1 00:15:45,677 --> 00:15:49,122 Good morning members of council and staff. I'd like to 2 00:15:49,162 --> 00:15:54,402 call this special council meeting for Friday, August 21st to 3 00:15:54,402 --> 00:16:01,570 order. We'll start with the traditional treaty territory acknowledgement. The 4 00:16:01,570 --> 00:16:04,870 region of Durham exists on lands that the Michisagi and 5 00:16:04,891 --> 00:16:07,430 Ashbegan have it for thousands of years prior to European 6 00:16:07,531 --> 00:16:11,764 colonization. Please lands or the traditional and treaty territories of 7 00:16:11,804 --> 00:16:15,844 the nations covered under the Williams treaties, including the Mississaugas 8 00:16:15,884 --> 00:16:20,004 of Scuogog Island First Nation, Alderail First Nation, Iowatha First 9 00:16:20,025 --> 00:16:23,004 Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the CHIP - 1 10 00:16:23,065 --> 00:16:26,164 nations of Georgina Island - Bosole and Rama. We honour 11 00:16:26,425 --> 00:16:29,284 recognise and respect the Indigenous peoples as the right holders 12 00:16:29,385 --> 00:16:32,244 and stewards of the lands and waters on which we 13 00:16:32,244 --> 00:16:36,564 have the privilege to live in our efforts towards reconciliation. 14 00:16:36,564 --> 00:16:40,084 We continue to build strength and relationships with First Nations, 15 00:16:40,084 --> 00:16:42,244 as well as the large MAIDE communities growing in you 16 00:16:42,284 --> 00:16:45,044 at Community here in Durham. We commit to learning from 17 00:16:45,465 --> 00:16:49,604 Indigenous values and knowledge, building opportunities for collaboration and recognising 18 00:16:49,644 --> 00:16:52,680 that we're all connected. Members Council, we've had a number 19 00:16:53,261 --> 00:16:56,040 of issues this summer where we have flown our flags 20 00:16:56,381 --> 00:16:58,760 at Half - Mass here at the region. And before 21 00:16:58,781 --> 00:17:00,680 I ask you to join me in a moment of 22 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:05,240 silence, I just want to recognise the loss that we 23 00:17:05,661 --> 00:17:08,760 lowered the flags for. First of all, the Montreal Police 24 00:17:08,800 --> 00:17:14,360 Cospel Muhammad Lemy, Ben Road doing was killed in the 25 00:17:14,381 --> 00:17:19,480 line of duty. Cosmical training Tyrone Montebang from Durham Regional 26 00:17:19,501 --> 00:17:26,840 Police Services Island. Princeton Island EMS Paramedics, Gina Crucher, Michael 27 00:17:26,861 --> 00:17:29,720 McKenzie, and also Anne Martell, who was in their care 28 00:17:29,760 --> 00:17:32,888 at the time of the accident. We lost two correctional 29 00:17:32,928 --> 00:17:40,008 service candid officers, Nicole Serbin and Ramadeepar Mound of Edmonton 30 00:17:40,029 --> 00:17:43,528 Institute for women also carry a Mussoua, who was in 31 00:17:43,568 --> 00:17:45,608 their care and custody at the time of the action. 32 00:17:46,902 --> 00:17:49,841 Zach Moff at a Regional Employee in long - term 33 00:17:49,862 --> 00:17:54,355 care. And we lost several police officers recently, members of 34 00:17:54,355 --> 00:17:58,495 the Durham Regional Police Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and 35 00:17:58,495 --> 00:18:00,915 Hamilton Police Services. I'm going to ask you to join 36 00:18:00,955 --> 00:18:03,075 me in a moment of silence, please. 37 00:18:29,236 --> 00:18:34,919 Okay, thank you. Mr. Clerk, could you do a roll 38 00:18:34,959 --> 00:18:38,982 call, please? Thank you, Mr. Chair Electronic Roll Call is 39 00:18:39,003 --> 00:18:39,462 starting now. 40 00:19:08,177 --> 00:19:12,435 Thank you, Mr. Clerk. We have Quorum. Members Council, Declarations 41 00:19:12,435 --> 00:19:20,845 of Cunary Interest. Chair, I. Pushed my button. Oh, that's 42 00:19:20,845 --> 00:19:28,402 okay. Noted, thank you. Online, Mr. Clerk. Okay, seeing none, 43 00:19:28,402 --> 00:19:33,378 there are no Declarations. We have a Communications item, 4. 44 00:19:33,399 --> 00:19:37,838 1, a memorandum dated August 18th from one of our 45 00:19:37,838 --> 00:19:44,122 Regional Soleditors Adanan. The recommendation is received for information. Could 46 00:19:44,122 --> 00:19:49,063 I have a mover, please? Councillor Chapman. Mayor Foster. Questions. 47 00:19:51,295 --> 00:19:53,994 Seeing none, seeing none, online. Call the vote. All those 48 00:19:53,994 --> 00:19:59,562 in favor. In opposition. Seeing none that carries. Members of 49 00:19:59,663 --> 00:20:05,802 Council, we have two confidential reports, Mr. Clerk. Move them 50 00:20:05,842 --> 00:20:14,148 both. We'll do them individually. Okay, report 2026 CAL - 51 00:20:14,148 --> 00:20:17,748 41. It is a confidential report from the Commissioner of 52 00:20:17,788 --> 00:20:23,929 Finance and the Commissioner of Works. Can we get it. 53 00:20:24,936 --> 00:20:26,435 Ms. Clerk? We're getting it moved, and then we'll move 54 00:20:26,435 --> 00:20:29,066 it into closed session. So we need to move on 55 00:20:29,247 --> 00:20:33,626 seconder, and then move by Mayor Foster, seconded by Councillor 56 00:20:33,666 --> 00:20:37,411 McDougal. The item is now on the floor. Is there 57 00:20:37,411 --> 00:20:39,571 anyone wishing to discuss this and the need to go 58 00:20:39,592 --> 00:20:45,427 into closed session. Councillor Nicholson. First of all, I'd like 59 00:20:45,427 --> 00:20:47,907 to request that the motion to go on camera be 60 00:20:47,907 --> 00:20:51,911 divided. Is there are two items? I was going to 61 00:20:51,911 --> 00:20:55,151 deal with both items separately anyway. Okay, that's fine. Then. 62 00:20:55,916 --> 00:20:58,935 I also, like I recorded vote on the item that 63 00:20:58,956 --> 00:21:03,780 involves the province. Sure. The question I have, I guess 64 00:21:03,780 --> 00:21:05,900 at this point, is what I appreciate the problem with 65 00:21:05,921 --> 00:21:09,092 wants to keep their shady deals separate. Why do we. 66 00:21:11,540 --> 00:21:14,239 Why was Regional Council want to be involved in dealing 67 00:21:14,239 --> 00:21:17,648 with this in camera. As it could impact over 100 68 00:21:17,688 --> 00:21:26,688 million dollars of taxpayers cost. Mr. Hunt. So 69 00:21:28,469 --> 00:21:33,088 as council is aware there's the provision in section 239H 70 00:21:33,109 --> 00:21:37,008 of the municipal act, which sets out meetings, which are 71 00:21:37,008 --> 00:21:39,408 to be held in close session. And this meets the 72 00:21:39,448 --> 00:21:43,488 requirements of that section being information supplied and confidence by 73 00:21:43,749 --> 00:21:47,248 province or federal government. There is, in addition to that, 74 00:21:48,309 --> 00:21:52,848 the agreement between the region, in fact, between other municipalities 75 00:21:52,869 --> 00:21:55,168 participating in this program and the province and the federal 76 00:21:55,189 --> 00:21:59,408 government, and that agreement provides that any of the information 77 00:21:59,589 --> 00:22:03,528 related to these programs must be kept in confidence. So 78 00:22:04,069 --> 00:22:10,128 it's that legal commitment and the agreement that is what 79 00:22:10,168 --> 00:22:14,288 is requiring us to do this in closed session. However, 80 00:22:14,288 --> 00:22:18,848 as his customary with any of our close session matters, 81 00:22:18,848 --> 00:22:21,728 uh, as soon as, uh, that requirement is lifted by 82 00:22:21,829 --> 00:22:25,568 the province and the federal government, uh, staff will make, 83 00:22:25,568 --> 00:22:32,644 uh, information available to the public. My understanding, and I 84 00:22:32,665 --> 00:22:37,244 appreciate that the sensor could help me with this, is 85 00:22:37,244 --> 00:22:41,764 that the rules of going in camera allow us to 86 00:22:41,804 --> 00:22:45,533 go in camera. They don't mandate us to go on 87 00:22:45,533 --> 00:22:48,173 camera. We can choose as a council, can we not 88 00:22:48,754 --> 00:22:52,901 not to deal with it in camera. Usually the client 89 00:22:53,242 --> 00:23:00,958 gets the option of deciding not somebody else. Councillor Nicholson, 90 00:23:01,379 --> 00:23:03,738 you know the rules as well as I do. Um, 91 00:23:04,499 --> 00:23:10,086 you're right. Um, but this is, uh, come to us, 92 00:23:10,086 --> 00:23:13,686 the provinces, as we've heard Jason explained to us, they've 93 00:23:13,686 --> 00:23:15,846 asked us to do it in closed session. Your problem 94 00:23:15,886 --> 00:23:18,006 isn't with this council, it's with the other levels of 95 00:23:18,006 --> 00:23:22,374 government. Well, my problem for the last four plus years 96 00:23:23,115 --> 00:23:26,454 with this government, uh, they like to keep things secret, 97 00:23:26,454 --> 00:23:29,943 make secret deals to benefit their friends. And my problem 98 00:23:30,364 --> 00:23:34,383 that I'm having as a councillor here is, well, I 99 00:23:34,383 --> 00:23:38,103 understand the province would like to keep their details secret. 100 00:23:40,926 --> 00:23:44,025 I would suggest to our council, to all my colleagues 101 00:23:44,606 --> 00:23:47,766 that it's not in our interest to do so. Um, 102 00:23:48,907 --> 00:23:53,754 to simply deal with this in camera. And endorse it 103 00:23:54,095 --> 00:23:57,465 and say, someone will release the facts later on. Um, 104 00:23:57,806 --> 00:24:02,185 when it could commit this council to implementing hundreds of 105 00:24:02,286 --> 00:24:05,785 millions of dollars of either user rate or property tax 106 00:24:05,785 --> 00:24:11,627 increases without any input from the public whatsoever. In a 107 00:24:11,627 --> 00:24:13,867 situation where we're two months out from the end of 108 00:24:13,867 --> 00:24:16,526 this council. I mean, literally at two o'clock, we are 109 00:24:16,547 --> 00:24:21,728 a lame duck. So for us to somehow suggest that 110 00:24:21,768 --> 00:24:26,497 we're going to deal with this. Uh, in secrecy. And 111 00:24:26,497 --> 00:24:29,297 then someone's going to tell our voters a few weeks 112 00:24:29,478 --> 00:24:32,097 from an hour, a few months from now, God knows 113 00:24:32,137 --> 00:24:34,952 when. That geez, sorry we couldn't tell you, but we 114 00:24:35,053 --> 00:24:37,112 passed a law that's going to raise your user rates 115 00:24:37,152 --> 00:24:39,432 or raise your property taxes. And they get in those 116 00:24:39,533 --> 00:24:42,519 say on it. Even if we did it, at least 117 00:24:42,540 --> 00:24:46,589 we should ask their opinion. So I'm going to suggest 118 00:24:46,770 --> 00:24:49,709 to members of council that we in fact do one 119 00:24:49,709 --> 00:24:51,469 of two things. One that we don't go in camera. 120 00:24:53,125 --> 00:24:56,064 Or if there is some reason that this to be 121 00:24:56,064 --> 00:24:59,184 dealt with in an camera process, that this matter be 122 00:24:59,224 --> 00:25:03,344 tabled to the newtermer of council to allow the annuly 123 00:25:03,344 --> 00:25:06,624 elected council to make this decision because they're the ones 124 00:25:06,664 --> 00:25:08,544 that are going to be impacted on behalf of the 125 00:25:08,584 --> 00:25:11,904 residents, uh, in any future decisions that they follow from 126 00:25:11,944 --> 00:25:15,622 this. We literally are the end of our term. And 127 00:25:15,622 --> 00:25:17,462 none of us can guarantee that we're going to be 128 00:25:17,462 --> 00:25:20,699 back. I mean, I think many of us hope to 129 00:25:20,739 --> 00:25:25,183 be back, but the guarantees. Um, I've never many years 130 00:25:25,204 --> 00:25:28,703 that I've been on council seen a situation where this 131 00:25:28,703 --> 00:25:34,502 kind of process occurred literally on nomination day. And basically 132 00:25:34,603 --> 00:25:36,822 then putting the members of this council in a position 133 00:25:36,822 --> 00:25:40,837 of imposing on the next council. Well over a hundred 134 00:25:40,837 --> 00:25:43,637 million dollars of tax or user rates without any public 135 00:25:43,898 --> 00:25:48,117 knowledge at all. I just can't disrespectfully say, this is 136 00:25:48,117 --> 00:25:50,037 the right process to do. And I would urge my 137 00:25:50,037 --> 00:25:53,743 members of councils to vote against going in gamer. Thank 138 00:25:53,783 --> 00:25:58,818 you. Mayor Foster. Thank you Mr. Chair. So I don't 139 00:25:59,159 --> 00:26:03,117 disagree with many of the comments, but my understanding. Plainly 140 00:26:03,157 --> 00:26:06,237 put is the province is requiring us to deal with 141 00:26:06,277 --> 00:26:15,042 this in camera. Yes. So, well, I, so we're required. 142 00:26:15,042 --> 00:26:18,082 And yet the suggestion is we shouldn't deal with this. 143 00:26:18,082 --> 00:26:20,002 Or we should be dealing with it in open session. 144 00:26:20,002 --> 00:26:23,002 So, so that, that part of the argument, I think 145 00:26:23,002 --> 00:26:26,362 has been made for us. Uh, the rest, I think 146 00:26:26,503 --> 00:26:29,802 the discussion debate concern that we need to have, in 147 00:26:29,802 --> 00:26:33,762 fact, in - camera. But we're creatures of the province, 148 00:26:33,762 --> 00:26:38,987 like it or not. Um, members of councillors, anyone wishing 149 00:26:39,027 --> 00:26:41,547 to go into closed session to discuss this item or 150 00:26:41,547 --> 00:26:51,420 ask questions to staff. Okay. Uh, microphone, please. Mayor 151 00:26:51,420 --> 00:26:54,128 Carter. Sorry. Good morning, Mr. Chair. Yeah. I have a 152 00:26:54,128 --> 00:26:58,828 lot of questions. So. I would like to pay your, 153 00:26:58,868 --> 00:27:00,988 you're making a motion to go into close session. Yes, 154 00:27:00,988 --> 00:27:03,628 sir. Yeah. Thank you. I'm looking for a second. Second 155 00:27:03,668 --> 00:27:09,509 day by Mayor Foster. Thank you. Okay. So the item 156 00:27:09,530 --> 00:27:12,629 before you is the motion is to go into closed 157 00:27:12,629 --> 00:27:18,925 session to discuss report 2026 COL 41 only. I'm going 158 00:27:18,925 --> 00:27:21,485 to call the vote councillor Nicholson has asked it for 159 00:27:21,746 --> 00:27:30,032 recorded vote. So Mr. Clerk, when you're ready, please. And 160 00:27:30,072 --> 00:27:32,512 Mr. Clerk, before you do that, um, the reason for 161 00:27:32,552 --> 00:27:37,392 going into closed session is information explicitly supplied in confidence 162 00:27:37,392 --> 00:27:41,312 to the Regional Corporation by Canada, a province or territory 163 00:27:41,413 --> 00:27:44,512 or a crowning G of any item. It is under 164 00:27:44,693 --> 00:27:49,061 23. 92. It is item H. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 165 00:27:49,061 --> 00:27:50,981 Recorded vote on the motion to go into closed session 166 00:27:51,002 --> 00:27:51,701 is starting now. 167 00:28:07,527 --> 00:28:17,071 Looking for Councillor Watton online. Second call, councillor Watton. Last 168 00:28:17,092 --> 00:28:18,671 call, Councillor Watton online. 169 00:28:29,596 --> 00:28:32,835 Okay. It's carried 18 to three. Uh, Mr. Clair, how 170 00:28:32,835 --> 00:28:35,405 much times do you need to get ready. Uh. Just 171 00:28:35,405 --> 00:28:38,292 a quick. Answer. And the officers will ask them to 172 00:28:38,292 --> 00:28:40,372 step out to the officers in the room. I'm going 173 00:28:40,372 --> 00:28:42,132 to ask, have to ask you if you could step 174 00:28:42,172 --> 00:28:44,532 out and take a seat in the hallway and we'll 175 00:28:44,572 --> 00:28:47,492 come and get you when we're finished with this closed 176 00:28:47,513 --> 00:28:51,092 item. And members of council, it'll take, uh, five minutes. 177 00:28:51,327 --> 00:28:53,306 Five minutes to get everything set to go into close. 178 00:39:15,919 --> 00:39:23,877 Councillor Kerr, Councillor. Kerr and Councillor Pettengel. Councillor Pentenguell. Councillor 179 00:39:24,058 --> 00:39:25,957 Kerr, you're holding up the meeting. 180 00:39:35,569 --> 00:39:38,060 Mr. Clerk, could you do a roll call, please? Thank 181 00:39:38,100 --> 00:39:45,996 you, Mr. Chair, Electronic Roll Call, is starting now. Councillor 182 00:39:46,036 --> 00:39:47,196 George Street and Rob. 183 00:39:59,716 --> 00:40:02,655 Councillor Wu, can you push your button please? 184 00:40:15,759 --> 00:40:17,178 We have Corham, how many do we have in the 185 00:40:17,218 --> 00:40:23,689 meeting. 23, okay. Members of Council and to the public 186 00:40:24,270 --> 00:40:28,209 in the continuing interest of transparency and open government, I 187 00:40:28,209 --> 00:40:33,332 am reporting the public session. That we had conversations, but 188 00:40:33,332 --> 00:40:36,232 no direction or motions were given in closed session related 189 00:40:36,272 --> 00:40:41,361 to report number 2026, COW - 41. We're now in 190 00:40:41,401 --> 00:40:47,255 open session. We'll go to the request. Councillor Nicholson. Thank 191 00:40:47,295 --> 00:40:50,215 you, Mr. Chairman. I'm just asking on a procedural matter. 192 00:40:51,808 --> 00:40:55,307 Would it be in order to place a direction to 193 00:40:55,488 --> 00:41:00,427 our negotiating team that should the CLAC provision not be 194 00:41:00,467 --> 00:41:03,550 eliminated? The region Durham would not agree. To the agreement. 195 00:41:06,999 --> 00:41:09,858 I'll go to our CAO. She did state that if 196 00:41:10,279 --> 00:41:16,018 it had created a problem, they would manage it and 197 00:41:16,018 --> 00:41:17,458 deal with it, and it would come back to council. 198 00:41:19,370 --> 00:41:21,509 That's right. If just through you, Mr. Chair, if we're 199 00:41:21,549 --> 00:41:25,269 not able to negotiate an agreement that keeps the risk 200 00:41:25,690 --> 00:41:27,989 as it's been identified in the report, we would certainly 201 00:41:28,010 --> 00:41:31,909 come back to council. And it has certainly councils prerogative 202 00:41:32,010 --> 00:41:35,429 if it wants to put a condition on our negotiations. 203 00:41:36,993 --> 00:41:41,672 I would be concerned about the ramifications like that. The 204 00:41:41,672 --> 00:41:44,812 province may agree to soft in it, but not withdraw, 205 00:41:44,812 --> 00:41:47,052 or they may ideally withdraw it, but I do not 206 00:41:47,233 --> 00:41:51,532 want to jeopardize our opportunity to advise infrastructure. But again, 207 00:41:51,793 --> 00:41:56,812 it is counsel's prerogative. Alternately, could we give a direction 208 00:41:57,473 --> 00:42:02,012 then that if the clawback isn't removed, the final provision 209 00:42:02,033 --> 00:42:04,172 would come back to council for final approval. 210 00:42:13,155 --> 00:42:16,974 I think we could do that pending any unanticipated deadlines 211 00:42:17,014 --> 00:42:19,134 put on it by the province. We're not aware of 212 00:42:19,155 --> 00:42:21,134 any yet, except that they want this done very quickly. 213 00:42:23,764 --> 00:42:30,167 Go ahead. Sorry, go ahead. Go ahead, we'll try again. 214 00:42:30,588 --> 00:42:36,007 Aren't the direction given through the Resolution delegation of authority. 215 00:42:37,808 --> 00:42:43,612 That would be contrary to the delegation of authority. In 216 00:42:43,612 --> 00:42:46,772 my view. Coming back prior to the new council, is 217 00:42:46,772 --> 00:42:50,172 that what you're seeing, Councillor? No, I'm saying we're giving, 218 00:42:50,172 --> 00:42:54,997 we're delegating authority, you, and one of the councillors. Respectfully, 219 00:42:54,997 --> 00:42:59,877 is saying we're qualifying that delegation. So I don't think 220 00:42:59,898 --> 00:43:03,902 that the question is in order. I would have to 221 00:43:04,403 --> 00:43:12,343 defer to our solicitor, our clerk on that. Okay, Mr. 222 00:43:12,364 --> 00:43:18,542 Hunt. So it would be a restriction on the delegation. 223 00:43:18,542 --> 00:43:21,262 Restriction on delegations are in order, but I think it's 224 00:43:21,302 --> 00:43:25,982 important for council to recognise that not only would the 225 00:43:25,982 --> 00:43:29,102 conditions of the delegation be required to be met by 226 00:43:29,283 --> 00:43:32,142 staff. However, this new restriction would also be required to 227 00:43:32,182 --> 00:43:35,582 be met by staff. And if it couldn't be, then 228 00:43:36,003 --> 00:43:38,842 we would be required to come back to council. Uh, 229 00:43:38,842 --> 00:43:41,262 and I do think it's important to note that the 230 00:43:41,363 --> 00:43:43,742 wording is important here. And this is, I guess, some 231 00:43:43,742 --> 00:43:48,782 of my caution about giving direction to staff to negotiate, 232 00:43:48,782 --> 00:43:52,462 but then giving explicit caveats in that direction, which is 233 00:43:52,483 --> 00:43:57,090 that they're likely will be a clawback mechanism. We just 234 00:43:57,511 --> 00:43:59,870 maybe don't know right now what that looks like. And 235 00:43:59,870 --> 00:44:02,770 some of those might be acceptable within the risk tolerance 236 00:44:02,810 --> 00:44:04,530 that the CA was outlined in some of those may 237 00:44:04,530 --> 00:44:07,570 not be in staff would assess that with the information 238 00:44:07,831 --> 00:44:11,410 from the discussion among council and closed session. And if 239 00:44:11,410 --> 00:44:15,650 we're not comfortable, that it was within the risk that 240 00:44:15,650 --> 00:44:19,250 we discussed. We would come back as the direction requires 241 00:44:19,511 --> 00:44:23,970 now. However, the more explicit we are, the more constrained 242 00:44:24,010 --> 00:44:27,890 staff are, certainly easy for staff, but may not end 243 00:44:27,911 --> 00:44:34,402 up being in the best interest of council. Councillor Nicholson. 244 00:44:36,515 --> 00:44:39,952 Well, contrary to the previous question. We have not given 245 00:44:39,973 --> 00:44:43,953 any direction yet. So as the sister said, we can 246 00:44:43,953 --> 00:44:46,513 give whatever directions of staff that this council wishes to 247 00:44:46,513 --> 00:44:50,415 give to staff. I'm not looking to tie our negotiator's 248 00:44:50,455 --> 00:44:55,592 hands. Um, I just having great trouble. Uh, I can 249 00:44:55,592 --> 00:44:57,272 live with most of it, um, if we go over 250 00:44:57,613 --> 00:45:00,632 the hundred and to go to 12, 000, I can 251 00:45:00,672 --> 00:45:02,632 even live with that risk because we're going to get 252 00:45:02,632 --> 00:45:05,232 more tax revenues and more growth. So we're going to 253 00:45:05,373 --> 00:45:09,303 get the money to pay for that. The problem lies 254 00:45:09,343 --> 00:45:13,683 in is, say, a hypothetically, we only get 5, 000 255 00:45:13,683 --> 00:45:18,031 units. Over the three years cycle. Now we've committed to 256 00:45:18,031 --> 00:45:19,871 all the work to be done. So we're on the 257 00:45:19,871 --> 00:45:23,465 hook for that. Are we looking at a possibility of 258 00:45:23,886 --> 00:45:27,612 a prurated reduction claw bag. Which could be 100 million 259 00:45:27,633 --> 00:45:30,892 dollars? I'm from the province. I'm worried that we're travelling 260 00:45:30,993 --> 00:45:36,446 down something that should be discussed in closed session. I'm 261 00:45:36,486 --> 00:45:38,126 trying to keep it as broad as I can. I 262 00:45:38,147 --> 00:45:41,966 still think we're crossing very close to crossing the line. 263 00:45:41,966 --> 00:45:43,806 Is there a policy? I guess my concern is I'm 264 00:45:43,846 --> 00:45:45,966 just trying to get some assurances as a member of 265 00:45:45,966 --> 00:45:51,217 council. That if negotiations don't go as well as we 266 00:45:51,238 --> 00:45:55,857 expect that we're given the directions we've all talked about, 267 00:45:55,857 --> 00:45:56,977 that we're going to get another kick of the can 268 00:45:56,998 --> 00:45:59,537 here. Or are we simply endorsing this today and we're 269 00:45:59,537 --> 00:46:03,564 never going to say it again. So in fairness to 270 00:46:03,564 --> 00:46:07,564 our CAO and to our treasurer, um, who we have 271 00:46:07,665 --> 00:46:10,764 trusted for four years, they do all the work on 272 00:46:10,804 --> 00:46:14,364 our behalf and do an supplementary job. I trust them 273 00:46:14,404 --> 00:46:17,160 on this. That they will act in the best interests 274 00:46:17,160 --> 00:46:19,971 of the region. And fulfill it. And, uh, as we 275 00:46:20,011 --> 00:46:23,571 heard from the CAO, she has said that if it 276 00:46:23,611 --> 00:46:29,251 causes something that is going to use this term, raising 277 00:46:29,251 --> 00:46:31,411 the hair on the back of their necks for not 278 00:46:31,411 --> 00:46:34,531 a better term, that, that they will deal with it 279 00:46:34,571 --> 00:46:38,131 in the appropriate manner. Um, I don't have a crystal 280 00:46:38,131 --> 00:46:40,691 ball. I don't know what's going to happen. But I 281 00:46:40,691 --> 00:46:43,811 don't want to handcuff our team. Um, we've heard from 282 00:46:43,912 --> 00:46:48,729 our CAO their plans and I respect that. All right. 283 00:46:48,769 --> 00:46:54,310 Thank you. Okay. Members Council, Councillor Nicholson asked for record 284 00:46:54,491 --> 00:47:01,135 a vote. Part. Okay. You asked for the recorder vote. 285 00:47:01,638 --> 00:47:06,283 Before I go to the recorded vote, Mayor Foster. Thank 286 00:47:06,283 --> 00:47:10,283 you Mr. Chair. I'll be brief some of the comments, 287 00:47:10,283 --> 00:47:14,043 particularly the comments in close session, uh, from, uh, Mayor 288 00:47:14,083 --> 00:47:19,605 Ash were, to my mind, bang on. You know, we're 289 00:47:19,605 --> 00:47:22,725 talking about the claw back, but that would be fairness. 290 00:47:22,725 --> 00:47:26,405 I mean, the upper levels of government would, would equally 291 00:47:26,506 --> 00:47:29,685 take risks. So, you know, so this mechanism. Remember we're 292 00:47:29,725 --> 00:47:32,645 an open session. Yeah. No, I'm not getting annotating detail, 293 00:47:32,645 --> 00:47:38,485 but it's fairness, frankly, to both parties. And as much 294 00:47:38,525 --> 00:47:42,085 as there is a focus on building houses and affordability 295 00:47:43,306 --> 00:47:46,405 and, you know, this would make houses sell it more 296 00:47:46,405 --> 00:47:51,265 affordable. We cannot lose sight of the plumber's electricians, uh, 297 00:47:51,626 --> 00:47:54,965 roofers, uh, the vast number of people that are not 298 00:47:54,986 --> 00:47:58,791 working today. Um, and the, the spin - offs in 299 00:47:58,791 --> 00:48:03,111 the economy. Uh, you speak Mr. Chair. Although I can't, 300 00:48:03,111 --> 00:48:06,311 I'm not going to say that because it wasn't closed 301 00:48:06,311 --> 00:48:09,831 session, but we look at the impact of the economy. 302 00:48:09,831 --> 00:48:13,751 We, we look at, uh, unemployment rates right now. I, 303 00:48:13,751 --> 00:48:18,791 you know, housing is important building communities is important. Getting 304 00:48:18,791 --> 00:48:22,711 these people to work, especially in the environment that we 305 00:48:22,812 --> 00:48:26,791 find ourselves in today, uncertainty on a geopolitical level. This 306 00:48:26,791 --> 00:48:30,471 is, uh, this is equally important. Uh, so I am, 307 00:48:30,511 --> 00:48:34,951 I am fully supportive of this. Understand the risks involved, 308 00:48:34,951 --> 00:48:38,631 but fully supportive. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Kerr. Thank 309 00:48:38,631 --> 00:48:40,631 you, Chair. I'm just going to circle back to what 310 00:48:41,052 --> 00:48:44,791 Mayor Ash started this whole discussion with, and mind you, 311 00:48:44,791 --> 00:48:46,631 in closed session, but I'm not going to circle back 312 00:48:46,812 --> 00:48:49,671 in details. I'm just going to summarize this position as 313 00:48:49,671 --> 00:48:54,737 follows. Don't look at gift horse in the mouth. That's 314 00:48:54,777 --> 00:48:57,217 what this is. We're trying to get from A to 315 00:48:57,257 --> 00:48:59,297 B and develop, or A to Z in development. We're 316 00:48:59,318 --> 00:49:02,177 not getting there. Along comes somebody and says, here's a 317 00:49:02,198 --> 00:49:03,857 worse. They allow you to get there. And we're going 318 00:49:03,857 --> 00:49:05,777 to look at its teeth and make sure that the 319 00:49:05,798 --> 00:49:08,657 horses, and we're going to look at the hooves and 320 00:49:08,657 --> 00:49:10,417 we're going to brush the tail just to make sure 321 00:49:10,438 --> 00:49:12,577 before we get on the horse and ride down the 322 00:49:12,577 --> 00:49:16,113 road. No, let's get on the horse. Thank you. Thank 323 00:49:16,113 --> 00:49:20,573 you. Okay. Recorded vote has been called. Recorded voters. We'll 324 00:49:20,573 --> 00:49:25,770 call by Mayor Carter. Thank you, Mr. Chair, recorded vote 325 00:49:25,770 --> 00:49:29,050 on the confidential recommendations of the report, our starting now. 326 00:49:41,083 --> 00:49:44,262 Looking for councillor Wu. Thank you. And looking for councillor 327 00:49:44,443 --> 00:49:50,558 Leahy online. Second call, councillor Leahy. 328 00:49:54,544 --> 00:49:56,363 Last call, councillor Leahy online. 329 00:50:09,235 --> 00:50:13,370 It's unanimous securities. Um, members council, we're going to move 330 00:50:13,370 --> 00:50:15,850 on to the next item 5. 2. It is a 331 00:50:15,871 --> 00:50:20,330 confidential report from the Commissioner of Finance. This is on 332 00:50:20,671 --> 00:50:24,453 items that council has already dealt with. I don't think 333 00:50:24,474 --> 00:50:26,693 the need to go into closed session, but I would 334 00:50:26,794 --> 00:50:30,932 take a motion to go in closed session. Seeing none, 335 00:50:30,932 --> 00:50:33,850 Mayor Carter. Just at the appropriate time at Record of 336 00:50:33,850 --> 00:50:35,730 Vote, please. Well, first of all, let's get you to 337 00:50:35,770 --> 00:50:40,365 move it. Move by, thank you. Move by Councillor Chapman, 338 00:50:40,365 --> 00:50:45,070 seconded by another secondary councillor Anderson. Um, the item is 339 00:50:45,070 --> 00:50:48,030 on the floor, recorded vote was called by Mayor Carter. 340 00:50:49,368 --> 00:50:51,827 Councillor Kerr, before I call fast to clerk to take 341 00:50:51,827 --> 00:50:55,781 the vote. Yes, I just had, uh, one question, um, 342 00:50:55,781 --> 00:51:00,121 through you to our Commissioner of Finance. And it's just 343 00:51:00,161 --> 00:51:03,801 a clarification question. Some people may wonder this. I did. 344 00:51:03,801 --> 00:51:05,321 And I wonder if you'd be kind enough to explain 345 00:51:05,342 --> 00:51:09,001 the difference if we can do this between grant and 346 00:51:09,022 --> 00:51:16,739 a forgivable loan, please. Nicole. Yeah. So through the chair, 347 00:51:16,739 --> 00:51:19,779 uh, to the councillor, sorry, to the councillor. Hello. Um, 348 00:51:20,120 --> 00:51:24,419 the difference between the two. So for all intents of 349 00:51:24,419 --> 00:51:28,019 purposes, they are, uh, a forgivable loan is a grant 350 00:51:28,680 --> 00:51:30,419 in the sense that, you know, as long as we 351 00:51:30,459 --> 00:51:32,259 meet our obligations, we don't have to pay back that 352 00:51:32,440 --> 00:51:35,539 loan. So it is from that perspective considered a grant 353 00:51:36,120 --> 00:51:38,899 from an accounting treatment perspective. They are treated from an 354 00:51:38,939 --> 00:51:44,019 accounting perspective very differently, uh, a forgivable loan will counts 355 00:51:44,019 --> 00:51:46,819 as a, as a, as a liability, uh, on our 356 00:51:46,859 --> 00:51:52,019 books, uh, it's a contingent liability until we've, um, met 357 00:51:52,019 --> 00:51:53,999 all of the obligations that we have to meet. And 358 00:51:53,999 --> 00:51:56,659 because of that, it does count towards our debt cap 359 00:51:56,680 --> 00:52:02,259 as part of our provincial ARL, our annual repayment limit. 360 00:52:02,259 --> 00:52:05,219 But as long as we deliver the project, uh, there 361 00:52:05,560 --> 00:52:08,019 we will not have to repay that, uh, that portion 362 00:52:08,059 --> 00:52:11,266 of money. And when we do is just stricken and 363 00:52:11,287 --> 00:52:15,161 soft the dead cap. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Nicholson. 364 00:52:16,100 --> 00:52:18,959 Thank you. Obviously I'm going to be supporting this. It's 365 00:52:18,959 --> 00:52:22,713 in my constituency. Um, also the project's underway. So if 366 00:52:22,753 --> 00:52:25,433 we didn't approve this, then we'd be on the hook 367 00:52:25,473 --> 00:52:27,906 for all that money. So this is kind of the 368 00:52:27,906 --> 00:52:31,266 reverse of the other debate we just had. So it's 369 00:52:31,266 --> 00:52:36,246 important this is very, very prudent financing. Thank you. Councillor 370 00:52:36,347 --> 00:52:41,192 Pentagon. It's okay. I'm going to withdraw my question. Thanks. 371 00:52:41,373 --> 00:52:46,623 Okay. Recorder vote was called by Mayor Carter. Mr. Clerk, 372 00:52:46,623 --> 00:52:54,995 when you're ready. Thank you, Mr. Chair, recorded vote on 373 00:52:55,035 --> 00:52:56,355 the matter is starting now. 374 00:53:06,877 --> 00:53:13,187 Looking for councillors Leahy and Waden online. Second call for 375 00:53:13,288 --> 00:53:21,449 councillors Leahy and Watton. Last call councillors Leahy and Watton 376 00:53:21,470 --> 00:53:23,328 online. Thank you. 377 00:53:35,235 --> 00:53:40,894 Okay. That carries. Um, unanimous. Members of council will move 378 00:53:40,894 --> 00:53:44,953 on to Mr. Clark. That's the business before Bylaws. Okay. 379 00:53:45,054 --> 00:53:52,212 Mayor Ash. Um, I have two motions. Let's move on 380 00:53:52,252 --> 00:53:56,932 myself and seconded by Councillor Dyes for the last time. 381 00:53:56,932 --> 00:54:00,556 She'll be seconding of motion. And that's the Bylaw number 382 00:54:00,897 --> 00:54:06,995 2026 036 be passed. On Bylaws. We'll call the vote. 383 00:54:06,995 --> 00:54:13,302 All those in favor. If you would allow me, um, 384 00:54:13,583 --> 00:54:17,641 I'd like to move the confirming Byla. And I'd like 385 00:54:17,822 --> 00:54:25,099 Councillor Dyes to second it. Perfect. Uh, move by Chair 386 00:54:25,139 --> 00:54:28,059 Henry. Second of my councillor dies that the bylaw number 387 00:54:28,160 --> 00:54:31,979 2026 037 being a Bylau to confirm the proceedings of 388 00:54:32,400 --> 00:54:35,499 council, the Regional Municipality of Durham at their meeting held 389 00:54:35,520 --> 00:54:40,059 on the 21st day of August, 2026 be passed. All 390 00:54:40,059 --> 00:54:45,834 those in favor. In opposition. Seeing none. Uh, remember members 391 00:54:45,855 --> 00:54:49,258 of Council. I hope you all wear sunscreen. Um, and 392 00:54:49,439 --> 00:54:51,578 I will see some of you out on the campaign 393 00:54:51,759 --> 00:54:54,938 trails. I wish you a wonderful safe rest to your 394 00:54:54,938 --> 00:54:57,794 summer and to staff. Awesome work on this. It was 395 00:54:57,794 --> 00:55:00,914 a short turnaround. I hope you get a holiday now 396 00:55:01,015 --> 00:55:07,800 too. Thank you. Motion to adjourn. Councillor Dyes. I'll speak. 397 00:55:07,838 --> 00:55:13,125 To it as well. To a German? Yes. Okay. Kelsor 398 00:55:13,146 --> 00:55:16,145 dies is moving adjournment. Second of all, Mayor Foster. And 399 00:55:16,145 --> 00:55:19,285 you'd like to speak to a German? Mr. Chair, we, 400 00:55:19,285 --> 00:55:21,425 uh, we thought a couple of weeks ago that, uh, 401 00:55:21,425 --> 00:55:25,125 it was perhaps the last meeting, uh, of this term 402 00:55:25,125 --> 00:55:28,565 of council, uh, this in fact is the last meeting. 403 00:55:28,565 --> 00:55:31,765 I would like to reiterate the comments, uh, that were 404 00:55:31,805 --> 00:55:37,525 made, uh, then. The one, how deeply appreciated, uh, your 405 00:55:37,525 --> 00:55:42,431 good leadership, your good and effective leadership. Uh, has been 406 00:55:42,471 --> 00:55:45,711 over the past four years, uh, and the accomplishments that 407 00:55:45,711 --> 00:55:49,451 we have made and accomplishments that we have made, uh, 408 00:55:49,732 --> 00:55:53,071 only by virtue of the work of the staff that 409 00:55:53,092 --> 00:55:56,831 support us. Uh, so, uh, Elaine to you and your 410 00:55:56,831 --> 00:56:01,551 team to the staff, uh, please accept congratulations. There are 411 00:56:01,551 --> 00:56:04,911 things that they should be exceptionally proud of changes to 412 00:56:04,951 --> 00:56:08,031 our community that will endure for a very long time, 413 00:56:08,031 --> 00:56:10,351 uh, and Mr. Chair, without your leadership, none of that 414 00:56:10,351 --> 00:56:13,391 would have happened. So, so accept my thanks, please. Thank 415 00:56:13,391 --> 00:56:22,906 you. Um. I'll call the vote. Councillor Kerr. Debating a 416 00:56:22,906 --> 00:56:26,106 journal. No, I'm not debating it. This is Councillor dies 417 00:56:26,127 --> 00:56:28,346 last meeting of her career. And I think I would 418 00:56:28,346 --> 00:56:31,706 just like to extend my thanks and having the joy 419 00:56:31,807 --> 00:56:34,506 of working with you. Some people for longer than me. 420 00:56:34,506 --> 00:56:36,826 And I just joined me in thank Councillor dies for 421 00:56:36,866 --> 00:56:37,546 a wonderful career. 422 00:56:49,699 --> 00:56:56,070 Call the vote. All those in favor. In opposition. Careful 423 00:56:56,091 --> 00:57:01,418 when you say that. In opposition, seeing none, that carries. 424 00:57:01,418 --> 00:57:01,978 Enjoy the rest of your day.