor? Any opposed? Carried. Thanks. Next item relates to
AMI water meter system RFP 2026 023 award. Motion that reads that report
ES4326 relating to the AMI water meter system
RFP 202623 award be received for information and
further that council award RFP 2026 023 to Meter Core Incorporated in the
amount of $7,518,21169
excluding HST. Moved by Councelor Gibson seconded by councelor Riml.
» Questions or comments? I thought we'd go to councelor Taylor on this one.
» No, the they the answers on the last question were fabulous. I just wanted to
put it out there as just in case the public was asking questions. Um my
question involves uh maybe just a quick overview of the schedule. How long will
it take? Um you to take my house off the list. I had to get a new water meter
replaced in my house uh over the last week. So take me off the list.
» Yeah. You have to quit disconnecting your own water meter. Councelor Taylor.
Yeah, it and and you know, the guys that came to fix my water meter to replace it
were did a phenomenal job. So, thumbs up to that. But just looking for a schedule
because I understand it's going to take a few years. Correct.
» For your worship, we plan to be done the whole program in the end of 2027.
» Good. >> Further questions or comments?
» Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Worship. Next item relates to major line rail corridor infrastructure crossing
agreements. Motion that reads that report ES4426 relating to major line
rail corridor infrastructure crossing agreements be received for information.
And further that council direct bylaws be drafted to authorize the marin clerk
to execute the crossing agreements with the Canadian National Railway for the
water man and sanitary sewer crossings of the rail corridor on major line to
service development within northwest area 1. Moved by councelor Riml,
seconded by councelor Herbert. >> Questions or comments?
Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Next item relates to Heepburn Parket revitalization build community strong
fund application. Motion that reads that report PR 2126 relating to Hepern Parket
revitalization build community strong fund application be received for
information. And further that council endorse the Hepern Parkquette
revitalization project for submission to the build community strong fund local
impact stream and direct staff to prepare an application for a 2027 start.
Moved by councelor Baldwin Sands, seconded by councelor Taylor.
» Questions or comments? Councelor Gibson. >> Thank you worship. Uh, this is
fantastic. I know a lot of people are wanting to keep it looking at the
looking the way it has been for the past few years that was first put in, but I
like the new innovation in it. I just have one uh real quick question. The
vendor kiosk, is that going to be a seasonal kiosk or is it going to be like
a uh open all year? And if the vendor kiosk is going to be there, is it be
specifically for food or other ventures of entrepreneurships there?
Adrian, I think it's you. >> Yep. Through your worship to councelor
Gibson. Thank you for the question. Uh the kiosk would be a provisional in the
project um so that we can get a cost on what it would be to install that. Uh we
would look at both options having it open seasonally and need and the need
for the infrastructure to keep it open year round. Um and then I I would
believe we would put out an expression of interest to see who would be
interested in, you know, being in that space. I do imagine it's selling food,
creating um you know a hub for lunchtime visitors to the park, but I guess it all
depends on on who we get that are interested.
» Further questions or comments? Okay, I'll go Taylor Baldwin Sands Clark.
» Thank you, your worship. Um, I do want to say that during Nostalgian Nights
last Saturday, the upper and parket was used very, very well. And, uh, thank
goodness we have this product, this, uh, project in our downtown. It's
unfortunate it didn't happen last year, but man, I'm fingers crossed that we can
get the funding for this to go through next year. Uh, and I do want to say, uh,
in the gallery tonight is Andrew Gun, who has accumulated, from what I
understand, $100,000 worth of private funding to assist in our downtown. I
want to say kudos for that kind of money and just to put it out there, we are
open for other funding sources. I understand.
» No, please just throw it over the edge. We're okay.
» Thank you. >> Um I think councelor Baldwin Sand you
were next, right? >> Okay.
» Thank you very much. I am very pleased to see this project as well. And this
morning we did receive something from um very community activist who presented to
us something that the Fanial College students did in a previous council which
could visualize what the project could become. And I think it's a testament to
a former premier of the province of Ontario that hailed from the area of St.
Thomas that this park has gone to a state of disrepair for an extended
period of time and to see the life that can bring back to it. not just for the
Talbet Street landscape, but for the entire community. I think it will be a
great asset to our downtown and to the entire community and to the legacy of
Mitchell Hepper. Thank you. >> Yep. Great,
Mr. Clark. >> Thanks, your worship. Yeah, I I just
want to echo counselor uh Baldwin Sans's comments about uh Russell and his uh his
students work and the idea of uh however we I I love the idea of it being
rejuvenated and I would I hope that we would keep in mind the the idea of a
phase two where we could push push the park all the way through to Center
Street and uh make use of the parking lot. And so I'm hoping that as we design
phase one that we keep that in mind so that it doesn't become a problematic if
if we wanted to expand it and go into a phase two.
» Further questions? Councelor Herbert. Thank you. Worship. I I'm sure I missed
it, but as we said on Saturday, there was four or five bands in there. Is
there a place in this thing for bands in the park, Andrew? Is there a spot in
here for music and spies? Okay. I was I wasn't sure when I looked at the the
agenda that you wrote down. Anyway, you're telling me there's spot. That's
all I need to know. Thank you very much. Support it.
» You and Rita were out dancing on Saturday night, were you?
» Yes. >> Further questions or comments? Councelor
Riml. >> Thank you. I I also um think it would be
great to look at a phase two where we could perhaps extend the park to the
trail system. So the so then there'd be a connection from the trail to Talbot
Street which would be awesome. And um also I think Andrew's here for the mural
part that's in part of a heritage report further down. But anyway, thank you.
» He's multitasking. He can I've seen him. He can do more than one thing at once.
Further questions or comments? Seeing none. All those in favor?
Any opposed? That's carried. Next item relates to tender award piano
enclosure Westlake Evans Park. Motion that reads that report PR226 relating to
the tender award piano enclosure Westlake Evans Park be received for
information and further that council award tender 2026 056 for the
construction of the Westlake Evans Civic Park piano enclosure to Acuratus Design
and Build Incorporated in the amount of $855,500
excluding HST. Moved by Councelor Taylor. seconded by councelor Gibson.
» Questions or comments? If I if I can just add, we've been
waiting so long for this. Um I had a Facebook memory come up today of of the
first announcement or one of the first announcements of the provincial funding
for West Lake Evans Park and we're standing there in just a nice green lawn
where the police station used to be. And so just a couple years ago, that's what
we've gone to to where we are to a uh street party already taken place this
year and and very well used for West Lake Evans Park and and Curtis Street.
So um thank you for finally getting to the to the piano enclosure. Um we all
know that that means we can take down the signs. Uh the mayor has only been
lobbying that for a little while, but we'll get the uh the the tender done and
then we can move forward. But, uh, it's a great addition to our downtown to have
a downtown park like that in an area where we can actually do street parties
and such. And to see the number of people certainly from our library, but
from the whole neighborhood using that park every day is uh, tells us we did
the right thing and in instead of uh, turning that land back into something
else. No other questions or comments then. Oh,
councelor Gibson, I'm sorry. Um, as you were saying, your worship,
it's this is phenomenal. I I'm I'm really pleased uh that we're moving
forward on this, being a board member on the library board, um, it's very
exciting. We've had we just did the Neely Garden, and now we're doing having
this being in place, it's it's going to be phenomenal. And you're right, the
block party that was there, that was really fantastic. And what a great asset
this little piece here would be for the entertainment when we have our next one.
Yeah. Thank you. >> You're coming to play piano. Great.
Excellent to hear. >> Further questions or comments? Seeing
that, all those in favor? Are there any opposed? That's carried.
Your worship, we're going to move on to the corporate governance administration
committee. Uh, first item under new business relates to the annual treasurer
statement of development charges 2025. Motion that reads that report TR526
relating to annual treasurer statement of development charges 2025 be received
for information. and further that council authorize staff to send a copy
of the annual treasur statement of development charges to the minister of
municipal affairs and housing. Moved by councelor Riml, seconded by councelor
Gibson. >> Questions or comments? Councelor Riml.
» Thanks. I just have a question about the um deserve development charge reserve
funds and I see the library um with a reserve fund and my understanding and I
might be wrong is in the new development charges libraries can't be can't access
development charges for construction things like that is that true
» Mr. Treasurer. >> Thank you, your worship. I'm pleased to
report that's not true. Uh we are working on a new development charge
background study that incorporates uh future future library space expansion
into our DC rates. >> Okay, great. Thank you very much. Thank
you. >> Further questions or comments on this
report, Mr. Treasur? Is there anything in
general you'd like to say about the report or we we could take it as we've
read it? >> Sure, take it as you read it. I'd say
like overall it was a good year. Uh we collected 9.1 million in development
charges. Our baseline I'd say is around 5 to six. So development still strong in
the city of St. Thomas. >> Great. Thank you. Seeing no further
questions, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Next item relates to 2026 midyear budget monitoring. Motion that reads that
report TR1826 relating to 2026 mid-year budget monitoring be received for
information and further that council approve the capital funding adjustments
identified in recommendation one of report TR1826
as summarized in schedule C and further that council direct staff to prepare a
borrowing bylaw authorizing the issuance of $7.4 4 million in long-term debt to
finance the city's affordable housing initiatives and further that the
proceeds of debt be used to replenish the infrastructure reserve. Moved by
councelor Riml, seconded by councelor Herbert.
» Questions or comments? Councelor Clark. >> Thank you, worship. I'm just I'm just
puzzled by why we would take out long-term debt when we have um small
amount when we have amounts of reserves in in in the budget or we've seen for
example uh some of our uh tender awards come back under and you know there's a
million here and 500,000 there and why would we pay interest on long-term debt
when when we still have some reserves and why wouldn't we kind of pay as we go
and Um, so I'm just wondering if if we're going to get a deal on 7.4 million
in terms of the interest rate or whether we would whether it's cheaper to, you
know, divide it off. You know, if you need 2 million one year, you pay for,
you know, you you take out the loan for the 2 million rather than taking it all
out at one time when we still have reserves.
» Mr. Treasure, thank you, worship. It's a it's a good question. Uh, there are
other reserves uh that the city has. The problem is we don't have the right kinds
of reserves. Most of of our reserve funding is restricted for various
purposes. And so what we're finding is um we're hurting in the areas of taxf
funded capital and we're hurting in the areas of contingency funding for the
budget. So kind of tying into the purpose of the report, we're forecasting
a deficit. The infrastructure reserve is actually uh serves a dual purpose. It
funds the city's capital program and it offsets things like uh when winter
control goes over budget or um there's HR issues relating to uh employees on
leave. Those funds in that infrastructure reserve that taxf funded
reserve can offset those things whereas you can't use DCS to to apply against
those kinds of costs. You can't use water uh user fees to apply against
those kinds of costs and some of these other um uh reserves also not eligible.
So we have had a good tendering year. uh most of the uh tendering um surpluses do
not pertain to taxf funded portions of projects and so that's the difficulty
here. >> Go ahead councelor Clay.
» So what what amount of reserves would be eligible like what what have we got that
we could be using against the 7.5?
So right now I've if you look at schedule B of the report um that top
section called reserves is council's flexible reserves. It you could do
whatever you want with it. You could uh create a 20 addition reserves for this
and splice it up however you want. It's completely at council's discretion how
that money is used. Um the categories below that like utility related
industrial development obligatory reserve funds. Council cannot choose how
to use those reserves. There's there's prescribed purposes for those reserves.
So right now we're ending uh 2026 with a 5.1 million in those those flexible
reserve funding. Right now that's a lot of money it's it would seem uh but you
have to remember that city has to operate as well.
» And so generally what we like to have is about 3 months operating um in this uh
in the working fund reserve which is our kind of our cash flow is what we use to
pay the bills um uh during the year. We need we need that reserve fund
established for cash flow purposes. a three-month balance would be about 6.7
million. So that your totality is actually below what I would set as a
working fund for the city. And what that leads to is actually the city borrowing
from restricted funds temporarily and repaying them with interest. And so we
have this effect where we're going to have to pay interest anyway towards our
um our restricted funds. uh so we might as well pay interest on external debt
which was really the purpose of it's it's how the budget was designed for
those housing projects. It was actually asked through council as a debtf funded
uh project. The debt was just never drawn. It was drawn from your
infrastructure reserve and that's why every quarter when I report on the
finances I'm saying your infrastructure reserve is in a bit of trouble. And so
we're looking to fix that through this resolution.
» Go ahead councelor Clark.
Is this something that we could do? I guess part of it is timing. We're
halfway through the budget. Is this something where we could take a smaller
amount and then align it so that we're doing
um making this type of decision at budget time so that we would know um
that we could tie it to each year's budget in terms of what we would need.
And and I guess the other question is is that the 7.5 is
um I know you said we're tight there. How when would we need to take out this
type of loan again?
Ideally, you manage these reserves through your operating budget. So you're
making contributions annually uh to make sure that the reserves don't fall beyond
a certain point. then your reserves wouldn't have fallen be beyond a certain
point if those housing projects were funded through debt as designed through
the the budget. Um, one of the things that the city needs to do is develop a
reserve policy with target balances to know when we're kind of falling below
what uh the treasur and city council determines to be a sufficient reserve
balance in lie of having an actual policy in place. I I'm just giving you
my advice that that that your reserves are quite low for taxf funded flexible
kinds of reserves. Um to answer your first question, it could wait till the
new council is in place. It's just we're already having cash flow issues, so
we're already leaning into the borrowing against restricted funds, but it is
completely at council's discretion whether we decide to issue this debt or
not.
» Do I have another any other comments or questions? Councelor Herbert,
» I was in the same direction as councelor Clark about the reserves and I mean your
operating deficit is projected 500 but what happens if it turned into a million
by the end of the year? We could but anyway so that can be discussed later.
So anyway, thanks Adam. Councelor Ry,
» thank you. I understand the need for the um additional funds even though it's
it's unfortunate. My my concern is kind of how we got there. And um when I look
at the affordable housing projects, the tiny hope, it was initially um presented
to council at $3 million and currently the cost is 5.5. So how did we get 2.2
2.5 million over that? And was this are these projects like are they as the
housing and the affordable housing that we talked about right off the bat? Those
are federally funded. They didn't come with any tax dollars uh implication to
the to the city at all. Yet we still, you know, added some affordable housing.
These projects was there, you know, applications were there we monitoring
the amounts? Do we have an application where it says um uh this developer
project is such and we want to we can contribute x amount of dollars without
going in debt. Like do we do we keep an eye on these because this is 14,400
um,000 dollars worth of debt for these three projects. I don't know if these
three projects had applications to the city, if they were um monitored, that
kind of thing. So, um, it just like as I say the tiny hope because on the website
for the Y they they say that the city contributed three million. That's what
it says right there, but it's 5.5. That's 2.5 million is a lot of extra
money. So, my concern is um you know when we in future going forward we don't
have a lot of extra money. So, we need to make sure we have some kind of policy
or guideline for projects that come to us like this. Do we have some a
percentage amount that we would give for a a private developer that wants to do
some project and we need to have monitoring tools similar to the uh
affordable housing program? >> Mr. Treasure, comments on that?
» Looking through my notes here. I wasn't here obviously at the time, but I recall
seeing that those projects were a mix of of um municipal tax support and grants
that we had cobbled together. So, it's conceivable that that 5.5 million is a
mix. Uh, I do believe that the municipal contribution was 3 million, but I I
could check those numbers for you. I I don't think that the city went that far
over budget on these projects. >> Go ahead. Just do we have a policy in
place for projects like this that come to us that we have some kind of an
application process where we you know look at percentages of you know the
builder's going to give us this much money we can afford to give this much
money some kind of um application and some kind of guideline so that we're not
overextending ourselves.
» Mr. Treasurer go ahead. >> So this is how the Hayawatha project
worked from earlier. We established a committee and part of that process was
vetting the financial feasibility of projects submitted. Um that was assessed
to make sure that these are credible proposals that can stand on the funding
uh mixes that were being proposed for the projects. So I imagine that it took
place in the past as well for tiny hope and and high high view hideway and
balaclava. I can't say that for sure because I wasn't here but that's how we
did Hayawa. So there is kind of a process in place whether we create a
formal formal policy that could be something that's considered
» if I can only
share with you some of these happen so so quickly or it's a brand new grow
grant process from the federal government or provincial government that
has to be lined up with something else we're always doing. So the I I tend to
agree with what the treasurer said. I don't think we're we're any anywhere
over budget on a project. It's just that some of it is somebody else's money that
we got to funnel. So, it looks like we spent 5 million when in fact we
committed 3 million of municipal funds towards a project. I I I'll look forward
to having that further conversation with the treasur. But I feel pretty
comfortable in each of the projects that we've done, larger projects like that.
That's exactly it's a hybrid amount of money federal, provincial and ours.
» But sir, as I guess as long as going forward we have some practices and
guidelines in place that we're you know looking at uh uh the the cost and then
looking at how much money we have in the bank because until you know in the next
two three years until we start to get some money in from uh the Volkswagen
plant you know things are are tight >> tight. Yeah. Councelor Clark on that or
or on anything else you'd like us to be on.
» Thanks, Worship. Well, it it it kind of dovetales with what councelor Riml is
saying that the the last the second last part of the um of this the description
says that we're we're seeking the 7.4 million long-term
debt to finance the city's affordable housing initiatives.
So, I guess the question is if if we can't afford to do them, why are we
doing them? Like, we're hearing that it's it's through grants and it and and
yet the comment here is that we're borrowing the 7.4 to finance affordable
housing. So, I'm I'm just puzzled by by that state.
» Mr. Treasurer, bring that around. It's not unusual that a municipality
would choose to debt finance something like this. It's actually um we use this
$10 word word called intergenerational equity where um you don't typically want
to use a stack of the money the money that we've saved from past residents for
an asset that's going to be benefiting future residents. And so a new asset
like this, it is kind of equitable to charge it through debt against the the
uh residents of the municipality who are going to benefit from it as opposed to
like reconstruction of a road. People driving the roads right now should be
paying towards its eventual replacement. This was a new set of housing
initiatives that I think um the the treasur had designed through the budget
to to be funded through the debt and that never occurred. But I think that
was the correct uh budget design at the time.
Further questions or comments? Mr. Treasurer, it's always great to see
a report. I know and I thank you for doing them quarterly now and so we're
we're getting more constant up to-date.
Are we okay?
We we are okay. Uh we've taken on a lot with the Yarmouth Yards project as you
stated. Um, so there there, yeah, there's a lot of
investment going on right now. I think we're somewhat committed to to seeing
that through, but we are we are certainly okay. Um, we would be more
okay if we took on this debt. Well, then then thank you for doing
that. But I'll also add that uh many of the citizens that speak with us think
we're in a an incredible better better space because because of Power Co coming
to our community and Viennode coming to our community and and the great other
businesses we have out there like Element 5 and a number of others. And we
have to remind them from time to time that we haven't made a dime yet on some
of those investments. We we see them. We know that we're going to be okay because
of that. But there some of them are two years out if I mean I don't see charging
taxes to Power Co until such time as they get to make batteries and sell them
in our community. And so that's what we're waiting for. A lot of construction
going on and as we see um our industrial development people here today too. A lot
of expenses we've had to do to get that future revenue to come in. And so
sometimes reminding the folks that that actually have to pay our tax bills that
um we're not benefiting from those great things we've done yet. But boy, will we
ever be able to in the future. And that's that's what it's about. So, thank
you for you you're you're at least using my same words that we're okay, right?
We're doing all right. We're doing and as you already said, some of our
revenues are already higher this year, certainly from a DC point of view. Um,
and that's showing that we're still showing the same type of development
growth that we need to as a regular corporation, but with a lot of expenses
out there to build Yarmouth yards and and attract new industries. Councelor
Ry, >> just just one more thing. In the next
quarter report, would it be possible to have a line as to how we're doing with
the rental properties? You know, are they paying their their rent?
» Okay, certainly. Y >> councelor Clark,
» just one last one. I I may have missed it, but long-term debt means how long
how how long is this being spread out over?
In the report, we had quoted uh 25-y year debenture, which would roughly
coincide with the life of the assets that we're borrowing against. So, I
think that's the proper recommendation.
» Okay, further questions or comments on the treasures report? And thank you for
having it with us. Sometimes we don't get the detail like this, we're really
pleased to have it. Seeing no other comments, question uh
all those in favor. Any oppose? That's carried. Thank you.
» Thank you, worship. Next item relates to late penalties and interest July 31st,
2026 tax due date. Motion that reads that report TR1926 relating to extension
of tax installment due date be received for information. Further that council
approve an amendment to the 2026 tax levby to delay the application of late
penalties and interest for the July 31st, 2026 due date for a period of one
week commencing August 8th, 2026. Moved by councelor Riml, seconded by councelor
Taylor. questions or comments?
Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carrie.
» Thank you, worship. We'll now report back into the com uh back into council.
Uh so motion would read that uh the recommendations, directions, and actions
of council and the committee of the whole as recorded in the minutes of this
date be confirmed, ratified, and adopted. Moved by councelor Baldwin
Sand, seconded by councelor Gibson. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. your worship for reports of committees.
We have six heritage alteration permits tonight. The first relates to 327 Talbet
Street. Motion that reads that report MHC 1026 relating to the heritage
alteration permit 327 Talbet Street be received for information. And further
that council issue a heritage alteration permit for the property at 327 Talbot
Street relating to application HAP 1226 subject to including enhanced
architectural detail to the front front facade. Moved by councelor Taylor,
seconded by councelor Gibson. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. >> Worship the second heritage alteration
permit relates to two uh 429 Talbet Street. Motion that reads that report
MHC 1126 relating to heritage alteration permit 429 Talbet Street be received for
information. and further that council issue a heritage alteration permit for
the property at 429 Talbat Street relating to application HAP 1326. Moved
by councelor Herbert, seconded by councelor Riml.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» The third relates to 431 Talbet Street. Uh motion that reads that report MHC
1526 relating to the heritage alteration permit 431 Talbet Street be received for
information and further that council issue a heritage alteration permit for
the property at 431 Talbet Street relating to application HAP1 1826 moved
by councelor Kohler seconded by councelor
Gibson. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. The fourth relates to a heritage
alteration permit for 725 Talbet Street. Motion that reads that report MHC 1226
relating to heritage alteration permit 725 Talbot Street be received for
information and further that council issue a heritage alteration permit for
the property at 725 Talbot Street relating to application HAP 1526 subject
to the new signs being installed uh being installed not being internally
illuminated. Moved by Councelor Riml, seconded by councelor Herbert.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» The fifth relates to the property at 519 Talbot Street. Motion that reads that
report MHC1 1326 relating to heritage alteration permit 519 Talbet Street be
received for information and further that council issue a heritage alteration
permit for the property at 519 Talbot Street relating to application HAP1626
subject to stucco not being used as an exterior cladding. Moved by
councelor Gibson. Seconded by councelor Raml.
» Further questions or comments? Councelor Clark,
» is that stuckle going to be at the front of the was it going to be at the front
of the building or the back of the building?
» Back. >> Mr. Pilly.
» Yeah. Through your worship, the uh proposal was um for covering the second
and third levels of the rear elevation with stuckle, including a door that's
going to be replaced >> at the rear. Right.
» At the rear. Correct. So why why would we care whether it's
stuckle or or brick at the back of a building? I I think we've had other
repairs done on Tala Street where stuckle has been used and it's been
approved. to my to my knowledge um through your
worship to my knowledge um stuckle has generally been a type of material that
the committee has not supported in the past particularly at the front but even
at the back um it's not one that's often re uh even suggested but and I believe
the committee has been fairly consistent in terms of not supporting it as a as a
preferred material type it's not doesn't seem to be consistent with um with the
policies of the uh heritage conservation district which is why They um I believe
made the exception of excluding that type of material.
» Counter Gibson. >> However, when it came to Lockwood Books
um back entrance, they'd have the stuckco. So, they're able to do that on
their building, but we can't allow it on this building. And my concern is is that
they're having to look for heritage bricking. it's going to delay and
construction season is almost done even if they even found the bricking. So, I'm
just I I I yeah I just I just uh I just cannot
agree to uh their decision here. Unfortunately, I am going to for one
time I'm going to actually say I'm not agreeing to this at all. I I would like
to change or make a motion or something that cladding that they can do the
stuckle exterior because uh I just don't want the this to be delayed anymore. And
I just feel if one property owner can do it on their building and I think it was
just done like two years ago maybe last year or the year before. Why is it all
of a sudden it's not allowed on this building?
» Uh Mr. Clerk, I know you're going to help us who has to have move the motion
or amend the motion please. >> That's correct. back to your worship. We
do have a main motion on the floor right now. So, if there is a member that wants
to move an amending motion um and it sounds like councelor Gibson may be
amendable to that. Then it would be an amending motion to strike the language
um subject to stucco not being used and as an exterior cladding and that would
then open things up for the applicant. So, councelor Gibson, would you be
willing to move? Do we have a seconder? Council clerk,
we take discussion on the amended motion.
Look, I'm I'm going to point out that this building is being repaired because
of a fire in the building beside it, and I'd like them not to go much longer
without having their business operating. I'm not here to always overrule the
heritage committee, and we seldom have done it. But I think in this case, while
there's still another whole lot beside that has to be rebuilt, we can make this
amendment to this one project and this one report so that um a great business
in the downtown of St. Thomas can get back open and get running again. This is
the URI building that we're talking about. So, I'm going to I'm going to
vote for with the amended motion. Councelor Taylor,
» I'm just trying to understand and I I agree with what has been said here about
the um cladding that's here, but the brick work
doesn't look that bad. Yeah, it's dirty. Yeah, it's yellow brick, but I'm I'm
confused as to what what the problem is. Is they want to
close in a window or something like that, so it has to be
a special heritage brick that's brought brought in. I mean, I think that the
brick could probably be sand blasted or clean, but I I'm looking at the photos
here and I don't understand the brick is not falling down. The brick doesn't seem
to be deteriorating. So, what what is the concern with the municipal heritage
committee as to the fact that it needs to be fixed to such an extent of
» some sort of a covering. So, anyway, I I don't understand what's wrong with it. I
I may ask clue, but my my understanding of it is because I've had had some
discussions is is that it's more expedience. We'd like to get they'd like
to get the project done. They've suggested a certain way to do it. The
heritage committee has said no, we no longer allow that to happen. I guess all
I'm asking for is an exception in this one case so that we can um you know as
you will let's let's get this project on the road and going instead of waiting
another month for another heritage committee meeting Lou am I far off with
what I've just said >> through your worship no I I haven't had
direct conversations with the in this case so right to you but
» I have so further discussion on the amended
motion Seeing none, all those in favor of the
amended motion. Are there any opposed to the amended motion? Noted. Um, so we
will let the heritage committee know that on this one report, we've overruled
them. Next, through your worship, just to clarify
that we voted on the amendment amended motion, but we still have the main
motion on the floor that would strike the language to you to um
not require stucco. So we'll have to have a a final vote on the
» great >> main motion.
» Okay. So on the main motion, further discussion, seeing none, all those in
favor. So we want to pass that main motion. Am I correct, Mr. Clerk? Or
» that's correct. So if council does vote to vote all in favor or to carry this by
majority, then the main motion would pass and then we'd be able to advise the
heritage committee and the applicant. >> Thank you. Okay. With that knowing, all
those in favor? Are there any opposed? Carried.
Thank you. Your worship. Final heritage alteration permit deals with uh 452 to
456 Talbet Street. Motion that reads the report MHC1 1426 relating to heritage
alteration permit 452 to 456 Talba Street be received for information and
further that council issue a heritage alteration permit for the property at
452 to 456 Talbot Street relating to application HAP 1726 with the
understanding that consideration be given to an interpretive display of the
existing mural. Moved by councelor Gibson, seconded by councelor Riml.
» Questions or comments on this report? Seeing none, all those in favor. Are
there any opposed? That's carried. >> Worship. Few items of communication
tonight. Uh the first item relates to uh National Disability Employment Awareness
Month. request has been received from Michael Cibba, Ontario Disability
Employment Network, that council proclaim October 2026 as National
Disability Employment Awareness Month in the city of St. Thomas, and that the
jumbo monument be lit in purple and blue on October 15, 2026. Motion that reads
that council proclaim October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness
Month in the city of St. Thomas. and further that the jumbo monument be lit
in purple and blue on October 15, 2026 for light it up for national disability
employment awareness. Moved by councelor Taylor, seconded by councelor Gibson.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Thank you. Worship. The next item, uh, the a joint statement has been received
from Morgan Griffin, chair, Catfish Creek Conservation Authority, John
Cheliner II, chair Grand River Conservation Authority, Todd Noble,
chair Kettle Creek Conservation Authority, and Doug Bruntton, chair
Longpoint Region Conservation Authority, regarding the work of the transition
committee for the Amalgamated Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation
Authority.
The next item relates to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority draft
budget. A letter has been received from Todd Noble, chair, Kettle Creek
Conservation Authority, regarding the authorities's 2027 draft budget and
municipal levy aortionment.
Last item comm of communication uh your worship uh relates to Taco House Company
at 546 Talbot Street. An application has been made to the Alcohol and Gaming
Commission of Ontario by the Taco House Company for a liquor license for its
indoor area at 546 Talbet Street, St. Thomas. At this time, council may make
recommend uh representation to the commission concerning this application.
Moving on to items of unfinished business tonight. Any items?
» Any items of unfinished business? Any items of new business?
» I've got a bunch. Great. Councelor Baldwin Sans. Councelor Herbert. I've
got one. >> Thank you very very much. There is an
item that is one of my passion projects. The Elvin St. Thomas drowning prevention
coalition speak um teaching swimming in this community for over 40 plus years on
how to keep young people, old people, everyone how to be safe around the
water. There is an event that will be happening this Saturday at JC Pool and
it's about prevention, education, and awareness. And I was hoping hoping that
uh Adrian would be able to give us a few more details. Thank you.
» You're up. uh through your worship to council. Uh as Lori me or as councelor
Baldman Sans mentioned, the National Drowning Prevention Week is coming up
running July 19th to 25th. And the Elgen County Drowning Prevention Coalition is
inviting the community to join them for a free public swim on Saturday, July
18th from 1:30 p.m. to 400 p.m. at JC's Pool located at 93 Increment Street to
promote water safety. Uh this event is aimed at raising awareness through
community education and outdoor water smart tips. This is a great opportunity
to enjoy the pool while promoting the importance of water safety in our
community. >> Great. Thank you. Any any others from
yours from you, Lori? Councelor Herbert. >> Thank you, worship. I actually have
three uh I would bring up the the first one I bring up. I think most of us got
the letter about uh creating a memorial tree or small memorial within Waterworks
Parks. And um I I thought it was a good idea, but I don't know the rules or
bylaws for it. So I forwarded it on to Adrian and if Adrian if you could make a
comment on it please. >> Through your worship to council. At this
point staff haven't had an opportunity to fully evaluate the proposal. We need
to look at the capital costs ongoing maintenance requirements partnership
expectations and potential funding sources before providing a
recommendation. Um if council is interested in pursuing the concept, we
can bring a report back um that would provide the information to consider. Can
we add that to unfinished business, city manager?
» Okay, great. >> Thank you. I'll second uh through to
through the worship. Uh I've had quite a number of people ask me about are the
signs returning to Pinfor Park that used to be there and uh we've got new ones
there. So I gave a quick comment to Adrian and she's going to comment on
that too tonight about what happening to the signs if it's in discussion or not
in discussion about returning. So I'll turn over to Adrien. Thank you.
Now, through your worship to council, this topic has come up a few times in
the last couple of years. So, the uh wooden sign that the public's referring
to um was essentially rotten and so we have preserved it within our parks
buildings uh to keep it for for um history reasons but or historical
reasons, but um that sign can't be uh reinstalled due to the state that it's
in. Uh so the current sign is just a placeholder to show the address because
a lot of people struggle with finding Pennor Park. Um so I have brought to
council um at least once through capital budget planning uh an idea for a new
sign. Um but uh unfortunately the funding was not approved. Um I've since
gotten um additional sign quotes that were cheaper than what I had originally
uh requested through capital. So that can certainly come back at budget time.
Um and I mean I would love to pursue that project. So uh it will definitely
be part of the the request for budget this coming year.
» Super. Yep. Thank you. And my third comment is uh most of us are just
finishing our transportation study with the consultant and he's asked a lot of
questions and for sure it's in our master plan where we know we have to re
do some revision on it and um uh he in informed us we're probably our budget's
half of what anybody else's and my comment was well maybe they're working
longer hours maybe they have a bigger capital budget operational etc. But I
did ask him, and this is the question I'm asking. I said, 'When would it be
ready for us to do something with maybe this year? And he said, "No, it's
probably not going to happen till next January or next January with a new
council." I mean, that's five months from now. Is there not something we
could do now or do we have to wait till the final report comes in to us and
council in January? >> Well, thank you. I'll I'll ask staff,
but I would think that we that's why we bring in a consultant to talk to us
through the transportation master plan or transit master plan so that when we
make the decision, we're making it with great knowledge and great forward
thinking instead of just making one and then saying, "Let's change it five
months from now." But he said it would be up to probably the new council to
make it. Well, hypothetically, if you had eight new counselors and they say,
"Hey, we don't want to re we don't want to we want to review it." God, it goes
on another six months. Anyway, I just wondered if something would be done this
year and the assumption is it's next year.
So, >> well, that was my question.
» We continue to do things on transit. As a matter of fact, the Middle Sex
Connects has just added a a great deal more access to St. Thomas using that
transit system. But when you're looking at something as big as our transit
system, um I I I learned years ago, Jim, I can't answer hypothetical questions.
eight other people might make a different decision, but um let's we
brought an expert in to give us this type of guidance as to what the transit
system should look like. Um if you'd like why are we doing it if we're not
going to use the process? Um city manager, help with me with that one.
» Sure. Uh thank you your worship. Um staff can uh inquire with the consultant
to uh check on the timelines on the transit master plan and ensure that
they're meeting their contractual obligations and also just make sure that
we bring some update reports to council as we learn more
» further new business. Councelor Clark and councelor Rhimo. G we're all full of
new business tonight. >> Thanks worship. I I would like to
nominate uh Annette Barry for a civic award. Maybe we could do that in in
September when school starts again. Annette is a teacher at St. Joe's and
she was just recently in the spring uh declared the Canadian champion for Hier
Rocks. Saw they >> and Hier Rocks is a new competition
where you um similar to biaons or triathlons but this one is you you run a
kilometer, do a number of exercises, run another kilometer and and it's seven
different cycles of that. and um she just came back from Sweden in the worlds
and came in second for women between 60 and 64 years old. So congratulations to
Annette and I hope we can uh award her that award in September.
» Move that forward. Councelor Riml,
» just u one comment just about the uh transit. I also um you heard the review,
but when we're talking about reports um one of the issues that they did bring up
was that the ondemand service in the evening is wildly popular, just really
popular, but there's only one bus driving around the city, you know, to
try to pick up everybody and take them from A to B, which is, you know, a lot.
So in the report, if we could get a report even like what would it cost to
put even one one more bus on for a few hours because it's great that you know
people are using this service um you know could we enhance it just a little
bit. I know we don't have lots of money but you know
» it's part of the reason for the study >> right so it shows it's needed we'll
certainly be able to vote as a council to do so.
» Yeah. Um, so just a couple other things. Just um just kudos to the uh police for
their fishing uh tournament they had at Pinnhapor Park for the kids. That was
great. And also to the fire for their water sprays that you have for the kids,
you know, in this heat. We all should be standing under the the
» But apparently we're wasting water doing it. So councelor Taylor.
» Oh yeah. >> Get your bucket out and capture some of
that. >> There's that 800,000
whatever. Yeah. But anyway, but the kids appreciate it, especially when it's so
hot. And I just had one other question with the council calendar that we
received. Is it possible to have flag raisings, proclamations, open houses,
some more information on there given that, you know,
» once they've been voted on? Yeah. >> Well, yeah, but not but you know, when
we get an invite to do a flag racing or all those kind of things, even though I
know it, you know, you wouldn't be able to capture everything, but just to add
some more information to that calendar. I like that thought. City man, you help
us with or Mr. Clerk, you'll help us with that.
» Uh, yes, your worship, we can definitely look into that.
» Thank you. Any other new business? I want to say way to go to the U to
nostalgia nights on Saturday. I mean, nostalgia days. It's no longer nights.
It used to be, M. Councelor Taylor, remember, supposed to start at four in
the afternoon. It's now starting at 8 in the morning on on on the day of
nostalgia nights, right? um and and some car drivers even earlier. But the crowds
on the street and the comments that we were getting about the looks of the
committee and the of the city itself and um the great work of the uh EDC, the
tourism people and the downtown development board on running a
incredible program on Saturday in some pretty oppressive heat. Um, I know
Council Herbert and I walked the length of Talbert Street back and forth and he
wouldn't walk on the sun side of the road because of the heat. Um, but but
uh, you know, way to go. We looked great and those from out of town and a lot of
people from out of town at Nostalgia Nights because the people who own
classic cars come from just about anywhere. So, um, thank you all. I know
that a couple of optimists are in the room who who worked at that at the uh at
the the food booth for the optimist and could not have been a cool spot to work.
So, way to go. Thank you very much for doing that. And for all of the
counselors, everybody who I saw there, um incredible making our city look good.
So, we're talking about downtown events. This is another one that's in the books
and went just about as good as it can. So, thank you to everyone. Councelor
Taylor, >> now that you brought up the Optimist, um
don't forget about the fact that we did have the Optimus Father's Day car show
in Pinter Park. >> You did.
» And we uh expanded that tremendously this year because of the weather. I was
just talking to Adrian just a few minutes ago. How can we expand or double
the size of Pinter Park because uh people actually had to leave the park
because there was no place >> to park.
» Well, I couldn't get into the park. Maybe we are secondarily known as the
classic car capital of Canada. >> Working on it, aren't we? Excellent.
Further new business. Seeing none. >> Thank you, your worship. We have no
public notices tonight. We do have one notice of motion. Notice of motion has
been received from councelor Baldwin Sans regarding community and aquatic
center alternatives. This will return as a business item on August the 10th.
It's all the matters of open business tonight. Your worship will now move into
a closed session. Motion that reads this meeting be closed to deal with three
matters of a proposed or pending disposition of land. Chestnut Street and
Third Avenue properties land lease Yarmouth Yards Burwell Road. Two matters
of a proposed or pending acquisition of land. South Edgeware Road Reconstruction
Project. Southwestern Public Health. A matter of information explicitly
supplied in confidence of the municipality by the province of Ontario,
utility crossing agreement, two labor relations matters, staff overtime
strategies and staffing strategies, two matters of a position, plan, procedure,
criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on to or to be
carried on by or on behalf of the municipality, municipal facilities
planning and St. Thomas Cemetery Board and a personal matter about an
identifiable individual committee appointment at 6:27 p.m. Moved by
councelor Baldwin Sans seconded by councelor Gibson.
» Wow. We had a short meeting going till we had to read off all the stuff that
went is going to happen in close session. But thank you very much, Mr.
Clerk. As I'll normally state before we vote on going into close session, those
of us are watching at home or the huge crowd in the gallery tonight, um please
uh we'll be going into close session now. We'll only rise from close session
to vote on uh those are the things that we we we covered in close session that
can come into open session and then to pass our bylaws afterwards and then
adjourn the night from there. So, thank you for joining us tonight. Uh on close
session discussion seeing none. All those in favor? Any opposed? We are in
close session.
Your worship. We can now reconvene at open session. Motion that reads that
council now rise from close session at 8:10 PM and further that staff proceed
as directed on closed item closed session items dealing with Chestnut
Street and Third Avenue properties, South Edgeware Road Reconstruction
Project, Burwell Road utility crossing agreement, land lease Yarmouth Yards,
Municipal Facilities Planning, Staff Overtime Strategies, Staffing
Strategies, St. Thomas Cemetery Board and Southwest Southwestern Public Health
and further that the close session item dealing with committee appointment be
considered an open session. Moved by Councelor Gibson, seconded by councelor
Baldwin Sans. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. >> Your worship in regards to the uh
municipal heritage committee appointment and a motion that reads that council now
appoint Nick Eanic to the St. Thomas Municipal Heritage Committee for the
remainder of the council term subject to policy HR0229
and required training. Moved by councelor Raml seconded by councelor
Taylor. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? Any opposed? Carried. >> Worship. We now have the bylaws. First
motion that Lee be granted to bring in the bylaws. Moved by councelor Herbert.
Seconded by councelor Baldwin Sans. >> Excellent. Questions or comments? Seeing
none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Your worship. We have a motion moved by councelor Herbert, seconded by councelor
Baldwin Sans at the bylaws be now read a first time, referred to council in the
committee of the whole and read a second time.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» First bylaw, please. >> First bylaw tonight is a bylaw to
confirm the proceedings of the meeting held on the 13th day of July, 2026.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's carried. Next
bylaw, please. >> Second bylaw is a bylaw to delegate
certain authority during a restricted acts period.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's carried. Next
bylaw, please. >> Third bylaw is a bylaw regarding the
maintenance, repair, or replacement of structures and to provide for the
recovery of costs by the city of St. Thomas.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's carried. Next
bylaw, please. Fourth bylaw is a bylaw to amend bylaw 4589 being a bylaw to
revise and consolidate certain bylaws regulating traffic and the parking of
motor vehicles. No parking zones Bonnie Place and Harvest Court. Questions or
comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw.
» Fifth bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the marin clerk to execute and affix the
seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and his majesty the king in right of the province of Ontario
as represented by the Minister of Transportation Compensation Agreement
Woodworth Avenue. Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's
car. Next bylaw, please. >> Six bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the
mayor and clerk to execute and affix the seal of the corporation to a declaration
of compliance long-term care service accountability agreement, Valley View
Home. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please. Seventh bylaw is a bylaw
to authorize the mar and clerk to execute and affix the seal of the
corporation to a declaration of compliance adult day program View home.
Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's carried. Next
bylaw. The eth bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the marin clerk to execute and
affix the seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the
corporation of the city of St. Thomas and his majesty the king in right of
Ontario as represented by the minister of transportation highway 3 utility
crossing. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none. All
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please.
» Ninth bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the Marin clerk to affix the execute and
affix the seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the
corporation of the city of St. Thomas and Canadian National Railway Company
Sanitary Sewer Crossing Major Line. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next one bylaw, please.
» 10th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the Marin clerk to execute and affix the
seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and the Canadian National Railway Company water main
crossing major line. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please.
» 11th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the marin clerk to execute and affix the
seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and his majesty the king and right of Ontario as represented
by the minister of transportation compensation agreement Burwell Road.
» Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? That's carried. Next
bylaw, please. 12th bylaw is a bylaw to deem part of lot 73 registered plan
number 270 former township of Yarmouth to not be a registered plan of
subdivision lot 10 for Morrison Drive Kate Robinson counseling file number
50126 >> questions or comments seeing none all
those in favor that's carried next bylaw please
» 13th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the mayor and clerk to execute and fix the
seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and Walnut Park Incorporated, file number SPC0326,
57 Walnut Street. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carry. Next bylaw, please. 14th bylaw is a bylaw to
authorize the mayor and clerk to execute and affix the seal of the corporation to
a certain agreement between the corporation of the city of St. Thomas
and Drew Holdings Incorporated. File number SPC0426
8 Hammond Street. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carry. Next by please. 15th bylaw is a bylaw to
authorize the mar and clerk to execute and aff fix the seal of the corporation
to assert an agreement between the corporation of the city of St. Thomas
and Faith Faith Baptist Church of St. Thomas file number SPC0626
345 Fair View Avenue. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please.
» 16th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the mar and clerk to execute and affix the
seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and Heiho Rentals Limited. File number SPC 1625 43954
Southdale line. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please.
» 17th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the mayor and clerk to execute and affix a
seal of the corporation to assert anert agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and Dr. Sei Olampon. Uh, health recruitment partnership
incentive funding. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please. 18th bylaw is a bylaw to
authorize the mayor and clerk to execute and fix a seal of the corporation to a
certain agreement between the corporation of the city of St. Thomas
and Dr. Shabuki Eggwim uh health recruitment partnership incentive
funding. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please.
» 19th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the marin clerk to execute and fix a seal of
the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the city of
St. Thomas and Dr. Zean Chataroo health recruitment partnership incentive
funding. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor. That's carry. Next bylaw, please.
» 20th bylaw is a bylaw to authorize the mayor and clerk to execute and affix a
seal of the corporation to a certain agreement between the corporation of the
city of St. Thomas and Dr. Ahmed Osman. Health recruitment partnership incentive
funding. >> Questions or comments? Seeing none, all
those in favor? That's carried. Next bylaw, please.
» 21st and final bylaw of the evening. A bylaw to revise provisions for the
application of late penalties and interest to property taxes in the 2026
taxation year. >> Questions or comments?
All those in favor? It's carried. Your worship I rise and report the successful
passing of the 21 bylaws. >> All from today.
» Your worship. We have a motion moved by councelor Herbert, seconded by uh
councelor Baldwin Sans that the report of council in the committee of the whole
on the bylaws be received and adopted. The same be read a third time engrossed
signed by the mayor and clerk, sealed and numbered.
Questions or comments? Seeing none, all those in favor? Any opposed? Carried.
» Thank you. Worship. Final item tonight is adjournment. That we do now adjourn
at 8:18 p.m. Moved by councelor Baldwin Sand, seconded by councelor Gibson.
» Questions or comments? Councelor Herbert? Seeing none. All in favor? Any
opposed? carried.