[7:51] I'd like to call this meeting to order. I have
[7:53] a motion moved by councilor. Brennan seconded by Councilor Cheney.
[7:56] The agenda be approved as circulated. All in favor that
[7:59] motion is carried. Councilor, are there any declarations of pecuniary
[8:03] interest? I see none. We will now proceed into closed
[8:07] session and council will reconvene into open session at. Three.
[8:11] P. M. I have a motion moved by Councilor Ryan,
[8:13] seconded by Councilor Cheney. The council proceeds into closed session
[8:17] at the hour of 02:00 p.m. to discuss matters under
[8:20] the following exemptions in the Municipal act, section 2392, pertaining
[8:25] to litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals
[8:30] affecting. The municipality or local board with respect to an
[8:34] Ontario land tribunal matter. All in favor that motion is
[8:37] carried. We are enclosed.
[1:09:02] All right. I have a motion moved by Councilor Ryan,
[1:09:04] seconded by councilor Brennan, that the meeting be reconvened into
[1:09:07] open session at the hour of 03:00 p.m. all in
[1:09:10] favor? That motion is carried. We will now report out.
[1:09:16] I have a motion moved by councilor Cheney, seconded by
[1:09:19] councilor. Ryan that staff proceed as directed. All in favor?
[1:09:25] That motion is carried. Moving on to community announcements. Councilor
[1:09:30] Ryan, I think you're up to bat. Thank you. Good
[1:09:34] afternoon, everyone. Thank you, Mayor Dane. Family Day is coming
[1:09:39] up in Erin at Aaron Center, 2000. It's Monday, February
[1:09:43] 16. Ten to 03:00 p.m. it's a free, fun event,
[1:09:48] and it's sponsored by the Rotary Club of Aaron and
[1:09:51] the town of Aaron. On Wednesday, January 28, the Chamber
[1:09:56] of Commerce is having a planning session for all members
[1:10:01] or those wishing to be new members, seven to eight
[1:10:03] at rural commons. And on Monday, January 26, the Aaron
[1:10:10] Agricultural Society is hosting its AGM 06:30 p.m. reception 07:00
[1:10:16] p.m. meeting start new members are welcome to come out
[1:10:20] and it's at the air and fairgrounds. At the end
[1:10:24] of the month, coldest night of the year is being
[1:10:27] hosted by EWCF. And that's on February 20 eigth. Teens
[1:10:32] are looking for sponsorship now, and that will be held
[1:10:35] from 40 08:00 p.m. at Aaron Center 2000. And one
[1:10:40] last thing is our transportation master plan. Is still up
[1:10:45] for public comment until February 13, and you can find
[1:10:49] that on the errand. Engage site and. Your comments are
[1:10:53] welcome, and we hope that you weigh in on. Thank
[1:10:56] you. Thank you very much. And you're all good. Councilor
[1:11:00] Cheney anything? Todd moving on. We will now adopt the
[1:11:04] previous meeting minutes. I have a motion moved by Councilor
[1:11:06] Cheney, seconded by councilor Brennan. The council hereby adopts the
[1:11:10] following meeting minutes as circulated. December 11 Regular Council meeting
[1:11:15] and the confidential minutes of the closed sessions held on
[1:11:17] November 27 and December. 1st 2025 all in favor? That
[1:11:22] motion is carried. Council. Any business arising from the minutes.
[1:11:27] I see no hands. We have a presentation from Credit
[1:11:30] Valley Conservation. I have a motion moved by Councilor Brennan,
[1:11:33] seconded by Councilor Ryan that the presentation by credit Valley
[1:11:38] conservation regarding the 2026 draft budget be received for information.
[1:11:42] I'll now invite Terry Laru, CEO, and Andrew Kett, director
[1:11:45] of corporate services, to come up to the podium and
[1:11:48] deliver their presentation. You already got it. You got me.
[1:11:58] Thank you. Thank you. Good morning, Mary and members of
[1:12:01] council, I'm Terry le Roux, CEO of Credit Valley conservation.
[1:12:05] And as mentioned, I'm joined by Andrew Kett, our director
[1:12:07] of corporate services today. We'll walk you through the 2026
[1:12:11] draft budget with a particular focus on what matters most
[1:12:14] to our municipalities, our shared watershed priorities, local service impacts,
[1:12:18] and the invest. Investments that keep residents safe, healthy and
[1:12:22] resilient. I may need a tutorial on the clicker. No
[1:12:30] see. There you go. Got it. CBC is a watershed
[1:12:37] based organization that provides programs and services that further the
[1:12:41] conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural resources. We address
[1:12:46] climate change risks and protect people and property. Our jurisdiction
[1:12:50] spans nearly 95,000, is home to more than 1 million
[1:12:53] residents. This is a rapidly growing, highly urbanizing watershed, one
[1:12:58] that places increasing pressure on natural systems, water resources, and
[1:13:02] recreational lands. Very recently, the province created the Ontario Provincial
[1:13:08] Conservation agency with directive making authority Bill 68 that enabled
[1:13:14] this establishment received royal assent on November 27, 2025. OPCA
[1:13:21] will lead the implementation of a single digital permitting platform,
[1:13:25] streamlining and standardizing service delivery and is overseeing the implementation
[1:13:29] of a regional watershed based consolidation of conservation authorities. The
[1:13:35] province is pursuing this consolidation of Ontario's 36 conservation authorities
[1:13:39] into seven regional bodies for CDC. This means a merger
[1:13:44] with conservation Halton Hamilton Conservation Authority and Niagara Peninsula Conservation
[1:13:49] Authority as the Western Lake Ontario Regional ca. The CBC
[1:13:54] board opposes this consolidation and is very concerned with the
[1:13:58] loss of local voice and local governance. At this time,
[1:14:02] I would like to stress that there are no impacts
[1:14:04] of this decision by the government. To the 2026 budget.
[1:14:09] CBC will continue delivering all programs and services, and we
[1:14:13] are actively participating. In ongoing dialogue and communication. On this
[1:14:17] matter, our focus remains ensuring continuity, stability and strong municipal
[1:14:22] service. Delivery. So, across our watershed, in all program areas,
[1:14:27] we're responding to three major trends, accelerating climate impacts increasing
[1:14:32] natural hazard risks, population growth and demand for green space.
[1:14:36] And our 2026 budget reflects investments that directly address these
[1:14:40] pressures. Our watershed models show a future that is wetter,
[1:14:46] wilder, and less predictable. This includes intense storms. And flooding,
[1:14:51] heat waves and resultant impacts to people in the environment.
[1:14:56] This affects every part of our mandate, from stormwater and
[1:14:59] flood forecasting to forest health trail. Systems and public safety.
[1:15:04] CBC specializes in identifying and mitigating natural hazards such as
[1:15:09] flooding and erosion. However, we also have deep expertise in
[1:15:12] green and natural infrastructure, both on our own lands as
[1:15:15] well as on municipal and private lands, and we apply
[1:15:18] this expertise to address and mitigate the impacts of climate
[1:15:21] change. And foster resilient communities. CBC is the local leader
[1:15:26] in watershed science. Our work informs science based decisions about
[1:15:30] how to respond. To climate change in our communities. In
[1:15:33] 2026, we will work with the town of Aaron to
[1:15:36] conduct in stream monitoring to help maintain the health and
[1:15:39] function of the west credit River and fulfill the town's
[1:15:42] compliance and data reporting. Requirements. We'll implement new climate smart
[1:15:47] tree planting guidelines, update natural heritage and water resource mapping,
[1:15:52] and launch an online watershed hub to share real time
[1:15:55] environmental insights. These initiatives support municipal planning, climate, mitigation and
[1:16:00] long term infrastructure decisions. In our science based performance targets
[1:16:06] continue to emphasize accountability and transparency. In 2026. This includes.
[1:16:12] Monitoring 90% of scheduled environmental stations, providing 100% access to
[1:16:17] up to date data sets for municipal partners advancing towards
[1:16:21] our 50% corporate GHD reduction goal by 2030 and conducting
[1:16:25] inventories of 190 natural areas. These measures directly support municipal
[1:16:31] climate asset. Management and environmental reporting needs. And then we
[1:16:36] have intensifying weather events to deal with. These are increasing
[1:16:39] risks across our watershed flooding, erosion, ice jam hazards and
[1:16:43] infrastructure impacts. But CBC's core strength is public safety. Everything
[1:16:48] we do in hazard identification and risk reduction is focused
[1:16:51] on protecting residents and support. Supporting your municipal emergency management
[1:16:58] staff from real time flood warning systems to modernizing floodplain
[1:17:02] maps and updating RDF curves. We give municipalities the tools
[1:17:06] to plan resilient infrastructure housing and growth. Key service improvements
[1:17:12] in this area for 26 include enhanced flood forecasting, including
[1:17:17] new ice jam prediction capability. Continued implementation of our riskbased
[1:17:22] planning and permitting framework. Expanded green infrastructure, training for municipal
[1:17:26] partners, and completing comprehensive updates to the CTC source protection
[1:17:31] plan. These are essential services that protect public safety and
[1:17:35] ensure responsible growth. Our service. Performance expectations remain high under
[1:17:40] this area, in 2026, we will have 99% uptime. Of
[1:17:45] our real time flood monitoring network. 95% of permits issued
[1:17:49] on time. 90% customer satisfaction from development applicants. And continued
[1:17:56] modernization of floodplain mapping. These targets support predictable development, review
[1:18:01] timelines, and reduce municipal risk. And growth across the watershed
[1:18:06] is accelerating, bringing tremendous opportunity but also real pressure. More
[1:18:10] residents are relying on natural areas for recreation and well
[1:18:13] being, and at the same time, more people, homes and
[1:18:16] infrastructure. Need protection from natural hazards. Our parks and lands
[1:18:21] programs are essential to delivering safe, high. Highquality public spaces
[1:18:26] in managing growth responsibly, they ensure natural areas are cared
[1:18:30] for accessible and resilient in the face of increasing use.
[1:18:35] And at the same time, CBC plays a critical role
[1:18:37] in enabling growth itself. We help ensure that the watersheds
[1:18:41] much needed housing infrastructure and community development is. Safe, resilient,
[1:18:46] and ultimately results in greener, more livable communities. Major initiatives
[1:18:51] in 2026 that respond to population growth include accelerating land
[1:18:55] acquisition to protect natural areas before they're lost. Implementing our
[1:19:01] invasive species strategy and forest management plan. Climate Ready Forest
[1:19:06] project, which will optimize private plantations for climate resiliency. And
[1:19:11] completing and opening the gym. Toby Lakeview Conservation Area in
[1:19:14] Mississauga and advancing the pits to parks project in Kalidan.
[1:19:19] These projects improve public access, support, climate resilience, and strengthen
[1:19:23] ecosystem health. In our 2026 land based service targets demonstrate
[1:19:29] continued growth and strong impact. We'll manage 2867 CDC land
[1:19:36] restore and care for 190 green space. Welcome more than
[1:19:40] 1.2 million visitors to our conservation areas and engage over
[1:19:44] 28,000 people in our community programs. At this point, all
[1:19:49] hand things over to Andrew to take you through the
[1:19:52] budget framework and the key levy impacts for the town
[1:19:54] of Urine. Great. Thank you, Terry.
[1:20:04] So if you bear with me and sharpen your pencils,
[1:20:06] I'll take us through. Some of the high level numbers
[1:20:08] for our 2026 budget. On screen, you'll see our gross
[1:20:13] budget, revenue and expenditures. I'll note that. The top line
[1:20:19] fees. Are up slightly 14.6% this year. Municipal apportionment is
[1:20:26] at 3.5% increase. And our overall gross increase is 4.5%.
[1:20:33] Also of note is the base funding from the province,
[1:20:36] which remains static at. $96,000 as it has for many
[1:20:41] years. The slight decrease in source protection funding is due
[1:20:46] to an increase that we received in 2025. Which. Has
[1:20:51] now ended for 2026. Next, the same information. But with
[1:20:58] the chart and noting that municipal apportionment does make up
[1:21:02] the majority of our funding. And in terms of expenses,
[1:21:07] our personnel expenses. Are in the majority as well. Our
[1:21:11] programs and services are personnel heavy and we do extensive
[1:21:15] work. Throughout the watershed. This slide shows the change in
[1:21:20] the modified current value assessment. And so this is the
[1:21:24] formula that the province provides to all conservation authorities based
[1:21:28] on MPAC assessment data that determines how we apportion our
[1:21:33] levy between our participating municipal. Municipalities. So Credit Valley Conservation
[1:21:41] has seven participating municipalities, and you'll see the change. In
[1:21:46] the numeric change as well as the percentage change on
[1:21:48] the chart. For the town of Aaron this year. The
[1:21:53] MCVA is increasing at 2.8% and you'll see the other
[1:21:58] municipalities. Are up or down, depending on the assessment of
[1:22:03] the impact assessment in their jurisdictions. This slide shows the
[1:22:09] total municipal levy apportioned by municipality. The region of Peel
[1:22:17] is at the top. Representing the overwhelming majority of our
[1:22:22] municipal levy. You'll note the town of Aaron. Our 2026
[1:22:28] apportionment is $93,170, or an increase of 5.1% this increase,
[1:22:36] as noted, is partly due to our 3.5% municipal apportionment.
[1:22:42] Increase and that adjustment in the modified current value assessment
[1:22:46] from the. Mpac assessment. This, split it out into the
[1:22:52] two types of apportionment. The first is the general levy
[1:22:58] town of Erin's. General levy is increasing by 5.0% or
[1:23:02] about $3,577. And the shared special levy. Also, using the
[1:23:09] modified current value assessment apportionment increasing at 5.5% or just
[1:23:14] under $1,000 for 2026. And this slide. Is a requirement
[1:23:22] as per our budget regulation. So it's prescribed by the
[1:23:27] province that we break out the apportionment. Into category one
[1:23:32] or mandatory programs and services from the Conservation Authorities act,
[1:23:37] and category two or municipally requested programs and services. And
[1:23:41] so you'll note the breakdown for the town of Aaron.
[1:23:45] 69,000. Approximately. For the category one in general and administrative
[1:23:51] programs. And 23. Thousand, approximately for category two programs and
[1:23:58] services. My final slide is our forecast. And I'll note,
[1:24:05] as Terry mentioned, off the top, There are many legislative
[1:24:09] changes that are impacting our business have been impacting our
[1:24:12] business for many years and will continue into the near
[1:24:16] future. Our 2027, 2028 and 2029 forecast is at three
[1:24:23] point. Six 3.0 and 3.0%, respectively. These are based on
[1:24:28] a number of assumptions, including assumptions around inflationary increases and
[1:24:33] cost of living allowance for our personnel expenses, however. There's
[1:24:38] considerable uncertainty, in particular around the impacts to 2027 and
[1:24:42] beyond. From the decisions made by the province and whether.
[1:24:48] That's the new provincial agency. And changes that they may
[1:24:53] have for our business, or the proposed consolidation of conservation
[1:24:57] authorities into regional bodies, which, of course, Would have many
[1:25:02] impacts that are as yet not very well understood. So
[1:25:06] our forecast. 3.6% for next year, but please note that
[1:25:12] there are many assumptions there and that's a living number
[1:25:15] that will be refined as we go along and hear
[1:25:17] more from the province. And with that, I'd like to
[1:25:21] turn it back to Terry to close our presentation. Thank
[1:25:27] you, Andrew. So within our budget, we do have, in
[1:25:32] our organization, we do have additional future funding pressures. Land
[1:25:37] acquisition is something that's critically important to the CBC board,
[1:25:41] but it is not something that we have funds for.
[1:25:43] So when we pursue the acquisition of new lands, we're
[1:25:46] typically looking to work with Greenland securement program through the
[1:25:50] region of. Peel and partner with our CBC foundation for
[1:25:54] funds raised. We also have. Needs at several of our
[1:25:59] conservation areas for recreational infrastructure. These are the dreams and
[1:26:03] schemes to build to address those population growth and the
[1:26:07] recreational needs. The vision of the credit validity trail, the
[1:26:10] 100 km from the headwaters in Orangeville, Mono to Lake
[1:26:14] Ontario. Is a cost as well as additional land care
[1:26:18] costs in the northern and rural watershed, and then our
[1:26:21] watershed plan, which we will start implementing next year. But
[1:26:24] I am happy to say we are very good at
[1:26:27] securing external funds. And so a few examples here to
[1:26:30] give you a flavor. Recent acquisitions that we had were
[1:26:34] 3.2 million through the investing in Canada infrastructure program and
[1:26:38] that was for seven trail projects across the watershed. 900,000
[1:26:42] from FCM for enhanced tree planting and some training and
[1:26:46] then 4.1 million for the public realm recreational components at
[1:26:50] the new Jim Tovey Lakeview Conservation area. And that concludes
[1:26:55] our budget presentation. Thank you very much, Terry and Andrew.
[1:27:02] As the motion. Oh, sorry, I'm not going to deliver
[1:27:04] any questions. We want to start. John. I'm sure I'll
[1:27:06] have questions. Thank you. Through you. Thank you for the
[1:27:10] presentation. We did make a submission to the province. I
[1:27:13] hope you got a copy of it. Can we do
[1:27:17] that? Thank you. Since I hadn't seen you since it
[1:27:21] happened. Congratulations on the permanent sphere appointment. Thank you. Council,
[1:27:29] Ryan. Thank you to you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Terry.
[1:27:36] And Andrew. How will this increase affect us, specifically in
[1:27:42] Aaron, and I'm just not clear why we have such
[1:27:45] a bigger increase in the other areas, and I realize
[1:27:48] it's set out by other factors, but could you more
[1:27:50] fully explain that, please? Yeah. Thank you. And through mayor
[1:27:56] yeah. So as noted, part of the reason that the
[1:28:00] town of Errands increase is above our 3.5% gross increase
[1:28:05] for the apportionment is due to that current value assessment
[1:28:08] formula. So this is a formula that is based on
[1:28:12] the impact property. Valuations in your municip. Municipality, and then
[1:28:17] it's modified for the watershed context of conservation authority work.
[1:28:23] So from a baseline of zero. Aaron's assessment in that
[1:28:28] formula went up 2.8%. And it's that extra 2.8%. That
[1:28:34] is resulting in the gap between our 3.5% apportionment increase
[1:28:39] and Erin's at five. Really? Some years that go up,
[1:28:46] some years they go down, for example. We were just
[1:28:50] speaking with Orangeville yesterday. And their impact assessment went down
[1:28:54] slightly relative to the other municipalities. But in this case,
[1:28:58] for Aaron that impact valuation is what's driving the increase.
[1:29:03] Thank you very much. So to confirm it's because of
[1:29:06] the land value. Allocation in Aaron. Is that correct? That's
[1:29:10] correct, yeah. The valuation of the municipal land base. And
[1:29:15] then there's a formula set out. In our regulation, our
[1:29:19] budget regulation. That determines how that's computed by the province.
[1:29:25] But, yes, that's correct. Thank you. Mr. Mayor, one more
[1:29:28] question, please. What determines if we had a property in
[1:29:32] Aaron? How would we get partnership with CVC to purchase
[1:29:36] that for recreational use or pits to park use, that
[1:29:39] kind of thing. What would be required? To make that
[1:29:42] happen. Through you, Mr. Mayor. That's so wonderful. I love
[1:29:46] the hopefulness in that question. I love that. It really
[1:29:49] just starts with a conversation, so definitely, you can always
[1:29:52] reach out to me. I know. A lot of municipal
[1:29:54] staff have close contacts with our staff as well, but
[1:29:58] it truly just starts with identifying if there's an opportunity,
[1:30:01] a property that's available, and then we can. Just sit
[1:30:03] down and talk about what the options are. Okay. Thank
[1:30:07] you. One more quick question. Because we're doing our wastewater
[1:30:10] plant and the monitoring. Of the west credit is so
[1:30:14] sensitive. This is our general proposal. We have additional funds
[1:30:19] and increases. For the town of Aaron outside of this
[1:30:23] budget. For our particular monitoring on the west credit. We're
[1:30:27] already doing that. We have a contract. With CBC for
[1:30:30] those services now, so we're covered. I think it's a
[1:30:33] three. Year renewable or five year renewable contract that we're
[1:30:36] already doing. Okay. Thank you. And through Mr. Mayor, my
[1:30:39] final question, I believe may be for our treasure, Wendy
[1:30:42] Parr. Wendy, is this. Additional. Amount covered in our 2026
[1:30:46] budget. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, we do get the
[1:30:49] fees from CVC ahead of time, and they are exact.
[1:30:53] They should be exact in the budget, one. And one
[1:30:55] of the few things that is. Thank you. Councilor Cheney.
[1:31:02] You're good. All right. Well, thank you very much, both
[1:31:06] for coming and good to see you again. Sorry I
[1:31:08] missed the end of last week's meeting. As the motion
[1:31:11] has already been read, I will now call the vote.
[1:31:13] All in favor? That motion. Is carried. Safe trip back
[1:31:17] to the cities. We have our quarterly wastewater project update.
[1:31:23] I have a motion moved by Councilor Cheney, second by
[1:31:25] Councilor Ryan, that the presentation by the director of infrastructure
[1:31:29] services regarding the wastewater system. Project we received for information.
[1:31:33] I will now invite Brian Kavanaugh to please proceed with
[1:31:36] his presentation. Thank you, Mr. Mayor, members of council, I'm
[1:31:40] happy to provide you with our quarterly update. Of the
[1:31:43] wastewater projects. This will be. A construction heavy presentation, and
[1:31:48] I look forward to moving towards more operations style presentations
[1:31:52] in the future. We'll cover an update on the construction
[1:31:57] schedule, as well as a financial update and further update
[1:32:01] on the Hughes project as well. The Hillsburg gravity sewer
[1:32:07] is complete as previously reported. Delorea. Cataract trail. Linear works
[1:32:14] are proceeding well. We have been busy through the winter
[1:32:21] with construction. I think the one challenge that's arisen is
[1:32:25] additional bedrock, a little more so than we expected. So
[1:32:28] a little bit heavier equipment required. To break up some
[1:32:32] rock takes a little more time, a little more effort.
[1:32:35] So our focus has been on mitig. Mitigating schedule impact
[1:32:39] there. And I'm happy to say that so far we
[1:32:41] have mitigated those schedule impacts. So we do remain on
[1:32:45] schedule at this point for April of 2026 for the
[1:32:49] Main street to side Road 17, section. As well as
[1:32:54] the end of the year for side road 17 through
[1:32:56] to Trafalgar. So, so far, so good. And good progress
[1:33:01] on this project. The Aaron village. Gravity, sewer and force
[1:33:05] mains are largely complete. We've been focusing on restoration. The
[1:33:12] crane at Water street was removed. At long last week,
[1:33:16] which is fantastic. We are. Continuing. Continuing with restoration at
[1:33:20] that intersection. With an ion, completing restoration by the end
[1:33:25] of February. And then we would move into minor deficiency
[1:33:29] work. As weather permits in the spring and the summer.
[1:33:34] The Dundas Street east gravity sewer is largely complete as
[1:33:38] well. There remains a few bays of sidewalk to be
[1:33:43] done, a little bit of boulevard restoration, and that work
[1:33:46] again will be completed as weather permits in the spring
[1:33:50] and the summer. The air and village pumping station is
[1:33:54] progressing well. We'll be commissioning shortly. Followed by implementation of
[1:34:02] low flow modifications, so that essentially. Is swapping out the
[1:34:08] large pumps for a couple of small pumps to accommodate
[1:34:11] a lower flow. Followed by a second round of commissioning
[1:34:15] with those low flow pumps installed. And we are looking
[1:34:18] at a date of March of this year for the
[1:34:21] completion of the pumping station. The water resource recovery facility
[1:34:27] is progressing well. We are imminently proceeding towards. Commissioning with
[1:34:35] water. I believe that will be next week. We would
[1:34:39] then proceed to commissioning with sewage. With completion date targeting
[1:34:45] the end of February 2026, noting, of course, that with
[1:34:48] commissioning. Construction has been done diligently with every effort to
[1:34:53] make things go smoothly, but you never know, with commissioning,
[1:34:56] sometimes hiccups appear along the way, and if we encounter
[1:35:00] items that need some tweaking and refinement. We will certainly
[1:35:04] do that. So I'll keep you apprised of the schedule
[1:35:08] as we go? Hopefully. Commissioning is smooth. But our priority,
[1:35:13] I would say, is to absolutely get this right so
[1:35:16] that it works properly and then the second priority is
[1:35:19] moving as quickly as we can. I've noted as well
[1:35:23] that the cooling system is due for completion in the
[1:35:25] spring of 2026 and that operations remain contingent on MEC
[1:35:30] approval for operating without that cooling system. So we remain,
[1:35:34] as always, committed to being 100%, fully. In line with
[1:35:39] the requirements of the ministry. The effluent sewer and outfall
[1:35:44] is complete and. As just mentioned, the arrangement with CVC
[1:35:52] for reporting on water quality and various water factors is
[1:35:56] in place and that material is accessible on our website.
[1:36:01] Quick run through the project financials. You'll note that this
[1:36:04] is up to date as of the end of September
[1:36:07] of last year. The invoices do take time to come
[1:36:13] in and be accounted for, so I would say. That
[1:36:17] the progress is a little bit more advanced than what
[1:36:19] we'll see on this slide. The linear works are in
[1:36:22] at 94% spent. As of September, the spending on the
[1:36:27] Allora Cataract trail was minimal. But as I mentioned, the
[1:36:31] progress is quite substantial. The switch. Pumping station is in
[1:36:36] at 82%. The recovery facility at 95%. Design and construction
[1:36:43] management 98 and 85%. And that gives us an overall
[1:36:47] spend of 85%. A quick update on the Hughes grant.
[1:36:53] As previously mentioned, the duty to consult and the transfer
[1:36:57] payment. Agreement. Are both complete and in place. The project
[1:37:06] design services have been awarded to Ainley and their work
[1:37:10] is progressing well. They've been doing geotech subsurface investigations. Reviewing
[1:37:18] property lines and surveying requirements. Various other studies and data
[1:37:24] gathering as well as preliminary design, and that leads us
[1:37:28] towards the feasibility review as to which roads can be
[1:37:32] serviced and in what ways. From a technical perspective, We
[1:37:38] are in the very early stages of a draft sanitary
[1:37:41] sewer connection bylaw. We generally start with industry standards and
[1:37:47] then look at what sort of unique factors can make
[1:37:50] this a made an errand solution that works well for
[1:37:54] the municipality specifically, we would then. Bring various options to
[1:37:59] the public in the form of an information center to
[1:38:03] share information. Receive resident feedback and then work towards finalizing
[1:38:09] a bylaw. We have construction services procurement aiming for the
[1:38:15] spring and then finally construction beginning this summer and through
[1:38:20] to 2028. Happy to take any questions. Council. Who'd like
[1:38:27] to start with questions? Councilor Cheney. Thank you. Thank you,
[1:38:31] Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Brian, for the update. The air
[1:38:37] and bumping station. In theory. You've got March 26. Will
[1:38:43] there be printing up and remediation or something in the
[1:38:45] summer after that, or is that? Pretty much it. And
[1:38:49] then I guess a park will be rebuilt at some
[1:38:51] point as well. Yeah, I've been working closely with the
[1:38:54] director of community services on the park restoration plan. We
[1:38:57] have a preliminary design in place, and we have the
[1:39:02] Lions Club on board, so that's progressing well. I would
[1:39:05] expect that that work is done in the summer this
[1:39:08] year when. Weather permits. So the march date for the
[1:39:11] pumping station, as you mentioned, is the functionality of the
[1:39:15] pumping station itself, followed by that pretty nut phase and
[1:39:19] the park completion in the summer. Good news. Thank you.
[1:39:24] Councilor Ryan. Thank you through, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Brian.
[1:39:31] It's great to see that crane removed. I can't tell
[1:39:35] you how much pleases me personally. Personally. But it has
[1:39:37] also seemed. To have. Brought forward a new breadth of
[1:39:41] hope within our community once the construction has shifted. People
[1:39:45] are now bringing forward new ideas for our community. So
[1:39:48] really appreciate the work you've done. A couple of things.
[1:39:53] I wanted to address. The project financials. Are we on
[1:39:58] track for our budget? How are we looking with that?
[1:40:02] Yes, I'd say we are on track for the numbers
[1:40:05] as shown. It's progressing well, I don't expect. Any significant
[1:40:11] changes. I think the Allora Cataract trail in particular. We've
[1:40:16] been managing the financials. Within the budget and contingency. That's
[1:40:22] early on and has perhaps more potential for change along
[1:40:26] the way, but it's progressing well. The other. Pieces. I
[1:40:30] don't foresee significant financial change as well. Okay. Thank you.
[1:40:34] Through you, Mr. Mayor. So with tariffs, we need these
[1:40:39] components, like, for instance, the cooling components that are coming.
[1:40:42] Do we know if that will be impacted and change
[1:40:44] our budget. It's a good question. I believe. That the
[1:40:48] purchase of those significant components came prior to the tariffs
[1:40:54] being introduced. So we're not expecting. Any tariff impacts. I
[1:40:59] think there's been an effort as well. To mitigate those
[1:41:02] concerns contractually, but at this point, I don't expect. A
[1:41:07] significant challenge there. Okay, that's super. And then, regarding the
[1:41:11] cooling system, I know that. You and others on staff
[1:41:15] have had lots of back and forth with our different
[1:41:18] environmental group and particularly the friends of the rest credit.
[1:41:23] Their concern is that the Brook trout will be protected,
[1:41:27] and I've reassured that group that that's our concern here
[1:41:30] too, at the town of Aaron. Is there more information
[1:41:34] specific to the cooling component? Anything else you can add
[1:41:38] to that I know. That you've communicated with the group
[1:41:40] and reassured them that that is happening. Yeah, absolutely. I
[1:41:43] think transparency. Is really important. We do expect to receive
[1:41:49] additional details in the next week or so regarding the
[1:41:52] cooling system. And I've shared with the stakeholders that we
[1:41:56] are very happy to share all of that. Information so
[1:41:58] that as soon as I get it, they will have
[1:42:00] it and happy to meet with them and have ongoing
[1:42:04] discussions. Our management of this item is largely through coordinating
[1:42:09] closely with the Ministry of environment, conservation and parks and
[1:42:13] we are 100% committed to meeting all of their requirements
[1:42:18] environmentally. So we look forward to continued transparency and diligence
[1:42:22] on the environmental front. Okay. Thank you, Brian. We really
[1:42:26] appreciate that. Thank you. With the startup of the plant
[1:42:30] and the low flow, I'm assuming it's considered quite low
[1:42:33] coming from Solemar to feed. Will we be trucking from
[1:42:36] Solmar initially to get the plant going? That's a good
[1:42:40] question. I think there's largely from a risk management perspective.
[1:42:49] We would like to haul from the Walmart holding tanks
[1:42:52] to the plant directly so that we can focus our
[1:42:56] efforts on the plant and the biology of the plant
[1:42:59] and not worry about the linear system and the pumping
[1:43:01] station all at the same time. So it's really introducing
[1:43:04] one. Tricky piece at a time, focusing on it very
[1:43:08] carefully, and then. Introducing the additional pieces after we're satisfied
[1:43:12] with the plant itself, then we would bring the linear
[1:43:15] works in the pumping station online after that. And the
[1:43:18] plant, I assume, has to work on a continuous operation,
[1:43:21] not a batch operation. So you're not feeding it in,
[1:43:24] processing it in them, feeding another. But it's kind of
[1:43:27] a continuous flow through the whole plant, so you have
[1:43:29] to have that minimum. To work with. Yeah, there is
[1:43:33] that. Definitely that consideration. We're comfortable that with the modifications
[1:43:38] we're introducing that we can manage. The flows that we
[1:43:42] will have. Being lower than this type of plant would
[1:43:45] typically receive, but the modifications will allow us to do
[1:43:49] that on a continuous flow basis. If you were getting
[1:43:54] a guess what percentage of plant capacity solar is going
[1:43:59] to contribute to start with is that 5% or 10%
[1:44:03] of total plant capacity to start with, or even less.
[1:44:05] Than that at the beginning. It's in that neighborhood. I
[1:44:09] don't have a specific number, but that's a reasonable sort
[1:44:12] of guesstimate. So we have potential to get lots more
[1:44:16] in there, and it might even work more efficiently. With
[1:44:18] more. It will be easier with a larger flow. It's
[1:44:22] tricky at this volume, and I'm confident that with the
[1:44:26] changes we make, it will be successful, but it's not
[1:44:29] easily. Accommodated. Thank you very much. I think. Oh, you
[1:44:32] got another one, Councilor Ryan. Thank you. Three. Mr. Mayor.
[1:44:37] Brian, regarding the Hughes Grant and the next steps. Is
[1:44:42] there some kind of a timeline when we'll be introducing
[1:44:44] that bylaw? We'll be working on a draft over the
[1:44:48] next few months. And. I think it's sort of feasibility
[1:44:53] study first to understand what we're doing and. Where? And
[1:44:56] then we'll turn to the draft of the bylaw. And
[1:45:01] then work towards getting. A draft. Not so much a
[1:45:05] draft bylaw, but considerations out to the community in the
[1:45:08] form. Of a public meeting and start. To understand the
[1:45:13] interests and the concerns of the community so that we
[1:45:16] can incorporate those items into the bylaw and make sure
[1:45:20] that it's something that's going to work for residents as
[1:45:22] best as we possibly can. So starting in the next
[1:45:25] few months and hopefully public information center. Perhaps this summer.
[1:45:32] Okay. Thank you very much. If there's no other questions.
[1:45:37] Thank you very much, Brian, for your questions. As the
[1:45:39] motion has already been read, I will now call the
[1:45:41] vote. All in favor? That motion is carried. We will
[1:45:45] now move on to reports starting. With item 10.1. I
[1:45:47] have a motion moved by councilor Ryan, seconded by councilor.
[1:45:50] Cheney that report number ED 2026. One digital makeover grant
[1:45:54] policy be received for information and. That council approves the
[1:45:57] digital makeover grant program policy as presented in Appendix A.
[1:46:02] I'll now invite Marina Mehto of economic development officer in
[1:46:06] Crystal, Maine's executive director. Of the business centered welfare Wellington
[1:46:09] to please proceed with your presentation. Good afternoon, mayor and
[1:46:13] members of council. Today we're thrilled to be presenting the
[1:46:17] proposed digital makeover grant program as this could be such
[1:46:21] an exciting opportunity for many of our businesses. I'll begin
[1:46:25] with a bit of a background in rationale, and then
[1:46:27] I'll turn. It over to our partner from the business
[1:46:29] center, Guelph Wellington, to walk through. The program delivery and
[1:46:33] the business facing component. Small businesses consistently tell us that
[1:46:38] digital tools are no longer optional. However, many of them
[1:46:42] lack the time, expertise and capital. Needed to invest strategically.
[1:46:51] This creates a gap between business needs and business capacity,
[1:46:55] particularly for smaller enterprises. This proposed program is directly informed
[1:47:02] by our business retention and expansion efforts across both the
[1:47:07] downtown and equine sector studies as well as the agriculture
[1:47:10] interviews that we're currently conducting business. Businesses consistently identified marketing
[1:47:16] and digital capacity as a challenge. The digital Makeover grant
[1:47:20] program is a direct response to what businesses told us
[1:47:23] that they need. The program combines two key elements, funding
[1:47:28] and expertise. Rather than offering grants alone, repairing funding with
[1:47:32] professional advisory support to ensure strong outcomes. At this point,
[1:47:40] I'll turn it over to Crystal Maines, the executive director
[1:47:44] of the business center wealth Wellington to introduce the business
[1:47:48] center and to walk through the program from a delivery
[1:47:50] and business perspective. Thanks, Mina. Thank you. Mayor council staff
[1:47:59] thanks for having me today. For those of you I
[1:48:01] haven't had the pleasure of meeting. My name is Cristel,
[1:48:03] and I am the executive director of Business center. Guelph
[1:48:05] Wallington. We are an organization, not for profit, that's been
[1:48:09] around for 26 years, and we serve both Guelph and
[1:48:12] Wellington county. And our mandate is to support entrepreneurship. We
[1:48:16] support entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs at growth stages, ideation stages, and we
[1:48:20] also support our existing businesses with growth strategies and how
[1:48:24] to get to the next level with their business models.
[1:48:28] This program I've had the pleasure of working when sitting
[1:48:30] with Marina. We work on several committees together. And this
[1:48:33] program very much mirrors a program called Digital Main street
[1:48:36] that you may have heard of a few years ago.
[1:48:39] It was a fragmential program. It started off as a
[1:48:41] provincial program through the Ontario business improvement. Association and then
[1:48:46] received some top notes from federal money and was a
[1:48:49] very successful program. What it did was it matched entrepreneurs
[1:48:53] with $2,500 grants to do just as Marina mentioned to
[1:48:57] upgrade their digital platform and respectfully. In today's economy. We
[1:49:01] all see what's going on in the news. We all
[1:49:02] see what's going on. Our own economies and our own
[1:49:04] communities. The need for having. A digital presence is more
[1:49:09] important every day. And so what we're trying to do
[1:49:12] here, is to encourage the local community in both Erin
[1:49:15] and Hillsburg to be able to take advantage of some
[1:49:18] of those upgrades. So we've taken the program that is
[1:49:22] now defunct, unfortunately digital. Main street lost its funding a
[1:49:25] couple of years ago, but having business. Center was the
[1:49:28] delivery agent for this region as well on that program,
[1:49:32] and so we're very well versed on what's required in
[1:49:34] order to make this program successful. The idea being is
[1:49:38] that. There will be $500 to $1,000 grants available. The
[1:49:43] business center will manage this. Program. As far as helping
[1:49:46] get clients in, there will be an intake form. There'll
[1:49:51] be an assessment as to. What type of platform upgrades?
[1:49:54] What are they looking to do digitally? Is it a
[1:49:56] new marketing strategy? Maybe they have to update their website.
[1:49:59] Maybe they'd like to go online with their website. And
[1:50:01] open up their shopping capacity for people to be able
[1:50:03] to shop online as opposed to in store. And then
[1:50:06] what we'll do is we'll take that. We'll basically create
[1:50:10] a roadmap, if you will match that. With the grants.
[1:50:14] We'll also provide direction with local. Providers digital provider services.
[1:50:18] So. We're looking to help small businesses. Help small businesses.
[1:50:23] So we have a list of local providers that will
[1:50:25] be able to say, yes, I can take that. I
[1:50:27] can do that upgrade for you and the grant money
[1:50:29] will cover the cost of that. I was going to
[1:50:33] say. Do you want to explain the financials of it?
[1:50:34] Yeah. But that's kind of how it works, and it's
[1:50:39] very simple model, but happy. To be part of this.
[1:50:43] And I didn't advance the slides. All right. Thank you,
[1:50:45] Krista. So the total financial commitment is $11,294.91, inclusive of
[1:50:55] non reimbursable. HST, and this includes approximately $9,005 in direct
[1:51:00] grant funding as well. As about 2200. And $89 in
[1:51:09] advisory support. The program is funding within the existing economic
[1:51:13] development allocations. From a governance perspective. The program is jointly
[1:51:19] administered a review panel of town staff and business Center
[1:51:23] Guelph Wellington staff will ensure eligibility compliance as well as
[1:51:28] consistency. Council approval is required for the policy. In closing,
[1:51:35] this program provides a structured, fiscally responsible way to support
[1:51:39] local businesses. It is evidence based, aligned with council's economic
[1:51:43] development priorities and designed for measurable impact. Staff recommend that
[1:51:48] council approved the policy, and we're happy to answer any.
[1:51:54] Questions that you may have. Thank you very much. Who
[1:51:57] would like to kick off questions? Okay, well. You're happy
[1:52:04] to, Councilor Wright. Thank you. Through. Mr. Mayor. Nice to
[1:52:06] see you. Christell. And thank you, Marina, for the report.
[1:52:11] Hope your drive was good. Good. Two things on this.
[1:52:15] When you were doing the study with our equine sector,
[1:52:18] did you find anything that stood out? Could you nudge
[1:52:22] that sector to be further digitized? Any kind of comments
[1:52:27] or. What did that look like? When it comes to
[1:52:30] digital marketing. We've seen that the topic has come up
[1:52:34] with all three. Sectors, the downtown equine as well as
[1:52:40] agriculture. It seems like most businesses could help some support
[1:52:43] in digital marketing. And then, in terms of further highlights
[1:52:49] specific to the Ethwine study, we will soon have our
[1:52:52] business french, and we'll share the specific results. About that
[1:52:56] study and the agriculture one, maybe in a couple of
[1:52:58] months. That's super. And will we be able to apply
[1:53:02] this to our downtown, say, an errands? So that we
[1:53:05] could have open wifi, like for our seated areas and
[1:53:08] our street. Events, that kind of thing. Going on in
[1:53:12] the village of Erin. Do we apply for this? It
[1:53:16] could potentially upload one more project. Yeah. Absolutely. Okay. We
[1:53:25] know the people that can make that happen. That would
[1:53:29] be wonderful. It's been shown that that really brings people
[1:53:32] in and creates that longer stay would dovetail really well
[1:53:35] with our tourism strategy. And one more question, please. To
[1:53:40] you, Mr. Rare. So how will this be communicated? Like,
[1:53:44] for example, this next week, the chamber of commerce is
[1:53:47] having a planning session. Are we involved in any of
[1:53:50] that locally to get the good word out? So I've
[1:53:54] had preliminary conversations with our communications department as well as
[1:53:57] HR to come up. With a strategy to post information
[1:54:01] on our socials as well as LinkedIn. I'll also be
[1:54:05] in touch with the chamber and ask them to distribute
[1:54:08] through their newsletter. I'll be at the planner event, so
[1:54:11] I will share this announcement as well. And then the
[1:54:15] business center has also offered to share some materials. That's
[1:54:19] great. And the timing of this is. What's our deadline
[1:54:23] like? When's it cut off for this? Sort of support.
[1:54:27] So we would like to get started. If it is
[1:54:30] approved as soon as the policy is approved and start
[1:54:33] marketing right away. And we'll have until the rest of
[1:54:37] the year to fill the spots. But I'm. Sure they'll
[1:54:40] be filled much. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Brennan. Thank
[1:54:45] you. Through you. Thank you very much for the presentation.
[1:54:48] Is it the intention for this to be an ongoing
[1:54:51] program? Year after year sort of thing. This year is
[1:54:56] sort of a pilot year, but. I think this will
[1:55:00] be a very successful program, and I would like to
[1:55:03] see it live on. Especially because this is not only
[1:55:06] a business retention initiative, but initiative, but also an expansion
[1:55:11] initiative. We have a lot of home based businesses that.
[1:55:16] Could use additional support, and I think there's a lot
[1:55:20] of opportunity for those businesses to expand. To a physical
[1:55:26] store location, which. Would then help with the commercial taxpayers.
[1:55:31] Okay, assuming that we go forward. Are there any startup
[1:55:35] costs that are sort of one time issues for us,
[1:55:39] or would we look at the same sort of ratio.
[1:55:44] 2200 to 9000. Going forward. As an expense. I think
[1:55:51] we would be looking at a similar ratio going forward.
[1:55:57] But then that also depends on how much we expand
[1:55:59] the program. Thank you. Thank you, Councilor Jane. Thank you.
[1:56:06] Through you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for the presentation. Just
[1:56:14] wondering how we come up with the numbers. If they
[1:56:17] said there was a $27,000 program. But it's been spelled
[1:56:23] out so delicately. I just. Wondered. How it got divided
[1:56:29] up that finally. What the process was. So when it
[1:56:35] comes to advisory support, we got the estimate from the
[1:56:39] business center. And then we talked about what would be
[1:56:43] a good, reasonable amount for each grant. Our goal was
[1:56:48] to help at least ten businesses in this first year,
[1:56:52] and that's how we came up with it. Through you,
[1:56:55] mayor, just to answer further. Answer that. The going rate
[1:57:01] for any type of digital upgrades tends to be 2500
[1:57:05] plus. So the thousand is complementary, certainly. And we originally
[1:57:08] said, well, we'll give 500. Dollars grants. But respectfully, when
[1:57:12] you're working with service providers, this could be minimum $1,000.
[1:57:15] So we thought that will give the entrepreneurs a good
[1:57:18] leg up on the projects. That they need to build
[1:57:20] and go forward with. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. And
[1:57:23] I just like to see us put some guardrails in
[1:57:26] that. We're dealing with businesses that meet. Zoning and bylaw
[1:57:29] compliance. Not just anyone. Who can. Apply gets the money,
[1:57:32] but they're actually in good standing with the community as
[1:57:35] well. That'd be my only concern. And that's outlined in
[1:57:38] the policies, so it's. A requirement for. Excellent. Makes me
[1:57:43] very happy. Yeah. If I may, through you too, Mr.
[1:57:45] Mayor. That it is. Absolutely. One of requires even the
[1:57:47] businesses that we deal with at the business center, they
[1:57:49] have to have you registered? There's a whole criteria, as
[1:57:52] Marina mentioned, is spelled out policy. But that will be
[1:57:55] part of the application process as well. So everybody will
[1:57:57] have to fill out an application and we'll make sure
[1:57:59] and check that everybody is, in fact, good. I. 'm
[1:58:03] very happy. Any other questions before we go to a
[1:58:06] vote? Thank you both for your presentation. As the motion
[1:58:12] has already been read, I will call the vote. All
[1:58:14] in favor? That motion is. Carried. Here you go. Another
[1:58:17] project for the year. All right. Thank you. Okay, the
[1:58:23] next item is ten point. Two. I have a motion
[1:58:27] moved by councilor Cheney, seconded by councilor Brennan. That council
[1:58:31] receives report number PD 2026 one recommendation report site alteration
[1:58:36] application SAO 223-9516 side Road 27. 177-2853 Ontario, Inc. For
[1:58:45] information and that the town be authorized to negotiate and
[1:58:48] finalize the site alteration agreement substantially in the form as
[1:58:51] attached as appendix A, subject to such revisions as may
[1:58:54] be necessary to the satisfaction of the Director of infrastructure
[1:58:58] services and town engineer, and that the mayor and town
[1:59:01] clerk. Are hereby authorized to execute the site alteration agreement
[1:59:05] once in its final form. And the council direct staff
[1:59:08] to initiate an amendment to the site alteration bylaw 1630
[1:59:12] exempting site alteration applications. From the maximum terms for permits
[1:59:16] prescribed in section 32, subject to having a longer specified.
[1:59:21] In the agreement. In accordance with section 21 of bylaw
[1:59:24] 1630, I'll now invite David. Waters, manager of planning and
[1:59:28] development. To please proceed with your report. Thank you, Mr.
[1:59:31] Mayor. Report PD 2026 one before you recommends council approve
[1:59:39] a site alteration application to facilitate the rehabilitation. Of the
[1:59:44] former Hillsburg pit on side road 27 and 8th line
[1:59:48] at the council meeting of October 9. Council passed a
[1:59:52] resolution referring report PD 20 25 26 back to staff
[1:59:57] to assess the impact of the post hall route for
[2:00:00] the side Road 27 site alteration application as part of
[2:00:03] the TMP. Study process. The TMP was endorsed by council
[2:00:08] at their December 11 meeting, and with its completion, staff
[2:00:12] are reporting back to council on the sidewalk. 27 site
[2:00:16] alteration application in accordance with council direction received in October
[2:00:22] of last year. One of the TMP recommendations is a
[2:00:26] proposed truck detour to bypass Main street in Hillsburg. The
[2:00:32] Hillsborg Truck detour introduces a new public road from side
[2:00:36] Road 27 east to 8th. Line. The route then continues
[2:00:40] south on 8th line to Wellington Road 22 as shown
[2:00:44] on Appendix B to the staff report. The purpose of
[2:00:49] this room is to divert trucks away from Hillsburg's main
[2:00:52] street while providing a continuous corridor for goods movement. Proposed
[2:00:58] Hillsburg truck detour, save and accept a new public. Road.
[2:01:04] Is the same hall route as the one approved by
[2:01:07] the minister. Of natural resources in forestry as part of
[2:01:11] the aggregate license for the Hillsburg pit back in the
[2:01:14] day. This required 8th line southeast side Road 27 to
[2:01:19] Wellington, Road 22 to be upgraded to hall. Sand and
[2:01:22] gravel from the subject lands. Should the town decide to
[2:01:26] implement the Hillsburg truck detour in the future. The TMP
[2:01:30] recommends that geometric and traffic operational movements at critical intersections
[2:01:34] be determined. In addition to monitoring the 8th line and
[2:01:38] Willington Road 22 intersection for turn lanes or minor intersection
[2:01:42] control upgrades. In addition, the applicant has agreed to the
[2:01:46] $2 tipping fee as prescribed by the town's. Site alteration
[2:01:49] bylaw. The attached. Site alteration agreement has been revised to
[2:01:55] reflect this. An additional clause has been added to the
[2:01:58] agreement for paragraph 20. To limit the tipping fee payable
[2:02:02] to the town over the life of the project. The
[2:02:05] town's site. Alteration bylaw requires works to be completed within
[2:02:08] 24 months. No further extension is permitted by the bylaw.
[2:02:17] Seeing that the agreement is for 20 years, an amendment
[2:02:19] to bylaw 1630 is required to enable the proposed fill
[2:02:24] operation to continue operating beyond two years. Therefore, staff are
[2:02:29] seeking direction from council to amend the town site alteration
[2:02:31] bylaw. In conclusion, it is recommended that the mayor and
[2:02:36] clerk be authorized. To execute the site alteration agreement in
[2:02:38] its final form and that staff present an amendment to
[2:02:41] bylaw 1630. At the February 26 council meeting to exempt
[2:02:46] site alteration applications from the maximum terms for permits subject
[2:02:50] to having a longer term specified in agreement. This concludes
[2:02:55] my presentation. Mr. Mayor. The applicant is in attendance today
[2:02:58] to answer any questions from council. Thank you very much,
[2:03:01] Mr. Waters. Who would like to ask questions? Councilor Brennan.
[2:03:06] Thank you. Through you. Good. Hello, and thank you, David.
[2:03:13] I just don't understand the upside limit to $10.7 million.
[2:03:22] I don't understand the purpose of that. Pardon me. The
[2:03:29] agreement is for $2 a meter. The survey requires exactly
[2:03:34] one half of that in cubic meters and because. The
[2:03:40] amount of amount of dirt on a truck can vary
[2:03:43] depending on the size of the truck. And the type
[2:03:46] of material, whether it's a rock or whether it's topsoil.
[2:03:50] That's the exact $2 aggregate for the life of the
[2:03:54] project rather than a guess. So that over the life
[2:03:59] of the project, the amount of money paid is exactly
[2:04:02] as agreed in the agreement. Not a guess. Forgive me
[2:04:07] for not following this correctly, but you bring in. Let's
[2:04:13] just use 10 truckload. Easy figuring thing. So we're talking
[2:04:19] about $20? Yes. All right. So if you bring in.
[2:04:25] Less than. $10.7 million worth. You won't pay $10.7 million.
[2:04:33] No. If you bring in more than $10.7 million worth.
[2:04:37] Why is there a limit? There will be no variance
[2:04:42] on the amount that comes in versus the actual. Agreement.
[2:04:48] The survey. What's in the truck is difficult to be
[2:04:54] exact on how much is in the truck. When it's
[2:04:57] in the ground that a survey has done, it is
[2:04:59] specific. And the specifics are for exactly. And I can't
[2:05:04] remember the exact number of $10. Million in fees, okay?
[2:05:09] For the sake of argument, we get to the end
[2:05:10] of the thing and you find out that. Wasn't enough.
[2:05:13] You need more. How do we do that? The survey
[2:05:17] is the survey. This is a finite, precise number. Okay.
[2:05:21] All right. Now. The other thing. That I was kind
[2:05:26] of wondering about. We talk about? An initial three year
[2:05:31] term. And then we go to 17 years. And I
[2:05:37] understand. Three years in will give us some benchmarks. We
[2:05:41] know how things are going. Find out where. There are
[2:05:45] bugs, if there are any bugs or that sort of
[2:05:46] thing. But then 17 years is an awfully long commitment.
[2:05:51] I would be a lot happier if we were meeting
[2:05:54] somewhere in the middle of that. Say maybe 2036 instead
[2:05:58] of 2035 or 2045. Not to hold it up, but
[2:06:04] to say, are things still going the way we anticipated
[2:06:08] they would? Go. Is $2 still a reasonable fee. 17
[2:06:11] years is a long time. For that to have been
[2:06:16] set in stone at the beginning. So. That would be
[2:06:22] a question. What would be wrong with us having an
[2:06:26] interim between that 2028 and 2045 for review? Purposes. It's
[2:06:31] a fair question. I'll do this illustration. We're going to
[2:06:39] build a house. We're halfway done building it, and now
[2:06:42] we're going to change the terms of the agreement to
[2:06:44] build it or the specifications for it. How do we
[2:06:46] do that? Ten years in advance. Versus. Let's write the
[2:06:51] specification and adhere to it. 17 years is a long
[2:06:56] time. It is. Then. I had. A question around.
[2:07:06] The cupic, the qualified person in charge to monitors everything
[2:07:11] like that. And quarterly reports. That sounds. Absolutely fine to
[2:07:15] me. Except that. There's a clause in here, a list
[2:07:21] of any incidents involving a breach of the agreement. Or
[2:07:24] the appendices. That would be reported on a quarterly basis.
[2:07:30] If there's a breach of the agreement, I want to
[2:07:32] know about it the next day. I don't want to
[2:07:35] wait till the end of the quarter to say, oh,
[2:07:36] by the way. Two and a half months ago. We
[2:07:39] screwed up. We brought in contaminated material or whatever. There
[2:07:44] is also an additional provision within the agreement that we
[2:07:48] report any single truck on any single incident immediately. That's
[2:07:54] what I was looking for. All right, thank you. Who's
[2:07:59] next? Councilor Ryan. Thank you. Through, Mr. Mayor. Thanks, Jay,
[2:08:03] for coming out to us. I have a list of
[2:08:09] things here I have to say I do appreciate. You
[2:08:14] bringing forward? And coming forward to it as a citizen,
[2:08:19] the community. I don't regret you looking at your business
[2:08:22] and trying to make a business out of it. It
[2:08:26] makes some economic gain. Where I have overall. Concerns is
[2:08:33] where this property is located and how it impacts our
[2:08:36] headwater's water. It's not something that we can correct if
[2:08:43] inadvertently someone sends up to your pit. Contaminated soil. Is
[2:08:49] there any scenario by which we were just talking the
[2:08:52] conservation authority. Is there any scenario where we could do
[2:08:55] something differently than bring topsoil in. The process for monitoring
[2:09:01] material before it ever gets to the property. Is sophisticated
[2:09:09] and mandated. By environment. In the possible rare exception that
[2:09:17] something turns up that shouldn't. That's reported immediately and dealt
[2:09:24] with and remediated immediately. The location of the property. Does
[2:09:30] not have an outflow to the headwater. And beyond. What
[2:09:35] exists currently. I don't know if I'm correctly addressing your
[2:09:39] concern. But the regulations and monitoring systems that are in
[2:09:48] place for this type of work are very sophisticated. And.
[2:09:57] Change over time and grow over time as we learn
[2:10:00] more. If part of the agreement stipulates that we have
[2:10:04] to be on top of the regulations. Regardless of how
[2:10:07] they change over time. Okay. That's important. And thank you
[2:10:10] for that. So we have five pillars. One's environmental stewardship,
[2:10:16] one's community vitality. Good. Governance, economic development and infrastructure. We're
[2:10:22] looking at. Putting a which is later on our agenda.
[2:10:27] A new park. At new recreation facility down the road
[2:10:31] from where 150 trucks per day. For 15 to 17
[2:10:37] years will pass. A truck every three minutes. I'm not
[2:10:42] sure that. That's sustainable. I don't think it demonstrates environmental
[2:10:47] stewardship or community vitality. And then again on the corner.
[2:10:51] We have an industrial land which we hope to attract
[2:10:54] smart green technology. I don't think this is in keeping
[2:11:00] with our overall vision for our town, and I would
[2:11:03] like to look at a scenario where we could work
[2:11:06] with you to do something different. Is that a possibility?
[2:11:10] The truck count. Determines the duration of the project. We
[2:11:16] can go much faster. But it means more trucks. We've
[2:11:21] already said. Okay, we're going to limit the truck counts.
[2:11:24] How much more? Can we do? Sure. We're more than
[2:11:27] willing to talk about how to do that. One aspect
[2:11:31] of this conversation is when the trucks leave, they're empty
[2:11:34] and they're much lighter and. They could possibly go out
[2:11:38] by a different route and so on. And those kinds
[2:11:40] of conversations, absolutely. Are welcome. Well, thank you for thinking
[2:11:43] about that. There isn't an alternate route, as I'm sure
[2:11:46] you're probably quite aware, because that is your business. There's
[2:11:50] a gravel road. It doesn't appear there's an alternate route
[2:11:53] right now where a truck can operate. But I may
[2:11:56] be mistaken. The road from the pit 222 cyber is
[2:12:00] actually paved. And the gravel road is north of the
[2:12:08] pit, and that's the bypass. I think that. You're putting
[2:12:11] in place. Am I correct? It's in our transportation master
[2:12:18] plan. But maybe I defer this to our director of
[2:12:20] infrastructure. When would that bypass come to be? Within reason.
[2:12:27] Three, Mr. Mayor. The hall route would follow the truck
[2:12:31] route that is existing. It's Underwood 27 over to 8th
[2:12:36] line down to Wellington Road 22. So those are. An
[2:12:41] existing route that's in place. And if modifications were required.
[2:12:48] To improve that route as identified in the transportation master
[2:12:52] plan. For example, there would be a monitoring of the
[2:12:55] intersection of Wellington Road 22 and 8th line for potential
[2:12:59] future improvements not expected to be required in the near
[2:13:03] term, but monitored for the future. And I would suggest
[2:13:06] as well that in relation to potential improvements at Barber
[2:13:10] Field, I think there's an opportunity through that process. To
[2:13:14] make improvements to 8th line as well, which would likely
[2:13:16] involve dedicated turn lanes into and out. Of that facility
[2:13:21] to ensure safety and really to minimize that potential impact
[2:13:25] of being rear ended by a truck, so. You'd want
[2:13:29] turning lanes on 8th line for the safety of users
[2:13:33] of that facility. Thank you, Brian. That's helpful. And once
[2:13:38] again for the public to understand. A truck every three
[2:13:42] minutes. And traffic coming out of barber field. And we
[2:13:46] expand it. Those are cars full of kids. And they're
[2:13:49] turning out and they're rushing to sports. It's not a
[2:13:52] good mix. I don't think it's a safe mix. I
[2:13:55] don't think it's. Sustainable for our community. I would like
[2:13:59] to also ask where we might be with the credit
[2:14:04] Valley conservation changing over to the OPCa. Where now instead,
[2:14:10] 37 conservation authorities. Were having seven. And who's watching our
[2:14:16] water? Who's watching this particular pit and. I know you
[2:14:19] will do a good job of that, but it's really
[2:14:21] crucial to our area to keep the water clean. The
[2:14:26] pit itself is outside of the watershed. The portion of
[2:14:30] the property that is. Within conservation watershed. Is, in fact,
[2:14:38] Not going to be touched by us, and there's no
[2:14:39] outflow to that at all. But. There is groundwater there,
[2:14:45] like in surface water, that. Is pretty. Yeah. So it
[2:14:49] will be within the overall watershed, correct? Correct. My concern
[2:14:54] extends beyond. This application to a bigger concern about this
[2:14:59] conservation authority oversight, because if we have this big change
[2:15:03] coming forward. I'm curious to see if there's a problem,
[2:15:08] how that be affected, but that's for public information. If
[2:15:13] I might add, I believe that falls under Moe and
[2:15:15] not CVC. So it's a mystery of environment. Who would
[2:15:19] be the monitoring? And enforcement, not CBC, for this. Right.
[2:15:24] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Okay, one more question, please. If
[2:15:28] we're not to pass this as a council. Can. Perhaps,
[2:15:32] David, would you be able to explain what the process
[2:15:36] is? If the town of Aaron doesn't pass the applicant
[2:15:40] change. What happens then? Through Mr. Merits my understanding in
[2:15:45] speaking to the applicant. That he will pursue an approval
[2:15:50] through the Ministry of Natural Resources in forestry, which. Is
[2:15:55] a different process altogether than what the town has, so
[2:15:58] they will be in charge of issuing the permit at
[2:16:00] the end of the day. And then in your experience.
[2:16:03] Thank you, David. In your experience, does that go ahead
[2:16:06] right away. What's the length of time for that to
[2:16:09] take place? Through you smear. I understand. It was quite
[2:16:14] a lengthy process back in the day. And it has
[2:16:19] been sort of streamlined. To provide for a decision sooner
[2:16:24] than later, but I can't actually tell you how long.
[2:16:26] That will take. Perhaps Mr. Figuer can provide some insight
[2:16:30] in that. When we entered into conversation. With the town.
[2:16:35] The estimate for this process would be 18 to 24
[2:16:39] months. It's turned into 60 months. At that time, the
[2:16:45] Ministry of Natural Resources process was five years. Currently, MNRF
[2:16:50] is saying it's not one year. Pardon me. Mystery of
[2:16:56] natural resources says we can go through the process with
[2:16:59] them in twelve months. Twelve months? Thank you, Jay. Thank
[2:17:05] you. That's it for me per minute. Councilor Cheney. Thank
[2:17:14] you through Mr. Mayor. Jay, thank you for your presentation.
[2:17:18] Some of my questions have been asked about tipping fees.
[2:17:22] And upper limits. But further to maybe what Councilor Ryan
[2:17:27] was saying about protecting the aquifer or the water. I
[2:17:33] guess there's no way to put a membrane. Between what
[2:17:37] you're bringing in and the water that's there. Perhaps more
[2:17:42] importantly, What's being brought in is. The correct thing to
[2:17:48] have a proper percolation of water to protect the watershed.
[2:17:53] Is what's required. A clay membrane is what's required in
[2:17:56] a contaminated fill site. And so on. That's exactly what
[2:17:59] you don't want. Containing. All the. Materials within.
[2:18:10] A bucket doesn't solve the problem. Putting the right things
[2:18:13] in the bucket does, and that's the approach to take.
[2:18:18] I presume the right percolation or whatever. Okay. The other
[2:18:24] question again is back to transportation. Because there is a
[2:18:29] theory of 27 going west to Trapalga for a truck
[2:18:33] route that would add more. Trucks on the road at
[2:18:37] some time in the future, which would then add to
[2:18:40] more traffic and so on. So that was. My only
[2:18:47] concern in the future. Not two years down the road,
[2:18:50] but maybe six. But. There's a theory that Trafalgar 27,
[2:18:58] which is not open yet to the 8th line and
[2:19:00] down would be a truck hall route, which you just
[2:19:03] add more trucks. To that same area. So that's just
[2:19:08] a question, just a concern. I'm just trying to get
[2:19:12] that question councilor Brennan had about that absolute number is
[2:19:16] that because the site alteration plan is a certain volume
[2:19:20] to get the contouring that you're looking at, and that's
[2:19:22] why. It's absolutely precise. It's going to be within a
[2:19:26] couple of meters of that. That's exactly correct. This is
[2:19:30] how high. I was just trying to get that figured
[2:19:33] out in my hand. Okay, thank you. Councilor Cheney and
[2:19:36] then councilor Ryan. Thank you. Through again. And. I presume?
[2:19:43] In most pits. The original topsoil has been. Piled away,
[2:19:48] so you'll be bringing some of that back when it's
[2:19:50] done or. I realize the star Asians are all different
[2:19:53] and it's never going to be back. To what God
[2:19:56] created for us. But we do have the original topsoil.
[2:20:02] To then put on top when you're done filling, correct?
[2:20:06] For new licenses. That's exactly correct. For old licenses like
[2:20:13] this, the Tutsoil was often sold. And there isn't enough
[2:20:17] to do the job, so we will have to import
[2:20:20] some topsoil. In order to complete. The topping of it.
[2:20:25] Thank you. Councilor Ryan. Thank you. Through Mr. Mayor. It
[2:20:32] may be a typo, but we have a new fee
[2:20:34] structure in here that says tipping. Fees are $2. And
[2:20:39] this contract is at $2. So I think we need
[2:20:44] to address that at least. And also the fact that.
[2:20:49] $2 for 17 years. Sure to gas the cost of
[2:20:53] implementing road repairs. That would all go up. How does
[2:20:56] that sit? How does that make sense? We've agreed to
[2:20:59] pay for the road repairs. In addition. Defeat isn't required
[2:21:05] to do any of that work. Thank you. I didn't
[2:21:10] understand that. That's in the agreement, yes. Just regarding the
[2:21:17] fees. We were in discussions and negotiations on this prior.
[2:21:24] To. This new fees and charges bylaw being produced. And
[2:21:30] so it's just a timing matter. But the fees that
[2:21:33] were agreed to in disagreement were negotiated prior to this,
[2:21:37] and these fees won't. Take place until they're passed anyway.
[2:21:43] But staff feel that they're. Reasonable at this time.
[2:21:55] And I might just have. I don't know if this
[2:21:56] is a finance question or. A planning question. The fees
[2:22:03] that would come in if at the annual rate you
[2:22:06] proceed. At the forecast rate. Where would this put this
[2:22:10] in as a revenue generator for the town like do
[2:22:13] we have other businesses that pay more taxes than this,
[2:22:16] or would this be on the high? End of any
[2:22:19] taxpayer equivalent in the town. Through you, Mr. Mayor. The
[2:22:27] fees. Would be. Under planning revenue, I think. No. And
[2:22:35] I would put it under other revenue. I understand it
[2:22:40] would be under the roads. Roads, revenue. Okay, yeah, that's
[2:22:44] my understanding. We had that discussion before. Okay, so there
[2:22:47] would. Potentially, we'd be building up some reserves in our
[2:22:50] roads department, which probably would be helpful. Down the road.
[2:22:53] Okay, thank you. Sorry, Rob. I was going to say
[2:22:56] this is a significant amount. Of revenue for the municipality.
[2:23:02] And so it does have a positive impact on. Our
[2:23:07] finances. My name is cliff amber.
[2:23:20] Next door. For the last 40 years. And unfortunately, I
[2:23:25] didn't get an email. Until an April sent to me
[2:23:29] yesterday. So I didn't have an opportunity. To. This is
[2:23:36] just not the right. This is just not the right
[2:23:38] place for this in time, unfortunately. This is a mistake
[2:23:45] from the town of Europe. You're inviting. Hundreds of days.
[2:23:53] From. Thousands of years. Sorry, sir, I don't mean to
[2:23:56] interrupt, but unfortunately we don't. Have a delegation for me,
[2:23:59] sir, we're happy to take. We're happy to take. Your
[2:24:02] comments in writing, sir. We will be more than happy
[2:24:05] to receive them. And we'll accommodate that and we'll note
[2:24:08] of her record. Thank you, sir. Okay, where were we?
[2:24:13] Sorry. If there's no other questions. Councilor Ryan. Thank you.
[2:24:20] Through Mr. Mayor. One more comment I would like to
[2:24:24] add, and this is Jenner consent. I believe this is
[2:24:28] not in the best interest in the town of Aaron.
[2:24:30] I think that we need to look at bigger picture.
[2:24:33] A track green business. Work with the business owners who
[2:24:35] are here. Properties come up with a better plan. I
[2:24:39] think this sheer amount of traffic is going to be
[2:24:42] an issue for us to manage. I do recognize that
[2:24:45] we're bringing income in, but at what cost? And then
[2:24:49] what is the administrative cost to manage that. I think
[2:24:53] that we have a real opportunity here in Aaron to
[2:24:56] do things differently. When this pit went in 45 years
[2:25:01] ago, 50 years ago. The community wasn't urbanized. We've already
[2:25:05] listened to a full scale presentation from the credit valley
[2:25:09] of the pressures that our community is under, and we're
[2:25:13] paying more money. For it. But it's pressurized for recreation.
[2:25:17] It's pressurized from weather change. Green spaces are needed, and
[2:25:22] this is a perfect opportunity for the town to look
[2:25:25] at doing something. Different, something a little bit more innovative,
[2:25:28] something that isn't being done, but also working with the
[2:25:31] owners. So it's not just an either or, because I
[2:25:35] don't think 150 trucks a day is what we want
[2:25:38] in Aaron. I think there's noise. There's. Pollution. There's traffic,
[2:25:42] and it's an issue. I just want to kind of
[2:25:45] come onto that. There's lots of trucks can come through.
[2:25:48] Air. And now and pay us nothing to go to
[2:25:50] a fill site north of Aron. They can go to
[2:25:54] Grand Valley, they can go to Orangeville. They can go
[2:25:57] through our community. With no feeds here. We are actually
[2:26:02] getting the same traffic that could be going through town,
[2:26:04] but there is a little bit of an economic benefit,
[2:26:07] and I love the idea of a green vital growth.
[2:26:11] We have not seen any of that on our term
[2:26:13] of council in this community. We've seen almost no business
[2:26:16] growth in our term of council, and we're struggling. With
[2:26:20] higher taxes on the residents, this is one of the
[2:26:23] few ways we might get a little bit of relief
[2:26:26] to the taxpayers for some income for heavy equipment for
[2:26:29] the Rose department or a replacement of bridges because. We
[2:26:33] have. I don't know what our reserve balance is, but
[2:26:35] if you look at our inventory of bridges. There's a
[2:26:38] lot of work that's going to be coming up. In
[2:26:40] the future. We have some brand new ones out in
[2:26:42] the country. You got some really old ones, I believe
[2:26:44] on the first line, you hit three of them in
[2:26:45] a row and. The sides are coming off. The rebar
[2:26:49] has fallen out. We have to replace three bridges on.
[2:26:52] A road that have less than 20 people, and that
[2:26:55] money's got to come from the community to pay for
[2:26:57] that. And this is a little bit of a buffer
[2:27:00] for the taxpayers, too. So I understand the vision, but
[2:27:04] this can happen. Without our support as well as opposed
[2:27:08] to with our support. And if it goes to the
[2:27:10] M and R. Those same trucks will be going down
[2:27:12] the road without us getting any benefit at all. Here.
[2:27:16] We've got a road repair plus some income and. It's
[2:27:21] always tough when it's next door to you that you
[2:27:23] have something there. But if the controls are in place,
[2:27:26] an Moe is going to enforce them. Moe's got some
[2:27:28] of the toughest rules in Ontario. It's a lot tougher
[2:27:31] than the provincial. Government and the OPP. So I guess
[2:27:34] you have to consider, what are the alternatives that are
[2:27:38] there in front of us. Because I don't see a
[2:27:40] lot of business coming to this town. Nobody was bought
[2:27:42] that. Lot at the corner of barber field. Is it
[2:27:45] because it's too expensive? We're just not getting the growth
[2:27:49] in the industry that we need, and I don't. Know
[2:27:51] what the answer is. We're trying. Marina, we were in
[2:27:54] Toronto. For a conference to try to bring in some
[2:27:58] new industry. I think we have one restaurant chain. That's
[2:28:01] kind of coming to town. That's always been able to
[2:28:04] attract. In what, twelve months? So I don't know. The
[2:28:08] goal is there, but the actions have not happened. And
[2:28:11] how long can we afford? To hope that this happens.
[2:28:15] This is here in front of us as a check.
[2:28:17] That's going to come to the town and maybe it's
[2:28:19] not the perfect solution, but it's. A lot more money
[2:28:22] than. We had if it's going to M and R,
[2:28:26] so that's my concern. Go ahead. Do you have a
[2:28:30] comment? Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for your comments. Respectfully, I
[2:28:33] don't agree. Respectfully, our environmental stewardship. Strategic pillar for 2025
[2:28:39] and beyond. Breed's champion a prosperous environment through impactful sustainability.
[2:28:46] And unwavering commitment. To natural preservation. It isn't that I
[2:28:54] begrudge us having economy. I think it's absolutely. Necessary. It's.
[2:29:00] What's that economic driver look like? What's that check look
[2:29:02] like? And I do respect that. Your comments are well
[2:29:06] taken. I respect where you're coming from because I know
[2:29:08] you've. Experienced in this area. I don't think this is
[2:29:12] our fit, and I don't think this is how we
[2:29:15] lead. We need to lead differently. We have the potential
[2:29:18] here to. Be this great green community and attract green
[2:29:23] attraction things. Aren't going. We shouldn't be taking the best
[2:29:27] of the worst. We need to. Come up with more
[2:29:29] innovation. But at what point do we decide which businesses
[2:29:32] come to our town? And which don't. I mean, it's
[2:29:34] not going to be our job going forward. That we
[2:29:36] have three marijuana shops. Do we want them? Who gets
[2:29:41] to decide what businesses come to town. Is that our
[2:29:44] job? If somebody's acting within the bylaws, within the rules,
[2:29:48] are. We going to stop them just because we don't
[2:29:50] like it? I don't know. At what point? It's our
[2:29:53] point. It's our point, our position to do that. And
[2:29:55] unless we have an alternative, what are we going to.
[2:30:00] It's great to say we want something different, but there's
[2:30:02] nobody lining up to do it. And this is the
[2:30:04] closest thing to pitts to parks. I think you're going
[2:30:06] to get. The only thing you're not getting at the
[2:30:08] end of the day is a park, but you're getting
[2:30:09] rehabilitation. Otherwise you're left with a hole in the ground.
[2:30:14] I just am very confused. I understand the visions there,
[2:30:17] but I've seen zero action that can deliver on what
[2:30:21] you're hoping to see. And that's what scares me, is
[2:30:23] we could sit here another 20 years and not have
[2:30:25] anything. And this is something here in front. Of us.
[2:30:31] So, councilor Cheney, is that something? Yes, thank you. Through
[2:30:34] Mr. Mayor. Just a question. If it goes to mnr,
[2:30:39] Do we lose any of the deal that we have
[2:30:42] sitting in front of us financially? We'll let David answer
[2:30:47] that because. His expertise there. Through, Ms. Mayor? Yes. All
[2:30:52] the revenue would be going to the province. And also
[2:30:56] the approval as well. Get a follow up. Just throwing
[2:31:04] this out there. If. There is such. A concern with
[2:31:13] going forward. In theory, we would have to buy the
[2:31:16] pet to let this man not make any more money.
[2:31:19] And then we'd have to figure out how to rehab
[2:31:21] it. Is that correct? In my mind, that would be
[2:31:25] a good economic decision for the town. We just don't.
[2:31:27] Have the capital. I don't think to buy it, but
[2:31:30] to do the same process would probably be good, and
[2:31:32] then we could make a park at the end of
[2:31:33] the day. So obviously, lack of financing. Is our deal
[2:31:42] at this point. Councilor. Thank you to you, Mr. Mayor.
[2:31:47] David, when I was researching about. The M and R
[2:31:51] and the rules relating to gravel pits and said there
[2:31:53] was a portion reimbursed back to the municipality, but perhaps
[2:31:57] I misunderstood. Can I answer that one? Through smear? I'm
[2:32:02] not familiar with that, but. 0.4%. What would that be
[2:32:09] in revenue? $40,000 over the life of the project. Thank
[2:32:12] you. I think you get more taking gravel out of
[2:32:15] the ground than you do. Bringing exactly the same back
[2:32:17] in. All right. Any other comments or questions? All right.
[2:32:27] Since. No other questions. I'll now call the vote. All
[2:32:29] in favor? That motion is carried. All right, moving on
[2:32:36] to fees and charges. Update. We now have item 10.3.
[2:32:41] I have a report number f 2026. One 2026. Fees
[2:32:45] and charges update be received for information and that bylaw
[2:32:49] 26 one to establish fees and charges for various services
[2:32:52] provided by the corporation of the town of Aaron and
[2:32:55] repeal bylaw 24. 36 and its amending bylaws as listed.
[2:32:59] On January. 22nd 2026 agenda be approved. I'll now invite
[2:33:04] the town's director of finance. Wendy Par to please proceed
[2:33:07] with your report. Okay, sir. You. Mr. Mayor. Good afternoon,
[2:33:12] Mayor Dane. Councilor's staff and members of the public here
[2:33:16] today. The Municipal Act 2001 section 391. Part twelve allows
[2:33:23] municipalities to charge fees for services. The current fees and
[2:33:27] charges by law 24 36 was passed in 2024, with
[2:33:32] amendments approved by council in December 24 and February 2025,
[2:33:37] relating to community services. All departments were involved in the
[2:33:42] preparation of this document. Most departments have not been reviewed
[2:33:46] since the 2019 bylaw was passed and therefore involved a
[2:33:50] great deal of time and research. Fees and charges. Comparisons
[2:33:55] to other municipalities of a similar size were utilized as
[2:33:58] a resource. Inflation factors. Provincially mandated amounts, as well as
[2:34:04] an analysis of the financial impact to the town. By
[2:34:08] analyzing the requirement of staff time, any additional materials or
[2:34:12] external costs and credit card fees. The building department fees
[2:34:16] and charges were updated in September 2023 and have been
[2:34:21] included here as the future goal is to have all
[2:34:23] fees and charges in one document for ease of reference.
[2:34:28] Directors from each department are here today to answer questions
[2:34:31] related to their section of the bylaw. And in conclusion,
[2:34:36] we ask that council approve the fees and charges. Bylaw
[2:34:39] 26. Zero one as listed in the. 2000 January 22,
[2:34:46] 2026 agenda thank you. If there's any questions, we can
[2:34:50] take those. Now. Who would like to start us off?
[2:34:54] Councilor Ryan. Thank you through Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Wendy.
[2:35:00] Big job to have done. So thanks for doing that.
[2:35:04] A couple of questions for clarification. I don't think it
[2:35:07] will change it much. But regarding. The kennel charge. It's
[2:35:13] more expensive from April to December. Is that because the
[2:35:18] animals are outside? I was just curious about that. It's
[2:35:21] not a big deal. From page 85.
[2:35:34] I will let martina. Our bylaw officer answer that question.
[2:35:38] Thank you. Thank you. And through Mr. Mayor, I believe
[2:35:41] you're. Asking about the kennel license fee increase. So we
[2:35:46] did this after we looked at our municipal comparators and
[2:35:50] that their fees for licensing for kennels. So we increased
[2:35:54] it in accordance with other Wellington county municipalities. Thank you,
[2:35:59] Martin. Why is it different between January to 31st? $150.
[2:36:06] And then it's different from April 1 to December 31.
[2:36:09] Yes. Through you, Mr. Mayor. So. To clarify. The dog
[2:36:14] and kennel bylaw that we have. In the bylaw. It
[2:36:18] currently has different charges from January 1 to that time
[2:36:22] period. As a late fee. So after the annual, every
[2:36:28] annual. License fee is. A certain set fee, but after.
[2:36:35] The March 31 it increases as a late fee. Okay.
[2:36:39] Thank you. Councilor Brennan. Thank you. Maybe to hopefully shed
[2:36:46] a little light on that. Long, long time ago. We
[2:36:50] used to do budgeting in March. As of April 1
[2:36:53] was the. And if you look at the provincial government.
[2:36:57] That's the schedule on which they operate, and I believe
[2:37:00] that that's where. The fee differentials originated and they have
[2:37:04] just been in the same structure. Since then. Practically speaking.
[2:37:12] You're due to have your license in place on January
[2:37:15] 1 of the year and on January 2. If you
[2:37:19] have it, then you are late. Quite frankly, I think
[2:37:23] we should at some point look at abolishing that because
[2:37:25] it's. A relic from a long time ago when, unfortunately,
[2:37:29] I was still here. Any other comments or questions. Councilor
[2:37:34] Wright, thank you. Through Mr. Mayor. Wendy, related to the
[2:37:39] fees. For Shamark Room in Center 2000 theater. As page
[2:37:47] 93 94. In the past. We've had a non for
[2:37:53] profit or charitable group discount. Is that somewhere else? Is
[2:37:57] that still available within the town of Aaron? Through you,
[2:38:02] Mr. Mayor. We've cleaned up our rates to be in
[2:38:04] line with what we offer, so. There are fees for
[2:38:11] each of the groups that we have a non for
[2:38:13] profit rate. If you look goes on to the next
[2:38:16] page for the upper Shamrock room. We also have meeting
[2:38:20] rates which are cheaper than full party rates. So it
[2:38:23] really depends on what the purpose of the room is,
[2:38:25] but this is based on what we've actually been charging.
[2:38:27] Over the last year, so we wanted to line it
[2:38:29] up with the fees that are currently. In our recreation
[2:38:32] software. Thanks, Jan. For clarification, is there a not for
[2:38:38] profit discounted rate? For some of them, yes, but not
[2:38:43] for all of them. So, again, depending on what they're.
[2:38:45] Using it for. There is a discounted rate, so there's
[2:38:48] the ones for a private room. You'll notice that that's
[2:38:51] considered. The profit route. Then there's the not for profit,
[2:38:55] which is the not private. Okay, thank you. And then
[2:38:58] specifically at Aaron Center 2000 theater, is there a discounted
[2:39:02] rate for the charitable group still. There's a private fee,
[2:39:07] which is considered also the non resident fee, and then
[2:39:10] there's. The resident fee, which would be the not for
[2:39:12] profit fee. Okay, thank you. Looking around for more questions,
[2:39:18] more questions. Seeing as there are no more questions and
[2:39:22] the motion has already been read. I will call the
[2:39:24] vote. All in favor? That motion is carried. We next
[2:39:33] of item 10.4. I have a motion moved by councilor.
[2:39:35] Ryan, seconded by councilor Brennan. That council receives report number
[2:39:38] PD 2026. Two short. Term rental accommodation status for information
[2:39:43] and staff be directed to proceed with official plan and
[2:39:45] zoning by law amendments to regulate short term rentals as
[2:39:49] outlined in the report. I'll now invite Martina, our municipal
[2:39:52] law enforcement officer, to please proceed with the report. Thank
[2:39:55] you, Mr. Mayor. Good afternoon, mayor and members of council.
[2:40:00] The purpose of this report is provide counsel. With an
[2:40:03] update on short term rental accommodations, or strs, and to
[2:40:07] seek direction to proceed with regulating them through. Official plan
[2:40:11] and zoning bylaw amendments. This approach is intended to balance
[2:40:15] permitting strs in the town of Aaron while protecting neighborhood
[2:40:19] character and aligning with the town's enforcement capacity. In June
[2:40:24] 2025, council approved a notice of motion requesting a work
[2:40:27] plan to regulate sdrs. Due to their increasing presence in
[2:40:31] the town of Aaron. In September 2025, staff presented a
[2:40:35] work plan to council and receive direction to prepare draft
[2:40:39] regulatory framework. This report presents staff recommended. Approach for regulating
[2:40:44] STR which delivers a maiden errands solution. Staff benchmarked several
[2:40:49] Ontario municipalities to understand how STR are being regulated. The
[2:40:54] majority regulate STR is primarily through zoning rather than licensing.
[2:40:59] While some municipalities use licensing bylaws, this approach is most
[2:41:03] commonly found in seasonal or tourism based communities such as
[2:41:07] cottage country areas. And they require significant staffing, inspection and
[2:41:12] enforcement resources. Within Wellington county, Str ares are largely unregulated,
[2:41:17] with Senator Wellington being the only municipality actively reviewing a
[2:41:21] licensing option at this time. Staff recommend regulating STR through
[2:41:26] the town's official plan and the comprehensive zoning bylaw supported
[2:41:30] by existing bylaws. This would allow the town to clearly
[2:41:34] define short term rentals. Identify where they are permitted and
[2:41:37] establish zoning regulations such as parking, bedroom limits, and principal
[2:41:42] residence requirements. This process. Would take approximately nine months, during
[2:41:46] which STR complaints would continue to be addressed on a
[2:41:49] complaint basis. Any issues related to noise, parking, or property
[2:41:54] standards will continue to be addressed using existing town bylaws
[2:41:59] unauthorized or noncompliant strs will be addressed through zoning enforcement.
[2:42:04] There are no fees proposed to operate an STR under
[2:42:07] zoning. Fees are a part of a licensing bylaw set.
[2:42:12] Fines are established within the town's property standards, noise and
[2:42:15] parking bylaws and may be issued where applicable. Enforcement of
[2:42:19] the zoning bylaw is governed by the Planning act, which
[2:42:22] does not permit set fines and fines are the jurisdiction
[2:42:25] of the court. If the town pursues prosecution. Following the
[2:42:29] issuance of a notice of violation that has not been
[2:42:31] complied. With. In such cases, enforcement may only be escalated
[2:42:35] through the court process, where there's continued noncompliance. A licensing
[2:42:39] program would require additional staffing, inspection, and enforcement demands that
[2:42:44] exceed current operational capacity to support this. Fire services and
[2:42:48] building services both advise they are not positioned to support
[2:42:52] a licensing regime at this time. Using land planning tools
[2:42:56] allows the town to regulate short term rentals effectively using
[2:42:59] existing resources this approach is cost effective, aligns with best
[2:43:04] practices, and protects neighborhood character. It also provides clar. Clarity
[2:43:08] and fairness for residents who want to operate short term
[2:43:10] rentals in a regulated and appropriate way. Following today's meeting,
[2:43:15] staff will proceed with drafting the official plan and zoning
[2:43:18] bylaw amendments. And present them to a statutory public meeting
[2:43:21] in the second quarter of 2026. The estimated cost is
[2:43:25] approximately $6,000, which includes advertising and legal review. These funds
[2:43:30] are already included in the 2026 planning. Operating budget. Staff
[2:43:36] are recommending that council received the report and direct staff
[2:43:39] to proceed with drafting official plan. And zoning bylaw amendments
[2:43:43] and presenting them to a statutory public meeting. Thank you
[2:43:46] and we welcome any questions? Thank you very much, Martina.
[2:43:49] Who would like to start off? Questions? Anyone? Councilor du
[2:43:52] Cheney. Thank you through Mr. Mayor. Marquina, thank you for.
[2:43:59] Your. Wonderful work. So if it's done through bylaw and
[2:44:05] then someone's fined. Will we go through that process? or
[2:44:12] their teeth to any of the penalties and is it
[2:44:14] going to cost us more In legal fees than we
[2:44:19] are going to get on the fines. That's always been
[2:44:22] a problem in bylaw and especially around here. Is looking
[2:44:27] after and getting back from the infractions. Yes. So through
[2:44:33] you, Mr. Mayor, to clarify. We already have existing set
[2:44:37] fines in our property standards, parking and noise bylaws, so
[2:44:40] those are ticketable offenses that I do have the teeth
[2:44:43] for the enforcement on that currently through the zoning bylaw.
[2:44:46] There are no set lines, as the planning act does
[2:44:48] not allow for them. So the only option is to
[2:44:52] proceed with the court process, and that is currently what
[2:44:55] we. Are utilizing when we receive complaints now that strs
[2:44:59] are not in compliance. So it would be the same
[2:45:02] enforcement pattern. Thank you. And if I may, I just
[2:45:06] want to add that Martina does absolutely tremendous work, and.
[2:45:09] We've seen a lot of success when Martina does reach
[2:45:12] out. To owners of short term rentals and advises them
[2:45:17] non compliance. We've seen success that they've been taking down.
[2:45:20] And so I do want to note that we don't.
[2:45:22] Anticipate that every time that we receive a complaint and
[2:45:25] address that we will be having. To take it to
[2:45:27] the courts. Of course, that is the option. And council
[2:45:29] is aware that we do have a set amount set
[2:45:32] aside in our budget. To address those, and we're certainly
[2:45:35] prepared to address those. But we have seen success in
[2:45:37] the past in addressing those right away and hope to
[2:45:40] continue to do so. Councilor Brennan. Thank you. Through you.
[2:45:45] Thank you for the report. I assume that we're going
[2:45:50] to look at this if we're going with a zoning
[2:45:53] approach to it that it will be. Specific current zones
[2:45:59] that we have, as opposed to one off special use.
[2:46:05] Three years? Mayor that is correct. Council Brendan we will
[2:46:06] look at the existing zones and then determine which ones
[2:46:09] are appropriate for Str. What? Impact will we anticipate
[2:46:19] having on those that are operating where we decide we
[2:46:23] don't? Want them. That's a question regarding whether there are
[2:46:27] legal non conforming. But at the moment they're not a
[2:46:29] permitted use, so you don't have any legal nonconforming. Status
[2:46:33] unless, in a previous bylaw they were permitted, which I
[2:46:35] don't think they were. Thank you. Councilor Ryan.
[2:46:46] Thank you to you, Mr. Mayor. Thanks for your work,
[2:46:48] Martina and David, I think it's. Really important from a
[2:46:51] safety. Overview with fire, knowing what's where and also to
[2:46:57] manage it in our town. When you're looking at the
[2:47:02] zoning, will you also consider what's already existing for agritourism
[2:47:06] and the sectors that have been developed for tourism. That's
[2:47:10] correct. Three, Miss Mayor. That is correct. I mean, there
[2:47:13] are a number of these. Str that are not in
[2:47:16] conventional dwellings, that are in the rural area. And definitely
[2:47:20] we will be looking at those. Okay. Thank you. It
[2:47:27] would be more appropriate to revisit bylaws if we have
[2:47:30] amps in place. Or is that not even an appropriate
[2:47:34] time to revisit this through you, Mr. Mayor? Yes. Sorry.
[2:47:44] Can you repeat the question? I'm so sorry. Would it
[2:47:48] be more appropriate to revisit bylaws if we have amps
[2:47:51] in place. Yes. If we proceed with Amps, it'll be
[2:47:55] easier for enforcement to have other bylaws. Come into place
[2:47:59] because there will be more teeth to the enforcement and.
[2:48:03] They'll be supporting legislation for that. And currently any zoning
[2:48:08] bylaw and fractions. The money does not stay with the
[2:48:11] town. Is that correct, that any funding goes back to
[2:48:15] either the county or the province? Through you. So, just
[2:48:19] to clarify, When we prosecute under zoning. It's pursuant to
[2:48:24] the planning act. And. That is where it's all determined.
[2:48:31] But. Sorry, I'm not okay today. I'm so sorry. I
[2:48:34] don't know. Why? Yes, please. So thank you. So, Martine,
[2:48:42] if you could just help us. So, for zoning infractions.
[2:48:44] Which are currently pursued at the courts. If the courts
[2:48:46] find that the applicant is not yet. Thank you. Yes.
[2:48:51] If we go through the court process, any amount that
[2:48:54] we get if a conviction is registered. Does come back
[2:48:58] to us, but also the courts get a portion of
[2:49:01] it. But we do get the fees back. I believe
[2:49:05] you are thinking of the parking tickets. Sorry. I was
[2:49:09] thinking of parking, but in general, I was thinking for
[2:49:12] enforcement, if we were paying. Using taxpayers dollars to do
[2:49:15] enforcement or checks, and the money's not coming back. Into
[2:49:20] the community. We're basically doing somebody else's job for them
[2:49:23] and that's. Kind of what I was trying to get
[2:49:25] at. Yes. So. We have a budget set aside for
[2:49:29] prosecutions for this purpose. As Nina mentioned before, our current
[2:49:34] compliance is very good. When I do get complaints on
[2:49:37] this. So we have not had to get to that
[2:49:40] point with any non compliance properties to get to court.
[2:49:45] But if we ever do get to court. We would
[2:49:49] get that money back if it would. Conviction is registered.
[2:49:53] I had one question. So part of the reason I
[2:49:56] think I brought this forward at the very very beginning
[2:49:58] was to try to protect the town from liability. If
[2:50:01] for some reason there's a fatality at one of these
[2:50:04] Airbnbs. And we're allowing them to act. Does this give
[2:50:08] a little more teeth to us if something happens. I
[2:50:12] hate to say it. Ideally, I'd love the fire department
[2:50:14] to make sure there's. A smoke detector. In every one
[2:50:18] of these and that they're not fire hazards to start
[2:50:21] with because some of these are just a little shady
[2:50:24] looking to me when I see them out in the
[2:50:27] field. And I don't want to see the town have
[2:50:29] a lot of liability, so I'm hoping this puts a
[2:50:32] little bit of protection to the town that we're not
[2:50:34] going. To. Be always named. Every time there's some incident
[2:50:38] on a case. Yes. If we go through it forward
[2:50:42] with the zoning approach, we will list requirements. For operating
[2:50:48] sdrs, such as principal residence requirements, bedroom limits and things
[2:50:52] like that. But we will continue on a complaint basis,
[2:50:55] so. If I'm not made known through a complaint that
[2:50:58] there is one operating. Then. Once I get one, that's
[2:51:03] when I would go and make sure they have regulations
[2:51:06] matched. Whatever we decide to put in. Thank you, Councilor
[2:51:10] Renna. Thank you, sir. You brought something. Up. I'll turn
[2:51:15] to our fire chief for a little advice. The new
[2:51:17] carbon monoxide. Alarmed regulations that would apply in these cases,
[2:51:23] I presume. Through you, Mr. Mayor. Yes. In every residence.
[2:51:30] That applies as of January 1. Carbon oxide alarm on
[2:51:33] every level of the home. And any fire complaints that
[2:51:36] come through, including strs. We're another mechanism we can use.
[2:51:41] We can use a fire code. Late charges, pursue it
[2:51:43] that way and gain compliance. Thank you. Any additional questions?
[2:51:52] Thank you very much, Martina. There are no further questions
[2:51:56] and the motion has been read. I'll call a vote.
[2:51:58] All in favor. That motion is carried. Thank you very
[2:52:01] much. All right, we're moving on to item 10.5. I
[2:52:06] have a motion moved by. Councilor Brennan. Seconded by councilor
[2:52:08] Ryan that report number CS 2026. One town, Errand. Tree
[2:52:12] protection policy be received for information and that council endorses
[2:52:17] the proposed tree protection policy as attached in appendix a.
[2:52:23] As a guiding framework for conservation protection and enhancement of
[2:52:26] tree canopy and natural heritage within the municipality. And that
[2:52:30] the policy be applied to all town led projects and
[2:52:33] referenced in the review of development. Applications to support alignment
[2:52:37] with the town's environmental community and planning objectives. I'll now
[2:52:41] invite Jennifer McPetry, director of. Community services to please proceed
[2:52:44] with your report. Good afternoon, mayor and council. Today
[2:52:54] I'm presenting a high level overview of the towns of
[2:52:57] Aaron tree protection policy. This policy is intended to support
[2:53:03] conservation and enhancement of our tree canopy in a way
[2:53:05] that reflects Erin's rural culture, a character, operational capacity, and
[2:53:10] long term stewardship goals. This is not a bylaw, but
[2:53:13] rather a guiding framework that sex expectations supports education and
[2:53:18] strength and decision making. For town led projects and develop.
[2:53:21] Development applications. The purpose of the tree protection policy is
[2:53:25] to provide clear, consistent guidance on how trees are protected.
[2:53:29] Managed and enhanced across the town. The policy was intentionally
[2:53:32] designed to be educational and principle based. It reflects our
[2:53:36] rural landscape, recognizes our current operational resources, and focuses on
[2:53:40] encouraging. Responsible stewardship rather than punitive enforcement. This approach allows
[2:53:48] the town to lead by example, particularly on municipal lands
[2:53:51] and through the planning process while supporting residents and developers
[2:53:54] in making environmentally responsible decisions. This slide speaks directly to
[2:54:00] a common question that has been raised and why a
[2:54:02] policy rather than a bylaw at this time. First, the
[2:54:05] rural reality. Aaron is geographically. Large, with many private properties
[2:54:12] spanning multiple areas. With one bylaw enforcement officer and a
[2:54:16] comprehensive regulatory bylaw would be extremely challenging to enforce. Consistently
[2:54:21] and equitably across the municipality. Second, a full bylaw would
[2:54:25] require significant additional resources, including permitting systems, inspections on an
[2:54:30] arborist and ongoing administration, which would have financial and staffing
[2:54:33] implications. Instead, this policy focuses on education and guidance. It
[2:54:40] establishes standards for the town, projects and development, reviews promotes
[2:54:43] best practices and allows flexible for site specific and rural
[2:54:47] conditions without creating an administrative burden on the town that
[2:54:50] we cannot realistically sustain at this time. At its core,
[2:54:54] this policy is about protecting what makes Aaron, Aaron the
[2:54:57] trees are a defining part of our rural identity and
[2:54:59] our natural heritage. Our vision recognizes trees as an essential
[2:55:03] infrastructure supporting carbon sequestrian air quality, wildlife habitat and climate
[2:55:09] resilience. This policy helps to ensure that Aaron. As a
[2:55:14] community grows and evolves, we're not losing the environmental integrity.
[2:55:18] The resident's. Value, but instead strengthen it in a thoughtful
[2:55:20] and sustainable way. The policy applies in three key areas.
[2:55:27] First, that all trees on town owned property are managed
[2:55:30] properly, ensuring the municipality leads by example. Second the development
[2:55:35] applications under the Planning act, including subdivision site plans and
[2:55:38] property access permits. This gives staff a consistent framework to
[2:55:42] access tree impacts and. Mitigation through existing planning tools and
[2:55:48] third, it represents a long term commitment to growing and
[2:55:50] maintaining Aaron's overall tree canopy rather than reacting on a
[2:55:54] case by case basis. It's important to note that this
[2:55:57] policy does not replace or conflict with the county authority.
[2:56:02] Wellington county already regulates woodlands that meet specific size and
[2:56:05] density thresholds under their existing bylaw. And where those thresholds
[2:56:09] apply, the town policy would support compliance. Within town jurisdiction.
[2:56:16] This policy guides trees on municipal lands and those affected
[2:56:19] through development applications and the intent is collaboration, shared monitoring,
[2:56:23] consistent forestry practices, and alignment between the town and county
[2:56:27] wherever possible. A key principle of the policy is a
[2:56:30] no net canopy loss. This means where trees are removed.
[2:56:34] Through development or municipal projects. The expectation is replacement or
[2:56:38] planting or a cash in lieu. Contributions would happen. And
[2:56:41] the goal is not simply to replace what is lost,
[2:56:43] but ensure that Erin's canopy remains strong and continues to
[2:56:46] grow over. Time, even as development occurs. The replacement requirements
[2:56:53] are based on industry standards and measurements and specifically a
[2:56:56] diameter at breast height and measured by 1.3 meters above
[2:57:00] grade. This provides a transparent, consistent, and defensible way to
[2:57:04] assets tree value and determine appropriate replacement aligned with best
[2:57:08] practices in forest and planning. And community education is a
[2:57:13] cornerstone of this policy. The town will work collaboratively with
[2:57:16] the Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee to encourage tree protection and
[2:57:20] planting on private lands. This may include recognition programs, small
[2:57:25] grants workshops on proper tree care and partnerships with schools
[2:57:29] and local environ. Environmental groups. The intent is to build
[2:57:34] a culture of stewardship where residents can see themselves as
[2:57:37] active partners. In protecting Aaron's tree canopy. In closing, this
[2:57:43] policy provides a strong foundation that allows the town to
[2:57:46] act. Responsibly today, while leaving room for future evolution, should
[2:57:51] counsel or the community wish to explore regulatory bylaw in
[2:57:54] the future. This would policy establishes principal data and practices
[2:57:57] that would inform that discussion for now. It balances environmental
[2:58:01] leadership with operational reality and positions Aaron, to protect and
[2:58:04] enhance the tree canopy in a way that's practical, equitable
[2:58:07] and sustainable. At this time, I'll take any questions you
[2:58:09] have. Who would like it to kick off? The questions
[2:58:12] for Jennifer. Councilor Brennan, thank you. Through you. Thank you
[2:58:17] very much. This is absolutely wonderful. I just want to
[2:58:22] point out something. That wasn't in the slides so much,
[2:58:26] but is in the report. And that is the consultation.
[2:58:31] With the environment committee and with the tree trust. I
[2:58:35] think that. That's something that's kind of a model that
[2:58:39] we should imitate wherever we can. It's not always practical,
[2:58:43] but wherever we can, let's consult those people in. Forming
[2:58:47] our policies in the future. So well done. Thank you.
[2:58:51] We'll start with Councilor Cheney, then councilor Wright. Thank you.
[2:58:55] Through Mr. Mayor. Jennifer thank you for the report. It
[2:59:00] does more or less come across as. A consultation process.
[2:59:06] For subdivisions or developments. But not so much on penalties.
[2:59:14] So what if someone just comes in and mows down
[2:59:17] a bunch of trees? On our proposed development. What do
[2:59:22] we do and what can we do and how can
[2:59:24] we don't? Thank you. Through Mr. Mayor. I would assume,
[2:59:31] and I'm looking over at the planning director as well,
[2:59:33] to support this. Conversation that through our development application process,
[2:59:37] when we are working with developers, there is a requirement
[2:59:41] that if they are taking trees down that they would
[2:59:42] replace it. How that works. In collaboration with our partnership
[2:59:46] with the town as the developers. Come on. Then we
[2:59:48] would need to establish that framework and follow up as
[2:59:51] needed. Really? The development process, the application process right now
[2:59:56] allows us to set these standards and tell them, and
[2:59:58] this has already been something that's been in practice in
[3:00:00] principle, but we haven't had a written policy that if
[3:00:03] you cut down a tree. You need to replace a
[3:00:05] tree. So this is just helping us enhance that. Thank
[3:00:08] you. So, would we go through. When something comes up
[3:00:14] for development, do we go through the process of putting
[3:00:18] snow fence around a tree like they do in Oakville
[3:00:20] or Toronto, so they know that they're not supposed to
[3:00:23] cut down that tree or those 17 trees. Through you,
[3:00:27] Mr. Mayor. Again, a case by case basis. If it's
[3:00:30] smaller trees, there could. Be just a replacement. If it's
[3:00:33] more of a larger tree we don't have. A process
[3:00:35] in place right now for protecting of heritage trees where
[3:00:38] you would take that tree and build around it. So
[3:00:41] consideration would need to be made for those types of
[3:00:44] situations, which would be on a. Case by case basis.
[3:00:49] Thank you. The reason I asked. It's spilt milk now,
[3:00:54] but. There was 810. Twelve very mature maples that were
[3:01:00] just mowed down and it's. All gone. Councilor Ryan. Thank
[3:01:09] you to you, Mr. Mayor. Thanks, Jen, for championing this
[3:01:12] and your work consulting with ESAC. As councilor Brennan said,
[3:01:16] ESAC played a really important role and also treat trust
[3:01:20] Canada which has enacted bylaws in center Wellington, and they're
[3:01:24] holding their tree canopy. Really? Well, a couple of comments,
[3:01:27] a mature. Tree is a lot more valuable than six
[3:01:31] new trees. So I think whatever we can do to.
[3:01:37] Have this. I believe what councilor Cheney was leaning towards
[3:01:39] is making clear as we're approving planning. Those mature trees
[3:01:44] are really important to keep for all the reasons you've
[3:01:47] stated, and it's a really good report. I think we
[3:01:51] need to lean towards looking at a bylaw. I think
[3:01:53] this is an excellent start. And then, of course, with
[3:01:57] bylaws, the enforcement of it. My last question was, I
[3:02:01] was wondering, how is this going to be communicated out
[3:02:04] now to our public. Thank you. Through you, Mr. Mayor,
[3:02:08] we are prepared with a press release to share that
[3:02:10] this is happening. And then we'll be working closely with
[3:02:12] ESAC to help with the education piece. We really do
[3:02:16] want to work with that group who is very much
[3:02:19] a champion for environmental stewardship. Within the community to help,
[3:02:22] whether it be on. Earth Day help with tree planting
[3:02:28] type of events in the community. We have one planned
[3:02:30] for the spring. So continuing to do engagement methods to
[3:02:34] get the word out there about the policy, but not
[3:02:36] only that. But really the education piece that we're looking
[3:02:38] for, which is to champion building. And putting in more
[3:02:40] trees. That's excellent. And I believe treetrust is having. A
[3:02:46] trees designation day as well. I'm not sure the date
[3:02:49] for that yet. In 2026. So that might be a
[3:02:51] good audience as well. Thank you for your work. Thank
[3:02:54] you. I have a question that you may not be
[3:02:57] able to answer and I don't know. If anyone on
[3:02:59] staff can, but we have some managed or conservation forests
[3:03:03] in the town of Aaron. Which give certain residents breaks
[3:03:06] on their taxes. And some of those forests have come
[3:03:09] down and it doesn't seem like. Anyone manages them, so
[3:03:12] I don't think this applies to this. But I would
[3:03:16] maybe ask staff to look at who's in charge of
[3:03:20] that. And actually, at some point, do we get the
[3:03:23] county or the conservation authorities to have a new inventory
[3:03:26] of those. Or maybe they're on the tax role. And
[3:03:29] then next time the roast department goes by and they
[3:03:31] don't see a forest, they put a little checkmark on.
[3:03:33] It and say that the forest is gone or something,
[3:03:35] because it seems that that's more and more happening in
[3:03:37] the rural areas, especially with a lot of the red
[3:03:40] pine forests getting to that. Certain age of 50 or
[3:03:42] so years where they're starting to come down and people
[3:03:45] want to clear the land and put a new field
[3:03:47] in. So it's a different type of tree trust, but
[3:03:51] especially down near the Holton Aaron town line, there's been
[3:03:54] quite a bit that's come down. So I don't know
[3:03:56] how we manage it or how. We look at it,
[3:03:58] but maybe that's something staff could come up with. An
[3:04:02] idea of what we can do, just to monitor that
[3:04:03] and make sure if somebody's getting a tax benefit for
[3:04:06] an empty field that they shouldn't be. That it's taken
[3:04:10] care of. So, any other questions? Seeing none. Thank you
[3:04:14] very much, Jennifer. As the motion has been read, I
[3:04:17] will call the vote. All in favor? That motion is
[3:04:21] carried. You get to stay, don't you? Onto item 10.6.
[3:04:25] I have a motion moved. By councilor Cheney, seconded by
[3:04:28] councilor Brennan. The council. Council receives report number CS 2026
[3:04:35] 2025. Parks and recreation Master plan update community engagement summary
[3:04:41] and next steps for community center development. For information and
[3:04:45] the council endorses Barber Field as a preferred location for
[3:04:47] the future multifaced community center in campus and the council's
[3:04:51] direct. Staff to proceed with conceptual architecture design and class
[3:04:56] D cost estimates for phase one and phase two. Of
[3:04:59] the proposed community center and surrounding recreation campus utilizing existing
[3:05:04] capital funds. Please proceed with. Your report. Excuse me. Thank
[3:05:09] you, Mr. Mayor, for my second report today. We were
[3:05:11] bringing forward an update to the parks Recreation master plan,
[3:05:14] including key findings from our community engagement and recommended next
[3:05:17] steps this update ensures that our recreation planning continues to
[3:05:21] reflect how Aaron is growing and how its residents need
[3:05:23] changing. Needs are changing. Sorry. Today I'll briefly walk you
[3:05:27] through why this update is needed. What? We've achieved since
[3:05:30] the original plan. What we've heard from the community priority
[3:05:34] needs. And recommendations, recommended directions. And finally, the next steps.
[3:05:38] We're seeking council's support on. The purpose of the master
[3:05:42] plan update was originally approved in 2019 with a ten
[3:05:46] year horizon. Since then Aaron has continued to grow, and
[3:05:49] community expectations around wellness, accessibility and public spaces have evolved.
[3:05:54] This update ensures that the plan remains aligned with council's
[3:05:57] broader policy framework, including a corporate strategic plan. The transportation
[3:06:02] master plan and the official plan. Most importantly, it gives
[3:06:05] us an evidencebased framework. To guide investment plan. Proactively for
[3:06:10] growth and ensure recreation services reflect what residents actually want
[3:06:13] and need. Since 2019, staff have made strong progress implementing
[3:06:18] the original plan. We've expanded programming beyond traditional ice based
[3:06:22] services, increased revenue while improving facility utilization, and advanced approximately
[3:06:27] 85% of the original master plan recommendations. We've also strengthened
[3:06:33] community partnerships, invested in extending the life of existing facilities,
[3:06:38] and approved customer service. Access and communication. This demonstrates that
[3:06:43] the plan has been both practical and effective. Community engagement
[3:06:48] was a key part of this update and helped ground
[3:06:50] the recommendations and real resident feedback we used multiple engagement
[3:06:54] methods to reach a broad cross section of the community,
[3:06:58] including an online survey. Targeted stakeholder outreach and opportunities for
[3:07:02] residents to share priorities and concerns. Engagement was intentionally designed
[3:07:08] to capture voices that don't always participate, including older adults,
[3:07:12] rural residents, families and people who may use recreation differently
[3:07:15] than our traditional sport users. The feedback we received provided
[3:07:20] both quantitative data and qualitative insight, helping us understand not
[3:07:23] just what residents want, but why? And this input directly
[3:07:28] informed the priority needs facility direction and phasing approach that
[3:07:31] you'll see in the following slides. As part of the
[3:07:34] update, we revisited all 67 recommendations from the original 2019
[3:07:39] plan. Each one was assessed for progress, challenges, and next
[3:07:43] steps. Key areas of advancement included facility upgrades, expanded programming,
[3:07:48] and improved service delivery through partnerships. This review. Helped identify
[3:07:54] what's working well and where new pressures and gaps have
[3:07:57] emerged. Community engagement shows some clear shifts between. 2021 and
[3:08:05] 2025, residents are placing a stronger emphasis on wellness, inclusion
[3:08:10] and accessibility. There's a growing demand for modern indoor recreation
[3:08:14] spaces, including flexible, multiuse facilities and programming that serves a
[3:08:19] wider range of ages and abilities. We also saw broader
[3:08:23] participation from older adults and rural residents. Overall expectations have
[3:08:27] evolved. People want more variety, more access and better design
[3:08:31] spaces. From the engagement, several clear priorities emerged. Priorities included
[3:08:37] a new pool, which was not identified in the previous
[3:08:40] study, but is now identified as a high priority. Ice
[3:08:46] ring capacity and size, walking track and fitness spaces, multipurpose
[3:08:51] rooms and programs, and our outdoor amenities included trails and
[3:08:54] connectivity, playgrounds and splash pads, outdoor courts such as pickleball
[3:08:58] tennis and basketball. Notably, residents are traveling out of town
[3:09:03] for swimming and programs, which indicates unmet local demand. This
[3:09:07] update also reconfirms that the 2020 Barber Fields feasibility study
[3:09:11] remains valid in contact what has changed since the scale
[3:09:14] is the demand. Community support for a modern recreation hub
[3:09:20] has increased, and indoor aquatics has emerged as a significant
[3:09:23] new factor. The implication is not that the concept was
[3:09:26] flawed, but rather that phasing design and cost assumptions need
[3:09:29] to be updated to reflect our growth, accessibility expectations and
[3:09:33] current construction costs. Looking ahead to 2025. To 2035. The.
[3:09:43] Recommended direction is strategic phased approach. It is recommended that
[3:09:47] Barbara Fields would advance as the primary recreation hub, with
[3:09:50] phase one focused on our arena gym, walking loop and
[3:09:53] multipurpose rooms. Aquatics would be explored as a potential for
[3:09:58] a future phase. At the same time, the Aaron community
[3:10:01] center would continue to play a key vital role alongside
[3:10:04] the ongoing renewal of parks Fac. Facilities, courts, and trails.
[3:10:08] This approach balances growth, affordability, and long term sustainability. Facilities
[3:10:14] alone don't create value. The programming and the partnerships do.
[3:10:17] The key directions included expanding youth, fitness, adult and inclusive
[3:10:22] programming. Strengthening our partnerships with the schools, clubs, health agencies,
[3:10:28] and improving affordability and access and using data to guide
[3:10:33] decisions. There's a strong focus on improving marketing and digital
[3:10:37] engagement, so residents are aware of what's available. Today we're
[3:10:41] asking council to receive the master plan update, endorse the
[3:10:44] updated priorities. And direction and support the next steps, including
[3:10:48] the detailed design, phasing and costing and funding and partnership
[3:10:51] exploration. In closing this positions Aaron to grow intentionally, inclusively
[3:11:00] and sustainably. It reflects what our community has told us
[3:11:03] it builds on strong progress to date and gives council
[3:11:06] a clear roadmap. For informed decision making. And at this
[3:11:09] time, I'm happy to answer any of your questions. Thank
[3:11:13] you very much, Jennifer. Who would like to start? Okay,
[3:11:17] maybe I will go get Councilor Ryan. Go right ahead.
[3:11:22] Through you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Jennifer. Great report, great
[3:11:26] research. A couple of questions. The double gymnasium that's proposed.
[3:11:35] What would that be used for? So that I have
[3:11:37] better understanding. Mr. Mayor. An old gymnasium would be used
[3:11:42] for a multi sport programming. It could be anything from
[3:11:45] basketball, which is a standard practice. You could use both
[3:11:47] half court and full court. There would be the option
[3:11:50] of all of our racket sports, which includes pickleball, badminton,
[3:11:56] You can opt for indoor tennis if you'd like. There's
[3:11:58] also opportunities for indoor soccer programs, multisport programs. Right now,
[3:12:03] the only option for us to use gymnasiums is within
[3:12:05] the schools, which we pay a rental fee for. So
[3:12:08] we do have that as an option, and then obviously
[3:12:11] the indoor recreation center. Through the agricultural center is our
[3:12:14] other option, but obviously not being a gym space, basketball
[3:12:17] is limited. Okay. Thank you very much. And. Is there
[3:12:21] any consideration maybe, perhaps in phase two or three of
[3:12:24] incorporating? Town hall buildings within a multi use facility. Through
[3:12:31] you, Mr. Mayor. In the original barber field study, that
[3:12:33] was a consideration that was added at a late stage
[3:12:36] of the program. I think I would look to the
[3:12:39] CAO for consultation on whether that's something that they would
[3:12:42] want to reconsider for the purpose of the master plan.
[3:12:45] This time it wasn't. Something I took a deeper dive
[3:12:47] into. The focus of this was primarily on the recreation
[3:12:50] services. And amenities. Okay, thank you very much. And then
[3:12:54] my third question is it stems around the $200,000 figure,
[3:12:58] around the design. Work. Seems like a big fee. I
[3:13:01] was just wondering, what are the implications if we were
[3:13:04] to. Say, consult with Wilmont or a newer facility somewhere
[3:13:08] else and utilize if they were in agreement their plans
[3:13:12] and then modify them. Is that a possibility or is
[3:13:14] that totally undoable? What's involved there? Three, Mr. Mayor. Architects
[3:13:21] own their property and often, well, you can go online
[3:13:24] and you can take a look at what's out there.
[3:13:25] And you can read reports on how much has been
[3:13:27] spent. You can absolutely use that as a starting point
[3:13:30] to look at what you like and what you don't.
[3:13:32] Like. But when we start looking at what our amenities
[3:13:34] are going to look like and we want revisions to
[3:13:37] those a we would have to work with the architect
[3:13:40] that was. Involved at the time to see if they'd
[3:13:42] be willing to share their plans, and then. You would
[3:13:44] still be paying a cost for revisions. Truly, I think
[3:13:47] what we would be looking for is something that's unique
[3:13:49] to us. It's not a bad starting point to create.
[3:13:52] A conversation at this level to determine what we're looking
[3:13:55] for. I think we've started that conversation through this work
[3:13:57] that's already been done and would feel comfortable going out.
[3:14:00] To an early. Design phase. This would not. At the
[3:14:03] $200,000 mark, you're looking at a class D. Estimate. We're
[3:14:05] not looking at specific sizes of a room or all
[3:14:08] of the HVAC. And plumbing and everything that needs to
[3:14:11] be considered into the facility we're really looking at. That
[3:14:14] high level design of is it a double gymnasium or
[3:14:16] a single gymnasium? Is it one pad? Or two pad.
[3:14:19] What does the layout look like? And considerations need to
[3:14:22] be made for the type of property that is on.
[3:14:25] If you're putting windows in. Where does the sun come
[3:14:27] up and down if it's an ice rink? That's beside
[3:14:29] it. These are all considerations that you want to have
[3:14:30] that are unique to your property. So utilizing somebody else,
[3:14:34] really great for a conversation starter, but probably not where
[3:14:37] we want. To go when we start looking at what
[3:14:38] a true cost estimate looks like for our community. Thank
[3:14:42] you. Maybe if I could just jump in. I think
[3:14:46] one of the things that is very effective to help
[3:14:49] council kind of understand and conceptualize where things are going
[3:14:53] that I've seen happen. And participated in the past is
[3:14:59] identifying facilities that are within. The similar scope and design
[3:15:04] that are fairly current and going on a bit of
[3:15:07] a road trip. With council. To actually take a look
[3:15:10] at those facilities. I don't think it's enough just to
[3:15:13] look at the drawings. I think you need to go
[3:15:15] and have a look and feel, and there are facilities
[3:15:18] that are fairly nearby. That have been recently built to
[3:15:22] have the latest and greatest in. And it really gives
[3:15:25] the council an opportunity to understand more what it's going
[3:15:29] to look like. And really visualize it. So I think
[3:15:31] as part of the process, I would suggest that. We
[3:15:35] plan a bit of a road trip with council to
[3:15:37] take a look at some of these. Facilities. Councilor Cheney.
[3:15:44] Thank you through Mr. Mayor. Jennifer, thank you for the
[3:15:47] report. Very inclusive. Really hard to read. My old eyes.
[3:15:54] Taking what councilor Ryan has said about. Trying to take
[3:16:01] something and put it on our footprint. I mean, 200,000
[3:16:04] sounds like a lot. But if it's going to be
[3:16:05] a $50 million building, Which it certainly could be, depending
[3:16:11] on how crazy we want to build. It could be
[3:16:14] money well spent. And as you said, It's the owner
[3:16:18] of the architect. So I think consultation. On. What we
[3:16:26] want. With this $200,000 thing. Can this be? Done. In
[3:16:32] components. I mean, yes, we may not need two ranks
[3:16:35] now, but. We would obviously do one pad. With all
[3:16:40] the stuff. Bells and whistles. Ready to add the second
[3:16:43] pad? And someday, 37 years down the road, a swimming
[3:16:47] pool. How? Can. That be pictured off the bat, but
[3:16:53] ready for somewhere far in a distance through you, Mr.
[3:16:58] Mayor. Yes. The intention for this one was to do
[3:17:01] a phased approach. If, specifically, if we're looking at a
[3:17:04] swimming pool. So what would be considered in phase one
[3:17:07] and what would be considered in phase two when you're
[3:17:09] going through those drawings. And again, it's very important. That
[3:17:12] we had something that's unique to us to help us
[3:17:14] build in what's the cost now with phase one. And
[3:17:16] what's the cost later with phase two? So that we
[3:17:18] have an idea as to how to work with that.
[3:17:21] Right now, the recommendation is to bring both ice pads
[3:17:25] on, but you don't necessarily have to. Activate both ice
[3:17:28] pads. It could be used more as an open space
[3:17:30] if you don't. Want to pay for the refrigeration of
[3:17:32] it. That could be a consideration, but to do a
[3:17:35] double plant makes sense. It's financially in our best interest
[3:17:40] if we're going to be adding it in. The future
[3:17:41] to consider doing the construction of both at the same
[3:17:44] time. With all the equine in the area, do we
[3:17:47] build a saddle dome? Is that what we're going to
[3:17:49] do. Councilor Brennan. Thank you. Through you. Yeah, that one's
[3:17:56] going down in flames. If we're going to look at
[3:18:06] a phase, approach the discussion that we've just been having.
[3:18:11] It's really important to know where you want to be.
[3:18:14] Those many years in the future in order. To construct
[3:18:18] things so that it is expandable in the easiest way.
[3:18:22] But. Have we fleshed out what we might do with
[3:18:28] the current facilities we have, how we might change them
[3:18:31] or modify them? Or is that something to be decided
[3:18:35] at a later date? Through you, Mr. Mayor. So the
[3:18:39] recommendations on the master plan do incorporate keeping center 2000
[3:18:43] alive and well and continue to utilize that facility as
[3:18:46] we continue to grow. Hillsburg is a consideration. For replanning
[3:18:51] or repurposing of it, as you know, that is inaccessible
[3:18:55] to the second floor at this time as well as
[3:18:57] it is aging infrastructure. We do know that there's a
[3:19:01] need for other things in the community, so it may
[3:19:03] not be used as a rink in the future. The
[3:19:06] cost to turn that into. An actual full size rinks
[3:19:09] that are over ten can utilize would be much too
[3:19:12] costly, so there is a potential to repurpose that building
[3:19:15] rather than remove it altogether. But it wouldn't be continued
[3:19:19] as an ice rink per se at that time. Sorry.
[3:19:24] So if I'm understanding it correctly, Where we want to
[3:19:27] go or where we think we're going is that senator
[3:19:30] 2000 will remain pretty much more or less in the
[3:19:34] same kind of operation it has today. Correct. Okay, thank
[3:19:37] you. Councilor Ryan. You want to jump in? I got
[3:19:41] a few questions after. Thanks to you, Mr. Mayor just
[3:19:45] one other question. Following up with what councilor Brennan said
[3:19:48] about the usage, Where would our theater be? Would it
[3:19:53] stay at Aaron Center 2000 in that size? And are
[3:19:57] we looking at expanding that. In proportion to the community
[3:20:01] expanding. Through. Mr. Mayor, at this time, there's no consideration
[3:20:05] to improve or change the theater location. As you're aware,
[3:20:09] we're currently in the midst of doing the theater renovations,
[3:20:12] and. They should be completed by April of this year
[3:20:15] with new lighting, new sound in the theater seating. By
[3:20:17] the end of the week. So that will be a
[3:20:19] really great space that's been well underutilized over the last
[3:20:22] few years with all. Of the outdated equipment in that
[3:20:25] space. So we will look at expanding that and utilizing
[3:20:28] it well. But at this time, there's no plans to
[3:20:30] have into secondary theater or a bigger theater. I think
[3:20:33] we just need to utilize the one we have. Really?
[3:20:35] Well, thank you. Councilor Cheney, just to comment. If you
[3:20:40] think the Hillsburg arena is small now, you should have
[3:20:43] seen how cold and small it was in its original
[3:20:46] form. Ever since it came on council, I haven't been
[3:20:50] convinced that Barbara Field to write location. For a multi
[3:20:53] use facility. There seems to be a lot of space
[3:20:58] where the old senior, where the senior center was proposed.
[3:21:02] For at center 2000 in the high school. And rejigging
[3:21:05] the baseball diamond or parking lot. There might be room
[3:21:08] for another twin pad. Down at the bottom of the
[3:21:10] hill, and that seems to be quite. A gathering, at
[3:21:13] least, of high school students from not just Aaron but
[3:21:15] across the county and might be an ideal place because
[3:21:18] we have the seniors in there as well for an
[3:21:20] aquatics facility, so. I really don't want to see that.
[3:21:24] We eliminate other potential locations on the list and. I
[3:21:28] did like. Councilor ian was reading my mind. I kind
[3:21:32] of like to see a few other examples of recent
[3:21:34] builds with what these facilities are costing. Is it $50
[3:21:38] million for a single pad in a pool, or is
[3:21:40] it $100 million? I'm not getting the quantum to know
[3:21:44] where. We are. So I would really like to see
[3:21:46] a few examples before. We kind of say we're going
[3:21:49] to go along with class d estimates on something that
[3:21:52] we want, but we know we can't afford. And I'm
[3:21:55] trying to think, how can we do something staged? Almost
[3:21:58] has to happen if we got to do this for
[3:22:01] the new developments as they come on, because we're not
[3:22:03] going to get our development charges until they're all occupied.
[3:22:08] So how do we do this? Properly, financially, that we
[3:22:11] can start doing some stuff for the new residents in
[3:22:14] Solmar. But then it'll be ready for the rest of
[3:22:17] the new residents, so I'm kind of. Lost on what
[3:22:19] the best way is. Sir, to answer your question, I
[3:22:23] mean, it does say. We keep the Hillsburg arena for
[3:22:28] x number of years, so it doesn't mean. If we
[3:22:32] don't plan now. We'll never have shovel ready money come
[3:22:37] to us at some point. If they're ready to throw
[3:22:40] buckets of money at us. What we can afford. Nobody
[3:22:45] knows what they can afford. But we're not buying it
[3:22:48] this year. But. There's still going to be concepts. That's
[3:22:53] why I'm trying to get us. What should we be
[3:22:56] proposing as this? Cost estimate as something that we believe
[3:23:00] as council is affordable to the taxpayers. Because right now,
[3:23:04] if we give our wish list and I look at
[3:23:06] what the recommendations are, I don't think we can afford
[3:23:09] it. And I think doing this exercise to try to
[3:23:11] make. A custom errand solution is going to be a
[3:23:16] very expensive solution versus going and seeing with Sega spent
[3:23:19] so much. Wilmont spend X Kingston spend X on these
[3:23:23] and say, okay, they got a pool and a twin
[3:23:24] pet or a pool and a single pad with a
[3:23:26] track and it cost X. Is that good enough for
[3:23:29] what we need, or do we need to build the
[3:23:31] Cadillac? That has all the bells and whistles. Which we
[3:23:34] can't afford, and then we have to go back to
[3:23:35] the other one anyway. I don't know where. Top of
[3:23:39] the prices. Well, I don't think that through you. I
[3:23:43] don't think this $200,000 program is going to start next
[3:23:45] week. This is just saying, yes, we should. Is that
[3:23:49] not correct? Three. Mr. Barry. No, we wouldn't start this
[3:23:53] right now. If you endorse this. Today. The next steps
[3:23:56] would be that we would need to look at going
[3:23:58] out for an RFP. For somebody to come in to
[3:24:00] do the design drawings with that when you're doing the
[3:24:03] cost estimate. It really is the first step. Class D
[3:24:06] is essentially the most basic drawings that we would get,
[3:24:08] but we would start to get an idea. As to
[3:24:11] what we're looking at in terms of a price point
[3:24:13] and if at that time you feel that the price
[3:24:15] point for what amenities we put together, whether it be
[3:24:18] for phase one, phase two, or as a combination. Then
[3:24:20] you can look at eliminating things. You can say, we
[3:24:22] don't need a double gymnasium. We only want a single
[3:24:24] gymnasium. We don't want a walking track we don't want.
[3:24:27] A double pad of ice drink. We just want a
[3:24:28] single pad. Those are considerations that you can look at
[3:24:31] when you have a better idea as to what this
[3:24:33] is going to cost you again. Absolutely. You can do
[3:24:36] some unique things, like go around and grab recent. Proposed
[3:24:40] construction projects and look at what they've cost. But to
[3:24:42] Rob's point, there's very many unique things that can come
[3:24:45] up, which there might be more green initiatives that were
[3:24:48] put into his solar panels, things that drive up the
[3:24:50] cost, that perhaps these are things that we want. Perhaps
[3:24:53] they're not. These are considerations that, at this point, we
[3:24:56] don't. Have any drawings or any type of cost estimate
[3:24:59] to take us to that next. Step. So if this
[3:25:01] is the direction that council wants to go to see,
[3:25:05] Where it will take us. We need to start that
[3:25:07] journey. And this price point, which was budgeted. From in
[3:25:10] 2025 to use that money to go towards these drawings.
[3:25:15] That would be the recommendation at this time and location
[3:25:18] wise, we can discuss if that's something you wanted to.
[3:25:21] Come back as part of the report. When they do
[3:25:22] come back with the drawings, you could do. That as
[3:25:24] well. Sorry, Councilor Ryan. Thank you. Through Mr. Mayor in
[3:25:29] follow up to what the mayor was getting at, like,
[3:25:31] the location. Is probably fairly key. And. How do the
[3:25:38] architectural drawings. If they're going to design something, they need
[3:25:43] to know the location first. Through you, Mr. Mayor. It
[3:25:47] would be ideal for us to solidify a location. It
[3:25:50] will also impact our timelines if we need to purchase
[3:25:53] land and then we need to have it zoned. These
[3:25:54] will slow down the process, which is why, for many
[3:25:57] reasons, Barbara Field was chosen as the preferred location as
[3:26:00] it is already town property and zoned for this type
[3:26:02] of use, so that would speed up the process, if
[3:26:05] that's the direction that we want to go. Recognizing development
[3:26:08] was coming on quickly. So recognize it has slowed a
[3:26:11] little bit at this time. So if we want to
[3:26:12] pause and take the time to explore other locations before
[3:26:16] going out for estimates. That's absolutely something that can be
[3:26:19] considered. I'm thinking on the drawings, that's sort of our
[3:26:23] wish list of what we want, but. There's still examples
[3:26:28] of costs out there, of things that are maybe close
[3:26:31] to what we want. And I think that's what I
[3:26:33] think we should have before we make our final. Checklist.
[3:26:38] For this design work is okay. We can afford a
[3:26:42] single pad. We can't afford a double. We can afford
[3:26:44] a pool and. We can afford a gym, but if
[3:26:47] we kind of go out and give the wish list
[3:26:49] without. Knowing what we can sort of afford, I feel
[3:26:52] that we're going to come back and have to redo
[3:26:54] it anyway. Because. I'm really concerned the revenue is going
[3:26:59] to come in from DC's over a real long period
[3:27:02] of time that we're probably going to have to do
[3:27:03] a very staggered build. And if we're going to do
[3:27:06] a staggered build, we have to know what the cost
[3:27:09] is of the most important piece. What do we start
[3:27:10] with and how does it look as opposed to. The
[3:27:14] overall picture. And maybe we start off with a pool,
[3:27:16] or maybe we start off with a larger rink. But
[3:27:19] knowing what a larger rink costs, I think is important
[3:27:22] in today's market. Yeah, your worship. I think. You're certainly
[3:27:28] considering the important elements in this decision, and it is
[3:27:32] a big one. Two things. I just wanted to really
[3:27:36] draw to council's attention. You have an opportunity to build.
[3:27:42] A recreation facility, a new one for this community. That
[3:27:47] opportunity is here for you to seize. And you're in
[3:27:52] the position where. You're going to have a lot of
[3:27:56] growth. There's no question about it. The infrastructure is 85%
[3:28:00] in place, and it's going to happen. And so the
[3:28:04] advantage is that we can collect DC monies from those
[3:28:09] developments to be able to build this new facility. So
[3:28:13] it's not like the town itself. Is going out and
[3:28:15] lifting. This big. Task on its own. We're going to
[3:28:21] get a lot of revenue from the developments, how these
[3:28:25] things typically work. Is you work at doing the things
[3:28:29] that Jen has just outlined. And it takes some time
[3:28:33] to go through the process to be able to get
[3:28:35] some grant funding. To be able to do construction. Most
[3:28:39] of you probably know the Alder recreation facility, which is
[3:28:43] out the west end of Orangeville. My experience, there was.
[3:28:49] Well, we were in a position just like this. We
[3:28:51] wanted the project to happen. We knew that we had
[3:28:54] to start on it sooner rather than later because it
[3:28:57] takes time to do the development. The other thing is
[3:29:01] that. The developments in town. The construction of homes will
[3:29:05] happen over time, and you can't wait. For that all
[3:29:08] to happen, collect the dcs and then do the project,
[3:29:12] because you'll be out of sync with community needs. You'll
[3:29:14] have people who can't get into figure skating programs. Can't
[3:29:17] have their kids in hockey, and you have a lack
[3:29:20] of facilities. So the way to bridge it is. To
[3:29:23] collect dcs as you go start your project, and then
[3:29:27] if you need to borrow temporarily. In the short term,
[3:29:31] it's easy to manage. To bridge that gap until you
[3:29:34] collect all the dcs that are required and. There's some
[3:29:39] formulas that municipalities use regularly to make those things happen.
[3:29:44] But a couple of things that it's important for council
[3:29:47] to know. If we don't. Have direction on building new
[3:29:51] arenas. We can't collect dcs on those things. If we
[3:29:57] don't have plans started. We can't move towards the ability
[3:30:04] to apply for grant funding. That might come up. And.
[3:30:10] It may be a year or two, but we need
[3:30:11] to get our ducks in a row on this. So
[3:30:15] what I might suggest is. If council is okay with
[3:30:20] the motion. As read. We maybe add in that staff
[3:30:28] will bring back. A report. On examining. Center 2000 property
[3:30:36] and seeing what the pros and cons are, that. Property
[3:30:40] are relative to Barber field and that staff. Would also
[3:30:44] organize. Council to go in and visit some sites of
[3:30:48] other facilities so we can start to really help. Guide
[3:30:52] what those drawings would look like if we could add
[3:30:54] those elements into this. I think it may address the
[3:30:58] concerns that have been raised tonight. I think the one
[3:31:02] thing it doesn't address is the costs. So going out
[3:31:05] to see a site not knowing. What the costs are.
[3:31:08] I think those are like to me. I'm scared if
[3:31:10] we have an $80 million facility, and then we have
[3:31:13] to maintain it and staff it and operate it. And
[3:31:15] go forward. What are other people doing for that? And
[3:31:19] that's scary for me. And for what it's going to
[3:31:21] do to our tax levy because we are never recovering
[3:31:24] 100% of the cost of parks and rec from user
[3:31:28] fees. That's always a lot of the operating cost. That's
[3:31:31] coming from the tax levy and I don't know. Where
[3:31:36] that's sitting. Councilor Brennan, thank you. Through you. To go
[3:31:42] along with what the CAO was just talking about. If
[3:31:47] we're going to look at the feasibilities around center 2000
[3:31:51] versus. Barbara Field, and we're going to talk about maybe
[3:31:59] looking at some other facilities. And other locations that are
[3:32:02] built up, how difficult would it be? To gather cost
[3:32:06] estimates on those facilities. And that will give us at
[3:32:11] least a ballpark figure. To work with. So I think
[3:32:15] we could go ahead on the basis that Rob was
[3:32:18] just talking. About. And add in there that we're going
[3:32:22] to come up with. In Whippy. They did, blah, blah,
[3:32:26] blah, blah, blah, and it cost them x, y, et
[3:32:29] cetera. Yes, staff can certainly reach out to our contacts,
[3:32:34] and municipalities are very willing to cooperate and help. And
[3:32:38] I've actually done these things many times in the past,
[3:32:41] and we'll go out and we'll look at facilities and
[3:32:43] we'll say, this is an $80. Million facility or this
[3:32:46] 100 million dollar facility. It has these components in. It
[3:32:51] if you take this component out so council can really
[3:32:54] get a feel for it as well. We can ask
[3:32:57] their staff. What kind of cost recovery do they have
[3:33:00] on their arena or their pool? What are the costs?
[3:33:03] Annually and how many homes are helping to support that?
[3:33:07] Because remember, we're going to have tax revenue. From. Probably
[3:33:13] double the population now. That we'll be able to support
[3:33:16] these kinds of programs. So the mayor is asking some
[3:33:19] really good questions about how are we going to manage
[3:33:22] it in the tax dollars that we're going to have.
[3:33:24] And getting some of that information might just address and
[3:33:27] help paint a picture. For you on how it happens.
[3:33:31] It seems like a big step now, but the alternative
[3:33:35] is. If we don't do anything. We're going to have
[3:33:38] double the population, and we'll have people upset that they
[3:33:41] don't have services that they expected in the community. And
[3:33:46] perhaps one of the biggest economic drivers of getting industry
[3:33:50] to your community is when you have good recreation facilities.
[3:33:54] At three, Mr. Mayor. The other pieces that we did
[3:33:57] do SMC imperrisons already. For a DC study about a
[3:34:00] year ago, so I do have comparables that I can
[3:34:02] share. With council after this meeting. Would be helpful. I
[3:34:07] don't want anyone to get the idea that I don't
[3:34:08] want to build. Anything, but I don't know what the
[3:34:11] checklist of what the wish list is, and. How much
[3:34:15] other people have paid for that wish list, so that's
[3:34:18] where I'm trying to balance. Is there an example out
[3:34:20] there that has 90% of what we want and it
[3:34:22] cost x, and they built it two years ago, and
[3:34:24] that's where I'm trying to go to. I mean. Whether
[3:34:27] it's work outside or steel or concrete. That's aesthetics and
[3:34:32] other things, but do we have a functioning facility? If
[3:34:35] it's $200 million, I'm probably not going to support it,
[3:34:38] and I don't think we could operate it, but if
[3:34:40] it's $80 million. That may be something that falls into.
[3:34:45] Our ability. Your worship. It's kind of as simple as
[3:34:50] you want to buy a new car and. You need
[3:34:52] to go out and take a look at some, find
[3:34:55] out what the prices are, what does it cost to
[3:34:57] run it? And then once you've done a bit of
[3:35:01] assessment, you get some more comfort on what exactly it
[3:35:04] is you want. So I think what you're expressing. Is
[3:35:10] really important in the process. That council probably needs to
[3:35:14] spend some time going out and seeing facilities getting some
[3:35:17] information. And. As staff, we're glad. To facilitate those things,
[3:35:25] to give council some comfort so we can come back
[3:35:28] to a future meeting. And really flush out what it
[3:35:30] is we want. And I don't know if I'm the
[3:35:33] only one who feels that way, so. I'm happy to
[3:35:36] hear other opinions. I'm scared of the big budgets that
[3:35:39] we can't afford. It's not that I don't want to
[3:35:42] build anything. I just want to have a better idea
[3:35:44] what we can put into the checklist to go to
[3:35:46] these architects. Three of us. Mayor, for a comparison, a
[3:35:52] recent recreation bill not too far from here, which includes
[3:35:55] a double rank swimming pool, gymnasium and multipurpose base was
[3:35:59] around $110,000,000. That's a bit from each residence. The DCs
[3:36:05] were building another. How many more? 4000. More homes. So
[3:36:11] that's a lot of dcs per new home. I'm trying
[3:36:18] to do the math. And trying to know. What road
[3:36:23] luck. We're going to have to fight to get those
[3:36:25] dollars. Okay. Thank you. If we have an interim step
[3:36:30] that we can look at a few examples. I would
[3:36:34] be happy. To go to the last direction. But for
[3:36:40] right now, I'm only comfortable with the recommendation at the
[3:36:43] top. And then wait. To see what comes in between?
[3:36:46] I don't know. If anyone else. Has. I mean, if
[3:36:51] everyone else is going to go with it, I'm not
[3:36:52] going to. Fight it, but I kind of think. We
[3:36:55] need to know a bit more. So while council considers
[3:37:00] their options, I want to just sort of summarize from
[3:37:02] a procedural standpoint. So we do have a motion on
[3:37:04] the floor as outlined in the report. Council can either
[3:37:11] vote on that motion or council can also consider referring
[3:37:15] this report back to staff. To include some of the
[3:37:17] information that you have discussed tonight, such as. Municipal comparators,
[3:37:22] including their amenities, alternate locations within the town of Aaron,
[3:37:26] and cost implications. So these are some of the options
[3:37:29] before council. Councilor. Thank you, Nina, for that. If we
[3:37:36] were to refer this back to staff. Could we refer
[3:37:41] back to? Perhaps that's not possible. Come back to the
[3:37:44] next meeting. But. The meeting after that. Would there be
[3:37:46] time in between to look at some actual items with
[3:37:51] a price tag on them. Which part of this recommendation
[3:37:55] would be acceptable, then? I think some time would be
[3:38:02] required to pull together the information. So. I would probably
[3:38:09] say our second meeting in February. We could have a
[3:38:13] report back to council. On what costs are for facilities
[3:38:19] that have been built recently. What their operating costs might
[3:38:24] be. A little bit of analysis. We might even find
[3:38:27] an opportunity to go and visit a couple of them.
[3:38:32] Mr mayor. Responding to the CAO. I think that's a
[3:38:39] really good idea. This is an extensive report. However, if
[3:38:44] we're looking at. $110 to $180,000,000 commitment. I think that.
[3:38:52] It would be prudent. Council take a deeper dive into
[3:38:56] it. And what this looks like? Councilor Cheney, you had
[3:39:00] your hand up. Councilor Brennan had his hand up. Sorry.
[3:39:04] Thank you. Through you. Yeah. And if we can come.
[3:39:07] Back with something. Roughly the end of February or the
[3:39:12] first meeting in March. I mean, delaying this until. A
[3:39:18] march or an April date. I don't think. Asked the
[3:39:21] question, does that really impact us from the development charges
[3:39:24] viewpoint? Or is that something we can comfortably do? I
[3:39:31] think if we're back to council late February or at
[3:39:35] the latest, late March, I think we still have an
[3:39:41] opportunity to. Address our development charges, but I wouldn't want
[3:39:46] to push it much further than that. And I guess
[3:39:50] whatever we decide now, Is the plan that the next
[3:39:54] council has to decide whether they're going to build or
[3:39:56] not. It's not just what we're doing. Do we want
[3:40:00] to make sure it's? Something that's palatable for the next
[3:40:02] group to take on as well. All right. Wait through
[3:40:08] you, Mr. Mayor. The site servicing master plan happened 15
[3:40:11] years ago, and that went through. Several councils before we
[3:40:14] got the sewer system. So you got to make a
[3:40:18] decision, and we got to go ahead. And somewhere down
[3:40:22] the road it'll happen. But if you don't start, then.
[3:40:27] We're just playing in the dirt. I don't disagree. I
[3:40:30] don't want to make the Tajima hall that somebody else
[3:40:32] has to pay for and deal with. That's what I'm
[3:40:35] always scared of. Something of the wastewater treatment plan is
[3:40:38] a good example. I think it was $80 million when
[3:40:40] we got elected, and it's a little higher now. But
[3:40:43] that's why nothing happened in the because nobody wanted to
[3:40:46] spend any money. And sway. Hillsburg arena was condemned and
[3:40:51] rebuilt in 76 and now it's semi useless. Now correct?
[3:40:58] 1000. The rink is a lot older than 2000. All
[3:41:02] right. Councilor Brennan, thank you. Through your question for the
[3:41:07] clerk. So it sounded like we need some sort of
[3:41:10] an amendment. So I think a motion to refer would
[3:41:17] be appropriate and takes precedence over the main motion, so.
[3:41:20] I have some drafted wording and if council is agreeable,
[3:41:22] we would just need a mover. And a seconder. So
[3:41:25] it would be along the lines that report number cs
[3:41:28] 2026. 225 parks and recreation master plan update. Be referred
[3:41:35] back to staff for inclusion on the February or March
[3:41:38] council agenda and that it include municipal comparators, including their
[3:41:43] amenities, alternate locations within the town of Aaron, and the
[3:41:47] cost implications. So moved. Councilor Han seconded. All right.
[3:41:57] As there is an amendment referral. Back to all in
[3:42:01] favor. That is carried. Thank you. So we do have
[3:42:05] to do anything on the main amendment now, this is
[3:42:06] so nice. Thank you very much, Jennifer. All right, we're
[3:42:10] on to. Oh, I get to wear a different hat
[3:42:14] today. Playing the part of Councilor Ryan is Mayor Dan.
[3:42:19] We have a noticed emotion being introduced by Councilor Ehler
[3:42:22] that will be considered our next. Meeting which I will
[3:42:24] now read out. Councilor Ehlerd is unexpectedly await today and
[3:42:27] censor. Regards. So, whereas community events play a vital role
[3:42:34] in fostering connection, supporting volunteers, promoting local organizations, and strengthening.
[3:42:41] The social and economic fabric of the town of Aron.
[3:42:44] And whereas there is no consistently updated trusted and centralized
[3:42:48] hub for community information within the existing town of air
[3:42:52] and online platforms. And whereas volunteers, community groups and event
[3:42:56] organizers rely on clear, consistent and accessible municipal. Support to
[3:43:02] provide their activities effectively. Therefore, be it resolved that council
[3:43:07] direct staff to prepare and present a report regarding the
[3:43:10] creation of a community events information hub calendar that would
[3:43:15] serve as a one stop shop for residents and tourists.
[3:43:18] To discover events happening within the town of within the
[3:43:22] town and that the report includes consideration. For, but not
[3:43:26] limited to, governance, accountability and ownership, including an overview of
[3:43:31] internal rules, responsibilities, and workflows across departments. Defined department ownership
[3:43:37] is requested to ensure consistency, accuracy and sustainability. Operational process,
[3:43:44] including procedures for event eligibility, event submission, and improve internal
[3:43:49] scheduling communication integration, including promotion and outreach plans to foster
[3:43:55] a collaborative spirit and build value for organizations. Implementation and
[3:44:01] timing, including integr. Integration with a new website and processes
[3:44:05] to ensure a smooth and a successful website launch and.
[3:44:10] Resource implications, including confirmation that. Implementation can be achieved through
[3:44:16] the internal resources and the council approved budget. All right.
[3:44:25] On the activity list. I have a motion moved by
[3:44:27] Councilor Cheney. Seconded by councilor. Brennan the council receives the
[3:44:32] activity list for information. Are there any questions regarding the
[3:44:38] activity list? All right. As the motion has been read,
[3:44:42] I will call the vote. All in favor? That is
[3:44:46] carried. We'll now move on to the passage of bylaws.
[3:44:49] I have a motion moved. By councilor Ryan, seconded by
[3:44:52] councilor Cheney, that the bylaws number 26 one and 26.
[3:44:56] Two are hereby passed. All in favor?