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[0:31] Thank you. We acknowledge that we are gathered on the
[0:36] traditional territory of the Hana Nashani peoples, the Mohawks. Of
[0:39] Oxasny, the original keepers of this land. As settlers, we
[0:44] are grateful for the opportunity to meet here, and we
[0:46] thank all the generations of people who have taken care
[0:48] of this. Land for thousands of years. I'd ask that
[0:51] if you're able to please rise for the national anthem.
[2:04] Thank you. May I have the roll call, please? Be
[2:11] able clerk. Present.
[2:27] Thank you. Madam Clerk, would you please read out the
[2:35] razor report from our in camera meeting?
[3:42] Thank you. Let me try again. The in camera meeting
[3:49] is part of a meeting close to the public to
[3:51] consider the following subject matters. Item one, confidential information which
[3:55] is risk dealing with the security of the property of
[3:58] the municipality and personal matters about identifiable individuals. Item three
[4:03] affordable housing, legal matters dealing with. A proposed repending acquisition
[4:08] or disposition of land by the municipality. Service delivery risk
[4:13] analysis on advice that is subject to solicitor client privilege,
[4:16] which includes communications necessary for that purpose. And finally, capital
[4:21] projects scope amendments on a position plan, procedure and criteria
[4:25] with instructions to be applied to negotiations carried on by
[4:28] the municipality. Thank you. Any additional solutions or amendments to
[4:33] the agenda this evening, councilor? Good. Thank you. Three. Mr.
[4:37] Mayor. I'd like to pull the notice of motion number
[4:41] one, memorial procedures. I had made a request. To update
[4:46] and revise that policy. My understanding, if that administration is
[4:49] currently reviewing that, so I would like to pull that
[4:52] for the time being and allow them the opportunity to
[4:54] conduct that review. Thank you. Madam clerk. Yes, Mr. May?
[4:59] We would also like to bring action reports number one,
[5:03] two and three. Immediately following the presentations one, two and
[5:08] three on this evening agenda. Thank you. Any further additions
[5:13] or amendments? Seeing none. I get a motion. Adopt the
[5:17] agenda is amended. Please. Councilor Macintosh. Councilor barrel. All in
[5:20] favor? That is carried. Thank you. Any disclosures of interest
[5:25] for this evening, council? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have
[5:28] a few. I will declare conflict of interest on both.
[5:34] The presentation and the action report three on the mayor's
[5:36] task force on medical recruitment, I'm employed by the Great
[5:39] River Ontario Health team, which is mentioned in this report
[5:42] and continues to be an active partner on medical recruitment
[5:44] with the city of Cornwall. And then also I will
[5:47] be declaring conflict of interest on the consent report for
[5:50] so we may want to pull it to be voted
[5:52] on separately. The annual report for municipal grant programs. I'm
[5:57] also still employed by the social development council. And they
[6:01] were recipients of some of the funds last year and
[6:04] plan to apply again this year. So I'll walk away
[6:06] for that as well. Councilor, if I may ask you
[6:09] which. Consent report. Are you asking to be pulled for
[6:12] discussion? Item four and the following item that you were
[6:15] talking about. That was the last item. So the first
[6:20] is the presentation. End Action report three on the mayor's
[6:23] task force on Medical recruitment. And then it's consent item
[6:27] four. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Kaiba motion adopt the
[6:34] minutes of a regular meeting of September eigth, please. Councilor
[6:38] Grinjo, Councilor McDonald, any discussion on the minutes? Seeing none.
[6:42] All in favor? Disario. Thank you. Presentations and delegations. Madam
[6:50] clerk. Presentation number one. 2023 audit findings. The action recommended
[6:55] that council receives a presentation. Ms. Bailey. Thank you. Through
[7:02] you, Mr. Mayor, we're going to invite the city's external
[7:05] auditor. Ms. Huber from KPMG to present the 2023 audit
[7:11] findings and the subsequent report for the financial statements is
[7:16] also on the agenda this evening. Thank you. Ms. Huber.
[7:18] Welcome back. To council. Wonderful. Thank you very much, your
[7:23] worship. Good evening, council. It's my pleasure to be here.
[7:26] Before you tonight to share with you the results of
[7:27] our audit for the year ended December 31. 2023. I
[7:33] have given you a fairly comprehensive report. But two weeks
[7:36] ago I had the pleasure to sit. With the audit
[7:38] committee and go through this report in detail. So what
[7:41] I'd propose to do here tonight before you is walk
[7:43] you through the highlights of our report. And as always,
[7:46] certainly. Welcome any questions from the group, if there are
[7:48] any so jumping into it with respect to the status
[7:51] of our audit. We are. Essentially complete, save for a
[7:54] few remaining items that need to come in close to
[7:56] the audit report. Date, such as legal letter responses, so
[7:59] we were still missing a few. Unfortunately, at the close
[8:02] of business today. Expecting those to come in the coming
[8:06] days. And upon council's acceptance and approval of the financial
[8:09] statements. Hopefully here tonight will be in a position to
[8:12] release our audit report shortly thereafter. In terms of our
[8:16] audit, 2023 was a unique year for a variety of
[8:20] reasons. If you've had a chance to read through our
[8:22] report. It was a year where there were lots of
[8:24] standard changes on the accounting side. It was a long
[8:27] time ago when I was here to speak to you
[8:29] on 2020 two's audit. But certainly we knew they were
[8:33] coming and they were here. That's really. The substantive change
[8:36] year over year, and, of course, continuing to work with
[8:38] the finance team. And we've made some observations in that
[8:41] regard as well, that I'll touch on you will. See
[8:43] in our report that our KPMG audit approach continues to
[8:47] be what we would say is a risk based audit
[8:49] approach. So standing back, looking at the financial statements as
[8:51] a whole, trying to identify where we believe there's a
[8:54] greater risk of material, miss. Misstatement occurring and certainly adopting
[8:57] an audit approach accordingly. We do have the benefit of
[9:00] auditing a number of municipalities in Ontario and here, even
[9:04] locally in eastern Ontario and certainly there's. A lot of
[9:07] synergies that come with that and a lot of uniqueness
[9:10] and a few anomalies that I'll point out to you
[9:12] here tonight as well, so. You will see in our
[9:14] package. It might raise a red flag, which is not
[9:18] meant to be the case. In addition to any particular
[9:21] risk assessments that we do as part of our audit.
[9:23] Included in any financial statement audit are certain presumed risks
[9:27] specifically related to fraud. So you'll see that in our
[9:30] report, which is. The presumption that management and their capacity
[9:33] of management could purport a certain financial statement result. In
[9:36] override controls in that regard. So that's certainly not unique
[9:39] to yourselves, that's. Consistent in any financial statement audit in
[9:42] Canada. So if you had any questions on that, that
[9:45] tends to be one that councils do zone in on.
[9:47] In our report, pleased to say it's. Not unique here
[9:50] again this year, you will see asset retirement obligations was
[9:54] really the highlight or perhaps the. Lowlight for some. For
[9:57] 2023, it was a fairly significant change in the way
[10:01] that the accounting was done previously. So you will see
[10:04] in our report, asset retirement obligations really cover off two.
[10:08] Pieces. One is your landfill liability that has always sat
[10:11] on the books. It's reported in a different way in
[10:14] 2023. And then addition to that, there's. A net new
[10:17] liability that's included in your financial statement specifically related to
[10:21] designated substances such as asbestos that might exist in any
[10:25] of your tangible asset portfolio. Under the adoption of this
[10:29] new standard, the team was required to undertake a fairly
[10:31] significant exercise to look through across the portfolio of assets
[10:36] to identify where that would apply and certainly make the
[10:38] calculation accordingly, we have made some observations. I won't go
[10:42] through those in detail. In terms of best practices compared
[10:46] to peer organizations, but. Certainly on the whole, we concur
[10:50] with management's presentation and disclosure and the measurement. Of that
[10:54] liability at the end of the year being 2023. As
[10:58] I said, 2023 was a busy year. You will see
[11:00] in our report a second new suite of standards were
[11:03] required to be adopted specifically related to financial instruments. So
[11:06] if you've had the opportunity to read through the financial
[11:08] statements. You will see there are some new disclosures. That
[11:12] not only talk about the change, but at the back
[11:14] of the financial statements you will see. Some considerations there
[11:17] specifically around. Financial risks, so those will continue to be
[11:21] part of the financial statements moving forward. In the middle
[11:24] of a report on page number eleven of my report.
[11:28] That's where we get into the numbers, so just. As
[11:31] a level set. It is a group audit, so it
[11:34] is a consolidated set of financial statements. So not just
[11:37] the city of Cornwall, but all of the entities or
[11:39] components that the city does. Control. Are reported in the
[11:43] financial statements here before you tonight. So at the start
[11:45] of our audit, each and every year we set a
[11:48] level of materiality for the group that was set at
[11:51] $6.3. Million. And that really sets the table, if you
[11:53] will, in terms of the size. And scale of the
[11:55] audit work that we do to ultimately come to our
[11:58] final conclusion and our opinion. I am required to share
[12:02] with you to the extent there might be any adjustments
[12:05] that we identify. Through the course of our audit, whether
[12:07] they remain uncorrected or corrected. We will see in the
[12:11] report. There are both of those types of items. However,
[12:15] the one uncorrected is a carryover from the previous year.
[12:19] So what that means is your balance. Sheet. It was
[12:20] a timing piece that last year versus this year. And
[12:23] so your balance sheet at the end of the year
[12:25] in terms of accumulated surplus. Is sitting at zero, which
[12:29] is a great starting point going into a new fiscal
[12:31] year. Outside of the numbers themselves, you will see that
[12:36] we are required to share with yourselves, being those charged
[12:38] with governance. To the extent we identify any areas of
[12:41] control deficiencies or control weaknesses, I'm required to make sure
[12:45] I have that conversation. I made that determination when I
[12:50] was here. Presenting to you for the year ended December
[12:52] 31, 2022. I have made that same determination again for
[12:57] fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, where we believe, based
[13:02] on the work that we saw and the interactions that
[13:05] we had with the team. Certainly feeling as though that
[13:09] has been left unremediated, if you will, and there continues
[13:12] to be a significant deficiency in internal controls. I would
[13:15] say a couple of things have led to that determination
[13:17] you will see in the back of our report. There
[13:20] are certain audit quality indicators that we've given in our
[13:22] report. One of those pieces is client preparedness. The audit
[13:25] did take a fairly lengthy period of time. You will
[13:28] see the corrected items that are included in the financial
[13:31] statements are fairly significant, so the combination of those pieces
[13:35] certainly led to that same conclusion, however. Feeling confident going
[13:40] into 2024 with the work that has been undertaken on
[13:43] the part of management. This year certainly feeling as though
[13:46] it will look different, which I think is certainly the
[13:49] hope going into 2024 in a fairly robust plan to
[13:53] make sure that we all achieve that same objective. And
[13:56] I'm not here in 18 months delivering the 2020. Four
[13:59] audit opinion. Moving along. Actually, the other couple of things
[14:04] that I wanted to bring to your attention, I'm. Required
[14:06] to make sure that we remain independent as your external
[14:10] auditor so we can provide non audit services to the
[14:13] city through the course of the year, and we have
[14:15] and can continue to do so as long as it's
[14:17] not meant to encroach on our independence. Because that's really
[14:20] the beauty that we bring to the table. To have
[14:22] that external set of eyes without any biases. So as
[14:26] long as we provide services, that don't put ourselves in
[14:29] a position of management. So consulting advisory type services offering
[14:33] recommendations there's certainly nothing from our perspective as a firm
[14:37] that would be thought to encroach in our independence. We
[14:39] have a fairly robust system of internal. Controls on our
[14:42] own to make sure. Certainly. I'm aware, as your lead
[14:45] audit engagement partner, of the other services that other folks
[14:48] might be rendering under the same firm. So that takes
[14:51] me really to the final piece, which pulls it all
[14:53] together, and that's our independent auditors. Report you'll see in
[14:56] the back of our report. So it's also included at
[14:59] the start of your financial statements. It is a clean.
[15:02] Opinion, despite the conversation that we have made in terms
[15:05] of the conclusion around internal controls of our financial reporting.
[15:09] It is a clean audit. Opinion for 2023. There are
[15:12] a couple of extra additions if you were to compare
[15:14] the opinion year over year specifically related to the implementation
[15:18] of these new accounting standards. You will see an emphasis
[15:21] of matter. Paragraph and another. Matter. Paragraph. That actually is
[15:24] standard language. In the year of transition of new accounting
[15:27] standards. So that really takes me to the end of
[15:30] the report in terms of the highlights of what I
[15:32] thought would be meaningful, to spend our time discussing and
[15:35] perhaps. Your worship. I will pause there. Thank you. Before
[15:41] we get the questions, I had a motion to receive
[15:43] the presentation. Please, councilor. Good councilor. Sabre questions comments. Any
[15:50] councilor. Good. Thank you, sir. You, Mr. Mayor, you indicated
[15:53] that there were insufficient to internal controls, and I saw
[15:56] in there that the accounting policies and practices there was
[15:59] a recommendation to formalize the year end financial reporting process.
[16:06] And to ensure compliance with the public sector accounting standards.
[16:10] Obviously, we're a little bit behind in our audits, we're
[16:11] looking at 2023. You referenced coming back in 18 months.
[16:15] Or hoping that's not the case and that we can
[16:18] catch up on this backlog. I guess my question is
[16:20] probably to Miss Bailey, is that have we rectified some
[16:24] of these internal controls that have been identified through. The
[16:26] audit. Ms. Bailey. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. We
[16:31] have a lot of these entries are going to say
[16:35] maybe non cash or future liability entries. That were not
[16:38] completed at the time our auditors walked in and really.
[16:43] Our work needs to be done for them to be
[16:46] prepared and do their audit. And so we've been struggling
[16:50] in that area where our budget is on an annual
[16:53] basis. All of those transactions are done. And our team.
[16:58] Who? A lot of our financial services team has changed
[17:03] out with retirements, et cetera, over the last three years.
[17:06] And you think that. Well, they've been there three years.
[17:09] But we do this once a year. So we're hoping
[17:12] that 2024 is much better. We've put our plan in.
[17:15] Place. Our audit. Our interim audit starts in November, and
[17:18] our final audit starts in December this year for 2024.
[17:22] Perfect. Hopefully that helps us get back on track. And
[17:25] as you mentioned, there's consulting services that are available that
[17:28] hopefully can help us if we're in a position that
[17:30] we do need that. Thank you so much. Further commentary
[17:34] questions. Seeing none. All in favor of receiving the presentation?
[17:41] Carrie. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Huber. Mr. Mayor, if
[17:49] I may. We'll now deal with the action report dealing
[17:51] with financial statements. Item number one on the agenda, approval
[17:55] of the 2023 financial statements. Action recommended that council approve
[18:00] the 2023 audited financial statements as. Presented. Is there a
[18:08] motion? Councilor McDonald, Councilor Bennett, any discussion? All in favor?
[18:14] As Carrie thank you. Our second presentation this evening is
[18:18] water financial plan presentation. And the action recommended that council
[18:24] received the presentation. Mr. Pothro through you. Mr. Mayor, I'm
[18:29] pleased to welcome Sean Michael Steven from Watson associates tonight
[18:33] who is here to present the water financial plan which
[18:37] is required for the renewal. Of our municipal drinking water
[18:40] license. The financial plan reflects a comprehensive analysis of the
[18:44] city's water system. Including capital and operating needs, demand projections
[18:50] and funding strategies. The plan serves as a financial roadmap
[18:54] for at least the next six years. And supports the
[18:57] city's strategic vision of delivering responsible and sustainable mutable services.
[19:03] The financial plan is a key component of the city's
[19:05] submission to the MECP. And the MMAh as required under
[19:10] the safe drinking Water Act. Following tonight's presentation, council will
[19:16] be asked to consider a report to approve the water
[19:18] financial plan. And resolutions to authorize its submission to the
[19:23] appropriate ministries. So with that, I'll turn it over to
[19:26] Sean Michael from Watson. Mr. Steven, welcome back to council.
[19:32] Thank you and good evening, Mr. Mayor and members of
[19:35] council. So on the following slide. Please. So just in
[19:41] terms of. The items I'll cover in the presentation. I'll
[19:45] go through the purpose of the study a little bit
[19:48] on the legislation, the requirements for the drinking water license.
[19:53] Talk a little bit. Some of the difference between the
[19:54] budget and the rate study versus the financial plan required
[19:58] under the Ontario Regulation 453 seven, and then a quick
[20:03] summary of the financial indicators and then the recommendations that
[20:07] are presented for council. So, next slide, please. So, firstly,
[20:15] in terms of. The overall purpose of the study. I
[20:23] think important to note that in addition to the financial
[20:27] plan required for the drinking water license, renewal. We're also
[20:30] working with the city and recently commenced a comprehensive rate
[20:33] study that will examine the long term capital and operating
[20:37] cost. And look at. The rate recommendations to sustainably fund
[20:43] those systems, including the impact of water metering and those
[20:47] recommendations will be brought forward. To council in the near
[20:51] future, but this financial plan is what's required at this
[20:55] point. As part of the drinking water license application. And
[21:00] so, in accordance with the legislation, the plan does start
[21:03] in 2026. And then. It's prepared for a minimum of
[21:09] six year period. So there's been a number. Of changes
[21:13] to the legislation over. The past 20 years in terms
[21:18] of. The legislation that governs water and ways to other
[21:22] municipal level. The Safe Drinking Water Act 2002 established many
[21:26] of the rules and protocols around. How regulated entities can
[21:30] provide water to its. Constituents, and one of the requirements
[21:35] being that the Alma's depalities and boards have to be
[21:39] licensed to operate a water system and part of the
[21:42] licensing requirements into submission of the financial plans. Next slide,
[21:47] please. So on. Terror regulation four through three seven. And
[21:56] the guideline. Towards fantasy sustainable drinking water and waste water
[22:00] systems govern the financial plan that needs to be prepared.
[22:03] And to mention, it's one of the five key elements
[22:06] of the Mespo drinking. Water licensed renewal application. It needs
[22:10] to be completed and submitted as part of the application,
[22:13] and it is mandatory for water. And recommended for waste
[22:17] water. Next slide, please. The other four components of. The
[22:24] drinking water license are the drinking water work permit the
[22:27] accepted operation plan based on the drinking water quality management
[22:30] standards, the accreditation of the operating authority, and the permanently
[22:34] take water. Those other components of the application will be
[22:39] prepared by the city. With the financial plan. Being reviewed
[22:45] here tonight. Next slide, please. So in terms of some
[22:50] of the specific requirements of the regulation, So the financial
[22:57] plan does need to be approved by council. And need
[23:02] to make sure that the financial impact being considered over
[23:05] the six year period. Beginning of the year. The after
[23:09] the license. Expire, which is 2026. Next slide, please. Need
[23:16] to have annual projections around this statement of financial position,
[23:20] including the financial assets, liabilities, net debt, non financial assets.
[23:26] The statement of operations, which would include the revenue, expenses,
[23:29] annual surplus, accumulated surplus, the statement of cash. Flows and
[23:33] information related to the replacement of lead service type within
[23:37] the statements. So there are some privately owned led service
[23:41] pipes within the system and the city's practice that windows
[23:44] are identified they notify the property? Owners and provide a
[23:46] time frame which the owners have to have the piping
[23:50] replaced. Next slide, please.
[24:06] I think we're one too far ahead. Sorry. Jump back.
[24:09] One, please. Thank you. So the financial plans have to
[24:15] be made available on request. And they will be made
[24:20] available through the municipalities website. And you also need to
[24:25] provide notice of the availability of the financial plan and
[24:28] also submit that plan to the Ministry of Municipal affairs
[24:31] and Housing. Next slide, please. The last on the requirement.
[24:40] A couple of things just to highlight here. That the
[24:44] financial plan is prepared for new systems. Or license renewal
[24:50] or initial license. They can be amended, but they're not
[24:52] required to be. Amended. Once the city has prepared their
[24:56] competitive rates that you do have the option of amending
[24:58] the financial plan, but you're not required to do so.
[25:03] As well. So we move ahead another slide, then? But
[25:08] just to go over. The differences between the modified cash
[25:14] basis in which. Your budgets and rate forecast rate study
[25:19] we prepared versus the full cruel basis that the financial
[25:22] plan. Neurogus and four figure seven has to be prepared.
[25:27] With respect to capital requirement when looking at your budget
[25:31] and rate forecast to be looking at your capital budget
[25:34] forecast. And future lifecycle cost analysis for future replacement of
[25:39] infrastructure versus assessing the historical cost in the tangible capital
[25:43] asset within the fall coral basis. With back to future
[25:47] debt payment. Within your budget, you'd be looking at future
[25:50] principal interest expenses. First. It's in the financial plan, looking
[25:55] at expenses. Only in principle, being principal cost being. A
[26:03] decrease in debt liability on the statement of financial position.
[26:07] Amortization is not applicable when looking at your budgets and
[26:11] forecast. Yet for the rate study it's recorded to reflect
[26:15] the allocation over their useful life, included in the operating
[26:19] expenses. And then. For. Nerve transfers. Those would be an
[26:27] expense in your budget, but included as. A. As. Part
[26:36] of the accumulated surplus in your financial plan. Next slide,
[26:40] please. So to go over, then. The key financial indicators.
[26:50] So first, with respect to the statement of financial position,
[26:54] What this does really provide information that scribes the assets
[26:57] liability to accumulate surplus of the city's. Water system with
[27:02] respect to the net financial assets. And the debt. That's
[27:05] the difference between the financial assets and the liabilities that
[27:09] provides an indicator of the water system's future revenue requirements.
[27:13] So where financial assets are greater than liabilities. It implies
[27:18] that there are resources to finance future operations. Where the
[27:22] liabilities are greater than the financial assets implies that the
[27:24] future revenues generated needed to fund past transactions of future
[27:28] operations. So the city dwarf system is projected to be
[27:32] in a net financial debt position. 21 million in 2026
[27:36] has improved to a net debt position, about 15 million
[27:40] by 2034. And the tangible capital asset value increased over
[27:44] the period about $113,000,000, reflecting the investment in infrastructure that
[27:49] is anticipated. Look at the statement of operations, which summarizes
[27:54] the revenue and expenses generated by the water. System. The
[27:58] annual surplus deficit indicates whether the revenue generated are sufficient
[28:02] to cover the expenses that have been incurred and the
[28:05] impact on the net financial assets. And so we can
[28:08] see here that in 2026 as indicated by the 42%
[28:12] expense revenue ratio. Which then proves to 66% by 2035.
[28:17] That's due to the tangible capital assets. Being added over
[28:21] the forecast period. Then moving on to the statement of
[28:24] the change in net financial assets and debt. This showed
[28:29] where the revenue generated sufficient to cover the operating non
[28:31] financial asset costs, such as the tangible capital assets. It
[28:35] also explains the difference between the annual surplus and the
[28:38] change in net financial assets for the period. So over
[28:42] the forecast period, the forecast annual surplus is less than
[28:46] the forecasted cumulative asset acquisitions which results in a decrease
[28:52] in the net financial asset balance, and this is shown
[28:55] by the ratio of cumulative annual surplus relative to the
[28:59] tangible capital assets, which increases from 30%. To 84% between
[29:03] the 2026 to 2034 period. Then lastly with the statement
[29:09] of cash flow. This is summarized at how the water
[29:12] system expected to generate mute cash over that forecast period.
[29:15] But it showed that the cash from operations we used
[29:18] to fund capital and build reserves, resulting in projected cash.
[29:23] And projected balancing cash and cash equivalents with about $22.8
[29:27] million by 2034. Growing from $7.4 million, estimated in 2026.
[29:33] As I mentioned, they do provide the key financial indicators
[29:37] in accordance with the regulation, but there will be an
[29:40] opportunity for the comprehensive financial plan being brought back. To
[29:45] council in the future. Through the rate study process to
[29:49] look at. How those future capital and operating expenditures will
[29:53] be funded through future water and waste water rates. Next
[29:59] slide, please. So, in terms of the recommendations, in accordance
[30:04] with the required approvals for the financial plan, it's recommended
[30:08] that council would approve the financial plan date of September
[30:12] 10 as prepared that the notice of availability. The financial
[30:16] plan is advertised that the financial plan be submitted to
[30:20] the ministry of. Mental affairs and housing up for the
[30:23] regulation and as well that the resolution of counts of
[30:27] proven the financial plan. All should be submitted to the
[30:29] Ministry of Environment, Conservation and parks, which satisfies one of
[30:32] the requirements under the safe drinking Water Act. That conclude
[30:37] the overview. And I'll wait for any questions it might
[30:42] be. Thank you. Before I go to questions, can I
[30:46] get a motion to receive the presentation, please? Councilor? Macintosh.
[30:49] Councilor Nunjo. Questions? Councilor and Ginjo. Mr. Mayor. Thank you
[30:57] very much. For. This presentation. That is dense with a
[31:03] lot of numbers. Sorry. But I have few questions that
[31:13] I would like to. Discuss with you on the perspective
[31:21] of our residents. On the next five years. Do you
[31:27] plan? That. We're going to spend more money to keep
[31:32] the quality of water that we have now. Thank you
[31:37] for the question. So based on the capital budget, The
[31:47] city is budgeting for investment into the infrastructure. In accordance
[31:53] with your asset management plan and capital budgets to maintain
[31:55] the infrastructure at a suitable level. Of service. Continue to
[31:59] maintain that for residents. And as I mentioned in terms
[32:05] of. How that gets funded and the impacts on residents
[32:10] that's going to be fleshed out. In further detail in
[32:13] terms of. The exact rate, structures and alternatives that would
[32:17] be brought forward to count. So as you move forward
[32:19] with your citywide metering implementation. Thank you. Please tell
[32:29] me, what do you think about water meters into this?
[32:36] Sure. Could you repeat the last part of the question
[32:37] I didn't quite cast? The fact that we are implementing
[32:44] water meters. Impact all those expenses. So.
[32:55] The implementation or the cost associated with the implementation of
[32:57] the water metering. So it is factored into the expenses.
[33:02] Okay. Thank you. Welcome. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you,
[33:06] Councilor McDonald. Thank you, Mr. Merritt. Through you. I was
[33:12] really surprised to see a reference to the existence of
[33:16] some privately owned. Lead service pipes in the system. I
[33:21] was kind of shocked, actually. So I don't know if
[33:23] my question is to you or to Mr. Fauthrop. But
[33:27] is this just an assumption that there still are some
[33:29] lead pipes out there, or do we know this for
[33:31] a fact. And what do we do? Three, Mr. Mayor.
[33:37] It's an assumption just based off of the amount of
[33:40] private water systems. The city has the city a number
[33:44] of years ago under Tokyo, a review and analysis to
[33:49] track. Down any led services within. The city's infrastructure and
[33:53] remove them. Anytime we find them, we issue notice to
[33:57] the property owner. We haven't found any recently. It's just
[34:00] an assumption that. There may be one or two left
[34:03] out in the system that we may not be aware
[34:05] of. Anytime we would come into contact, we would issue
[34:08] a notice accordingly. Okay. Thank you. That's reassuring. Further questions
[34:14] or comments. Councilor. Good. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor.
[34:24] I noted here? Okay. On page 239, it's showing that
[34:26] in 2026, our debt load is 20,000,020.88 million, is that
[34:32] correct? As councilor and Guja indicated. Pretty dense report here.
[34:37] I'm seeing that by 2034 our debt load should be
[34:41] reduced down to just over 15 million. And I'm wondering
[34:50] along the lines similar to counselor in Gunjo as we're
[34:54] implementing this new system with water meters. And we near
[34:58] the point where we're going to be replacing them. Where
[35:03] will we be in our debt cycle at that time,
[35:06] based on the projections, will we have paid them off.
[35:09] Are we going to keep rolling the debt over? And
[35:13] is what you're seeing in our community consistent with what
[35:16] you see in other municipalities? Thanks for the question. So
[35:22] to the first part of the question. I think that
[35:28] the answer to that would be a little bit further
[35:31] out than this financial plan. Has looked, but would be
[35:33] assessed in part. In the rate study and looking at.
[35:39] How and how. Those long term lifecycle cost over the
[35:45] minimum of a ten year period are going to be
[35:47] funded by future residents. And implementing the asset management plan.
[35:54] I just keep coming back to that because. I think
[35:59] in terms of some of. The concerns that counts, that
[36:03] would have around. Impacts on residents and the more comprehensive
[36:08] financial picture round impacts of the water metering that's. Going
[36:12] to be better understood through. The presentation. And the rapportion
[36:18] within the rate study than within the financial plan. As
[36:20] part of. The drinking water laser application because it's done
[36:24] on the full accrual basis. With respect to the. I
[36:29] actually apologize. The second part of your question was, if
[36:31] you don't. Mind. Peeding that. I think the information that
[36:38] you've given is sufficient. You mentioned. That the rate study.
[36:43] And just so that we're all on the same page
[36:46] here, when do we expect that to be coming back
[36:48] to council? We expect that to be early in the
[36:53] new year. Perfect. Thank you so much. That's all. Thank
[36:56] you. Further comments or questions? Okay, seeing none. Going to
[37:02] call the vote. All in favor of receiving the presentation?
[37:07] That is carried. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Steven. Welcome.
[37:12] And we will now deal with the action report number
[37:15] two. Water financial permit 176201. Action. Recommended that council approve
[37:22] that the City of Cornwall water financial plan as prepared
[37:25] by Watson. An associate economist, Limited, dated September 10, 2025.
[37:33] Be approved. Council McDonald. Seconded by councilor Sabre. Any discussion?
[37:41] Seeing none. All in favor? That is carried. Thank you.
[37:48] Our third presentation this evening is the mayor's task force
[37:52] on medical recruitment. The action recommended by council received the
[37:56] presentation once provided from administration on behalf of the city
[38:01] on the mayor's. Task force of medical recruitment. Ms rendez.
[38:17] Getting direction from the CEO. It is the mayor's task
[38:23] force. That is true. But certainly there's a lot of
[38:26] work that goes into this, and a lot of the
[38:27] work behind the scenes was completed by Ms. Rendez and
[38:30] other members of our team in economic development and that
[38:33] related department and I want to thank them for all
[38:35] their hard work that went into this. I'll start seeing
[38:37] that at the front end of the presentation, and I
[38:38] want to also take a moment to. Thank the two
[38:43] members of the committee who joined me, Councilor Sabari in
[38:45] Hollingsworth. And I look forward to the discussion from our
[38:49] colleagues on this. Ms. Rendeck, when you're. Ready. You can
[38:51] start, please. Thank you. Thank you through Mr. Mayor. Good
[38:55] evening, council. It is my pleasure to join you today
[38:58] on behalf of the mayor's task force on medical recruitment
[39:01] to present their work over the last twelve months and
[39:04] their final recommendations for your consideration and approval. You have
[39:09] our slides already up, which is perfect. So as council,
[39:15] we will remember the mayor's task force on medical recruitment
[39:18] was established following an announcement by Mayor Justin Taundo on
[39:23] May 14, 2024, in which he wanted to address. Some
[39:28] gaps in our existing programs. And also ensure that we
[39:32] were positioning ourselves as a municipality, as a competitive. Recruitment
[39:37] campaign. So the task force received a mandate to review
[39:40] the existing. Medical recruitment programs, consult with key interest holders
[39:46] within the health sector, and research how other municipalities are
[39:49] currently supporting the sector and recruitment more generally. Their goal
[39:53] was to provide you as council with actionable. Recommendations to
[39:57] support improved access to health care. In our community. The
[40:02] members, as noted by the mayor, were at mayor Towndale,
[40:06] councilor Hollingsworth and councilor Sebrand. Supported by many administrative staff,
[40:10] they began their work by developing a twelve month task
[40:13] force action plan, which included engagement, public communication, and research
[40:17] and analysis. This was provided as part of the report
[40:21] as one of your attachments. We've organized this presentation today.
[40:26] In each of those headings to sort of allow you
[40:28] to follow the process over the last twelve months. Interest
[40:32] holder engagement was a key activity necessary for achieving their
[40:35] mandate. Task force members invited key interest holders to present
[40:43] the nature of their work, current workforce shortages, sector specific
[40:47] issues or concerns and specific ideas for how the city
[40:50] can improve their medical recruitment efforts. The task force hosted
[40:55] ten engagement meetings and received a total of 17 presentations
[40:58] from 23 individuals. It is worth noting that over the
[41:01] course of this project, the task force did engage over
[41:04] 72 different individuals throughout the sector, so it really was
[41:09] a holistic and thorough effort. Presenters from across the healthcare
[41:15] system. Included voices from the emergency healthcare services, primary healthcare
[41:21] services, health sector organizations, provincial government partners, and past recipients
[41:26] from the medical recruitment programs. Also part of their action
[41:30] plan was to ensure that this was a public and
[41:32] transparent process. Public communications was key. This included various media
[41:37] releases, media interviews, and social media engagement. They used the
[41:45] have yoursay pages in both English and French to share
[41:47] updates. Meeting and meeting notes with residents. There was talk,
[41:53] considerable talk, about a public survey. In the end, it
[41:56] wasn't executed because it was realized through all of their
[42:00] research and engagement that a lot of that work had
[42:02] been previously done by local interest holders. And so instead,
[42:06] we leverage the resource and the data previously provided. Or
[42:11] previously gathered and provided to us. All meetings were open
[42:15] to the public, streamed online and saved to the city
[42:18] website. And so there is a record of all of
[42:20] those discussions and presentations, and obviously, council is welcome to
[42:23] view and consider at any time. All outgoing, public facing
[42:28] communication relating to this task force was communicated in both
[42:31] English and French and that will continue as we implement
[42:35] the recommendations. Finally. Noting that. We do need to do
[42:44] additional research and analysis. The task force did conduct. A
[42:50] variety of pieces or indirected administration to conduct a variety
[42:53] of research elements. To better deepen their understanding as to
[42:59] the scope of provincial and local healthcare challenges. The specific
[43:04] crisis or future needs of residents as it relates to
[43:06] their primary care needs. It also helped them understand the
[43:10] impact, value and limitations of our existing programs. And as
[43:15] in a more recent just sort of a financial update
[43:18] of the program and the capacity to grow and expand.
[43:22] They were also very interested in exploring new recruitment trends
[43:27] and strategies that are being seen both in other municipalities
[43:31] across Ontario and Canada. And so. We did look at
[43:37] various, various instances for turnkey facilities. What forms of incentivized
[43:43] healthcare facility improvement programs exist. And what opportunities there might
[43:47] be to leverage internationally trained workforces, especially relating to primary
[43:51] care. So with all of that work, We worked to
[44:01] support the task force in identifying a variety of themes,
[44:03] and five action areas emerged. The rest of this presentation
[44:08] is organized based on those action areas because each of
[44:11] them resulted in a series of recommendations for your consideration.
[44:16] So if we can advance, I'll say actionary number one.
[44:20] Regarded. Recruitment and retention. So recommendation one from the mayor's
[44:27] task force on medical recruitment recommends that the city of
[44:30] Cornwall direct administration to establish a medical recruitment program Committee
[44:33] of Council to review all medical recruitment program applications, requests
[44:38] and new opportunities as they emerge. Council members appointed to
[44:41] the task force will be reappointed directly to the new.
[44:44] Committee until the new term of counsel. As a second
[44:48] recommendation, the task force directs administration to admit the coronal
[44:55] medical recruitment relocation program. To allow for applications and agreements
[44:59] with nurse practitioners looking to relocate and practice in Cornwall.
[45:04] Offer more flexible and tiered incentives, including student loan repayments,
[45:08] relocation supports, and expanded overhead costs. To deepen the length
[45:13] of commitment in the community. And return to council for
[45:17] final approval for all program amendments, including those incentives. Recommendation
[45:23] three to amend the Cornwall Medical Scholarship program to allow
[45:26] for applications and agreements with a student. Applying to become
[45:29] a nurse practitioner or looking to practice in Cornwall. To
[45:36] specify under what conditions the city can allow for those
[45:38] applications and agreements with students studying primary care outside of
[45:42] Canada, so there was lots of discussion about internationally trained
[45:45] students. And then. Specific application preference, but not a requirement
[45:51] to be an existing resident of Cornwall. And again, that
[45:54] just sort of expands the scope of eligibility for the
[45:56] program. Recommendation four to deepen the collaboration with neighboring municipalities,
[46:02] health sector institutions, and regional organizations. There are few suggestions
[46:06] on how this could happen, but in general. Looking for
[46:12] opportunities to expand the region for return of service through
[46:16] Cornwall and SDG shared services. Opportunities to expand recruitment efforts
[46:20] and return of service agreements with the Mohawk Council of
[46:22] Aquithasne and continued partnership in regional healthcare recruitment initiatives that
[46:27] show clear work plans, including measurable goals for achieving targeted
[46:32] recruitment. In specific. Jurisdictions. And increased retention across the region.
[46:38] It's worth noting that there are a variety of these
[46:40] programs ongoing. And so this recommendation just supports that continued
[46:43] work by administration. So action area number two relates to
[46:49] healthcare facilities. So as noted, there was significant discussion by
[46:52] the task force as to how best to support. The
[47:00] facilities themselves and the institutional operations. This recommendation from the
[47:05] task force again directs administration to consider a feasibility of
[47:10] developing a new community. Improvement program or a CIP or
[47:14] some sort of separate medical facility development program that would
[47:17] support primary care facilities through and not limited to repayable
[47:22] loans. Forgivable loans, tax increment grants, or smaller grants to
[47:27] do specific improvements. This is recognizing that many of our
[47:31] facilities are aging, and to grow their capacity, they may
[47:35] require additional. Short term financial support. There was also discussion
[47:41] about. What? Is talked about, or what is referred to
[47:46] as turnkey facilities or municipally supported facilities, and so this
[47:50] action recommendation is to explore the feasibility of creating a
[47:53] health facility in Cornwall like those of Carlton Place Regional
[47:57] Health hub or another municipally supported facility. There's sort of
[48:02] a rendering there on screen, but there are many different
[48:04] examples of these. Types of facilities. And so this is
[48:06] really a recommendation just to come back to council with
[48:09] more. Recommendations. And finally. This recommendation or it was
[48:19] acknowledged that there's a lot of advocacy efforts, there's a
[48:21] lot of work that has to happen beyond the municipal
[48:23] scope, and so this recommendation is to develop an advocacy
[48:27] master's directed to the province of Ontario that stresses the
[48:30] need to increase investment to primary care services, and if
[48:33] there are facilities. In communities like Cornell, so medium urban
[48:39] communities. There are a lot of financial programs for more
[48:41] rural communities and for urban dense communities, but not as
[48:44] many for communities of our size and also to increase
[48:48] financial envelopes for family physicians, family health teams, community health
[48:52] centers, nurse practitioner led clinics. So they can confidently expand
[48:55] their staff. Through the expansion of their facilities.
[49:06] Action area number three addressed growing and attracting new graduates.
[49:09] So understanding that. Generationally. We do need to support and
[49:14] bring on new trained physicians, and so this recommendation really
[49:20] speaks to directing administration so that they can facilitate the
[49:23] creation of a postgraduate medical residency program in Cornwall, and,
[49:27] if appropriate, to sort of tie that to our existing
[49:30] scholarship program. It's worth knowing there is work to be
[49:33] done here. But this is just the early stages of
[49:35] facilitating the growth of that kind of program. Action area
[49:39] for use of technology. So as we know, technology is
[49:43] ever changing, and that is very prevalent within the healthcare
[49:46] sector. So this action area speaks to the opportunity. To
[49:55] further further the use of technology within the sector. So
[49:58] again, Recommendation one under action four is develop an advocacy
[50:03] message directed to the province of Ontario that stresses the
[50:06] need to develop a centralized, cross platform compatible electronic medical
[50:09] record, which is a lot of words. That says ensuring
[50:12] that every practitioner is using the same system or systems
[50:16] that are compatible and can speak to each other so
[50:18] that we can remove. Ourselves. Maybe from the fact system.
[50:23] And then recommendation two is continued support for existing efforts
[50:28] in our community, many of which are led by the
[50:30] Great River Ontario health team. To explore different AI tools
[50:35] or administrative tools that alleviate that administrative burden and business
[50:39] burden of primary care. And other tools for regional navigation
[50:44] and supporting patients to navigate our many services in healthcare.
[50:50] So final action area is regarding mentorship and professional development.
[50:58] There was a lot of discussion and shared stories from
[51:00] our presenters in which mentorship or professional development opportunities really
[51:05] paved the way and provided the confidence. For newer professionals
[51:10] in the sector. And so. While the task force did
[51:15] not propose a specific recommendation, Specific to mentorship or professional
[51:20] development. Instead, they acknowledge the benefits of mentorship and professional
[51:24] development. And encourage that the local medical community take the
[51:27] lead on peer to peer mentorship programs, entrepreneurship training and
[51:32] professional development opportunities that already exist in our community or
[51:35] could potentially exist through partnership. So with all those 18
[51:40] recommendations, the task force has proposed an implementation timeline. To
[51:49] help administration prioritize. The next few months. And so in
[51:54] the short term, The majority of the early recommendations can
[51:58] be achieved in the next three to twelve months. So
[52:02] key elements of sort of those amendments to our existing
[52:04] programs continuing to work in partnership, deepening and strengthening our
[52:08] partnerships, developing advocacy messages to different levels of government, and
[52:13] encouraging those mentorship and entrepreneurship opportunities. In a medium term
[52:19] timeline. So a twelve to 24 month. The task force
[52:24] is seeing the establishment of some sort of medical facility
[52:28] support program. And potentially a postgraduate residency program within our
[52:33] community and then long term, looking at. The development of
[52:38] a municipally supported healthcare facility and broader evaluation of all
[52:43] of these efforts at a three year point. And with
[52:47] that, I like to conclude the presentation and I turn
[52:50] it back to the chair for questions. Thank you. Thank
[52:53] you. Can I get a motion to receive before we
[52:55] go to questions councilor? McDonald, councilor and Ginjo, questions. Councilor
[53:01] McDonald. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. That's the most question is.
[53:09] A comment. I'd like to give a shout out to
[53:12] the committee. The Merritt task force. For the work they
[53:15] did. And we've had a medical recruitment program for years
[53:20] in this city, and over time, unfortunately, the whole. Medical,
[53:25] what we just say. The whole system, everything changed so
[53:28] much. And I think what we had just lacked the
[53:30] flexibility that I believe you've built into what you're proposing,
[53:36] so. That moving forward. We can have the kind of
[53:40] success we saw the last council meeting where we actually
[53:43] approved two new doctors who were admitted into the program.
[53:48] I especially liked the fact that at one time, I
[53:52] think municipalities were competing with each other for the few
[53:56] physicians who might have been floating around looking for a
[53:58] home. In fact, I remember at one point. We generously.
[54:04] I think we provided a house, renovated it. We did
[54:06] everything we could on a competitive basis of course. But
[54:09] now there seems to be so much collaboration between all
[54:12] the municipalities. And not just collaboration. Outright copying, which. Is
[54:19] absolutely sensible because we don't all have to invent our
[54:22] own wheels. If something's working somewhere else. Copy it. And
[54:27] I think you're pretty brave in pointing out places where
[54:31] that's been advantageous to us. And I also really appreciate
[54:35] the fact that in some of your action items, You're
[54:38] calling on the city to develop advocacy messages to put
[54:43] pressure on the provincial government. Because we can't do this
[54:46] alone. So I think it's a great report. Thank you
[54:49] very much. And continued success. With whatever replaces the task
[54:54] force. I hope it just adopts all the recommendations that
[54:58] you've. Made. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Ninja. Mr. Mayor.
[55:04] Thank you very much. Just wanted. To thank you. About
[55:11] what you're doing. And. I think. We really need. New
[55:21] practitioners in our community due to many factors that you
[55:26] spoke about. I wanted just to ask you. If. The
[55:33] hospital of Cornwall has any rules? That is against or
[55:39] that is not facilitating. To attract. New doctors. Siri. Mr.
[55:48] Mayor. Thank you, councilor. There's no specific. Limitations that I'm
[55:57] aware of with the Cornwall Community hospital that's restricting. Any
[56:01] of our recruitment efforts. What I would like to sort
[56:04] of further say is that they've actually been a tremendous
[56:07] partner over the years in these efforts. And often are
[56:11] the ones informing us of physicians that are looking to
[56:14] relocate and we can develop those relationships and vice versa.
[56:19] They have also navigated. A lot of other limitations or
[56:22] restrictions. So for internationally trained physicians, for example, or preceptor,
[56:28] requirements for training for postgrad training students. So the hospital
[56:32] has been very equipped and well supported. To really advance
[56:36] a lot of our goals within recruitment. I guess perhaps
[56:41] I'm just curious if there's anything specific that you're. Aware
[56:43] of, but to my knowledge, They've been able to really
[56:47] support and will continue to support our efforts. Mr. Mayor.
[56:52] Good to hear that, because I know. They are a
[56:55] big actor into these items, so I just wanted to
[56:59] make sure that. This aspect was discussed. Another point that
[57:06] I wanted to rise here is you're going to tell
[57:09] me if I'm wrong. But looks like the province is
[57:15] discussing. With some doctors. On our way into the loop,
[57:21] or can we gain. Some doctor from all this discussion.
[57:29] Did you hear anything? Where are we? Mr. Mayor. I
[57:38] might just look for a bit of clarification. There are
[57:40] many conversations happening. At the provincial level, around the healthcare
[57:43] sector. Specifically. Are you inquiring about? The Ontario Medical association.
[57:50] Negotiations for pay. Okay, thank you. So if I can
[57:55] elaborate on that. So it's in negotiation between. Those physicians
[58:01] who bill for fee for service through OHip. They have
[58:05] been negotiating. With the province. For improvements to the fee
[58:10] structures. In a variety of different ways. One of the
[58:14] most noted way is that they will be able. To.
[58:21] Account for their administrative time. So as it is right
[58:23] now, physicians are unable. So if they have to do
[58:26] all the paperwork associated with seeing patients they're not able
[58:29] to actually account for. That and bill that to the
[58:31] province. They're essentially doing it pro bono. And so there's
[58:36] a lot of different conversations. And. Different elements that they're
[58:41] looking to have encompassed in the fee structure, but also
[58:45] just a more fair and equitable fee structure across the
[58:48] province. If the councilor wishes, we could definitely provide more
[58:52] information on that as it arises. All right. Thank you.
[58:55] Good to hear it. So, yes, I'm open. And kudos.
[58:59] I think we deserve it. And congratulations. For what you're
[59:03] doing. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, councilor. Good. Thank
[59:08] you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you so much for
[59:10] bringing this presentation forward. I know that everybody on this
[59:13] task force worked very hard, and you can see that
[59:16] through all the interviews that took place. I'm very happy
[59:18] that I can actually speak to this this time, as
[59:20] I'm no longer employed with the oh T. But I
[59:23] have had an opportunity over the last few years. To
[59:27] gain an interesting insight into. The efforts that are being
[59:31] made within the community to actually. Connect the health care
[59:36] system. And so, as we know around this table, healthcare
[59:40] is a responsibility of the province. However, we are not
[59:45] alone. As many municipalities are facing crises. There are many
[59:50] people who are not. They call it attached to primary
[59:53] care. And the goal is to ensure that everyone has
[59:57] some kind of attachment, whether it's through a community health
[59:59] system through primary care with. Their own physician. So seeing
[1:00:05] that we are pulling together what we can because we
[1:00:08] understand that we actually are the ones who face the
[1:00:10] burden of this crisis. Not really the province. It falls
[1:00:14] on us. I'm so relieved to see that. We're talking
[1:00:19] about this partnership expansion with SDG and with Aquasosny. I
[1:00:24] know. We have existing relationships, of course, with our shared
[1:00:26] services with SDG. That'll probably be a bit of a
[1:00:29] more jurisdictionally complex conversation whenever it comes to Aquasasana, but
[1:00:34] I'm very glad to see that included, as well as
[1:00:37] the inclusion of the CIP. Or potential community improvement grant,
[1:00:42] because essentially, if a doctor is setting up an office,
[1:00:45] it's like starting a small business. So there's overhead. There's,
[1:00:48] like you mentioned, administrative responsibilities. Filing their taxes and reporting
[1:00:54] on this, that and the other thing. So it's not
[1:00:56] just seeing patients, which is probably what most of them
[1:00:59] want to do, but there's a lot more involved in
[1:01:01] that. Really reassured. And of course, like I mentioned, Health
[1:01:07] is the responsibility of the province. But I'm glad to
[1:01:10] see that there's advocacy here. On both. Electronic medical record
[1:01:15] system that we can use anywhere across the province, hopefully
[1:01:19] anywhere across the country, frankly. If I had my druthers.
[1:01:23] So that's great. And I've heard over and over again
[1:01:26] this desire for turnkey. Because, again, when you're starting a
[1:01:29] small business and doctors want to see patients, we want
[1:01:32] to help facilitate that. So I'm really excited that there
[1:01:36] is a committee that's going to be starting. I think
[1:01:37] this will really 30 seconds, increase the transparency that we're
[1:01:41] seeing here, this probably could have been its own special.
[1:01:44] Meeting. This is excellent. I'm very excited. And the thing
[1:01:47] I want to see the most is this residency program
[1:01:49] in Cornwall. I know that's down the pipe, but my
[1:01:52] fingers are crossed. Tightly for that. So great job. Excited
[1:01:55] to see what comes back in the future. Thank you.
[1:01:59] Further comments, Councilor Macintosh? The doctors are retiring a lot
[1:02:07] earlier, and then my youth. Do we have any idea
[1:02:11] how many? Doctors and carnal family doctors will retire in
[1:02:14] the next five years. Through, Mr. Mayor. We have an
[1:02:20] estimate that. Eight family physicians will be leading the community,
[1:02:26] retiring and leaving the community in the next five years.
[1:02:28] So we really play a vicious game of catch up.
[1:02:32] Yes. Our estimates. If I can elaborate our estimates at
[1:02:36] this point. Show. About 16,000 residents are unattached within the
[1:02:40] full region of Cornwall. Sdg aquasaus land parts of prescott
[1:02:45] russell. And that's about 14% of our population. We expect
[1:02:51] another 14% to 16%. Will be unattached through retirement, which
[1:02:55] is why there is so much energy and effort, right?
[1:02:57] Now to bring on primary care. And not only are
[1:03:01] the retirener. My doctor, 56 years old, and he's cut
[1:03:06] back to two and three days a week. Because he
[1:03:10] tells me it's the paperwork that overwhelms him. And what
[1:03:14] he doesn't get paid to do. He's not in for
[1:03:16] the he's there for the money. But the idea that
[1:03:18] so much he does like calling me at 630 at
[1:03:21] night with my x ray results. He didn't get paid
[1:03:23] for that, he says. He's doing it because he's a
[1:03:26] family doctor. So if you take the number. Of retiring
[1:03:30] and the ones that are cutting back. Which you don't
[1:03:33] really have stats on. They're not telling you I'm. Down
[1:03:37] to three days a week, by the way. The postgrad
[1:03:42] medical recruitment thing. Didn't we have an agreement with Queens
[1:03:45] University medical school? A few years ago where they said.
[1:03:52] They're best. That's what he told us. Did that agreement
[1:03:55] expire or they just decide not to do it anymore?
[1:03:59] Thank you. Through Mr. Mayor. Yes, that was a program.
[1:04:03] That. Had a cute name called adopt a resident. Adopt
[1:04:06] a medical resident. And so that was individuals going through
[1:04:10] their postgraduate and they were positioned within the Cornwall Community
[1:04:14] Hospital. It was a three year commitment. With the city
[1:04:18] supporting financially, they did run. Two cycles of it. And
[1:04:22] then it was assessed that the needs. The hospital couldn't
[1:04:26] quite align, and they didn't need a further student at
[1:04:28] that. Time. It could always be explored at this time.
[1:04:32] That hasn't come up from our partners. But it was
[1:04:36] a successful program. My understanding is a physician sort of
[1:04:39] has stayed and been participant. Of the community ever since.
[1:04:43] How many doctors, how many potential doctors we have now
[1:04:46] that are in our scholarship program. So through, Mr. Mayor.
[1:04:55] We have? I guess just to confirm. So we have
[1:04:58] a number of different stages as part of the scholarship
[1:05:00] program. So we have individuals who are currently in school.
[1:05:03] And in that case, we have one individual who's completing
[1:05:05] their studies at this time. I'm sorry. I'm actually just
[1:05:09] going to double check my numbers. We have seven doing
[1:05:14] their return of service. Well, it changes every year. We
[1:05:20] have seven doing their return of service, which means that
[1:05:21] they have completed their studies, but they're here in our
[1:05:24] community practicing for that five year turn of service. And
[1:05:27] so. I have confirmation that they're all practicing at this
[1:05:31] time, and then we have one who's fully completed their
[1:05:35] return of service at this time. We have one in
[1:05:38] the United States right now who's coming back home. Thank
[1:05:42] you, Mr. Mayor. They've all returned. Yeah. So they beginning
[1:05:46] their practice? I believe the individual you might be speaking
[1:05:49] to is just finalizing. Their licensing into Ontario. We will
[1:05:54] expect him to begin his practice in the next two
[1:05:56] to three months. ER doctors, they tell me. Easy to
[1:05:59] recruit. I'm told that ER doctors don't. Have to do
[1:06:03] all the paperwork. They just do their twelve hour shifts
[1:06:07] three times a week and. They make just as much,
[1:06:10] if not more, if they had a family practice. Thank
[1:06:14] you through Mr. Merritt. So there's. A hospitalist. Role within
[1:06:21] the hospital, and then there's an emergency medical physician, so
[1:06:25] an. Er physician would require a plus one fellowship to
[1:06:30] work here, so it does require a little bit. Of
[1:06:31] additional training. And then the hospitals program, not as much.
[1:06:35] They can come in with the family medicine. So both
[1:06:38] of those. Roles are salaried and. They definitely. Are. For
[1:06:47] certain individuals seen as the right fit for them because
[1:06:49] it does limit the administrative burden. But it really does
[1:06:52] depend on the physician. I want to stress that in
[1:06:54] various conversations some will do. A blend. We have a
[1:06:57] family friend who's an ER doctor in Ottawa, lives in
[1:07:00] carnival. And. He says. That's just what he wants to
[1:07:04] do. He doesn't want a family practice or. The pains
[1:07:06] of setting up a business. Quite happy doing the our
[1:07:09] job up in Ottawa. Anyway, thanks. It's a tough game
[1:07:14] to earn, but I think we're starting to see some
[1:07:16] results. Further comments. Seeing none. Going to call the vote
[1:07:24] to receive the presentation. All in favor? That is carried.
[1:07:30] Thank you. We will now move forward to the action
[1:07:34] report number three, mayors task force on medical recruitment and
[1:07:38] it's its final report. And the recommendations are? That council
[1:07:44] approved the recommendations as presented. Dissolve the mayor's task force.
[1:07:49] On medical recruitment. As it has achieved its mandate, reappoint
[1:07:53] the members of the task force. To the new committee
[1:07:55] of council following council's approval of the terms of reference
[1:07:59] and receive the report from administration on behalf of the.
[1:08:02] Mayor's task force of medical recruitment. Thank you. Moved by
[1:08:07] Councilor Hollingsworth. Seconded by Councilor Sabre. Discussion. Now I'm going
[1:08:13] to call the vote. All in favor? All opposed. Carrie,
[1:08:22] thank you. Thanks again to Ms. Rendez for all the
[1:08:24] work you put into. This. I want to thank also
[1:08:26] all the interest holders that we consulted with, all the
[1:08:28] medical staff. And physicians who came forward to present to
[1:08:31] the committee. And while this stage of the work is
[1:08:33] done. There's a lot of work. From this point on,
[1:08:36] going forward. Thank you. Consent reports.
[1:08:46] All matters listed on the consent agenda are considered to
[1:08:49] be routine and will be enacted. By one motion. There
[1:08:53] will not be any separate discussions on the items. Keeping
[1:08:57] in mind that item four has been separated from the
[1:09:00] total amount for votes separately. Item one is 2023. Annual.
[1:09:05] Report on the status of city reserve recommendation that council
[1:09:09] receive. Report 20 25 41 financial services on city reserves
[1:09:14] and reserve funds as of December 31, 2023. Item 2023,
[1:09:20] annual report on municipal debt limits. The action recommended is
[1:09:25] that this report on Financial Services number 43, as required
[1:09:29] under the Municipal Act 2001 Ontario Regulation 403. Two item
[1:09:36] three 2023 annual report on development charges, reserve fund. The
[1:09:41] action recommended is that the report 20 25 44 financial
[1:09:46] services be received. Item five. Elected officials expense statement for
[1:09:50] the period of April 1 to June 30, 2025. Action
[1:09:54] recommended that council received the statement of expenses for elected
[1:09:58] officials for the period April 1 to June 30. Thank
[1:10:02] you. Motion, Councilor Hollingsworth. Seconded by Council McDonald. All in
[1:10:06] favor? Carried. Thank you. Item four. 2025. Annual report for
[1:10:12] the Municipal Grants program. Action recommended by council receive the
[1:10:16] report. The financial services for the annual report for the
[1:10:19] Municipal Grants Program 2025. Motion. Councilor Bennett. Seconded by Councilman
[1:10:26] Binjo. All in favor? Carrie. Thank you. Action report number
[1:10:33] four. Criminal Youth Ambassador program. The action recommends that council
[1:10:37] approved the Cornwall Youth ambassador's. Program initiative and terms of
[1:10:40] reference. Got a motion, please. Council barrier second by councilor.
[1:10:47] Good. Discussion council. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm really happy
[1:10:56] to see this come forward tonight. I'm really encouraged that
[1:11:00] we're going to have an opportunity to hear the youth.
[1:11:02] Voices in our community. I know that. Our last youth
[1:11:07] council. Wasn't necessarily as engaged in terms of. Policy decisions
[1:11:14] or recommendations and things like that. I'm hoping that. This
[1:11:19] ambassador program is more tied to the actual work of
[1:11:23] the municipality, so I'd really love to see these youth
[1:11:26] given an opportunity to provide feedback on city plans, reports,
[1:11:30] even budget discussions. And capital projects. So I know when
[1:11:34] we receive our reports from administration, there's sort of a
[1:11:37] line in terms of how this report may impact our
[1:11:41] strategic plan or our environmental plans. Love to. Maybe not
[1:11:46] officially that way, but in a way. When we have
[1:11:50] some larger. Plans coming to us that the youth can
[1:11:53] get together and give some feedback because it's some really
[1:11:57] valuable input that I think we're missing right now. Because
[1:12:00] I like to think I'm still youth, but I'm far
[1:12:03] from it now. So will the ambassadors receive an orientation
[1:12:09] on municipal governance? So on day one, I think they
[1:12:12] really need to understand how council works, how decisions are
[1:12:15] made so they're really well prepared in terms of giving
[1:12:18] a meaningful. Engagement. The mayor and I are sparring on
[1:12:24] who's going to take this one on. Yes, certainly. Once
[1:12:33] we have the committee struck by the individual students that
[1:12:36] are going to be participating. We will give them an
[1:12:39] orientation on how general. Government. Work. Okay, great. A crash
[1:12:46] course would be fantastic, and if you want to loop
[1:12:49] some of us. In on that as well. That'd be
[1:12:52] great, because I know. It certainly took quite a while
[1:12:56] for me, once elected, to really grasp the complexities of
[1:13:00] the municipal world. So I think it's really important to
[1:13:03] give them that base understanding. How often will the ambassadors
[1:13:07] meet as a group. I didn't see any frequency. In
[1:13:11] the terms of reference, and I think having, like, a
[1:13:13] regular scheduled meeting would help maintain that. Momentum and ensure
[1:13:17] that. They have monthly opportunity to review what's coming up
[1:13:21] next month at council meetings. Through you, Mr. Mayor. I
[1:13:25] don't believe it's going to be a monthly meeting. Simply
[1:13:29] because it's difficult for the students. Once they're in school,
[1:13:32] they have their schoolwork. After school hours. They have schoolwork,
[1:13:36] they have after school activities. They have their work that
[1:13:39] they do, so it's difficult to try and get them
[1:13:41] in. On a monthly basis, but we will try. With,
[1:13:46] of course, having that discussion with them probably, I would
[1:13:49] think, maybe four times a year is what we're looking
[1:13:52] at. I just want to make sure that it's not
[1:13:53] just. Symbolic that there's actual meaningful feedback that we're hearing
[1:13:58] from them and actual influence. Hopefully influence from their engagement,
[1:14:02] so I think more regularly would be ideal. I understand
[1:14:06] they're very busy, but. I don't think they would commit
[1:14:09] to something like that without knowing that maybe once every
[1:14:12] other month. There's a two hour time frame that they'd
[1:14:14] have to commit. To. If they can't attend, then send
[1:14:19] a delegate or something like that. But I'm really happy
[1:14:22] to see this. Love to see a bigger version of
[1:14:25] this with time to include youth. From not just high
[1:14:28] school. I think we can expand the definition of youth
[1:14:32] to 25, even to see it a little bit more
[1:14:34] inclusive. I'd love to see them engaged in creating. A
[1:14:38] youth attraction and retention strategy for our community. Throw that
[1:14:43] out to them, see if they're interested. But I think
[1:14:46] if we were to. Create a strategy in terms of
[1:14:49] attracting and retaining our youth, it should absolutely come from
[1:14:51] the youth. And not a consulting firm. But looking forward
[1:14:57] to seeing. What they'll be able to offer. Just one
[1:15:01] last question. What's the timeline? Are we seeing this implemented
[1:15:05] this school year or. Are we waiting until next school
[1:15:07] year? True, Mr. Mayor, we definitely are going to move
[1:15:12] forward on this as soon as we get the approval
[1:15:14] from council. We'll be reaching out to the different high
[1:15:16] schools. To have them offer us. Some the names of
[1:15:22] some of their students. Okay, great. Thank you so much.
[1:15:26] Councilor. Good. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. I'm also
[1:15:29] really thrilled to see this. Come forward, I think. Councilor
[1:15:33] bear mentioned retaining our youth, keeping them here and keeping
[1:15:36] them engaged. We are of the same vintage councilor repair.
[1:15:41] And I, and I think while I also consider myself
[1:15:43] useful. We're both nearing our 40s. And so. Not as
[1:15:48] youthful as we think we are. Sorry to ouch you.
[1:15:53] But in all seriousness, I really hope that this becomes
[1:15:55] a pipeline for young people to become engaged. In municipal
[1:15:59] government. It's not just this council table, but I see
[1:16:03] people in the room here who sit. On various committees
[1:16:05] and have their voices heard and participate in decisions and
[1:16:09] recommendations that end up making their way to council. So
[1:16:13] again, I hope that this is not just a trophy
[1:16:15] position. I see that there's going to be. A one
[1:16:18] day youth summit. I'm assuming that's a full day. Through
[1:16:22] you, Mr. Mayor. We're planning a full day. It's going
[1:16:27] to start with a visit at city. Hall. And then
[1:16:30] we intend on bringing them around to visit some of
[1:16:33] the municipal facilities so they. Have a better appreciation of
[1:16:36] what we're dealing with. And. Katie, did you? I'm sorry,
[1:16:42] Mr. Mayor. Through you. The director of communications, if I
[1:16:47] may add. Through you, I've had the opportunity to work.
[1:16:50] With the clerk on this. And with regards to the
[1:16:52] youth summit, we'd really like to talk to the youth
[1:16:54] at first to see what they're interested. In learning about.
[1:17:00] To the clerk's point, so we really want to engage
[1:17:02] them in the planning of that. Process as well. Wonderful
[1:17:06] to hear that, because sometimes. You think you've got the
[1:17:09] best laid plans, and then you hear the feedback and
[1:17:11] you. Go. Let's scrap all of this. We need to
[1:17:13] think it out from scratch. They'll definitely be able to
[1:17:16] fill a full day, even just for us to go
[1:17:18] and tour the facilities. It takes a full day. I
[1:17:21] know when I started in this role, it's. Now been
[1:17:23] three years. It was like drinking from a fire hose,
[1:17:25] so there is no doubt. That there's going to be
[1:17:27] an overwhelming amount of information, but I hope. What they
[1:17:31] experience. Lights a little spark in them that will encourage
[1:17:35] them to continue to participate. With council governance and with
[1:17:41] the city as a corporation as well. So right on.
[1:17:44] I'm excited to see this. Thank you. Further commentary. I
[1:17:49] just want to thank Ms. Wells and the clerk for
[1:17:51] their work on this. This stems from. A motion introduced
[1:17:55] on July 9, and Ms. Walsh came forward with some
[1:17:57] great amendments and suggestions on how to move this forward
[1:18:01] and modernize this as an evolution of our former youth
[1:18:04] advisory committee. Into something a little different. And certainly, I
[1:18:07] think it's an area where. There's a bit of a
[1:18:10] missing voice in terms of feedback to this table. And
[1:18:13] certainly if we can get youth engaged and interested in
[1:18:16] municipal politics, municipal fairs, it's a win for everybody and
[1:18:20] certainly look forward to. The start of this once again.
[1:18:25] With that. I'll call the vote. All in favor? That
[1:18:30] is carried. Thank you. Item number five, building activity. The
[1:18:34] action recommended that council receive report 2020. 519 for information
[1:18:40] and direct staff regarding any future reporting on this subject.
[1:18:44] Mr wendell. Thank you, your worship.
[1:18:54] Good evening, members of council. We're here tonight to present
[1:18:58] the building permit activity report for the period of June
[1:19:02] 24. 2024 to May 2025, with some comparisons to the
[1:19:06] previous time frame. 2023 to 2024. By way. Introduction my
[1:19:13] name is Ryan Wendell. I'm the director of development services.
[1:19:17] We have tonight with us. Chris Roloff's our chief building
[1:19:19] official. He will be officially minted later on in the
[1:19:22] agenda. You'll see. And highlighting where the new development services
[1:19:27] department we're building planning economic development. Unfortunately, we no longer
[1:19:32] include the bylaw department. As far as this presentation in
[1:19:36] our report goes tonight, I do want to recognize Mandy
[1:19:40] Privo. She was instrumental in preparing. The report, the presentation.
[1:19:45] She's in Chris's department, one of our new hires in.
[1:19:48] June 2024 or in 2024. She was instrumental in this.
[1:19:53] I will say, and again, we appreciate your indulgence for
[1:19:55] allowing us to present. We'll try and make it quick.
[1:19:59] There is no new information. We just thought it'd be
[1:20:01] a good idea for us to present some of this
[1:20:05] information. In our presentation. A little bit of background. Madam
[1:20:10] Clerk, if we could go to the next slide. Thank
[1:20:13] you. Just reminding council, in 2024, council did pass a
[1:20:17] motion requesting. A comprehensive building activity report. By our reading,
[1:20:22] there was ten items that were requested. There was a
[1:20:26] presentation in January 2025 where information was presented to council,
[1:20:31] but at that time, council did direct statute return at
[1:20:33] a later date with a more comprehensive report. We hope
[1:20:37] that tonight this report satisfies that request by council. A
[1:20:43] little bit of caveat. It is a lot of statistics.
[1:20:47] We are trying to provide highlights, reminding council that in
[1:20:51] this business, When we talk about volumes or trends. Things
[1:20:57] like that. We're working in a private marketplace. So we
[1:21:00] can't predict that with a great deal of certainty. We
[1:21:03] don't really have a full crystal ball, but we try.
[1:21:06] And along with that goes things that we do not
[1:21:08] have control over, such as interest rates or mortgage rules
[1:21:12] or prices of land or whatever determines sort of how
[1:21:16] busy we are in the building. And planning world. But
[1:21:19] there are things under our control. Those do include processes,
[1:21:22] efficiencies. Staffing. Chris will talk about that and the implications.
[1:21:27] Of that. I think it's a good news story. And
[1:21:29] again, we hope that this report serves council and it
[1:21:32] will hopefully serve as a template for future reporting. And
[1:21:37] with that, that's my introduction, and I'll turn it over
[1:21:40] to Mr. Rolof's for his presentation. Thank you very much,
[1:21:45] Mr. Window, Mr. Mayor, count council, thank you very much
[1:21:48] for letting us speak. On this tonight. Like Ryan said,
[1:21:52] we're going to keep. This very short and quick, very
[1:21:56] high level from the report that. You guys. Have seen.
[1:22:03] It's very thick. Some of the other comments for the
[1:22:05] comprehensive reports that were made, hopefully this does not share
[1:22:10] the same thing. However, it's like a nice, hearty Thanksgiving.
[1:22:15] Dinner. We've provided you with all the trimmings and everything.
[1:22:19] The only thing that we just wanted to point out
[1:22:21] was the fact that. We hope and hear that. Those
[1:22:26] questions that were asked. Previously have been answered, but. Not
[1:22:31] just there. I hope that there's enough information that it
[1:22:34] made sense. Of it puts some answers there, but also
[1:22:38] some factual information. With. What those questions were answered with.
[1:22:45] Purpose is what's to provide a transparent overview of the
[1:22:47] building permit activity in alignment with council's directive, the period
[1:22:51] that we have here on the data which is in
[1:22:54] the report. Is from June 2024 to May 2025. The
[1:22:59] comparative data was from the original ask from June 2023
[1:23:02] to May 2024. Obviously. Those facts and figures for today.
[1:23:09] That's why we gape, give you the more recent data,
[1:23:12] however. The comparison between the two. Actually spun things in
[1:23:17] a very positive way, so I'm glad it actually turned
[1:23:20] out the way it did. Our focus here is for
[1:23:23] the permit volumes, timelines, residential development staffing and improvement plan.
[1:23:28] Next slide, please. Here. We just have a lot of
[1:23:32] an overview. I know you guys are very familiar with
[1:23:34] what building services does and we enable the safe informed.
[1:23:39] I'm sorry. The building services ensures safe. Construction and supports
[1:23:41] the community through education, compliance, and responsive service, and we
[1:23:45] do that through permit review and issuance inspections, zoning and.
[1:23:50] Applicable law compliance, public education, and support, and then we
[1:23:55] see that through the community, the impact next slide, please.
[1:24:00] Our building services team. This is very important because in
[1:24:03] the original reporting structure and when this was asked. I
[1:24:09] definitely can see. And that would be table one in
[1:24:12] our report in section three. And I do apologize that
[1:24:14] there were no page numbers. There was some formatting issues
[1:24:17] between when we dropped it into escrow, so I apologize
[1:24:21] profusely on that. On our table, one for our staff
[1:24:25] summary. The building services team for me is a very
[1:24:28] close hit to home, especially with some of those questions
[1:24:31] that were asked in the original report in terms of
[1:24:34] timelines and types of inspections, pass fail, and those things.
[1:24:41] We have a full staff complement now. We've also added.
[1:24:47] A zoning plans examiner last September of 2024. And our
[1:24:53] building officials that we've had. Our complement is full. We
[1:24:58] had a lot of intern building officials during the last
[1:25:01] period. Our building officials have progressed through training and education.
[1:25:09] And they have jumped tiers. And we've also had some
[1:25:13] new building officials come in. As well, and. We haven't
[1:25:18] had any major staff turnover. That was one of the
[1:25:21] main hindrances. In the building depart. When I came in
[1:25:26] here almost four years ago. There was a major turnover
[1:25:29] of staff and all their senior building official officials, which
[1:25:32] you would like. To normally have. You have new building
[1:25:35] officials that come in and they get to absorb like
[1:25:37] a sponge from the more senior, and that transition slowly
[1:25:41] goes out. Unfortunately, that was not the case. In the
[1:25:45] city of Cornwall, building services team pretty much started from
[1:25:48] zero. Very difficult time for everybody, including the builders, including
[1:25:53] the building of fish specials who were starting out. It's
[1:25:56] just tough where we stand today. We are taller, prouder,
[1:26:01] and our compliment is full. Next slide, please. Getting into
[1:26:07] some of the meat and potatoes. Here are key permit
[1:26:09] stats, which everyone likes to see. So during their key
[1:26:12] reporting period, and this is June 2024 to May 2025,
[1:26:16] we've received 614 permit applications. We had issued 638 of
[1:26:24] those. When we're trying to report in our certain periods.
[1:26:29] Unfortunately, we can't take a snapshot that's still in time.
[1:26:32] Permits activity is constant. It's fluid. So in this 614
[1:26:37] permit applications that we received inside this time, during permit
[1:26:41] issuance. They were permits that were received prior to this
[1:26:46] time. So we're always going to get permit applications in
[1:26:50] and we're always going to be issuing them. So it
[1:26:53] just shows that. There's a constant work that goes on.
[1:26:59] The construction value in here was 85 million. However, this
[1:27:02] is just what the proponents say their projects are worth.
[1:27:06] The important ones are the permit fees that we have
[1:27:09] in for that amount. The meeting. Processing time. That is
[1:27:13] eight days, and we'll get into it a little further.
[1:27:16] Here with what that processing time is and what's involved.
[1:27:21] Average processing time 28 days. Median plans review five days
[1:27:25] in here, the permit process. We like to consider this
[1:27:28] as. The proponent submits a permit application to the time
[1:27:33] the permits issued. However, there's lots of other city involvement
[1:27:36] in terms of. Different departments that are involved. And different
[1:27:41] steps, so it's just not building services that are involved.
[1:27:45] From that process, which seems to be sometimes that's what
[1:27:50] everybody thinks, but the city plays a very wide role
[1:27:54] together in getting these permits out. Peak month is always
[1:27:58] seems to be may. In the top category that we
[1:28:01] have is small buildings, which is anything other than. A
[1:28:05] house. So triplexes, quads, small commercial. Sort of stuff. Next
[1:28:13] slide, please. In. This one here is just going in
[1:28:16] for our month by month comparison. I apologize about the
[1:28:18] size of the slide? It's very small. This again. Our
[1:28:22] 614 is our magic number for this reporting period. It's
[1:28:26] the amount of completed permit applications that were submitted during
[1:28:29] that time. In there between the blue and the green.
[1:28:33] Are the two different reporting periods, so one being the
[1:28:36] latest one, the June 2024 to May 2025 and the
[1:28:40] one that is previous to that. Which. Is the. I
[1:28:46] apologize about that. That was the 23 to 24. The
[1:28:49] June 23 to May 24. Period. So you can see
[1:28:53] there's some different trends that are in there. However. It's
[1:28:58] still positive. Next slide, please. The permit activity. Again, these
[1:29:03] are the permits that were issued. So again, that, 638,
[1:29:07] just because there was other permits that had gone through
[1:29:09] the process. And it just shows the various months there
[1:29:15] as well, sort of the peaks and the valleys. Just
[1:29:19] showing. Some sort of a change in trend of when
[1:29:23] these were being issued. Next slide, please. Review timelines and
[1:29:28] compliance. During the reporting period, 95% of the permits were
[1:29:32] reviewed within legislated timelines and this is an improvement of
[1:29:35] 5% compared to the previous one year. Period. Again. The
[1:29:42] font is a little small in the color gray there.
[1:29:44] I do apologize. In there. Basically, the legislative timelines, that's
[1:29:48] all through the Ontario Building code and in there. We
[1:29:51] have between ten to 30 days. From. A completed application.
[1:29:57] That's the little asterisks. To issue or refuse. And that's
[1:30:01] just the language right out of the code, because we
[1:30:03] do not like that term refuse. The completed application again
[1:30:07] is through zoning compliance and all. Other law. That needs
[1:30:14] to take place. Our internal policy, however, is to accept
[1:30:18] the end intake that permit application. During that time, which
[1:30:22] is in a perfect world, somebody would already have zoning
[1:30:24] compliance prior to submitting. That permit application for a house
[1:30:28] or a deck. We know that. That's not how. The
[1:30:32] system works, and we want to also enhance the customer
[1:30:36] service. So we take that in and that's why there's
[1:30:37] a process. That carries that through. Next slide, please. Permit
[1:30:44] issue in timelines in here we have. 24% of permits
[1:30:48] were issued within one day and over 40% were issued
[1:30:52] within five days. Demonstrating strong turnaround for straightforward applications, thanks
[1:30:57] to improved staffing and processes. Pretty much in here. Are
[1:31:00] one days that we can turn around. That's one business
[1:31:02] day, or next day is. Something like a fence or
[1:31:07] plumbing. Very small, easy. Projects. To review as well as
[1:31:15] that 40% were issued in under five days. And if
[1:31:20] we start to take our graph apart. That's almost 60%
[1:31:24] of permits were issued under ten business. Days. Next slide,
[1:31:29] please. Permit issuance timelines. The factors that contribute to longer
[1:31:34] permit timelines. This is a slide that. The format I
[1:31:40] wish was a little different than this came forward, however.
[1:31:44] This is the one that sort of sheds the light
[1:31:46] on. It's not all about building. Services. In here. There's
[1:31:50] planning approvals in that site, plan control, minor variance and
[1:31:54] zoning bylaw amendments. These all take time and these all
[1:31:57] take a few months. There is. The applicable law requirements.
[1:32:05] There's also 43 of them. These are conservation authority approvals,
[1:32:10] Ministry of Transportation approvals, Heritage acts. These all need to
[1:32:15] be checked. And if any projects don't check these where
[1:32:18] it's required, there's a whole process and a timeline again,
[1:32:21] that sort of eats these times up. In incomplete or
[1:32:26] delayed submissions. So they're missing documents or drawings. Or revisions
[1:32:32] are required after the permit review is done. These ones
[1:32:36] here are a little bit more easier. To digest. There's
[1:32:40] permit review letters, there's emails we will directly reach out
[1:32:43] to. The actual proponent and say, this is what you're
[1:32:46] missing, and we work with the proponent. Very clearly, and
[1:32:51] we also understand that not everyone speaks codes, so we
[1:32:54] try to speak English as much as we can. To
[1:32:57] just sort of play it down so they understand. Next
[1:33:02] slide, please. Print types and development trends. This is a
[1:33:05] very busy pie chart here. Lots going on the permit.
[1:33:09] Classifications reveal a strong focus on residential growth, with single
[1:33:13] and semidetached dwellings leading the permit activity. This graph, though,
[1:33:18] is not just new construction and new homes and such.
[1:33:22] It also takes into effect everything. So it was kind
[1:33:25] of a permit information dump. It's renovations. Decks in there.
[1:33:32] We show 53% of this is single detached with 16%.
[1:33:38] Being commercial and then 9% being semi detached. This would
[1:33:42] be your minor renovations basement. Bedrooms. Apartments. Those little things
[1:33:50] there. There's a better explanation on table ten in the
[1:33:54] report for number of units and such. As well. Next
[1:33:57] slide, please. Permit activity for inspections with a 92% pass
[1:34:03] rate across 3327 inspections. My inspectors are busy. The results
[1:34:10] show improved construction quality and readiness, especially in early stage
[1:34:14] inspections supported by proactive communication. And clearer expectations. This reporting
[1:34:20] period, here was the June 2024 to May 25. The
[1:34:26] previous reporting period was at 87%. Inspection pass rate. Our
[1:34:30] inspection pass rates are increasing again. This is going with
[1:34:34] our building officials are armed with. Their proper tools. Their
[1:34:40] training as well as they're providing the education to the
[1:34:43] builders. The small time. Basement rentals. Maybe someone who's new.
[1:34:53] We're walking them through the process and we're walking them
[1:34:55] through the process at a very early stage, and we're
[1:34:58] doing it slowly so that they understand. Next slide, please.
[1:35:03] This one for inspection activity is kind of neat. With
[1:35:07] the 92% overall pass rate. Most inspections were successful. However,
[1:35:11] finals occupancies and framings showed a higher failure rate due
[1:35:15] to their complexity and documentation requirements. Basically what we have
[1:35:19] in here is pretty common for what. These stages are
[1:35:24] the framing, the occupancy final. Occupancy Final depends on the
[1:35:28] job are sometimes done in the same way. The common
[1:35:31] reasons include. Incomplete work, deviations from the plans, non compliance
[1:35:37] or missing documents. What this shows, though, between the two
[1:35:41] graphs between. This reporting period and the last reporting period,
[1:35:47] this reporting period being the green. We're not seeing. The
[1:35:53] amount of inspections. That are failing. They're still the same
[1:36:01] ones. But they're coming down because. What's going on? Is.
[1:36:08] The building of officials are basically providing those clear expectations
[1:36:13] at these stages in the overall process and it's the
[1:36:16] proactive communication between building services and the development community. Next
[1:36:22] slide, please. Permit fees. This one here is a little.
[1:36:28] We had an outline anomaly. For its higher distribution center.
[1:36:34] That one there sort of tweaked that spike, so that's
[1:36:37] why that's. A little out there, but here we can
[1:36:39] just see that they totaled over 1.5. The permit fees.
[1:36:43] Sorry. Totaled over 1.58 million, with strong contributions from residential
[1:36:47] and commercial projects. Reflecting consistent development activity and ongoing investment
[1:36:51] in Cornwall's build environment. Next. Slide, please. For residential development.
[1:36:58] There was. 72 permit applications within. This specific reporting period.
[1:37:07] There was 231 new units with 17 additional dwelling units.
[1:37:15] Permits issued were 70. Out of those 72, There was
[1:37:19] 159 units in 17 Adu. There was some numbers in
[1:37:25] here, though, from this slide that did differ on the
[1:37:28] report. Sorry. And those numbers should be 73 applications and
[1:37:32] 71 permits issued, and I apologize about that. Next slide,
[1:37:37] please. Residential unit volume by period comparison. This one here
[1:37:43] is just showing the number of new units that we've.
[1:37:48] Had reporting from last period to this one. And there's
[1:37:51] further examples in figure 14 in the report. Next slide,
[1:37:56] please. We're getting to the end, I promise. Summary of
[1:38:01] key of key comparisons the reporting period reflects several key
[1:38:05] improvements in service delivery and operational performance. Alongside notable shifts
[1:38:10] in permit activity and development trends. Basically, here the number
[1:38:14] of permit applications received increased by 18. It's only a
[1:38:18] 3% rise, but still, yay. The number of permits. Issued
[1:38:22] decreased by 14. A 2% production. The median processing time
[1:38:27] improved by five days, so it went from 13 to
[1:38:30] eight. Compliance with legislative review timelines improved by 5%. That
[1:38:35] was from 90% to 95. The number of failed inspections
[1:38:39] decreased by 5%, from 13% to eight, a total of
[1:38:43] 17. Additional dwell. Dwelling units were introduced compared to none
[1:38:46] in the previous period, and I will have in this
[1:38:49] one. Here. We have changed the way some of our
[1:38:53] reports are drawn and how our information is. So even
[1:38:57] before this, we've seen some issues with how data was
[1:39:00] being entered and when. We were pulling reports there was
[1:39:02] some anomalies, so unfortunately, this is one we issued more.
[1:39:06] Than zero apartments last year, however. This report really seemed
[1:39:11] to say there's something broken, so we are looking into
[1:39:14] that. So. We get better numbers when you ask for
[1:39:16] this the next time. Next slide, please. Summary of key
[1:39:21] findings permit activity. So again, we have that magic number
[1:39:23] of 638 permits were issued out of the 614 that
[1:39:29] were received strong residential growth. Our processing times. Had increased.
[1:39:36] Residential permits had dominated, especially the single and the semi
[1:39:39] detached. Our pass rates have increased. The inspections are a
[1:39:44] lot more positive. Permit reviews. Sorry? The permit revenues. Have
[1:39:50] increased our staffing model. We have the expanded team, and
[1:39:53] there's new roles. Faster service improvement plan focused on modernization,
[1:39:59] public education, and digital accessibility. This is where we want
[1:40:03] to go. Into my last slide, the improvement plan. Because
[1:40:08] we can all self improve. Constructive criticism is good. The
[1:40:12] building division is advancing service delivery through digital tools, public
[1:40:16] education, and stronger stakeholder collaboration. We want to increase and
[1:40:21] update our website. It needs help. Online permit portal. It's
[1:40:26] in testing. We're trying to get the payment bugs out.
[1:40:30] And I really wish that goes, that's going to allow
[1:40:32] remote submission and tracking. New handouts and guides. Public education
[1:40:38] campaigns, a big one is our stakeholder. Collaboration. We'd like
[1:40:44] the targeted outreach. And education. Working with the dbia, the
[1:40:49] chamber of commerce and economic development. And development services department
[1:40:56] itself. Our new structure promotes the efficiency across planning, building
[1:41:00] and economic development. And pretty much. Next slide and that's
[1:41:08] it. For my sake. Take a breath, Chris. Take a
[1:41:13] breath. I'll just finish off. We thought it'd be good
[1:41:17] to put a quick slide. Here, a little pipeline sort
[1:41:19] of discussion to show some locations, some developments that are
[1:41:22] somewhere in the process. They synergize planning, economic development building
[1:41:27] department ultimately will result in a building permit down at
[1:41:30] the end of the line, 701 Montreal Road. There's 64
[1:41:34] units going to be constructed. They're going through site plan
[1:41:37] right now. We're looking at a conditional permit. And I
[1:41:40] think that's something important to mention. Chris, that's a tool
[1:41:42] we use. To issue permits early to get. Projects going,
[1:41:46] but if you look at this quick list, we've got
[1:41:48] a hotel that's. Gone through a severance process that will
[1:41:51] move forward the. Ospca building. In for permit. New high
[1:41:58] school will come in the next couple of years. Ontario
[1:42:00] Hockey Academy is undertaking. Two. Editions that are going through
[1:42:04] some planning processes first. We've got an application now formally
[1:42:09] in for lock 18 subdivision. That's a mixed use density
[1:42:12] subdivision. All total right now, almost 1000. Units. That's a
[1:42:16] long term plan. But will eventually result in planning approvals,
[1:42:20] building permits, all those good things. And an office warehouse
[1:42:23] in McConnell Avenue. So that's a quick snapshot of the
[1:42:27] pipeline. That we call. And I say to you, Mr.
[1:42:29] Mayor, thank you very much for your time and Chris
[1:42:32] will answer any questions. That's some good delegation. Thank you.
[1:42:37] The recommendation is that we receive this report and direct.
[1:42:39] Staff. Regarding future reporting on this subject, I assume that's
[1:42:42] the setup. How frequently we'll hear from your department. Does
[1:42:47] someone want to make that motion now or go to
[1:42:49] questions first? Councilor. Good job. Question. If you want to
[1:42:57] do questions first or give direction on how often you
[1:42:59] want to get reports on building. Councilor. Good. Sorry. I
[1:43:06] thought you were. Counseling. Sorry. I'm going to put motion.
[1:43:14] And we're going to discuss after. Yes, if we can
[1:43:18] accept the report. I also need a reporting timeline for
[1:43:23] the department, how frequently you'd like them to come. Back
[1:43:25] to council with this type of report. This question is
[1:43:30] addressed to me. I'm going to ask you, what is
[1:43:32] your timeline? What? Do you think? Through you, Mr. Mayor.
[1:43:39] Councilor, I think it would be very appropriate if. It
[1:43:43] was year end or annually. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
[1:43:48] So I'm going to follow his recommendation. And secondary, councilor.
[1:43:54] Good. Okay, councilor. Gridjo, questions? Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
[1:43:59] Mayor, thank you very much for your report. A lot
[1:44:02] of information. Crystal clear. I really enjoy it, honestly. And
[1:44:09] just one thing that I wanted to discuss with you.
[1:44:13] This shows that our. Community is healthy. We are working
[1:44:18] hard. Permits. Are. How can I qualify it the way
[1:44:25] that we can? Feel how a community is going and
[1:44:30] having. These shows that. We are on a good way.
[1:44:34] Thank you very much for that. Just a quick question
[1:44:38] about Levilash. On the. Last paragraph of your report. You
[1:44:47] state that? The geographic distribution of the permittees. Equivalent all
[1:44:54] around the city. So I was wondering if you have.
[1:44:59] Any. Issue or any observation about levilage is levilash. Going
[1:45:07] is aligned with. All. What you saw here or. You
[1:45:14] see? A small decrease of. Permits there. Through you, Mr.
[1:45:20] Mayor. Councilor. What we have for those little heat maps
[1:45:27] that. We had gone and done. To be fair, this
[1:45:32] information. Was we had pulled this with the assistance. Of.
[1:45:40] Our Gis coordinator. And just for what we have in
[1:45:45] here, Just between the two heat maps between the two
[1:45:50] periods. The current period. I believe was less. I don't
[1:45:59] believe that it had increased. However. The maps are good,
[1:46:05] but they could be better. This amount of that. I
[1:46:11] wouldn't base it just on this. We're still trying to
[1:46:16] tweak the bugs out of this to really hone. In
[1:46:19] on? Get something better. This was just. To. Accentuate just
[1:46:26] sort of pins on a map, if you will. And
[1:46:29] then it was based on the little color, the little
[1:46:31] honeycomb, the darker that the honeycomb was. There is still
[1:46:37] permits and construction that's going on. The exact numbers I
[1:46:42] personally don't have, but I can get those. For it.
[1:46:46] For you, but. There's still construction. There's still lots of
[1:46:51] older homes that are being revamped and cleaned up and
[1:46:54] rebuilt? If that answers your question, yes. Thank you. Thank
[1:46:59] you very much. If you have made through you, Mr.
[1:47:03] Mayor, based on your expertise, if you have any suggestion
[1:47:08] that you will share with the council about. How to.
[1:47:14] Dynamize Loville. What it will be. I take that through
[1:47:20] you, Mr. Mayor? If I'm understanding the question, I guess.
[1:47:32] We kind of do a lot of different things. To
[1:47:35] try and spur on development in many different areas, but.
[1:47:40] Levalage is distinct in some ways in terms of the
[1:47:44] cips and the different programs that we have in, I
[1:47:46] think, 701 Montreal Road is an example of that. Those
[1:47:51] are the ideas, either existing programs or new programs or
[1:47:56] marketing the community. For future development, improving our planning processes,
[1:48:02] improving improving our building permit processes. Getting out there in
[1:48:07] the community and educating. Builders, developers. On the community and
[1:48:13] what's available. We're renewing our relationship with the Carnival Construction
[1:48:18] Association. To try and build that relationship, even more so
[1:48:24] than it is right now to again. Build confidence in
[1:48:28] the local economy and the community. And those are some
[1:48:32] of the things that we do are thinking of to
[1:48:34] try and spur on. Development not only in lavalage, but
[1:48:38] in all parts of the community. Thank you very much.
[1:48:42] Thank you for your answer. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank
[1:48:44] you, councilor. Thank you, worship. Mr. Rolo. Baptism by fire.
[1:48:54] Right? Let's welcome up, welcome to Shanghaladida and there's going
[1:48:58] to be a myriad of questions. Good luck. Anyway, that
[1:49:01] being said, A couple of comments or questions, perhaps a
[1:49:06] few things for future reports that I would like to
[1:49:09] see. So on page 310 of our paper agenda, people,
[1:49:14] you have a report that looks kind of like this.
[1:49:18] Right. So on one side, the 3.6 million. And you
[1:49:23] talked about Michelin kicking. That up. The question I have
[1:49:27] is. That 1.5 million. Are we doing better this year?
[1:49:34] Aside from the Michelin. So let's just take that out
[1:49:36] of the equation. If you were to take a rolling
[1:49:39] five year average and chunk. This is a term. Are
[1:49:43] we doing better? Like, are we having more building happening?
[1:49:46] Are we having less building. So if you say. There's
[1:49:50] 600 permits. I don't know what that means in the
[1:49:52] sense that I. Don't know if that's a good thing,
[1:49:54] because last year we had 20 million. Permits. Well, 600
[1:49:58] doesn't look very good then, when you compare it to
[1:49:59] that. Right, so. Are we doing better? Are there more
[1:50:03] people building? Are there less people building? And maybe it
[1:50:06] was in the report and I might have missed it,
[1:50:08] but. We're doing better or not. Mr. Mayor, we are.
[1:50:13] Yes. This report here again was just a small snapshot.
[1:50:17] It's not a year. It wasn't meant to compare, kind
[1:50:23] of. It was just. The balance of that last period,
[1:50:26] which, again, was from a middle to. It's not really.
[1:50:31] A good comparative. However, to answer your question, yes. We
[1:50:36] are doing good. Our permit revenues are more. It's just.
[1:50:41] That figure 13 is just that anomaly because. That building
[1:50:46] permit was so high. There was multiple. Different. Partial permits
[1:50:52] that were issued. There were conditional permits. There were. Credit
[1:50:59] or deposits that were also taken on. So in there,
[1:51:03] that one point in time there was 3 million sitting
[1:51:06] in a sort of basket. That half of that was
[1:51:09] deposits that were getting returned. Back once they obtained a
[1:51:13] full permit. So, again, that was kind of a real
[1:51:16] big boost. Of that one particular permit, and that's what
[1:51:22] sort of skewed in the report. You'll see that there's
[1:51:24] some negative comparisons that we're saying that we've declined in
[1:51:29] revenue. That's because we don't have that 1.5. Million that
[1:51:33] we gave back. In a deposit form. And then that
[1:51:39] 1.5 million, that boost. But when you take that out
[1:51:43] and you look at everything across the board. We are
[1:51:45] doing very, very well. The second thing that I want
[1:51:49] to ask you to add to the next year end
[1:51:51] report. Is for us as counselors, at least for me,
[1:51:56] anyway. What I'm always interested in is trends. It's not
[1:52:00] so much the number, but. Where are we trending? Are
[1:52:02] we trending up? Are we trending down? So things like
[1:52:05] speed of processing permits. Are we faster this year than
[1:52:09] we were last year? Are we slower this year. Because
[1:52:12] what happens is when I talk to builders, they say,
[1:52:16] oh, you guys have taken forever for my permits or
[1:52:18] my building inspections. What I would like to know. Moving
[1:52:22] forward when I talk to them. Is. Yeah. No, actually,
[1:52:26] the trend is we're getting faster. And here's the empirical
[1:52:30] data to support that. So moving forward in future. I
[1:52:35] think that would be handy, because if we're not, if
[1:52:38] we're slower, then the question was always, why are we
[1:52:41] slower? And what do we need to do as a
[1:52:44] council, and what do you need to do as an
[1:52:45] administration to change that trend. So for future, I'd be
[1:52:50] interested in seeing that logically. I think. Is it safe
[1:52:53] to conclude that Ae with a full complement b. With
[1:53:00] experience. Over time, as our staff gets more experienced, we
[1:53:03] can realistically expect trends to improve. In terms of speed
[1:53:06] of processing and all those kinds of things. Is that
[1:53:09] a logical conclusion that we can make today moving forward.
[1:53:14] Through you. Mr. Mayor, councilor. That is listed in the
[1:53:20] report. It might not be clear, but yes, we are
[1:53:23] trending up. You made reference to it. I just wanted
[1:53:25] to make sure I know for sure what I'm. Talking
[1:53:27] about. Absolutely. We are faster, we are better. Again, this
[1:53:32] report only focuses. From that may 23. To May 25.
[1:53:40] So that's only what we were looking at then. But
[1:53:43] through that report, in just those two reporting periods, we
[1:53:47] are better, we are faster, we are churning things out.
[1:53:50] The process has improved again. In terms of permits, it's
[1:53:56] that it is more than just building services. It's planning
[1:54:01] services. There's engineering. There's fire. There's right away text. There's
[1:54:09] different municipal services that are getting their hands in the
[1:54:12] pie. We are all getting better. We are all understanding
[1:54:16] our processes. There was lots of. The shift from paper
[1:54:22] reports to digital help this. There are still some processes
[1:54:26] that we're doing in a digital manner, and we're still
[1:54:29] doing things because that's the way it was. That's where
[1:54:32] we're trying to stop and improve and become more efficient.
[1:54:36] So to answer your question, We are faster, we are
[1:54:40] better. And for building services alone. I can definitely speak
[1:54:45] for that. Good. The last bit of information I don't
[1:54:48] expect you to be able to provide it tonight. And
[1:54:51] not even sure if it's a building permit thing or
[1:54:53] a finance thing, but I keep getting inundated by builders
[1:54:58] in the community saying, oh, your development charges are crushing
[1:55:02] us. And we can't build, and we're forced to jack
[1:55:05] up the prices of our properties, and you need to
[1:55:07] do something about that. What I would be interested in
[1:55:10] knowing is. What kind of building activity we had prior
[1:55:15] to implementing development charges versus, and I mean that's, like
[1:55:19] a five year trend. So previous five years before development
[1:55:23] charges and five years currently, so that I can say.
[1:55:26] Well, here's what the numbers would suggest. Yes, no, good,
[1:55:31] bad. Because I currently. Don't know that answer, and I
[1:55:34] didn't see it. Certainly in the report, I didn't expect
[1:55:37] it to be there, but certainly I would love to
[1:55:39] know that so that when somebody meets me at the
[1:55:43] mall to tell me we're not doing it perfectly. I
[1:55:47] would like to know for sure if they're right or
[1:55:48] not, rather than just urban. Legend or just one person's
[1:55:52] perception at one moment in time. I think. Last thing.
[1:55:59] A tax increment grant is very prescribed. Correct. And I'm
[1:56:03] not sure who I'm and I know I'm kind of
[1:56:05] deviating a little bit, but the question I want to
[1:56:08] ask is that currently, because it fits into a very
[1:56:12] strict criteria in terms of where, if we were to.
[1:56:17] Change the parameters of that tax increment grant, is it
[1:56:21] conceivable that more people would build more things. Outside of
[1:56:25] the typical bias, I don't know. Who wants to tackle
[1:56:30] this? I'm just curious. There we go. Thank you. Through
[1:56:38] you, your worship. We have three CIP programs. The Renaissance
[1:56:43] program, part of the city in Brownfields, the heart. Of
[1:56:46] the city in Renaissance certainly are geographically tied to certain
[1:56:50] areas within the city and to a certain extent, the
[1:56:52] Brownfields program is as well, because. It's identified on properties
[1:56:56] that are expected to have. Potential contaminant, I. E. Develop
[1:57:01] properties. So expanding the scope of our CIP programs certainly
[1:57:06] would be welcome in many sectors, and we heard earlier
[1:57:09] this evening that the healthcare sector might welcome a CIP
[1:57:14] program. I would caution that the current programs have a
[1:57:19] strong track record. Of. Guarding four to five times investment.
[1:57:25] Based upon the outlay from the public sector, we'd want
[1:57:28] to keep those ratios and make sure that the programs
[1:57:30] are as efficient as possible and do exactly what you're
[1:57:33] trying to do is encourage development. Fair enough. Just as
[1:57:36] a side, if we're trying to build houses. In. Somebody's
[1:57:39] outside of the perimeter of that grant program. Maybe we
[1:57:44] should make it bigger. That's all I'm saying. Anyway, thank
[1:57:47] you, worship. For your time. Thank you, gentlemen, for your
[1:57:49] time. Thank you, councilor. Good. Thank you. Through you, Mr.
[1:57:54] Mayor. I just want to say thank you for the
[1:57:55] presentation. And Yen yelled the report. It's comprehensive. It's got
[1:58:02] a whole bunch of data in there and a really
[1:58:04] comprehensive narrative to actually describe what the numbers are saying,
[1:58:07] which I think that was something that was lacking from
[1:58:09] a previous report. Just a page full of numbers doesn't
[1:58:12] really say a lot. You've got. To actually express what
[1:58:15] that means, so I think you did a fantastic job
[1:58:18] of doing that here. And I hope that this was
[1:58:19] a good exercise for the department itself to just sort
[1:58:22] of see. Where some of those shortcomings are, where there's
[1:58:24] maybe some places that there can. Be some efficiencies made
[1:58:28] in the process. Madam Clerk. Sorry, I think I caught
[1:58:31] you at a bad moment. Would we be able to
[1:58:35] go to the second to last slide that was on
[1:58:37] the presentation? I just want to highlight. I think it's
[1:58:41] great that you've kind of summarized. At the end here.
[1:58:49] Both some of the improvements that are coming in the
[1:58:51] future. As well as some of the areas that we've
[1:58:53] already made improvements similar to councilor Hollingsworth. Well, this is
[1:58:57] my first term on council, so that's not similar, but.
[1:59:00] You hear from people all the time that all the
[1:59:02] process is working, and I'm not a developer. So I
[1:59:06] can't really speak to that from a position of expertise.
[1:59:10] So I think having this kind of information, it helps
[1:59:12] us come and respond back to those concerns from an
[1:59:16] informed perspective. And actually know your department is doing one
[1:59:20] thing, but there's obviously many connections that are happening between
[1:59:23] the departments and ensuring that that pathway. Of communication is
[1:59:27] clear and is efficient. So looking forward to seeing you
[1:59:31] guys have an updated website and an online permit portal
[1:59:34] that was something I heard about. Literally the night that
[1:59:39] we were sworn in and somebody was like, oh, there's
[1:59:41] going to be an online permit portal. So three years
[1:59:44] later, I really hope that that happens for all of
[1:59:48] us. It was a great opportunity a couple of weeks
[1:59:51] ago to meet. With the Cornwall Construction Association. And get
[1:59:56] to know. I think it's a two sided relationship, and
[2:00:01] we want to make sure that. We are looking out
[2:00:04] for the best interests of the community and that we're
[2:00:06] encouraging the right kinds of development. So I think those
[2:00:11] relationships. Are crucial. Crucial. Councilor Hollingsworth had brought up some
[2:00:15] of the developmental charges, and one of the areas that
[2:00:18] we noted during that event was that there are new
[2:00:22] provincial regulations that will allow us to actually reduce the
[2:00:25] development fees for affordable housing. Is that something that the
[2:00:29] department. Is currently reviewing. Is. Sorry there was more, but
[2:00:35] there's not. Go ahead. No. To you, Mr. Mayor. Yes.
[2:00:44] It's fair to say. I don't have every opportunity memorized,
[2:00:49] but all these new rules that come in related to
[2:00:52] housing will be certain to maximize the opportunity. If it's
[2:00:57] there to set up a program or take advantage of
[2:01:00] a new regulation or. A new law that allows us
[2:01:04] to do something. I think we mentioned when we were
[2:01:07] speaking about the timing of paying development charges. Well, that's
[2:01:10] something that's extremely important. So can we implement taking development
[2:01:14] charges, not a building permit, but at occupancy and that's?
[2:01:17] Something that I've heard for three, four, five years, and
[2:01:20] even the GTA and. Now it's coming to fruition. So
[2:01:22] I think the answer. To that is. Yes, we'll try
[2:01:24] and take advantage of every opportunity that we can within
[2:01:27] our powers to take advantage again of new legislation. Wonderful.
[2:01:32] I'm glad to hear that. And I'm glad that you
[2:01:34] mentioned that aspect around timing, because, of course, that carrying
[2:01:37] cost is a big, it's a burden when they're going
[2:01:40] through the development process, so. To kind of push that
[2:01:44] further along allows them to continue that investment. I really
[2:01:48] would love to see something, come back to council around.
[2:01:51] A reduced rate for the development charges. On specifically affordable
[2:01:55] housing, purpose built rentals. High density. I don't think the
[2:02:01] intention of development charges is to stick it to the
[2:02:03] developers. It's to ensure that development pays for development, right?
[2:02:09] This infrastructure. Is something that we've now, as the municipality,
[2:02:13] have to maintain on an ongoing basis. So we want
[2:02:15] to make sure that we're covering our bases and we're
[2:02:17] not allowing for or anyways. That the charges are meant
[2:02:23] to cover the infrastructure that is required in order to
[2:02:27] allow for development. So. In any case, all I want
[2:02:29] to say is that this is an excellent report. It's
[2:02:32] a baseline now. I'm excited to see the annual reports
[2:02:35] come back so we can look at the trends. See
[2:02:37] where we're going. And when people come to us with
[2:02:40] concerns, we'll be armed with the right data to say,
[2:02:43] well. We've heard you, and we're making these improvements, and
[2:02:48] we want to make sure that. We're friendly to anyone,
[2:02:51] not just developers, but anybody who is going through any
[2:02:53] kind of renovation, so thank you so much. Thank you
[2:02:56] for the commentary, Councilor Maxtosh. Burning question over here. 802nd.
[2:03:02] Is that. Daunter. 800 seconds. Yeah. Lock 18.
[2:03:12] No. It's adjacent. Dom tar. Excuse me. Through the mayor.
[2:03:20] Is it technically old domtar property? Bob.
[2:03:35] I haven't seen the plans specifically. For lock 18 through
[2:03:39] you, your worship. What I can confirm is that the
[2:03:42] former domtar site. The owners are actively working on redevelopment
[2:03:46] plans, and they're looking at two phases. To split that
[2:03:49] up. And you may recall council approved some financial assistance
[2:03:55] for pilot project for remediation of soil. Over a year
[2:03:59] ago. And that work. Is, I believe, started and ongoing.
[2:04:03] And so we do expect, as Mr. Window identified, Is
[2:04:08] that that property will be home. To many hundreds of
[2:04:12] new residences, but it will be a long term project.
[2:04:16] One other question is that when you talk about 92%
[2:04:20] pass or 8% fail, I think you said. On the
[2:04:23] five. Those would be what we call amateurs. Maybe. I
[2:04:27] imagine you got a pretty good record with the builders
[2:04:29] themselves. Who know you guys? Know what? You want? The
[2:04:32] only reason I say that I had a plumber do
[2:04:34] some work for me. He went and got a permit,
[2:04:36] and the inspector knew him very well and knew he
[2:04:38] did great. Work in a note. When you're dealing with
[2:04:42] the pros, it's much easier. Through you, Mr. Mayor.
[2:04:48] Mayoring with developers and builders or trades who have gone
[2:04:56] through the process. But understand how the process works. Is
[2:05:00] much easier. It's also. Easier when the building officials can
[2:05:06] go on site and they have that knowledge base that
[2:05:08] when they're on site and they do understand what they're
[2:05:11] looking at and what they're dealing with. And those fantastic
[2:05:15] drawings that they've gone through and they've issued. And the
[2:05:19] person has built exactly as per those drawings and haven't
[2:05:22] steered away from them. In any way, shape or form.
[2:05:24] It really makes that process go a heck of a
[2:05:26] lot easier. You want to give us your Mike Holmes
[2:05:28] speech on what the dangers are of not getting a
[2:05:30] permit. I would be here for quite a while. He
[2:05:37] always reminds people to get a permit. It saves you
[2:05:39] a lot of time. Thank you for the comments. Questions,
[2:05:44] Councilor Bennett. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Three. You just want
[2:05:46] to make a comment. I don't get the builders call
[2:05:51] to me, like my colleague across the way. I get
[2:05:54] more. The amateurs doing there? And they had complaints, complaints,
[2:05:57] complaints. But I have to tell you what I've noticed
[2:06:00] with this one report your figure eleven of the field
[2:06:02] inspections, how it's improved. 2023 to 2024. That has been
[2:06:09] noticed in my laptop and in my phone is I'm
[2:06:11] not getting many at all. My biggest complaint, I guess
[2:06:16] I had, or concern I had with the permits department
[2:06:19] was the customer. Service wasn't spectacular. And. What I'm seeing
[2:06:26] here. With your charts that you're showing me and the
[2:06:28] fact that I'm not getting. Many, if any. I can't
[2:06:31] remember, actually, the last time I've gotten one complaint. Is
[2:06:33] that your customer service has gotten much better. And if
[2:06:36] we're having good customer service, Then these kinds of trends
[2:06:40] of failed inspections are going to start dropping. But the
[2:06:42] other thing, too is we're going to start having people
[2:06:44] not try to skirt the permits because the reputation now
[2:06:47] is that it's being handled efficiently. So to me, kudos
[2:06:51] on the customer service improvements, because. That's. Clearly shown up
[2:06:55] in the fact that I'm not getting nearly as many
[2:06:58] calls or complaints. As before. Thank you. Further questions? Comments?
[2:07:05] I'm going to call the vote everyone's car and what
[2:07:06] we're voting. On. All in favor? As Carrie thank you.
[2:07:14] Resolutions. Item number one, Cornwall Water financial plan. Ministry of
[2:07:23] Environment, Conservation and Parks. The action recommended whereas the province
[2:07:27] of Ontario approved Ontario regulation four five, three of seven,
[2:07:32] which requires all Ontario municipalities who provide water services to
[2:07:36] prepare financial plans as a key step in the long
[2:07:39] term stability for municipal resident. Residential drinking water systems, and
[2:07:44] whereas a financial plan is part of the required documents
[2:07:47] to be filed as part of the city of Cornwall,
[2:07:50] obtaining its license to operate water systems under the Safe
[2:07:53] Drinking Water act. And whereas the city of Cornwall's previous
[2:07:57] financial plans were filed with the province in 2010, 2015.
[2:08:03] And 2020, and whereas subsequent financial plans must be submitted.
[2:08:08] As part of the water license renewal application. And now,
[2:08:11] therefore, be it resolved that the Corporation of City of
[2:08:13] Cornwall submit to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and
[2:08:17] parks. The approved Cornwall Water financial plan as part of
[2:08:21] the water license renewal application. Thank you. Motion, Councilor McDonald,
[2:08:26] Sarn, Gunjo, any discussion? All in favor? Carried. Thank you.
[2:08:33] Cornwall Water Financial Plan ministry and municipal affairs and Housing.
[2:08:37] The action recommended whereas the Province of Ontario approved Ontario
[2:08:41] regulations. Four 5307 requires all Ontario municipalities who provide water
[2:08:47] services to prepare financial plans as a key step in
[2:08:50] the long term stability for municipal, residential. Drinking water systems.
[2:08:55] And whereas a financial plan is part of the required
[2:08:57] documents to be filed as part of the city of
[2:08:59] Cornwall obtaining its license to operate water systems, whereas the
[2:09:04] city of Coronel's. Previous financial plans were filed in the
[2:09:07] province in 2010, 2015, and 2020, and whereas subsequent financial
[2:09:12] plans must be submitted as part. Of the water license
[2:09:14] renewal application. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the corporation
[2:09:18] of the City of Cornwall submit to the Ministry of
[2:09:21] Municipal affairs and Housing the approved Cornwall water financial plan
[2:09:25] as part of the water license renewal application. Thank you.
[2:09:29] Motion, Councilor Bennett. Councilor Goodjo, any discussion? All in favor?
[2:09:35] That is carried. Thank you. We are now. 93 to
[2:09:41] 95 of 2025 inclusive. Listed on the agenda are being
[2:09:45] presented to council for adoption. By Law 93 is to
[2:09:49] appoint Christopher Rolof as chief building official. Development services. Bylaw
[2:09:56] number two. By law 94 for the imposition of sanitary
[2:09:59] sewer charges to recover the cost of providing sanitary sewer
[2:10:03] service to properties within the Brookdale Avenue north corridor. And
[2:10:07] item three is by law 95 to amend bylaw 137
[2:10:11] of 2022 appointments of members of council to various committees,
[2:10:15] boards and. Commissions. Motion council. McAllen, councilor sabre, all in
[2:10:20] favor? That is carried. Thank you. New business motions. Memorial
[2:10:26] for Lee Theodore. Proposed by Councilor Sarah Good, seconded by
[2:10:32] councillor Fred. In Gunja, I believe. Whereas Lee Theodora, beloved
[2:10:38] community activist, mentor and friend to many, was named Cornwall
[2:10:41] citizen of the year and. Dedicated his life to uplifting
[2:10:46] others through his generosity, kindness, and commitment to our community.
[2:10:51] And whereas lease passing on August 12, 2025 at the
[2:10:55] young age of 39, leaves a deep void in the
[2:10:57] hearts of those who knew him and in the broader
[2:11:00] community he served. Whereas it is important to recognize and
[2:11:03] honor the legacy. Of citizens whose actions and spirits have
[2:11:07] had a lasting, positive impact on Cornwall. Now, therefore, be
[2:11:11] it resolved that council. Send this request to the municipal
[2:11:14] naming committee to determine possible options for an appropriate memorial
[2:11:18] to honor the legacy of lithia door in consultation with
[2:11:22] his family and be a further resolve. That options for
[2:11:25] the memorial consider, but are not limited to dedicated public
[2:11:29] art. Naming of park or naming of a street lane.
[2:11:34] Councilor. Good. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Lee was
[2:11:41] a man of incredible generosity. He didn't just connect with
[2:11:45] people, he connected them to community. He showed up when
[2:11:49] it mattered. And used his voice to stand up for
[2:11:53] what's right. He volunteered for countless causes throughout the year,
[2:11:59] putting in more hours than most people do in their
[2:12:02] entire lifetimes. He was a special person to me. Someone
[2:12:08] who saw the best at me. And I truly believe
[2:12:11] that I would not be where I am today without
[2:12:13] his support. I'm not alone in that. This is what
[2:12:18] Lee did. He made people feel special. He saw the
[2:12:22] best in everyone, and he worked to make their dreams
[2:12:24] a reality, sometimes to his own detriment. Lee was team
[2:12:30] cornwall all the way. He advocated for his community every
[2:12:34] day he wore it on. T shirts. He shouted it
[2:12:37] from roof subs. He pushed, he nudged, and he fought
[2:12:40] to make the city as resilient as possible. He challenged
[2:12:45] us to do better. And to speak up for what's
[2:12:48] right. Lee passed away a few short months before his
[2:12:52] 40th birthday after over a year battling cancer. He left
[2:12:57] behind his seven year old daughter, Nora, who was able
[2:13:00] to watch over the years as her father addressed crowds,
[2:13:04] big and small, sparking thoughtful dialogue and engaging people of
[2:13:09] all age. Ages and at all levels. This city is
[2:13:13] full of amazing people who are dedicated to making this
[2:13:16] community a better place. Let's memorialize a man who gave
[2:13:21] so much of himself. I urge my colleague to support
[2:13:25] this motion, not just for his daughter or for his
[2:13:28] mother or. Siblings who are here today and who miss
[2:13:32] him dearly. But for all the people whose lives he's
[2:13:35] touched. I know that the community will stand behind this.
[2:13:40] We can fundraise, we can put our heads together to
[2:13:42] find the best way to honor his memory. Let's go.
[2:13:45] Big as Lee. Would. And I found a quote from
[2:13:48] a post on Facebook from Lee himself, and I'm just
[2:13:51] going to read it as a wave is to water
[2:13:55] and a gust is to wind. Lee is to cornwall.
[2:14:00] Needless to say, the post is much longer than that.
[2:14:04] But I'll leave it there. I hope you support this
[2:14:06] motion. Thank you so much. Thank you, councilor.
[2:14:18] Thank you very much. Contra Saragud. Lee was a friend
[2:14:24] of mine. A special guy. And it's going to be
[2:14:30] very tough for me to speak about him. And you
[2:14:34] can trust me. My heart is crying. In fact, I
[2:14:39] prepared some word for him, but I can't read. I
[2:14:44] can't. My. Hope is speaking. My brother. Is passed away.
[2:14:55] Just please support this motion. For this special guy. Thank
[2:15:01] you. Thank you. Further commentary.
[2:15:13] I want to thank councilor good and counselor Good Joe
[2:15:14] for bringing this forward. I think it's fitting that you
[2:15:16] both brought this motion forward together. I can't add much
[2:15:19] more to what you said, sarah. I considered Lee a
[2:15:25] friend, and I think. It was a privilege to know
[2:15:29] him. And Ralph and Rose, thank you for being here
[2:15:32] this evening. It's remarkable. The more I think about. Lee.
[2:15:41] Just a really remarkable person. And someone that it's a
[2:15:46] great loss for our community, truly is. It truly, truly
[2:15:52] is. And I think memorializingly in an appropriate manner is
[2:15:55] something positive for Cornwall. So people who never had the
[2:15:59] opportunity to know. And we'll get to know him. Sarah,
[2:16:03] do you want to wrap up?
[2:16:13] I hope my colleagues support this. I'm just going to
[2:16:16] leave it there. Thank you. Thank you. I'm going to
[2:16:22] call the vote. All in favor? Thank you very much.
[2:16:29] Listing from unfinished business. The action recommended is that council
[2:16:32] receive report 154 of 2025. Motion.
[2:16:42] Councilor Bennett. Councilor. Good. Any discussion on the unfinished business
[2:16:47] listing? Seeing none. All in favor receiving it? That is
[2:16:52] carried. Thank you. There are no notices of motions, Mr.
[2:16:56] Mayor. And we're at reports from committees. Thank you. Reports
[2:17:01] from committees. Councilor McDonald. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'd like
[2:17:06] to remind the world that September 30 is approaching quickly,
[2:17:10] and that is of course. Is the national day for
[2:17:12] truth and reconciliation. Reconciliation. Of course, I believe everybody recognizes.
[2:17:19] As the overriding challenge of our time, of our era.
[2:17:23] And I hope everybody who can. Will come to Lamaru
[2:17:27] park from three to 07:00 p.m. that day. Next Tuesday.
[2:17:34] We're having activities. By. Various. Indigenous groups, letting anybody who
[2:17:42] attends. Experience. First nations culture and just experience and visit.
[2:17:50] With First nations representatives, so. It's a good social time
[2:17:55] and I hope people will participate. And the day before
[2:18:00] on the Monday. There's another much smaller opportunity open to
[2:18:04] people. I'm sure everybody's aware of the fact that most
[2:18:08] of the traffic across the bridge is people from Aquasosney
[2:18:12] coming to Cornwall for. Various needs. But on the Monday
[2:18:18] prior to September 30, there's an invitation to the whole
[2:18:22] community to go to Aquasoshni, to the community center, and
[2:18:27] simply. Have a social occasion for anybody who wishes to.
[2:18:32] There'd be a light supper and then. Informal chats, maybe
[2:18:36] some slightly structured chats, but. It's just an opportunity to
[2:18:41] sit down and visit with people. On. Their community. Base
[2:18:48] that we rarely get the opportunity to have. So I
[2:18:51] encourage everybody who can. To go. And. It's on the
[2:18:59] canadian side of. The office, Osney. So you don't need
[2:19:03] a passport. You just need your bridge toll. So I
[2:19:09] hope it'll be well attended. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor
[2:19:13] Hollingsworth. Thank you, you, worship. With little indulgence, I'm going
[2:19:18] to slightly out of order. Here. Taking opportunity to thank
[2:19:22] Mr. Pothrop and his staff. With regards to their work
[2:19:26] on Queen Street. The community. Not really big fans of
[2:19:30] the whole thing. But anytime. I've called Mr. Pothrop over
[2:19:34] the last month and a half, two. Months with regards
[2:19:37] to people with issues, he and his staff have worked
[2:19:40] desperately and diligently. To try to accommodate people to the
[2:19:44] best of their ability and still do. The sidewalk. And
[2:19:47] I think that when someone goes above and beyond the
[2:19:51] textbook definition of their job, They need perhaps a pat
[2:19:55] on the back. So thank you, Mr. Father, to you
[2:19:57] and your staff. Thank you. Any further reports from committees.
[2:20:06] Sing? None. We'll move on. Confirming bylaw action recommended that
[2:20:10] by law 96 of 2025 being a biological firm. The
[2:20:13] proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the City
[2:20:17] of Cornwall at its evening. At its meeting this evening,
[2:20:21] held on Monday, September 22, is being presented to council
[2:20:24] for adoption. Motion. Councilor sabre, Councilor McDonald, all in favor?
[2:20:30] Carrie. Thank you. Next regular meeting, council will. Be held
[2:20:33] on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Negative motion adjourn. Please, Councilor
[2:20:39] Hollingsworth. Councilor Macintosh. All in favor? Carrie. Verajourn thank you,
[2:20:42] mouse c Nawa.