Hey. Welcome to our open meeting. I now call the
open council meeting. Monday, September 22, 2025. Back to order
and ask that everyone make sure their cell phones are
turned off the duration of the beating. So welcome, Councilor
Latham. Councilor Noellan. Council Tardif. Online. I'd like to ask
the clerk to provide her. I missed the land acknowledgment.
I would like to begin by acknowledging with respect that
we were in treaty three territory. The land. In which
we are gathered is the traditional territory of the Nishnabi
and the Mati. People. And I'll just add the may
tea people to celebrate the 150th anniversary. Of the signing
of the treaty on September 12. Congratulations. Now I'd like
to ask the clerk to provide a report concerning matters
discussed during the earlier. Closed session. Thank you. Yes, there
was just the one item on the closed agenda this
evening. And on that item, council received an update from
the CAO on a community benefit agreement. Thank you. We
have no delegations this evening. We have no presentations or
public notices. We have no council, committee or board reports
this evening, so we're now at the consent agenda, part
one. General, I'd like to ask the clerk to conduct
this section of the agenda, please? I will review the
items and then ask if any member would like to
speak to or sever any of them for a separate
vote under adopt and receive minutes. We have the minutes
of the September eigth council meeting to be adopted. There
are several motions arising for previous meetings that would be
adopted tonight. First, we have a motion. To appoint William
Tennyson and Oliver Atkins to the Dryden and District Museum
advisory board. For the remainder of this term of council.
We have a motion to support the submission of Atura
Powers solar project under the long. Term two energy supply
window one request for proposals issued by the independent electricity
system operator. We also have a motion to support the
submission of a tour of powers battery energy storage system
project under the long term two capacity services window. One
request for proposals issue. Issued by the independent electricity system
operator. Then we have a motion to support the submission
of Electra. Energy solutions Solar project under the long term
two window one request for proposals issued by the independent
electricity system operator. Next, there's a motion to create a
legal affairs committee of Council for the oversight of legal
affairs where the city's CAO has a direct personal interest
in the matters under consideration. And to appoint mayor Harrison,
councilors McKinnon and Tardif, as well as the city's director
of human resources and director of. Finance to this committee
for the remainder of the term of counsel. And finally,
we have a motion. To change the date of the
December 2025 council meeting from December 8 to December the
15th. Does anyone want to speak to any of these
items or have them severed for a separate vote? Not
seeing any hope. Seeing none. I would look for a
mover in a seconder, then. Please for consent agenda, part
one. For keyedoning. And. Kenneth, did I see your hand?
Thank you. Moved by councilor Keening and Southgund. Did by
council in McKinnon. The council hereby consider the following items
of the consent. Agenda, part one general under the date
of September 22, 2025, as read and adopted 13 A
14 Abcdef. All in favor? Erie. Thank you.
So now we're at consent agenda, part two bylaws. I
would like to ask her to conduct this section agenda
as well. Please. Again, I'll review the two bylaws. That
we have this evening, and then I'll ask if anyone
wants to speak to. Or sever either of them for
a separate vote. Bylaw 20 25 56 is a bylaw
to allow for. The execution of a development agreement for
149 3rd street and 186 Grand Trunk Avenue. And bylaw
20 25 57. Is a bylaw to amend. Bylaw four,
four, six. 2017. The city's delegation of authority bylaw by
adding schedule s, the delegation of authority for the oversight
of legal affairs, where the city. CAO has a direct
personal interest. Does anyone want to speak to or sever
either? Of these bylaws for a separate. Vote. And again.
None. All right. We'd look for a mover in a
second or for consent agenda. Part two. Council of price.
And councillor McKinnon. Thank you. Moved by council at Price,
seconded by councilor McKinnon. The council hereby consider the following
items of the consent agenda, part two bylaws under date
of September 22, 2025, is read and adopted by law
2025 56 and bylaw 20 25 57. All in favor?
Very. Thank you. So we are now back to regular
agenda, which, out of consent, each item on the regular
general. We presented individually to council. So we have two
staff reports tonight. I'd like to call on miss Smith
to present. Her report, please. Good evening, council. My report
tonight is regarding the process on updating the council code
of conduct. Policy. This last July, staff brought forward a
revised policy. Council had some considerations. The proposed policy was
discussed and council gave direction to further investigate whether the
use of private life within the policy was necessary. Staff
reached out to the integrity commissioner and asked for his
opinion on this. I'm going to read an excerpt from
his comments. In my view, the current language of five
one three and five one four a strike. The correct
balance. I do not recommend changing either section. I believe
that generally a code of conduct should only apply to
a person's city functions and should not apply to the
person's private life. The only exception should be when something.
In a person's private life directly interferes with the ability
to perform duties to the city. In my view, the
above statement reflects the appropriate balance. The code should not
apply to someone's. Personal life. Unless the personal life harms
the city's interests. Harm? Meaning a harm. To the person's
ability to perform duties as a city official. So, taking
into consideration. His response and his opinion on this staff
have not made further changes to the policy and. We're
requesting council's direction on this matter. Our recommendation is that
council direct staff to keep the policy as is and
bring forward a bylaw. Okay. Thank you for coming back.
To council with that because we did have that question
with integrity. Commissioners, that was great. Thanks for doing that
work. Any questions? Comments from our counselors councilor Noel. Thank
you. I appreciate that. Somebody had the integrity. Commissioner, look
into this. Much like we have just previously discussed, and
how we can potentially. Burden future councils. I still have
a huge problem with the private life issue being put.
In the language. I want to remind everyone here that.
The power to. Run. City policy is in our hands.
It's not in the integrity commissioners. Or in our management
team. It's in councils. And I strongly oppose the language
in there on private life open to the interpretation. Of.
Somebody at some point in the future. Who can address
the code of conduct issue with private life being in
there? All of us are. Entitled to a private life.
We are. And. There's language further. In those codes of
conduct. That refers to. A number of things that can
cause. A code of conduct complaint going forward. Criminal code
charges, for instance. That private life, despite what my colleague,
the integrity commissioner, says. Is far too broad, and I
think. We're really. Handcuffing and putting a huge burden on
future counsel and potential counselors who. May be brought forward
with the code of conduct issue. I get why this
came forward. I know. Exactly why. And that language. Is
specifically targeting. And in my opinion, I will never support
this. So unless that comes out of there, I do.
Not have. I will not support this. Okay, thanks for
that comment. So just for clarification, They did take out
the word private in a couple of sections, but. Is
it? What? Referring to like 5.1.4 a where? Conduct one's
private life or council activities which render the council member
unable to reform their duty satisfactory. Is that your. That's
exactly the section I'm talking about. 5.1.4, sub eight. Is
exactly what I'm talking about. I want to remind everyone
we have a private life. We live in a small
community here. And that is far too vague. Like I
said, that needs to come out of there. Okay. Any
other thoughts from counselors? Councilor Keeling.
Thank you. Through the chair. I am inclined to. Agree.
With the integrity commissioner's assessment of this. It's saying. Like.
A person's private life. Doesn't apply to this code of
conduct. And it's only when someone's private life or their
actions or words or whatever. Interfere with their ability to
perform the duties to the city. Or harm the city's
interests or go against the cities. Like mission and vision
and things like that. So. I don't think that that
is unreasonable. I believe that when. We put when people
put their names forward. To become a city counselor. They
take on the additional responsibility they take on that heightened
scrutiny from the public, from colleagues. And. That is. I
think just a part of. This job, and I think
that. It encourages. People to yes, absolutely. Be on their
best behavior when they're doing this job. I don't think
that. That's necessarily unreasonable. So that's where I'm coming from.
With all of this. This is how I understand it.
Thanks for that opinion. The other councilors want to weigh
in on. The policy code of conduct policy. Councilor price.
So going back, like, this is my second term of
counsel now, and so I'm almost. Seven years and eight
years in going on now. This particular piece has been
in the code of conduct for how long? Ever. Very
long. So I remember when. My first meeting and before
my first meeting. We got this big code of conduct
book, and I read it. From first page to end
page and was very overwhelmed with everything. There were certain
pieces in there that stood out more than others. I
guess, getting to my point. Is. As Alison has said,
This has been. In there all along. From day one
for me, from day one for councilor McKinnon. And any
other counselor. In the past. So. I understood that when
I became a counselor. That I was going to be
put under essentially a microscope. And I had to be
careful on my actions. Is it intrusive at times? Probably
because. You're out. At an event, and you have to
be very careful what you're doing and what you're saying
that will always sit in the back of your mind.
That being said, I did sign up for this job
knowing that that was in there. It's one of those
things, like, I understand what the integrity commissioner is saying,
and I actually understand what council Newell is saying as
well. It's a very fine line where we get into
our personal life. And it makes it almost like we
don't have a personal life. Because you are a city
counselor and. Respond negatively for future counselors, especially.
That it's come to light. Who's going to sign up
to be a counselor when you're constantly under a microscope.
It's a fine line, but in my case, and how
I feel about it is that like I said, I
read it from page to page. On my first day
as a counselor being elected in, and I signed up
for that. And I will have to stick to that
until the end of my term next year. Like I
said, I understand both sides of the coin on this
one, but I feel in my cases that that's what
I signed up for, and that's what I'm going to
have to stick with. Okay, thank you. And we'll go
back to Councilor Noel. Thank you for your comments, councilor
Price. How many months are we into this that I'm
sitting in my office in a meeting? And can't be
there. That's the whole issue here. I accept that when
we sign up for council, that our personal life. Is.
Deeply affected. I don't think any of us are strangers
to being anywhere publicly and being asked something related to
counsel or a question, and that's part of what we
take. When we're seen in public. Certainly we're under scrutiny.
But. This. Specifically has cost me tens of thousands of
dollars. There's been two investigations and. It's far too open.
To. Either the CAO or the integrity commissioner to implement
this the way it's written. I do not support private
life being in there. Private life is private life. And
if we do something. That rises to the level of
questioning our integrity at all. There's criminal cold conduct to
go in there. There's all kinds of other things. That
particular section needs to have our private lives taken out
of it, and I will not change. My position on
that. Thank you, Mr. Nesmit. To your worship. To correct
Councilor Noel. The CAO does not implement council code of
conduct. That's up. To the integrity commissioner solely. So. That
comment is incorrect. From Councilor Noel. Thank you. Well. We're
at this point. Mr. Nazbit, largely because of, well, you
know what? I don't want to get into my personal
circumstances here too terribly much. But that section needs to
be stricken from there. Okay. Any other further comments?
Yeah. Once you get on council. It's important that we
do respect the code of conduct that's put before us.
I think this clause. Conduct one's private life or council
activities which render the council member unable to perform their
duty satisfactory. I do support that clause. Just because. If
you elected as a counselor, you're elected to perform your
duties and to be that's. What you're there for. So
if your private life. Does render you unable to perform
them satisfactory, then. I'd say not. If you aren't able
to form your duties, then. What impact you're going to
have on those who voted for you and their communities.
So. I think it's a high bar. It will be
up to the integrity commission. Now, if somebody does bring
forward a claim, But that's really the only impact of
private life other than. Yeah. No, I think that's it
on the whole thing. So, councilor McKinnon, let's see. Sans.
So. When I signed on to be a counselor all
those years ago. I would have been one of the
first people resistant to a code of conduct, and I
probably was all through that process because. I firmly believe
that I'm entitled to say what I want, when I
want, and where. I want. But it didn't take me
long to realize that. I was an all public official.
Not a private person. And. I had to conform. To.
What was best for my community. And so as we
progress through those years, and there's been numerous times, code
of conduct has come up. I've been written up and
reported to the integrity commissioner several times. And. Some of
it. Affects. Your private life. But. In the end, when
you become a counselor, in my book, you become a
counselor 24/7. And. It's the good and the bad and.
You struggle in times when you're placed in limelight and
somebody. Wants you gone. Then. Court of contact will defend
you and protect you, or it will point to. The
ways you have to correct yourself. I personally don't have
a problem. With. Private life being in there because. I'm
a constant twenty four seven. I don't have a private
life. My two cent guys. Okay. Thanks for everyone's thoughts.
Since then, we have a majority to bring it forward
for a vote. Still go to a vote. And that'll
be aimed to bring a bylaw. October 14 meeting for
a vote. Okay. Thank you, council. Thank you, smith. So
I now like to call on Mr. Boyd or present
his report, please. Thank you, mayor. So, just to review.
I'm bringing forward. Contract. User agreement. For our junior eight
ice dogs, so I believe the last one concluded in
the summer of 2020. So likely with the circumstances of
the time. We just never got back into one, and
we've been operating. In a somewhat obviously without one, but.
More of this is how we've done it in the
past. But we want to make sure that. We have
some clear guidelines. On. What the user group gets and
what we're giving. So we wanted to make sure that
we got back into a user agreement because it's a
little bit different than our normal. Ice users. Our normal
ice users essentially come in, rent the ice, and then
leave. Right? And they're paying hourly. The ice dogs are
a little bit different. They get. Access to the building
to put their stock back in when they get back
from road games. They have. Obviously not just the storage
space. But dressing room. And they're provided with some other.
Amenities that some of our other user groups don't cat.
So we just wanted to capture. All that into the
user agreement. I think. I put. Kind of pulled out
all the key parts that council might be interested in.
Under the discussion portion of the project. So the term
would be. From this summer. To summer of 2029 with
the option to renew upon mutual consent. From the two
parties. The ice rate would continue to remain the youth
primetime user group rate, which is what they've been paying.
And beginning in 2026, an additional $20 fee for summer
ice. So this is something that I've actually put on
the fees and charges bylaw to bring forward to council
for 2026 fees and charges to help offset. The exorbitant
cost that there is to put the ice back in
early in August. And the ice dogs have been. We
came up with this agreement together, so they're on. Board
and they understand. And understand that expense, that additional expense.
So they were good with it. Some payment terms to
try and keep them on track. So again, without a
user agreement previously. There wasn't necessarily any payment terms. So
this is hopefully going to help them stay on track.
And stay up to date with the payments. With the
facility access, so you get game operations. Advertising is another
big one. That has been. It's been the past practice
since they started there into 2000. But not always captured
in the agreement. So we just wanted to make sure
what was in the agreement and who has what. Board
ads. As we're quite full up with board ads and
even wall ads. So we want to make sure that
we're working with each other to get those all filled
up, but that they know what port. Portion is theirs,
and we know what portions are. Yeah, I guess I'm
open to any questions, if council has any, with regards
to the. User agreement. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Boyer. Any
questions? Councilor Noelle, I'll go to you first. Thank you,
Mr. Boyer. The only question I had was, what's the
rationale behind the $20 per hour more during the period
from May to August. And I appreciate you commenting on.
The management of the ice dogs. Being on board and
aware of all this. That was the one. Thing I
was going to suggest is. All the players of the
party aren't here. But you said that they have looked
at this. I just questioned why the $20 per hour
more between May to August. Thanks. Thank you, council. Yeah.
So some communities do a summer ice rate where it's
more. We could have gone that route. I just thought
it was a little bit easier just to say. Whatever.
Their normal rate is going up. Plus. An additional $20.
So obviously. Summer ice. The facility wasn't built for housing
ice in August. So not quite the most efficient building.
Our energy cost in the summertime. Are significant. I think
we're somewhere around $5,000 a week. In hydro. So this
is just to help offset some of the cost, because.
In comparison. Our December, January, February cost for Hydro was
something like. 2000 202,500. In and around that neighborhood. So
in our normal ice season, We're significantly lower, but we're
putting the ice back. In specifically. More so, probably for
the ice dogs. Right. And so that they can start
their training camp because. They have rigid timelines to host
training camp and get their team selected. So in doing
that, I think it's prudent upon us to put in
something that. Helps offset. And reflect the additional cost that
it puts on our operations. Okay. Thank you. Go to
Councilor Kevin. Thank you for the chair. I just had
a question about the term. I don't know if. There
have been historical, I guess. User agreements. But. I was
just curious as why. It's like four years. Or is
there going to be something where. It's kind of reviewed
every year. I do see that there's an option to
renew upon mutual consent. So I just want to make
sure that if there was something just missing from there,
I was. Like, oh, four years seems like a long
time. Or is that fairly standard across. User agreements. That
are specific to. I guess. Kind of exceptional cases. Thanks,
councilor. Through you, mayor. Yeah, great question. Really? It was
four years. Just so that it's in front of council
every term. At least once. Right? So council has some
input on it for sure. But other than that, we
know that they're a longtime user group. They've been in
a contract with us from 2000 all the way to
2020 again somewhere. Just fell out. With uncertainty, the times,
I'm sure. And it just never got back on. So
now we're doing that. But, yeah, we want to get
it out there. But there's also not a lot usually.
With. This isn't a private team. It's a public team
and nonprofit team. So. There's usually not a lot of
controversy around them or we don't think that they're leaving
or that they're not paying enough for any of those
typical problems. That might be with junior clubs, where in
some other communities might do shorter terms. I think for
council to see it once in a term is suffice,
but. It's completely up to council for sure. You're welcome.
Mr. Nesman. Yeah. Thank you. Through your worship. Just to
add to that fees and charges user fees and charges
are reviewed annually. Councilor keevening, as part of the budget
process and. With this particular. User group or user following
that, then the fees and charges aspect is addressed. But
as Mr. Boyer stated. It adds a little bit of
certainty. For that organization and the fact that. They do
rely on. Having various spaces throughout the complex available to
them. I think four years is appropriate. Thanks. Cool. Thank
you. We'll go online to councilor Tardif. Thank you. Through
the chair? Yeah. I was one of the members of
the executive with the founding of this team and I
can say that. To have a relationship like this. And
now especially, seeing it from the other side and knowing
how much the taxpayers of this community subsidize. Recreation to
have a relationship where you guys have been able to
agree to terms like this and for them to recognize
the costs and. Not argue the fact that there are
additional costs, and to bring one like that to us
is great. And I'm fully in favor of this. Okay.
Thank you. So our aim is to bring bylaw to
October 14 meeting. All in favor of that? Okay. So
you have direction there. Thank you. So we have no
north motion seeing. We have one motion signature. I'll ask
the clerk. To review, please. Thank you. At the last
meeting, Mayor Harrison submitted a notice of motion to request
the province of Ontario incorporate water safety training into the
elementary school curriculum. And tonight, this issue is on the
agenda. As a motion. And I guess we'll start off
with. The mayor to speak to it. Okay, so just
a little background for this motion. We all remember the
tragedy on July 31 of Aidan and Jocelyn. Drowning on
July 1 in our Wavagun River. I was contacted by
their grandparents, Michael Williams and Evelyn Page. Shortly after that.
And we had a conversation. And they're really dedicating the
rest of their lives to try to increase awareness. For
the need of water safety across Ontario, and I was
able to meet with them personally. In Ottawa when we
was at Emo on August 19. And just offered my
support on how we could move forward. With getting. Water
safety training as part of the curriculum. In Ontario. Very
good conversation. I was also able to go in front
of the Minister of Education. At the forum. At the
AMO and able to ask that question about would the
Minister of Education support. Putting water safety training into the
curriculum. Or would. Consider was the word, actually, and he
was agreeable to look into that. And so, as part
of my support for the family. Mr. Williams formally to
this resolution. To bring awareness and Dryden being the first
one to bring this forward. Our intent is to send
this resolution to the Ministry of Education. To be of
provincial mpps as well as all emission poles across Ontario,
and our association for municipal Ontario to really start the
ball rolling. Trying to incorporate. Water safety training and curriculum.
You think of all the things that we learn in
school, especially in the phys department. Swimming is a life
skill. And you think about ONTArIO, we're so blessed with
so many beautiful lakes and rivers and streams. And the
fact that it's not mandatory. You can go through elementary
school and not learn. How to swim. I understand that
there is opportunity. There is a cost associated with that.
But. I agree with Mr. Williams that. It should be
a mandatory. Taught in our system. The motion speaks. To.
The swim to survive training. And this is put on
by the life saving society. It's a very unique course.
I was able to learn more about, actually, through our
chief, Chief Wood. He was in contact with. Another community.
Or they contacted him because they had a similar drowning
in their community. And they implemented swim. To survive training.
And this is what Mr. Williams is advocating as well.
And I'd like to just show a little video that
was sent to Cheapwood and so you can understand, really.
The simplicity of this program and how easy it is
to implement.
All right. Thanks for showing Ms. Smith. This is a
program. I'd like our council, or this resolution, like our
council, to support. To try to bring awareness and move
the need along. Having our school system. Through the power
of our minister of education to enact this. The fact
that drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death
in children under ten. In Canada. And most drownings occur
occur near shore pools and unintended. Where adults could even.
Could be closed. So it's important that children are able
to have the necessary skills to reach to the shore
themselves. And this program is quite simple. There's really only
three in water sessions. The cost is $15 to $25
per. Student. Like I mentioned, we roll into deep water,
enacting the fact that you fall off a dock or
something into the water. Learn how to dread for 1
minute and also swim 50 meters. We're not going to
create Olympic athletes, but we're going to have people able
to survive falling into the water. So on behalf of
Mr. Williams, on bringing this forward, I'm looking for council
support. Any questions? Or comments.
Hey, thank you very much. In that case, it sounds
like there is support for this, so. We would look
for a mover in a second. Or please council with
price and council of. Keeding. Moved by councilor price and
seconded by Councilor Keeven. Whereas. Drowning is one of the
leading causes of preventable death among children in Ontario, and
research by the Life Saving Society of Ontario shows that
most children who found never intended to be in the
water. And whereas evidence demonstrates that even basic swimming and
water survival skills significantly reduce the risk of drowning. And
whereas many children in Onta. Ontario do not have equitable
access to swimming lessons outside of school due to financial,
cultural or geographic barriers and where several municipalities across Ontario
have expressed strong interest in improving water safety education for
children, and whereas the ministry of education has the authority
to incorporate. Water safety and survival training into the regular
elementary school curricular curriculum as well as universal life saving
skills comparable to fire safety and road safety instruction. Therefore,
be it resolved that the council of the City of
Dryden respectfully urges the Government of Ontario through the Ministry
of Education to incorporate mandatory water safety and swim to
survive training into the elementary school curriculum. Parole Ontario students.
And be it further resolved that a copy of this
resolution be forwarded to the honorable minister. Of education of
Ontario, local members of provincial Parliament, the Association of municipalities
of Ontario and all Ontario. Municipalities with a request for
their endorsement. Thank you. All in favor? Gary, thank you
very much. We are now at our Miss Buffer's reports,
and I'll call on our CEO. Mr. Mesbit for his
report, please. Thank you to your worship. First off, I'd
like to congratulate. Our operations manager, Todd Olsen. Todd has
recently been named. Our new potentially or in the near
term future, new public works director. Our current public works
director has expressed that he'll be retiring. In the new
year. So after a competitive recruitment process, Mr. Olsen. Was
a successful candidate. I know Mr. Olsen will do very
well in the position. And. As much as we don't
look forward to losing our current public works director, I
do. Look forward to Mr. Olsen moving into that position.
It's always great to have strong internal. Candidates. And for
this particular recruitment, we had several very strong internal candidates.
So that's always a positive for the organization. I just.
Want to update council on our air passenger feasibility study.
We're about halfway through that study. And we just completed
our stakeholder engagement sessions. Here last week, so we look
forward to completing the study by the end of the
year and just as a reminder to anybody watching or
to council the outcome of the air passenger feasibility study.
We hope to create a bit of a business case
for potential carriers. And on the completion of the study,
we will be approaching. Carriers. To develop interest in providing
that service. Not just in Dryden, but throughout the region.
Canor and Fort Francis are also participating in the study,
so hopefully. We're successful in reestablishing that service in all
three communities. And then I just wanted to give a
shout out to the planning committee of the fundraiser meet.
Me at the egg center. One of those planning committee
members. Put an immense amount of pressure on myself to
ride a mechanical bull or be part of the group
that rode the bull. As the fundraiser. So the event
was a huge success. My attempt at riding the bull
was not a great success. But I did depart without
injury, so I think that was a win. On my
part for sure. But again, just a huge thank you
to the planning committee. The fundraiser. Was attempting to raise
some money for the legion. The agricultural Society and the
food bank. And from what I understand, the fundraiser was
a huge success. I think they well surpassed. Their target
goal. And it sounds like maybe it may be an
ongoing event, because. It was such a huge hit in
the community. And then just a reminder to everybody that
on September 30, it's our national truth and. Reconciliation. Day.
There will be an event. Held at Cooper park once
again. So I encourage everybody. To get their own shirts
on and come down and take part. In that event.
It is growing in numbers year after year. And that's
a very positive thing to see in the community. And
then one final. Shout out is to councilor price. If
anybody's been by the corner of Earl and King street,
they'll notice some. Huge improvements. To the building. Councilor price.
Is embarking on another business venture. And between. Her work.
And the property owner's work. The building looks fantastic. It
really stands out and. It's a very positive thing. For
the downtown. And I can't wait to go and get
a cup of coffee there soon. Thanks. All right? Yes.
And congratulations on surviving the bull ride. And well done.
All right, we'll go to our interim treasurer. Ms. Junko,
you're online. Go. Ahead. Hi. Thank you, your worship. I
have nothing at this time. Thank you. Okay. Thank you.
Turn to our city clerk, Ms. Eiler. Yes, thank you.
Just in our departments presently there. Is a lot of
work underway on the 2026 operating budgets, which. Are. Due
in the next few weeks. As well. We are undertaking
a makeover of the city's website, aiming for a cleaner
design. Improved features and better accessibility on all devices, and
we're just asking the public to watch. For the launch,
which is to ochre on October the first. Thank you.
I'll call on director of public's works, Mr. Pool. Thank
you, you, worship. As you know or may not know,
this past weekend was household hazardous waste day. Once again,
it was very successful. We had over 400 vehicles there.
I'm not sure. If any people in the room went.
But. It's a very good program for us as well
as the Rotary Club and their volunteers. Are very helpful.
With the event. Everyone seems to have a good time,
but keeping it business, but. There is a lot of
camaraderie and good conversation going on as well. So just
like to thank Rotary Club and their volunteers for assisting
and the staff who were there. As well. Compost pickup
day. This is just a reminder to citizens. It's Monday,
October 20, and then again, on Monday, October 27. Just
also let you know, our landfill just got a brand
new. Bombay compactor here last week. We've had a number
of people trained on it recently. Here. Just a comment
that was made to me today. Here is this household
hazardous waste stage just a reminder, people. It is beneficial
because somebody threw a paint can. Into the garbage and
our compactor ran over it. Brand new compactor. Got white
paint all. Down the side of the machine. They were
able to get it off by steaming it off, but.
It's just a reminder. It's not good for the environment.
It's just. Not good for the landfill. Other things. So
I just wanted to tie the two together so people
know. Also, we're just finishing up construction work for the
summer. We're replacing a portion of Keith and Elm Avenue.
Currently I started. And a small section of Sandy Beach
Road. Will probably occur next week. So that's all I
have for this evening. Thanks. Great. Thank you. I'll call.
On our director of community services, Mr. Boyer. Just one
thing, mayor. Just letting council know that we are closing
the golf course for the season. As of Sunday, October
5, So, yeah. For all comparisons. We've had a fantastic
year there. Great weather, great turnout. We're currently, to date,
we're 14,000. 812 rounds to date. So last year we
were 11,500. So we're about 3000 more than 3000 up.
Anyways and still got two weeks left to go here,
so fantastic numbers. Membership went up from. 163 last year
to 205 this year. So, things going really well? I
know. I've heard some comments about us closing earlier. So.
Just to let council know there's a couple of reasons
why. Obviously, there's some critical infrastructure work that we need
to start addressing there. With removing and getting some of
those brush piles that have been pushed into. The tree
areas there that need to be addressed. We need to
do some ditching so that in future when we have
water, large rain events, that water is getting off the
course and we don't have to keep it close as
long. Right, but having contractors out there, having our public
work staffer and even our staff out there to get.
Some of this work done. Amputeology and golf balls. And
those machines aren't as protected as some of our grass
cutting machines out there. Not only that, it's the time
of year that. Really all we're seeing from October 1
to 12th last year when we were open. We were
actually losing money. We basically are just seeing members come
in at that time, and it's pretty much members. That.
Will use their membership already. But people can't come after
work because by this time, Obviously. It's getting dark. Today
was around 705. Sunset. Near the first week of October.
We're looking closer to a 630 sunset. Back that up.
By 2 hours to get your round in. People can't
be starting at 430. So anyways. It was somewhat of
a calculated move here. Everyone in May is chomping at
the bit to get out there, and we don't want
to delay them to get out there. By doing this
work, so I think this is the better time. Of
year to be able to get some of that work
done without it costing us money or as much. Yeah,
I think that's everything. Thanks. Okay. Thank you very much.
We're down to announcements. Just want a couple of things
I wanted to. Just. Shout out to. The city staff
for organizing emergency exercise we had last Friday, where. We
simulated. A downed aircraft at the airport. And Allerg went
out to staff. And senior leadership to go to a
command center, as well as the ems and fire and
police. To respond to the airport. We had high school
students acting in that capacity. So. Just a very advantageous
event for our community and our leadership. Just to demonstrate
working together, the cooperation when an incident like this happens.
And it's good learning lessons on how to improve. Our
response. So. I guess a real mockup. So I learned
a lot from it, and hopefully we don't. Have to
enact it, but. We do have a very comprehensive emergency
plan, and we've been through it at least once. And
I know every year they do at least a tabletop
exercise, but just kudos to all the people who responded
and just. Well done job all around. And I think
that's it then. So I will go around the table.
Starting with councilor price, and I'll go online. Don't have
really much to say. I do have a video. Of.
CEO nesbit riding the bowl. So if anyone wants to
see that, I will gladly share it. It was an
amazing night, though. It was great to see. So many
people out supporting this event. And the success of it.
I got two numbers. I'm not sure if it's 60,000
or 100,000. They surpassed. It was one or the other.
I think it was 100,000 gross. But. Kudos to everyone
that was part of that event and got that off
the floor and running. And to chat GBT, apparently for
helping plan, according to one of the planners. It was
a running joke there, but. It wasn't a real fun
night. And I'm glad to see that it was a
success. Going back. I still have this motion up that
Mayor Harrison put forward. For. The Life Saving Society for
the swim program. I have to commend you. On this.
I know it was down at Amel when I was
there. You were asked to bring this forward. And to
get in. I think we call it the bear pit
or something like that, to be able to wrangle your
way through all of those folks and manage to get
that question. Out. To our minister. Ministers was definitely. A
battle for sure. And I commend you for sticking to
your guns. And getting this. Through. Not only down there,
but through council. I have a little granddaughter, and the
very first thing that her mama taught her was out
of swim. And that's because she could do it. She
could afford to do it. So I'm glad that you
did bring that forward. And Roger brought up the fact
of this new business adventure that I'm on. Crazy or
not. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but that's all right.
I want to say that. Starting a new business venture
downtown. I wanted to put something forward that would not
jumpstart, because I feel there's good things coming for a
downtown. I do want to say that the majority of
the work done to that building was not by me,
but it was by the owner of that building, and
that is Judy Godry. She is so committed to this
community. And wanting to see downtown flourish. And I was
the crazy one that said, hey, I'll step into that
space. Let's hope it's successful for our future and not
for myself. I think everything that comes into our community.
That is. Fun for the community, and it gives people
a place to go. Irregardless of age, I'm all for
that. So, anyone out there who wants to be in
business and start a new business. Or regardless of age,
and you got questions you want to ask. Please stop
in and see me, and I will give you any
knowledge that I've got. And be truthful in the building
of a new business. So other than that. That's all
I ask. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Let's go online.
Councilor Latham. I have nothing. You're
worshipping. Okay, Councilor Noel. I have nothing as well. Councilor
Tardif. Nothing really, other than to say it was well
worth being up at two in the morning to. Watch
Bill teleport in outer space. All right? Yes. Your background.
Councilor Latham. Excellent. Councilor keegan. Thank you. Through the chair.
I just have one thing for tonight. September 27. It
is a Saturday at 07:00 p.m. At the center, the
library is hosting its 100th anniversary fundraising gala. There will
be. A few limited tickets available. At the door. There
are incredible prizes. At the silent auction as well as
the bidding auction. We're also having. Casino games available. Some
of them are very interactive. I spent the last few
weeks creating one by hand. If you purchase your ticket,
you will get to see that in action. It's going
to be an excellent night. We are very excited to
host this event. We very much hope that. The community
will open up their pockets as wide as they can
to help us meet our fundraising. Goals. So if you
have not yet purchased your ticket, they are $50 and
you get a whole lot of great things with that
ticket, so please, come on out, dress to the nines
and. Have a great night. Thank you. And councilor McKinnon.
Thank you, worship. I sit on the dryden area health
services foundation. And on September 16, they had their annual
meetings. It's not appropriate to speak bad about it tonight.
There chair is Brad cools. Their vice chair is Bonnie
skiing, their secretary treasurer, their secretarium. Pardon me. Ms. Doreen
Armstrong Ross. The treasurer is Alison Lund. Their focus remains
doctor recruitment for the community. And when we say doctor,
We need medical expertise for the community. They have a
lot of success. We recently have a new doctor just
started at the clinic up there. We have three that
are in Hopper. That means. The next nine or ten
months. We have three new doctors that are committed to
coming to our community. So that is always good news.
They're currently searching for a second. General surgeon. We have
one. We need two, so we're working on getting a
second one. Here. As always, money comes into it. The
50 50 draw. Remains their huge fundraising. Ability up there.
And it's kind of remarkable for a community decis to
pull in over $120,000. A month just off a 50
50 draw. And. We just hired a new coordinator. Jamie.
Really? Folks might know him. He's the new fundraising coordinator
up there. And from this money that the foundation raises.
All goes back into the hospital in one way or
another. And just at that meeting, we committed $300,000. For
critical emergency lighting updates. The lighting. In the emergency room
is archaic. Shot something like the arena went through. And
so. We've given them $300,000 to update all that. It's
an ongoing thing, so the money goes right back into
the community. So keep buying. Them 50 50 tickets. I
have also had the opportunity, the pleasure of working. With
the Dragon goal getters board the past few months. A
strong, hard working board which provide. Provides an essential service
to our community. They like to send a big thank
you out to Roger, Blake, Medav and Todd and all.
The employees for your continued support. And expertise given to
the organization over the last year. Jason does some work
for them, too, so thank you, Jason. This organization has
grown to 636 members from about 250. A couple of
years ago. And has room for many, many more. So
to all you seniors out there, if you're lonely, bored
or just want a place. To hang out and chat.
This is the place. Something there for everyone. So feel
free to come over there and enjoy what goes on.
There's all kinds of events there, like, two cent for
the night. All right. Thanks for sharing that. So we're
now to confirm jury bylaw, also a clerk for someone
to move in. Second. Councilor keeving has her hand up
very quickly. All. Second Council of Christ. Thank you. Moved
by Councilor Keening. Seconded by councilor Price that bylaw 20
25 58, being a biologic confirm the proceedings of council
be adopted. All in favor? Buried, so we're at a
german time. Look for a mover in a second there.
For the adjournment. Wow. My right side is very busy.
Councilor Keevining and councilor McKinnon. Jumped on that one. So
moved by councilor keevening and seconded by councilor. McKinnon, that
this meeting be declared. Adjourned. All in favor? All right.
We stand adjourned. Thank you, everyone, for your participation.