[0:39] Hey. Welcome to our open meeting. I now call the

[0:42] open council meeting. Monday, September 22, 2025. Back to order

[0:47] and ask that everyone make sure their cell phones are

[0:49] turned off the duration of the beating. So welcome, Councilor

[0:55] Latham. Councilor Noellan. Council Tardif. Online. I'd like to ask

[1:01] the clerk to provide her. I missed the land acknowledgment.

[1:07] I would like to begin by acknowledging with respect that

[1:08] we were in treaty three territory. The land. In which

[1:11] we are gathered is the traditional territory of the Nishnabi

[1:14] and the Mati. People. And I'll just add the may

[1:16] tea people to celebrate the 150th anniversary. Of the signing

[1:20] of the treaty on September 12. Congratulations. Now I'd like

[1:25] to ask the clerk to provide a report concerning matters

[1:28] discussed during the earlier. Closed session. Thank you. Yes, there

[1:31] was just the one item on the closed agenda this

[1:33] evening. And on that item, council received an update from

[1:36] the CAO on a community benefit agreement. Thank you. We

[1:41] have no delegations this evening. We have no presentations or

[1:46] public notices. We have no council, committee or board reports

[1:50] this evening, so we're now at the consent agenda, part

[1:53] one. General, I'd like to ask the clerk to conduct

[1:55] this section of the agenda, please? I will review the

[1:59] items and then ask if any member would like to

[2:01] speak to or sever any of them for a separate

[2:03] vote under adopt and receive minutes. We have the minutes

[2:06] of the September eigth council meeting to be adopted. There

[2:11] are several motions arising for previous meetings that would be

[2:14] adopted tonight. First, we have a motion. To appoint William

[2:18] Tennyson and Oliver Atkins to the Dryden and District Museum

[2:22] advisory board. For the remainder of this term of council.

[2:25] We have a motion to support the submission of Atura

[2:28] Powers solar project under the long. Term two energy supply

[2:32] window one request for proposals issued by the independent electricity

[2:37] system operator. We also have a motion to support the

[2:41] submission of a tour of powers battery energy storage system

[2:45] project under the long term two capacity services window. One

[2:49] request for proposals issue. Issued by the independent electricity system

[2:54] operator. Then we have a motion to support the submission

[2:57] of Electra. Energy solutions Solar project under the long term

[3:02] two window one request for proposals issued by the independent

[3:07] electricity system operator. Next, there's a motion to create a

[3:12] legal affairs committee of Council for the oversight of legal

[3:15] affairs where the city's CAO has a direct personal interest

[3:19] in the matters under consideration. And to appoint mayor Harrison,

[3:23] councilors McKinnon and Tardif, as well as the city's director

[3:28] of human resources and director of. Finance to this committee

[3:32] for the remainder of the term of counsel. And finally,

[3:35] we have a motion. To change the date of the

[3:37] December 2025 council meeting from December 8 to December the

[3:43] 15th. Does anyone want to speak to any of these

[3:46] items or have them severed for a separate vote? Not

[3:55] seeing any hope. Seeing none. I would look for a

[3:58] mover in a seconder, then. Please for consent agenda, part

[4:01] one. For keyedoning. And. Kenneth, did I see your hand?

[4:09] Thank you. Moved by councilor Keening and Southgund. Did by

[4:12] council in McKinnon. The council hereby consider the following items

[4:14] of the consent. Agenda, part one general under the date

[4:18] of September 22, 2025, as read and adopted 13 A

[4:24] 14 Abcdef. All in favor? Erie. Thank you.

[4:37] So now we're at consent agenda, part two bylaws. I

[4:41] would like to ask her to conduct this section agenda

[4:43] as well. Please. Again, I'll review the two bylaws. That

[4:47] we have this evening, and then I'll ask if anyone

[4:49] wants to speak to. Or sever either of them for

[4:51] a separate vote. Bylaw 20 25 56 is a bylaw

[4:56] to allow for. The execution of a development agreement for

[4:59] 149 3rd street and 186 Grand Trunk Avenue. And bylaw

[5:04] 20 25 57. Is a bylaw to amend. Bylaw four,

[5:09] four, six. 2017. The city's delegation of authority bylaw by

[5:14] adding schedule s, the delegation of authority for the oversight

[5:18] of legal affairs, where the city. CAO has a direct

[5:21] personal interest. Does anyone want to speak to or sever

[5:25] either? Of these bylaws for a separate. Vote. And again.

[5:35] None. All right. We'd look for a mover in a

[5:37] second or for consent agenda. Part two. Council of price.

[5:43] And councillor McKinnon. Thank you. Moved by council at Price,

[5:46] seconded by councilor McKinnon. The council hereby consider the following

[5:50] items of the consent agenda, part two bylaws under date

[5:54] of September 22, 2025, is read and adopted by law

[5:58] 2025 56 and bylaw 20 25 57. All in favor?

[6:06] Very. Thank you. So we are now back to regular

[6:12] agenda, which, out of consent, each item on the regular

[6:14] general. We presented individually to council. So we have two

[6:19] staff reports tonight. I'd like to call on miss Smith

[6:23] to present. Her report, please. Good evening, council. My report

[6:28] tonight is regarding the process on updating the council code

[6:32] of conduct. Policy. This last July, staff brought forward a

[6:40] revised policy. Council had some considerations. The proposed policy was

[6:49] discussed and council gave direction to further investigate whether the

[6:53] use of private life within the policy was necessary. Staff

[6:58] reached out to the integrity commissioner and asked for his

[7:01] opinion on this. I'm going to read an excerpt from

[7:05] his comments. In my view, the current language of five

[7:10] one three and five one four a strike. The correct

[7:12] balance. I do not recommend changing either section. I believe

[7:17] that generally a code of conduct should only apply to

[7:19] a person's city functions and should not apply to the

[7:23] person's private life. The only exception should be when something.

[7:27] In a person's private life directly interferes with the ability

[7:30] to perform duties to the city. In my view, the

[7:34] above statement reflects the appropriate balance. The code should not

[7:37] apply to someone's. Personal life. Unless the personal life harms

[7:41] the city's interests. Harm? Meaning a harm. To the person's

[7:45] ability to perform duties as a city official. So, taking

[7:50] into consideration. His response and his opinion on this staff

[7:54] have not made further changes to the policy and. We're

[7:58] requesting council's direction on this matter. Our recommendation is that

[8:03] council direct staff to keep the policy as is and

[8:09] bring forward a bylaw. Okay. Thank you for coming back.

[8:16] To council with that because we did have that question

[8:19] with integrity. Commissioners, that was great. Thanks for doing that

[8:21] work. Any questions? Comments from our counselors councilor Noel. Thank

[8:28] you. I appreciate that. Somebody had the integrity. Commissioner, look

[8:34] into this. Much like we have just previously discussed, and

[8:40] how we can potentially. Burden future councils. I still have

[8:49] a huge problem with the private life issue being put.

[8:54] In the language. I want to remind everyone here that.

[8:58] The power to. Run. City policy is in our hands.

[9:06] It's not in the integrity commissioners. Or in our management

[9:12] team. It's in councils. And I strongly oppose the language

[9:18] in there on private life open to the interpretation. Of.

[9:25] Somebody at some point in the future. Who can address

[9:30] the code of conduct issue with private life being in

[9:33] there? All of us are. Entitled to a private life.

[9:37] We are. And. There's language further. In those codes of

[9:44] conduct. That refers to. A number of things that can

[9:49] cause. A code of conduct complaint going forward. Criminal code

[9:53] charges, for instance. That private life, despite what my colleague,

[10:00] the integrity commissioner, says. Is far too broad, and I

[10:05] think. We're really. Handcuffing and putting a huge burden on

[10:12] future counsel and potential counselors who. May be brought forward

[10:17] with the code of conduct issue. I get why this

[10:19] came forward. I know. Exactly why. And that language. Is

[10:25] specifically targeting. And in my opinion, I will never support

[10:28] this. So unless that comes out of there, I do.

[10:31] Not have. I will not support this. Okay, thanks for

[10:35] that comment. So just for clarification, They did take out

[10:43] the word private in a couple of sections, but. Is

[10:48] it? What? Referring to like 5.1.4 a where? Conduct one's

[10:53] private life or council activities which render the council member

[10:56] unable to reform their duty satisfactory. Is that your. That's

[11:01] exactly the section I'm talking about. 5.1.4, sub eight. Is

[11:05] exactly what I'm talking about. I want to remind everyone

[11:09] we have a private life. We live in a small

[11:11] community here. And that is far too vague. Like I

[11:17] said, that needs to come out of there. Okay. Any

[11:23] other thoughts from counselors? Councilor Keeling.

[11:33] Thank you. Through the chair. I am inclined to. Agree.

[11:42] With the integrity commissioner's assessment of this. It's saying. Like.

[11:53] A person's private life. Doesn't apply to this code of

[11:57] conduct. And it's only when someone's private life or their

[12:03] actions or words or whatever. Interfere with their ability to

[12:07] perform the duties to the city. Or harm the city's

[12:12] interests or go against the cities. Like mission and vision

[12:17] and things like that. So. I don't think that that

[12:22] is unreasonable. I believe that when. We put when people

[12:29] put their names forward. To become a city counselor. They

[12:36] take on the additional responsibility they take on that heightened

[12:42] scrutiny from the public, from colleagues. And. That is. I

[12:52] think just a part of. This job, and I think

[12:55] that. It encourages. People to yes, absolutely. Be on their

[13:01] best behavior when they're doing this job. I don't think

[13:04] that. That's necessarily unreasonable. So that's where I'm coming from.

[13:13] With all of this. This is how I understand it.

[13:17] Thanks for that opinion. The other councilors want to weigh

[13:24] in on. The policy code of conduct policy. Councilor price.

[13:36] So going back, like, this is my second term of

[13:39] counsel now, and so I'm almost. Seven years and eight

[13:43] years in going on now. This particular piece has been

[13:49] in the code of conduct for how long? Ever. Very

[13:56] long. So I remember when. My first meeting and before

[14:04] my first meeting. We got this big code of conduct

[14:09] book, and I read it. From first page to end

[14:13] page and was very overwhelmed with everything. There were certain

[14:17] pieces in there that stood out more than others. I

[14:22] guess, getting to my point. Is. As Alison has said,

[14:29] This has been. In there all along. From day one

[14:34] for me, from day one for councilor McKinnon. And any

[14:37] other counselor. In the past. So. I understood that when

[14:45] I became a counselor. That I was going to be

[14:49] put under essentially a microscope. And I had to be

[14:54] careful on my actions. Is it intrusive at times? Probably

[15:00] because. You're out. At an event, and you have to

[15:06] be very careful what you're doing and what you're saying

[15:09] that will always sit in the back of your mind.

[15:12] That being said, I did sign up for this job

[15:15] knowing that that was in there. It's one of those

[15:20] things, like, I understand what the integrity commissioner is saying,

[15:24] and I actually understand what council Newell is saying as

[15:27] well. It's a very fine line where we get into

[15:34] our personal life. And it makes it almost like we

[15:37] don't have a personal life. Because you are a city

[15:40] counselor and. Respond negatively for future counselors, especially.

[15:50] That it's come to light. Who's going to sign up

[15:52] to be a counselor when you're constantly under a microscope.

[15:57] It's a fine line, but in my case, and how

[15:59] I feel about it is that like I said, I

[16:02] read it from page to page. On my first day

[16:08] as a counselor being elected in, and I signed up

[16:12] for that. And I will have to stick to that

[16:15] until the end of my term next year. Like I

[16:20] said, I understand both sides of the coin on this

[16:22] one, but I feel in my cases that that's what

[16:25] I signed up for, and that's what I'm going to

[16:27] have to stick with. Okay, thank you. And we'll go

[16:34] back to Councilor Noel. Thank you for your comments, councilor

[16:38] Price. How many months are we into this that I'm

[16:42] sitting in my office in a meeting? And can't be

[16:44] there. That's the whole issue here. I accept that when

[16:51] we sign up for council, that our personal life. Is.

[16:57] Deeply affected. I don't think any of us are strangers

[17:00] to being anywhere publicly and being asked something related to

[17:04] counsel or a question, and that's part of what we

[17:08] take. When we're seen in public. Certainly we're under scrutiny.

[17:14] But. This. Specifically has cost me tens of thousands of

[17:21] dollars. There's been two investigations and. It's far too open.

[17:27] To. Either the CAO or the integrity commissioner to implement

[17:33] this the way it's written. I do not support private

[17:37] life being in there. Private life is private life. And

[17:39] if we do something. That rises to the level of

[17:43] questioning our integrity at all. There's criminal cold conduct to

[17:48] go in there. There's all kinds of other things. That

[17:51] particular section needs to have our private lives taken out

[17:54] of it, and I will not change. My position on

[17:57] that. Thank you, Mr. Nesmit. To your worship. To correct

[18:05] Councilor Noel. The CAO does not implement council code of

[18:09] conduct. That's up. To the integrity commissioner solely. So. That

[18:17] comment is incorrect. From Councilor Noel. Thank you. Well. We're

[18:23] at this point. Mr. Nazbit, largely because of, well, you

[18:28] know what? I don't want to get into my personal

[18:30] circumstances here too terribly much. But that section needs to

[18:34] be stricken from there. Okay. Any other further comments?

[18:44] Yeah. Once you get on council. It's important that we

[18:52] do respect the code of conduct that's put before us.

[18:57] I think this clause. Conduct one's private life or council

[19:04] activities which render the council member unable to perform their

[19:07] duty satisfactory. I do support that clause. Just because. If

[19:14] you elected as a counselor, you're elected to perform your

[19:17] duties and to be that's. What you're there for. So

[19:22] if your private life. Does render you unable to perform

[19:26] them satisfactory, then. I'd say not. If you aren't able

[19:31] to form your duties, then. What impact you're going to

[19:38] have on those who voted for you and their communities.

[19:40] So. I think it's a high bar. It will be

[19:46] up to the integrity commission. Now, if somebody does bring

[19:50] forward a claim, But that's really the only impact of

[19:54] private life other than. Yeah. No, I think that's it

[19:58] on the whole thing. So, councilor McKinnon, let's see. Sans.

[20:07] So. When I signed on to be a counselor all

[20:13] those years ago. I would have been one of the

[20:17] first people resistant to a code of conduct, and I

[20:19] probably was all through that process because. I firmly believe

[20:25] that I'm entitled to say what I want, when I

[20:28] want, and where. I want. But it didn't take me

[20:33] long to realize that. I was an all public official.

[20:39] Not a private person. And. I had to conform. To.

[20:49] What was best for my community. And so as we

[20:55] progress through those years, and there's been numerous times, code

[20:58] of conduct has come up. I've been written up and

[21:01] reported to the integrity commissioner several times. And. Some of

[21:08] it. Affects. Your private life. But. In the end, when

[21:15] you become a counselor, in my book, you become a

[21:18] counselor 24/7. And. It's the good and the bad and.

[21:26] You struggle in times when you're placed in limelight and

[21:29] somebody. Wants you gone. Then. Court of contact will defend

[21:37] you and protect you, or it will point to. The

[21:42] ways you have to correct yourself. I personally don't have

[21:46] a problem. With. Private life being in there because. I'm

[21:53] a constant twenty four seven. I don't have a private

[21:55] life. My two cent guys. Okay. Thanks for everyone's thoughts.

[22:06] Since then, we have a majority to bring it forward

[22:09] for a vote. Still go to a vote. And that'll

[22:11] be aimed to bring a bylaw. October 14 meeting for

[22:16] a vote. Okay. Thank you, council. Thank you, smith. So

[22:23] I now like to call on Mr. Boyd or present

[22:26] his report, please. Thank you, mayor. So, just to review.

[22:39] I'm bringing forward. Contract. User agreement. For our junior eight

[22:47] ice dogs, so I believe the last one concluded in

[22:52] the summer of 2020. So likely with the circumstances of

[22:56] the time. We just never got back into one, and

[23:00] we've been operating. In a somewhat obviously without one, but.

[23:07] More of this is how we've done it in the

[23:08] past. But we want to make sure that. We have

[23:12] some clear guidelines. On. What the user group gets and

[23:18] what we're giving. So we wanted to make sure that

[23:20] we got back into a user agreement because it's a

[23:22] little bit different than our normal. Ice users. Our normal

[23:26] ice users essentially come in, rent the ice, and then

[23:31] leave. Right? And they're paying hourly. The ice dogs are

[23:34] a little bit different. They get. Access to the building

[23:37] to put their stock back in when they get back

[23:39] from road games. They have. Obviously not just the storage

[23:44] space. But dressing room. And they're provided with some other.

[23:52] Amenities that some of our other user groups don't cat.

[23:55] So we just wanted to capture. All that into the

[23:57] user agreement. I think. I put. Kind of pulled out

[24:04] all the key parts that council might be interested in.

[24:07] Under the discussion portion of the project. So the term

[24:11] would be. From this summer. To summer of 2029 with

[24:16] the option to renew upon mutual consent. From the two

[24:20] parties. The ice rate would continue to remain the youth

[24:26] primetime user group rate, which is what they've been paying.

[24:29] And beginning in 2026, an additional $20 fee for summer

[24:33] ice. So this is something that I've actually put on

[24:36] the fees and charges bylaw to bring forward to council

[24:39] for 2026 fees and charges to help offset. The exorbitant

[24:48] cost that there is to put the ice back in

[24:50] early in August. And the ice dogs have been. We

[24:55] came up with this agreement together, so they're on. Board

[24:58] and they understand. And understand that expense, that additional expense.

[25:04] So they were good with it. Some payment terms to

[25:08] try and keep them on track. So again, without a

[25:11] user agreement previously. There wasn't necessarily any payment terms. So

[25:18] this is hopefully going to help them stay on track.

[25:22] And stay up to date with the payments. With the

[25:25] facility access, so you get game operations. Advertising is another

[25:29] big one. That has been. It's been the past practice

[25:32] since they started there into 2000. But not always captured

[25:39] in the agreement. So we just wanted to make sure

[25:41] what was in the agreement and who has what. Board

[25:43] ads. As we're quite full up with board ads and

[25:47] even wall ads. So we want to make sure that

[25:49] we're working with each other to get those all filled

[25:52] up, but that they know what port. Portion is theirs,

[25:57] and we know what portions are. Yeah, I guess I'm

[26:02] open to any questions, if council has any, with regards

[26:05] to the. User agreement. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Boyer. Any

[26:13] questions? Councilor Noelle, I'll go to you first. Thank you,

[26:18] Mr. Boyer. The only question I had was, what's the

[26:22] rationale behind the $20 per hour more during the period

[26:26] from May to August. And I appreciate you commenting on.

[26:30] The management of the ice dogs. Being on board and

[26:34] aware of all this. That was the one. Thing I

[26:35] was going to suggest is. All the players of the

[26:40] party aren't here. But you said that they have looked

[26:42] at this. I just questioned why the $20 per hour

[26:46] more between May to August. Thanks. Thank you, council. Yeah.

[26:52] So some communities do a summer ice rate where it's

[26:55] more. We could have gone that route. I just thought

[26:58] it was a little bit easier just to say. Whatever.

[27:04] Their normal rate is going up. Plus. An additional $20.

[27:07] So obviously. Summer ice. The facility wasn't built for housing

[27:13] ice in August. So not quite the most efficient building.

[27:19] Our energy cost in the summertime. Are significant. I think

[27:24] we're somewhere around $5,000 a week. In hydro. So this

[27:30] is just to help offset some of the cost, because.

[27:34] In comparison. Our December, January, February cost for Hydro was

[27:40] something like. 2000 202,500. In and around that neighborhood. So

[27:46] in our normal ice season, We're significantly lower, but we're

[27:49] putting the ice back. In specifically. More so, probably for

[27:54] the ice dogs. Right. And so that they can start

[27:55] their training camp because. They have rigid timelines to host

[28:01] training camp and get their team selected. So in doing

[28:06] that, I think it's prudent upon us to put in

[28:11] something that. Helps offset. And reflect the additional cost that

[28:15] it puts on our operations. Okay. Thank you. Go to

[28:22] Councilor Kevin. Thank you for the chair. I just had

[28:27] a question about the term. I don't know if. There

[28:34] have been historical, I guess. User agreements. But. I was

[28:42] just curious as why. It's like four years. Or is

[28:46] there going to be something where. It's kind of reviewed

[28:51] every year. I do see that there's an option to

[28:55] renew upon mutual consent. So I just want to make

[29:00] sure that if there was something just missing from there,

[29:04] I was. Like, oh, four years seems like a long

[29:06] time. Or is that fairly standard across. User agreements. That

[29:12] are specific to. I guess. Kind of exceptional cases. Thanks,

[29:18] councilor. Through you, mayor. Yeah, great question. Really? It was

[29:23] four years. Just so that it's in front of council

[29:26] every term. At least once. Right? So council has some

[29:31] input on it for sure. But other than that, we

[29:35] know that they're a longtime user group. They've been in

[29:39] a contract with us from 2000 all the way to

[29:41] 2020 again somewhere. Just fell out. With uncertainty, the times,

[29:46] I'm sure. And it just never got back on. So

[29:48] now we're doing that. But, yeah, we want to get

[29:52] it out there. But there's also not a lot usually.

[29:56] With. This isn't a private team. It's a public team

[30:00] and nonprofit team. So. There's usually not a lot of

[30:05] controversy around them or we don't think that they're leaving

[30:08] or that they're not paying enough for any of those

[30:11] typical problems. That might be with junior clubs, where in

[30:15] some other communities might do shorter terms. I think for

[30:19] council to see it once in a term is suffice,

[30:21] but. It's completely up to council for sure. You're welcome.

[30:27] Mr. Nesman. Yeah. Thank you. Through your worship. Just to

[30:30] add to that fees and charges user fees and charges

[30:33] are reviewed annually. Councilor keevening, as part of the budget

[30:36] process and. With this particular. User group or user following

[30:43] that, then the fees and charges aspect is addressed. But

[30:47] as Mr. Boyer stated. It adds a little bit of

[30:51] certainty. For that organization and the fact that. They do

[30:57] rely on. Having various spaces throughout the complex available to

[31:01] them. I think four years is appropriate. Thanks. Cool. Thank

[31:06] you. We'll go online to councilor Tardif. Thank you. Through

[31:11] the chair? Yeah. I was one of the members of

[31:18] the executive with the founding of this team and I

[31:21] can say that. To have a relationship like this. And

[31:27] now especially, seeing it from the other side and knowing

[31:29] how much the taxpayers of this community subsidize. Recreation to

[31:33] have a relationship where you guys have been able to

[31:35] agree to terms like this and for them to recognize

[31:39] the costs and. Not argue the fact that there are

[31:45] additional costs, and to bring one like that to us

[31:49] is great. And I'm fully in favor of this. Okay.

[31:54] Thank you. So our aim is to bring bylaw to

[32:00] October 14 meeting. All in favor of that? Okay. So

[32:09] you have direction there. Thank you. So we have no

[32:13] north motion seeing. We have one motion signature. I'll ask

[32:16] the clerk. To review, please. Thank you. At the last

[32:21] meeting, Mayor Harrison submitted a notice of motion to request

[32:24] the province of Ontario incorporate water safety training into the

[32:28] elementary school curriculum. And tonight, this issue is on the

[32:32] agenda. As a motion. And I guess we'll start off

[32:36] with. The mayor to speak to it. Okay, so just

[32:42] a little background for this motion. We all remember the

[32:48] tragedy on July 31 of Aidan and Jocelyn. Drowning on

[32:57] July 1 in our Wavagun River. I was contacted by

[33:02] their grandparents, Michael Williams and Evelyn Page. Shortly after that.

[33:09] And we had a conversation. And they're really dedicating the

[33:14] rest of their lives to try to increase awareness. For

[33:17] the need of water safety across Ontario, and I was

[33:21] able to meet with them personally. In Ottawa when we

[33:26] was at Emo on August 19. And just offered my

[33:30] support on how we could move forward. With getting. Water

[33:35] safety training as part of the curriculum. In Ontario. Very

[33:40] good conversation. I was also able to go in front

[33:42] of the Minister of Education. At the forum. At the

[33:47] AMO and able to ask that question about would the

[33:50] Minister of Education support. Putting water safety training into the

[33:55] curriculum. Or would. Consider was the word, actually, and he

[33:59] was agreeable to look into that. And so, as part

[34:03] of my support for the family. Mr. Williams formally to

[34:07] this resolution. To bring awareness and Dryden being the first

[34:12] one to bring this forward. Our intent is to send

[34:16] this resolution to the Ministry of Education. To be of

[34:20] provincial mpps as well as all emission poles across Ontario,

[34:25] and our association for municipal Ontario to really start the

[34:28] ball rolling. Trying to incorporate. Water safety training and curriculum.

[34:38] You think of all the things that we learn in

[34:39] school, especially in the phys department. Swimming is a life

[34:44] skill. And you think about ONTArIO, we're so blessed with

[34:48] so many beautiful lakes and rivers and streams. And the

[34:52] fact that it's not mandatory. You can go through elementary

[34:55] school and not learn. How to swim. I understand that

[34:58] there is opportunity. There is a cost associated with that.

[35:04] But. I agree with Mr. Williams that. It should be

[35:09] a mandatory. Taught in our system. The motion speaks. To.

[35:20] The swim to survive training. And this is put on

[35:24] by the life saving society. It's a very unique course.

[35:29] I was able to learn more about, actually, through our

[35:32] chief, Chief Wood. He was in contact with. Another community.

[35:38] Or they contacted him because they had a similar drowning

[35:40] in their community. And they implemented swim. To survive training.

[35:46] And this is what Mr. Williams is advocating as well.

[35:50] And I'd like to just show a little video that

[35:53] was sent to Cheapwood and so you can understand, really.

[35:57] The simplicity of this program and how easy it is

[36:00] to implement.

[39:08] All right. Thanks for showing Ms. Smith. This is a

[39:15] program. I'd like our council, or this resolution, like our

[39:19] council, to support. To try to bring awareness and move

[39:24] the need along. Having our school system. Through the power

[39:30] of our minister of education to enact this. The fact

[39:36] that drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death

[39:39] in children under ten. In Canada. And most drownings occur

[39:46] occur near shore pools and unintended. Where adults could even.

[39:52] Could be closed. So it's important that children are able

[39:55] to have the necessary skills to reach to the shore

[39:59] themselves. And this program is quite simple. There's really only

[40:02] three in water sessions. The cost is $15 to $25

[40:06] per. Student. Like I mentioned, we roll into deep water,

[40:11] enacting the fact that you fall off a dock or

[40:14] something into the water. Learn how to dread for 1

[40:16] minute and also swim 50 meters. We're not going to

[40:21] create Olympic athletes, but we're going to have people able

[40:23] to survive falling into the water. So on behalf of

[40:27] Mr. Williams, on bringing this forward, I'm looking for council

[40:31] support. Any questions? Or comments.

[40:44] Hey, thank you very much. In that case, it sounds

[40:48] like there is support for this, so. We would look

[40:52] for a mover in a second. Or please council with

[40:55] price and council of. Keeding. Moved by councilor price and

[40:59] seconded by Councilor Keeven. Whereas. Drowning is one of the

[41:05] leading causes of preventable death among children in Ontario, and

[41:09] research by the Life Saving Society of Ontario shows that

[41:12] most children who found never intended to be in the

[41:14] water. And whereas evidence demonstrates that even basic swimming and

[41:18] water survival skills significantly reduce the risk of drowning. And

[41:23] whereas many children in Onta. Ontario do not have equitable

[41:27] access to swimming lessons outside of school due to financial,

[41:31] cultural or geographic barriers and where several municipalities across Ontario

[41:37] have expressed strong interest in improving water safety education for

[41:41] children, and whereas the ministry of education has the authority

[41:44] to incorporate. Water safety and survival training into the regular

[41:48] elementary school curricular curriculum as well as universal life saving

[41:54] skills comparable to fire safety and road safety instruction. Therefore,

[41:59] be it resolved that the council of the City of

[42:01] Dryden respectfully urges the Government of Ontario through the Ministry

[42:05] of Education to incorporate mandatory water safety and swim to

[42:09] survive training into the elementary school curriculum. Parole Ontario students.

[42:15] And be it further resolved that a copy of this

[42:17] resolution be forwarded to the honorable minister. Of education of

[42:21] Ontario, local members of provincial Parliament, the Association of municipalities

[42:27] of Ontario and all Ontario. Municipalities with a request for

[42:31] their endorsement. Thank you. All in favor? Gary, thank you

[42:37] very much. We are now at our Miss Buffer's reports,

[42:42] and I'll call on our CEO. Mr. Mesbit for his

[42:44] report, please. Thank you to your worship. First off, I'd

[42:51] like to congratulate. Our operations manager, Todd Olsen. Todd has

[42:58] recently been named. Our new potentially or in the near

[43:04] term future, new public works director. Our current public works

[43:09] director has expressed that he'll be retiring. In the new

[43:15] year. So after a competitive recruitment process, Mr. Olsen. Was

[43:22] a successful candidate. I know Mr. Olsen will do very

[43:26] well in the position. And. As much as we don't

[43:33] look forward to losing our current public works director, I

[43:36] do. Look forward to Mr. Olsen moving into that position.

[43:39] It's always great to have strong internal. Candidates. And for

[43:44] this particular recruitment, we had several very strong internal candidates.

[43:48] So that's always a positive for the organization. I just.

[43:55] Want to update council on our air passenger feasibility study.

[44:00] We're about halfway through that study. And we just completed

[44:05] our stakeholder engagement sessions. Here last week, so we look

[44:10] forward to completing the study by the end of the

[44:12] year and just as a reminder to anybody watching or

[44:16] to council the outcome of the air passenger feasibility study.

[44:22] We hope to create a bit of a business case

[44:24] for potential carriers. And on the completion of the study,

[44:28] we will be approaching. Carriers. To develop interest in providing

[44:34] that service. Not just in Dryden, but throughout the region.

[44:39] Canor and Fort Francis are also participating in the study,

[44:44] so hopefully. We're successful in reestablishing that service in all

[44:49] three communities. And then I just wanted to give a

[44:52] shout out to the planning committee of the fundraiser meet.

[44:56] Me at the egg center. One of those planning committee

[45:01] members. Put an immense amount of pressure on myself to

[45:07] ride a mechanical bull or be part of the group

[45:10] that rode the bull. As the fundraiser. So the event

[45:17] was a huge success. My attempt at riding the bull

[45:19] was not a great success. But I did depart without

[45:23] injury, so I think that was a win. On my

[45:27] part for sure. But again, just a huge thank you

[45:31] to the planning committee. The fundraiser. Was attempting to raise

[45:37] some money for the legion. The agricultural Society and the

[45:42] food bank. And from what I understand, the fundraiser was

[45:46] a huge success. I think they well surpassed. Their target

[45:52] goal. And it sounds like maybe it may be an

[45:56] ongoing event, because. It was such a huge hit in

[46:01] the community. And then just a reminder to everybody that

[46:05] on September 30, it's our national truth and. Reconciliation. Day.

[46:13] There will be an event. Held at Cooper park once

[46:16] again. So I encourage everybody. To get their own shirts

[46:21] on and come down and take part. In that event.

[46:26] It is growing in numbers year after year. And that's

[46:31] a very positive thing to see in the community. And

[46:35] then one final. Shout out is to councilor price. If

[46:40] anybody's been by the corner of Earl and King street,

[46:43] they'll notice some. Huge improvements. To the building. Councilor price.

[46:49] Is embarking on another business venture. And between. Her work.

[46:56] And the property owner's work. The building looks fantastic. It

[47:01] really stands out and. It's a very positive thing. For

[47:06] the downtown. And I can't wait to go and get

[47:08] a cup of coffee there soon. Thanks. All right? Yes.

[47:14] And congratulations on surviving the bull ride. And well done.

[47:20] All right, we'll go to our interim treasurer. Ms. Junko,

[47:24] you're online. Go. Ahead. Hi. Thank you, your worship. I

[47:28] have nothing at this time. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.

[47:34] Turn to our city clerk, Ms. Eiler. Yes, thank you.

[47:37] Just in our departments presently there. Is a lot of

[47:41] work underway on the 2026 operating budgets, which. Are. Due

[47:48] in the next few weeks. As well. We are undertaking

[47:52] a makeover of the city's website, aiming for a cleaner

[47:56] design. Improved features and better accessibility on all devices, and

[48:01] we're just asking the public to watch. For the launch,

[48:05] which is to ochre on October the first. Thank you.

[48:09] I'll call on director of public's works, Mr. Pool. Thank

[48:14] you, you, worship. As you know or may not know,

[48:18] this past weekend was household hazardous waste day. Once again,

[48:22] it was very successful. We had over 400 vehicles there.

[48:25] I'm not sure. If any people in the room went.

[48:30] But. It's a very good program for us as well

[48:34] as the Rotary Club and their volunteers. Are very helpful.

[48:39] With the event. Everyone seems to have a good time,

[48:43] but keeping it business, but. There is a lot of

[48:46] camaraderie and good conversation going on as well. So just

[48:51] like to thank Rotary Club and their volunteers for assisting

[48:54] and the staff who were there. As well. Compost pickup

[48:58] day. This is just a reminder to citizens. It's Monday,

[49:01] October 20, and then again, on Monday, October 27. Just

[49:08] also let you know, our landfill just got a brand

[49:10] new. Bombay compactor here last week. We've had a number

[49:15] of people trained on it recently. Here. Just a comment

[49:19] that was made to me today. Here is this household

[49:22] hazardous waste stage just a reminder, people. It is beneficial

[49:26] because somebody threw a paint can. Into the garbage and

[49:30] our compactor ran over it. Brand new compactor. Got white

[49:33] paint all. Down the side of the machine. They were

[49:37] able to get it off by steaming it off, but.

[49:39] It's just a reminder. It's not good for the environment.

[49:41] It's just. Not good for the landfill. Other things. So

[49:45] I just wanted to tie the two together so people

[49:47] know. Also, we're just finishing up construction work for the

[49:52] summer. We're replacing a portion of Keith and Elm Avenue.

[49:56] Currently I started. And a small section of Sandy Beach

[49:59] Road. Will probably occur next week. So that's all I

[50:03] have for this evening. Thanks. Great. Thank you. I'll call.

[50:06] On our director of community services, Mr. Boyer. Just one

[50:10] thing, mayor. Just letting council know that we are closing

[50:13] the golf course for the season. As of Sunday, October

[50:17] 5, So, yeah. For all comparisons. We've had a fantastic

[50:24] year there. Great weather, great turnout. We're currently, to date,

[50:29] we're 14,000. 812 rounds to date. So last year we

[50:37] were 11,500. So we're about 3000 more than 3000 up.

[50:41] Anyways and still got two weeks left to go here,

[50:43] so fantastic numbers. Membership went up from. 163 last year

[50:50] to 205 this year. So, things going really well? I

[50:56] know. I've heard some comments about us closing earlier. So.

[51:01] Just to let council know there's a couple of reasons

[51:03] why. Obviously, there's some critical infrastructure work that we need

[51:07] to start addressing there. With removing and getting some of

[51:10] those brush piles that have been pushed into. The tree

[51:14] areas there that need to be addressed. We need to

[51:17] do some ditching so that in future when we have

[51:20] water, large rain events, that water is getting off the

[51:23] course and we don't have to keep it close as

[51:25] long. Right, but having contractors out there, having our public

[51:28] work staffer and even our staff out there to get.

[51:34] Some of this work done. Amputeology and golf balls. And

[51:38] those machines aren't as protected as some of our grass

[51:41] cutting machines out there. Not only that, it's the time

[51:44] of year that. Really all we're seeing from October 1

[51:51] to 12th last year when we were open. We were

[51:54] actually losing money. We basically are just seeing members come

[51:59] in at that time, and it's pretty much members. That.

[52:03] Will use their membership already. But people can't come after

[52:08] work because by this time, Obviously. It's getting dark. Today

[52:12] was around 705. Sunset. Near the first week of October.

[52:18] We're looking closer to a 630 sunset. Back that up.

[52:22] By 2 hours to get your round in. People can't

[52:25] be starting at 430. So anyways. It was somewhat of

[52:29] a calculated move here. Everyone in May is chomping at

[52:33] the bit to get out there, and we don't want

[52:34] to delay them to get out there. By doing this

[52:36] work, so I think this is the better time. Of

[52:38] year to be able to get some of that work

[52:39] done without it costing us money or as much. Yeah,

[52:46] I think that's everything. Thanks. Okay. Thank you very much.

[52:51] We're down to announcements. Just want a couple of things

[52:54] I wanted to. Just. Shout out to. The city staff

[53:00] for organizing emergency exercise we had last Friday, where. We

[53:04] simulated. A downed aircraft at the airport. And Allerg went

[53:10] out to staff. And senior leadership to go to a

[53:15] command center, as well as the ems and fire and

[53:18] police. To respond to the airport. We had high school

[53:21] students acting in that capacity. So. Just a very advantageous

[53:28] event for our community and our leadership. Just to demonstrate

[53:32] working together, the cooperation when an incident like this happens.

[53:37] And it's good learning lessons on how to improve. Our

[53:42] response. So. I guess a real mockup. So I learned

[53:48] a lot from it, and hopefully we don't. Have to

[53:51] enact it, but. We do have a very comprehensive emergency

[53:56] plan, and we've been through it at least once. And

[54:00] I know every year they do at least a tabletop

[54:02] exercise, but just kudos to all the people who responded

[54:06] and just. Well done job all around. And I think

[54:11] that's it then. So I will go around the table.

[54:16] Starting with councilor price, and I'll go online. Don't have

[54:25] really much to say. I do have a video. Of.

[54:29] CEO nesbit riding the bowl. So if anyone wants to

[54:31] see that, I will gladly share it. It was an

[54:36] amazing night, though. It was great to see. So many

[54:39] people out supporting this event. And the success of it.

[54:44] I got two numbers. I'm not sure if it's 60,000

[54:46] or 100,000. They surpassed. It was one or the other.

[54:49] I think it was 100,000 gross. But. Kudos to everyone

[54:55] that was part of that event and got that off

[55:00] the floor and running. And to chat GBT, apparently for

[55:07] helping plan, according to one of the planners. It was

[55:12] a running joke there, but. It wasn't a real fun

[55:16] night. And I'm glad to see that it was a

[55:20] success. Going back. I still have this motion up that

[55:25] Mayor Harrison put forward. For. The Life Saving Society for

[55:31] the swim program. I have to commend you. On this.

[55:37] I know it was down at Amel when I was

[55:40] there. You were asked to bring this forward. And to

[55:45] get in. I think we call it the bear pit

[55:46] or something like that, to be able to wrangle your

[55:49] way through all of those folks and manage to get

[55:53] that question. Out. To our minister. Ministers was definitely. A

[55:59] battle for sure. And I commend you for sticking to

[56:02] your guns. And getting this. Through. Not only down there,

[56:08] but through council. I have a little granddaughter, and the

[56:13] very first thing that her mama taught her was out

[56:15] of swim. And that's because she could do it. She

[56:19] could afford to do it. So I'm glad that you

[56:23] did bring that forward. And Roger brought up the fact

[56:28] of this new business adventure that I'm on. Crazy or

[56:33] not. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but that's all right.

[56:37] I want to say that. Starting a new business venture

[56:42] downtown. I wanted to put something forward that would not

[56:49] jumpstart, because I feel there's good things coming for a

[56:51] downtown. I do want to say that the majority of

[56:54] the work done to that building was not by me,

[56:57] but it was by the owner of that building, and

[57:00] that is Judy Godry. She is so committed to this

[57:05] community. And wanting to see downtown flourish. And I was

[57:11] the crazy one that said, hey, I'll step into that

[57:13] space. Let's hope it's successful for our future and not

[57:19] for myself. I think everything that comes into our community.

[57:25] That is. Fun for the community, and it gives people

[57:29] a place to go. Irregardless of age, I'm all for

[57:34] that. So, anyone out there who wants to be in

[57:37] business and start a new business. Or regardless of age,

[57:42] and you got questions you want to ask. Please stop

[57:45] in and see me, and I will give you any

[57:47] knowledge that I've got. And be truthful in the building

[57:52] of a new business. So other than that. That's all

[57:56] I ask. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Let's go online.

[58:00] Councilor Latham. I have nothing. You're

[58:09] worshipping. Okay, Councilor Noel. I have nothing as well. Councilor

[58:17] Tardif. Nothing really, other than to say it was well

[58:23] worth being up at two in the morning to. Watch

[58:25] Bill teleport in outer space. All right? Yes. Your background.

[58:34] Councilor Latham. Excellent. Councilor keegan. Thank you. Through the chair.

[58:45] I just have one thing for tonight. September 27. It

[58:51] is a Saturday at 07:00 p.m. At the center, the

[58:55] library is hosting its 100th anniversary fundraising gala. There will

[59:00] be. A few limited tickets available. At the door. There

[59:05] are incredible prizes. At the silent auction as well as

[59:11] the bidding auction. We're also having. Casino games available. Some

[59:18] of them are very interactive. I spent the last few

[59:21] weeks creating one by hand. If you purchase your ticket,

[59:26] you will get to see that in action. It's going

[59:30] to be an excellent night. We are very excited to

[59:35] host this event. We very much hope that. The community

[59:39] will open up their pockets as wide as they can

[59:42] to help us meet our fundraising. Goals. So if you

[59:47] have not yet purchased your ticket, they are $50 and

[59:51] you get a whole lot of great things with that

[59:53] ticket, so please, come on out, dress to the nines

[59:58] and. Have a great night. Thank you. And councilor McKinnon.

[1:00:05] Thank you, worship. I sit on the dryden area health

[1:00:10] services foundation. And on September 16, they had their annual

[1:00:15] meetings. It's not appropriate to speak bad about it tonight.

[1:00:20] There chair is Brad cools. Their vice chair is Bonnie

[1:00:23] skiing, their secretary treasurer, their secretarium. Pardon me. Ms. Doreen

[1:00:28] Armstrong Ross. The treasurer is Alison Lund. Their focus remains

[1:00:35] doctor recruitment for the community. And when we say doctor,

[1:00:40] We need medical expertise for the community. They have a

[1:00:43] lot of success. We recently have a new doctor just

[1:00:47] started at the clinic up there. We have three that

[1:00:52] are in Hopper. That means. The next nine or ten

[1:00:57] months. We have three new doctors that are committed to

[1:01:00] coming to our community. So that is always good news.

[1:01:06] They're currently searching for a second. General surgeon. We have

[1:01:11] one. We need two, so we're working on getting a

[1:01:14] second one. Here. As always, money comes into it. The

[1:01:19] 50 50 draw. Remains their huge fundraising. Ability up there.

[1:01:31] And it's kind of remarkable for a community decis to

[1:01:34] pull in over $120,000. A month just off a 50

[1:01:39] 50 draw. And. We just hired a new coordinator. Jamie.

[1:01:45] Really? Folks might know him. He's the new fundraising coordinator

[1:01:50] up there. And from this money that the foundation raises.

[1:02:01] All goes back into the hospital in one way or

[1:02:04] another. And just at that meeting, we committed $300,000. For

[1:02:10] critical emergency lighting updates. The lighting. In the emergency room

[1:02:17] is archaic. Shot something like the arena went through. And

[1:02:23] so. We've given them $300,000 to update all that. It's

[1:02:28] an ongoing thing, so the money goes right back into

[1:02:31] the community. So keep buying. Them 50 50 tickets. I

[1:02:36] have also had the opportunity, the pleasure of working. With

[1:02:42] the Dragon goal getters board the past few months. A

[1:02:47] strong, hard working board which provide. Provides an essential service

[1:02:51] to our community. They like to send a big thank

[1:02:55] you out to Roger, Blake, Medav and Todd and all.

[1:03:00] The employees for your continued support. And expertise given to

[1:03:05] the organization over the last year. Jason does some work

[1:03:10] for them, too, so thank you, Jason. This organization has

[1:03:14] grown to 636 members from about 250. A couple of

[1:03:22] years ago. And has room for many, many more. So

[1:03:28] to all you seniors out there, if you're lonely, bored

[1:03:32] or just want a place. To hang out and chat.

[1:03:36] This is the place. Something there for everyone. So feel

[1:03:41] free to come over there and enjoy what goes on.

[1:03:43] There's all kinds of events there, like, two cent for

[1:03:46] the night. All right. Thanks for sharing that. So we're

[1:03:52] now to confirm jury bylaw, also a clerk for someone

[1:03:54] to move in. Second. Councilor keeving has her hand up

[1:04:00] very quickly. All. Second Council of Christ. Thank you. Moved

[1:04:05] by Councilor Keening. Seconded by councilor Price that bylaw 20

[1:04:10] 25 58, being a biologic confirm the proceedings of council

[1:04:13] be adopted. All in favor? Buried, so we're at a

[1:04:19] german time. Look for a mover in a second there.

[1:04:23] For the adjournment. Wow. My right side is very busy.

[1:04:29] Councilor Keevining and councilor McKinnon. Jumped on that one. So

[1:04:33] moved by councilor keevening and seconded by councilor. McKinnon, that

[1:04:36] this meeting be declared. Adjourned. All in favor? All right.

[1:04:42] We stand adjourned. Thank you, everyone, for your participation.

Council Meeting

Agenda

Transcript