[0:00] Good evening everybody it is now [0:04] [0:04] 6:00 p.m. [0:06] I now call the september second [0:10] 2026 [0:10] 2026 regular meeting of county [0:12] council [0:12] council to order. [0:14] we invite you to join council and [0:16] and administration as we take this [0:17] this time to observe a moment of [0:19] [0:19] reflection and that will lead [0:20] into the playing of our national [0:22] [0:22] anthem. [0:22] [playing of 'o canada'] [0:50] we acknowledge the land on which [2:10] the county of essex is located [2:12] the county of essex is located [2:12] is the traditional territory of [2:12] is the traditional territory of [2:12] the three fires confederacy of [2:14] the three fires confederacy of [2:14] first nations, comprised of the [2:17] first nations, comprised of the [2:17] ojibway, odawa and potawatomie [2:19] ojibway, odawa and potawatomie [2:19] peoples. [2:20] we specifically recognize caldwell first nation and other [2:24] caldwell first nation and other [2:24] first nations which have [2:25] first nations which have provided significant historical [2:27] provided significant historical [2:27] and contemporary contributions [2:28] and contemporary contributions [2:28] to this region. [2:28] to this region. [2:28] we also value the contributions [2:32] of all original peoples of [2:33] of all original peoples of turtle island, who have been [2:36] turtle island, who have been living and working on this land [2:38] living and working on this land [2:38] from time immemorial. [2:39] from time immemorial.all members [2:46] [2:46] of county council are present [2:48] this evening. [2:50] good evening everybody, nice to [2:53] see [2:53] see you. [2:54] seems like it's been a long time [2:56] [2:56] doesn't it? [2:57] I would like to begin by [2:58] expressing my condolences to the [3:00] [3:00] family, friends and colleagues [3:02] of [3:02] of sun parlour whom employee diane [3:03] diane who passed away earlier [3:04] this week. [3:06] flags have been lowered in her [3:07] [3:07] honour at the county of essex [3:11] buildings, diane was a food service [3:12] service worker known for [3:13] speaking her mind and generously [3:15] [3:15] sharing her considerable [3:17] culinary talents. [3:18] she was devoted to her family [3:20] and happiest spending time with [3:22] her [3:22] her grandchildren, and she will [3:24] be [3:24] be deeply missed by her loved [3:26] ones and her colleagues at sun [3:28] [3:28] parlour home. [3:29] our thoughts are with everybody [3:31] [3:31] who knew her. [3:32] let's pause for a moment of [3:34] silence. [3:34] thank you. [3:55] turning to other matters, we are [3:57] less [3:57] less than two weeks away from [3:58] the third annual outdoor [4:01] accessibility fest for all, that [4:02] [4:02] is organized by the essex county [4:04] [4:04] accessibility advisory [4:05] committee. [4:05] it is free and open to the [4:09] public, and the special event is [4:10] [4:10] designed to promote inclusion and [4:13] and accessibility for people of all [4:14] all ages and abilities through [4:16] [4:16] activities, demonstrations, [4:19] products, services and [4:20] information. [4:20] the fest for all takes place [4:23] friday september 11th from [4:24] 10:00 a.m. Until 2:00 p.m. At the [4:26] the communications community [4:29] centre, the first two events [4:32] were fantastic. [4:32] I had such a good time. [4:34] what a great venue. [4:37] just -- just a great community, [4:40] [4:40] regional community event. [4:42] we look forward to welcoming everybody [4:43] everybody back this year. [4:46] we are also two weeks away from [4:48] the [4:48] the september 16th switch to a [4:50] new [4:50] new dispatching system for essex [4:52] [4:52] windsor ems. [4:54] medical priority dispatch system [4:57] or [4:57] or mpds is designed with one [4:58] clear purpose, and that is to [5:00] ensure people experiencing life [5:02] [5:02] threatening emergency receive [5:05] help as quickly as possible. [5:07] mpd as is a software based [5:09] system used by ambulance cloud [5:11] [5:11] communications officers, to [5:14] triage, 911 calls based on the [5:17] [5:17] severity of a patient's medical [5:19] condition. [5:19] condition. [5:19] it helps them determine urgency [5:22] of [5:22] of each situation so ambulances [5:23] [5:23] can be sent where they are [5:25] needed most, when they are [5:27] needed most. [5:28] as a result people with non-life [5:30] [5:30] threatening conditions may sometimes [5:31] sometimes wait a little bit longer [5:32] longer for an ambulance, [5:34] particularly when paramedic [5:36] resources are stretched. [5:38] ministry of health has [5:39] successfully implemented this [5:40] system in several municipalities [5:42] [5:42] across ontario, it is backed by [5:45] [5:45] decades of research and evidence [5:46] [5:46] and helps ambulance [5:48] communications officers make [5:50] more informed decisions. [5:52] so if you want to know more [5:53] about this system, check things [5:55] [5:55] out at the county of [5:58] essex.ca/sevenmac. [5:58] are there any disclosures of [6:01] pecuniary interests amongst council [6:05] council members this evening? [6:06] councillors rogers? [6:08] >> thank you madam warden, [6:09] through you, item 12.6. [6:14] >> onto adoption of regular meeting [6:18] meeting minutes and before you [6:19] [6:19] are the minutes of the regular [6:21] [6:21] council meeting of august 5th, [6:27] [6:27] 2026, seeing none? [6:28] the recommendations of the [6:29] minutes of the august fifth, 2026 regular [6:32] 2026 regular meeting be adopted [6:33] [6:33] as presented. [6:34] I'm looking for a mover and a [6:36] seconder? [6:36] councillor deyong, councillor akpata? [6:39] councillor deyong, councillor akpata? [6:39] any discussion? [6:41] all in favour by show of hands? [6:44] [6:44] thank you. [6:45] I thought that was your hand of [6:47] [6:47] councillor akpata I guess you [6:49] were just scratching your ear. [6:52] [6:52] there are two delegations this [6:54] [6:54] evening, welcome, first up the [6:58] [6:58] western ontario wardens caucus [7:00] [7:00] executive director, kate [7:02] burns-gallagher, she is here to [7:03] [7:03] provide a presentation regarding [7:06] [7:06] the 2026-2027 strategic [7:09] priorities. [7:09] welcome kate, nice to see you! [7:12] [7:12] >> wonderful thank you warden, [7:14] if it's [7:14] if it's okay I will stand so I [7:15] [7:15] can see everybody better. [7:17] thank you warden, through you [7:19] to county council it's a pleasure [7:20] pleasure to be here again on my [7:22] annual [7:22] annual summer tour as we call it, [7:24] it, where we go and visit all of [7:26] [7:26] our 15 counties to give an update on [7:27] update on all the things we have [7:28] been [7:28] been up to in the past year, the [7:30] [7:30] successes we had and priorities [7:32] [7:32] we focused on. [7:34] next slide. [7:35] just a quick overview, lots of [7:38] [7:38] things have happened, we are the [7:42] 15 [7:42] 15 counties in western ontario, [7:45] [7:45] spanning from simcoe county all [7:46] [7:46] the way down here in [7:47] essex county, next slide that would [7:50] would be great. [7:52] we had covered over 300 [7:54] communities, 117 municipalities [7:58] and [7:58] and we are well over 1.6 million [8:01] [8:01] residents. [8:01] and the key part of our [8:04] organization and why we gather [8:06] is [8:06] is we are 90% rural, 90% rural, [8:11] [8:11] that's where a lot of the [8:13] advocacy comes from is [8:14] advocating for our rural [8:16] communities. [8:16] next slide. [8:20] what do we do? [8:22] we work collectively, at our [8:23] core we work to advance key strategic [8:26] strategic priorities for the 15 [8:28] [8:28] counties, looking at that map [8:29] you may think how could there possibly [8:31] possibly be some things we can [8:32] all [8:32] all agree upon? [8:33] there are several things we can [8:35] [8:35] agree upon, and advance [8:37] together. [8:37] we really provided a unified [8:40] voice for the whole of western [8:42] [8:42] ontario to upper levels of government [8:44] government specifically the [8:45] province and the federal government. [8:46] province and the federal government. [8:46] we also conduct research and [8:49] analysis to form solutions so we [8:50] [8:50] are not always going to the [8:52] upper levels of government but [8:54] [8:54] also solutions. And [8:55] and we also build partnerships [8:56] [8:56] that expand capacity for our [8:58] member counties. [9:00] our work is consistent, [9:02] nonpartizan and also very clearly [9:04] clearly grounded in evidence. [9:06] next slide. [9:08] so how do we do this? [9:10] we don't do it in a silo we do [9:12] it [9:12] it within an incredible group [9:14] within our 15 counties, we have [9:15] [9:15] our caucus where we are well [9:17] represented by warden [9:18] macdonald, then our ceos table [9:21] table represented by cao spheres [9:22] [9:22] and we have our staff, government [9:27] government relations and [9:29] coordinator. [9:29] supported by an economic [9:31] development committee, elected [9:33] [9:33] officials, staff as well as [9:35] ministry contact, stakeholders [9:37] from [9:37] from across the region. [9:39] last few years we implemented the [9:41] the subject matter expert [9:42] groups, and these are the groups [9:45] [9:45] that are really the voice on the [9:48] [9:48] ground if you will, staff from [9:51] [9:51] all 15 counties that really help [9:53] inform [9:53] inform the work that we do and [9:54] [9:54] the advocacy we do. [9:56] from planning we have rebecca, [9:59] [9:59] represented from essex, we have [10:02] [10:02] don, social services, we have [10:07] wendy stark and we have caitlin [10:09] [10:09] as well. [10:10] I always like to give a shout [10:11] out to dee because the reason [10:12] why we have an administration [10:14] group is because dee was like can [10:16] can we get one so we have one. [10:19] next slide. [10:22] so what do we aim for? [10:24] what are our goals really? [10:26] we want to be a voice for the [10:28] region, consistent coordinated [10:30] [10:30] advocacy. [10:30] we all want to be an information [10:34] [10:34] source, providing our members [10:36] and counties with insights, data [10:39] [10:39] and research. [10:40] we want to be an asset for our [10:42] [10:42] counties. [10:42] shared regional initiatives like [10:45] our [10:45] our conference tools and [10:46] capacity buildings so when we [10:48] all work together there is more [10:50] [10:50] there as well. And [10:51] and we also want to be a valued [10:53] [10:53] partner of government. [10:54] collective engagement with the [10:56] [10:56] province and federal government [10:57] [10:57] both within the minister's [10:58] offices and the ministries as [11:00] well. [11:00] and we have found the structure [11:02] [11:02] has really provided the caucus [11:04] [11:04] with measurable outcomes and I [11:05] [11:05] will dive into those later. [11:07] next slide. [11:09] a voice for the region, this [11:11] year we have been laser focused [11:14] [11:14] on three strategic priorities, [11:16] three [11:16] three really key strategic [11:17] priorities for this year that we [11:19] wanted [11:19] wanted to tackle ahead of the municipal [11:20] municipal election in the hopes [11:22] of [11:22] of getting wins for the region. [11:25] those were around [11:26] infrastructure, workforce, [11:28] mental health addictions and [11:29] homelessness. [11:29] next slide. [11:31] so for priority one we really [11:33] focused on the canada ontario [11:35] partnership to build a. [11:37] we know in rural ontario building [11:38] building infrastructure in this [11:40] region [11:40] region costs more than an urban [11:41] [11:41] centres, linear infrastructure [11:43] [11:43] you have further to go with less [11:46] taxpayers [11:46] taxpayers along the km than [11:48] downtown toronto. [11:49] so the costs go up when you look at [11:52] at infrastructure in rural [11:53] communities. [11:53] so we worked really hard working [11:57] [11:57] with minister flacks office under [11:59] under the canada ontario [12:00] partnership to build and we were [12:01] [12:01] thrilled to attend the [12:02] announcement sunday for the $1 billion for [12:07] $1 billion for municipalities, [12:08] [12:08] and minister flack gave us some [12:11] [12:11] praise in the advocacy we have [12:13] done, [12:13] done, and the advocacy we have [12:14] [12:14] done really led to ensuring that [12:18] $1 billion [12:19] $1 billion was available for rural [12:23] rural municipalities and smaller [12:25] [12:25] municipalities as well. [12:26] next slide. [12:28] we have also been doing a lot of [12:29] [12:29] work in the homelessness [12:31] prevention programme, gene has [12:33] [12:33] been a huge advocate for you and [12:35] [12:35] our social services table. [12:38] we have been really working to [12:41] get [12:41] get a rural dedicated [12:43] homelessness prevention [12:44] programme. [12:44] this is to make sure our rural [12:48] [12:48] communities have dedicated [12:50] funding, we have seen an [12:51] increase in homelessness in our [12:53] rural [12:53] rural communities, it almost [12:54] looks different categories couch [12:56] [12:56] surfing and living out of a car, [12:57] [12:57] it's not necessarily individuals [12:58] [12:58] on a wait-list or accessing services. [13:01] on a wait-list or accessing services. [13:01] we want to make sure that our [13:02] dollars in order to be able to [13:04] [13:04] address the growing concerns and [13:06] be [13:06] be able to support our own [13:09] community members within [13:10] communities. [13:10] so we continue to advocate for [13:13] [13:13] resources for rural homelessness [13:15] [13:15] prevention. [13:15] next slide. [13:18] last but not least regional [13:19] rural transit. [13:20] we have been pushing hard to look [13:22] look at a regional model for [13:24] western ontario. [13:25] we had an individual from [13:28] huron county who did some research [13:29] research for us and found in the [13:32] [13:32] gta, the province subsidizes transit [13:36] transit traditionally $191 per [13:38] [13:38] resident per transit which is [13:40] great, you have the go and [13:42] metrolinx, but when you look at [13:45] [13:45] huron, stratford area, it is $13 [13:48] [13:48] per resident. [13:49] so a stark difference in the price [13:52] price investment in transit [13:54] between our urban and rural [13:56] counterparts. So [13:56] so we are doing the hard work, [13:59] we [13:59] we brought on donor consulting [14:00] [14:00] to look at where the gaps are [14:02] for transit within western [14:03] ontario, where the [14:06] infrastructure is, where the [14:08] people are, where the jobs are, [14:11] [14:11] where hospitals are as well as [14:12] [14:12] employment needs. [14:13] so by doing that we will be able [14:15] [14:15] to see where the gaps are and we [14:17] [14:17] can move forward with the [14:19] province. [14:19] we met with minister sarkaria [14:21] and he's committed one of his [14:23] staff members to sit on that [14:24] project team, so we are excited [14:26] to [14:26] to see how that will move [14:27] forward this fall. [14:29] next slide. [14:30] those were the three laser focused [14:32] focused priorities we looked on [14:33] [14:33] this year. [14:34] if you think back a couple slides [14:36] slides ago we were talking about [14:38] [14:38] being an information source, and [14:41] we [14:41] we really take that seriously. [14:42] a major strength in it is our [14:44] ability to provide data, insight [14:48] [14:48] and evidence for decision making [14:49] not [14:49] not only for ourselves but [14:50] member counties. [14:52] some of the examples of work we [14:54] [14:54] have done are regional economic [14:55] [14:55] development strategies, we have [14:57] [14:57] done a workforce strategy [14:58] launched in 2022, we also worked [15:01] with [15:01] with housing and infrastructure [15:03] [15:03] data tools with a rural ontario [15:05] [15:05] institute, and research [15:07] partnerships and post-secondary [15:09] institutions [15:09] institutions such as western and [15:11] [15:11] guelph and waterloo. [15:13] and we also have been [15:15] implementing some supply chain [15:17] [15:17] mapping where unfortunately we [15:18] [15:18] did not get the brand we had [15:20] applied for -- grant -- for the [15:22] [15:22] province but we are exploring [15:24] options there federally. [15:26] next slide. [15:28] as an asset for counties, I just [15:32] want [15:32] want to touch on a few of the [15:34] accomplishments municipalities [15:35] [15:35] had this term and the last four years [15:37] years as an organization. [15:39] up first, you may remember [15:40] several years ago the province [15:43] [15:43] talked about allowing up to three [15:46] three lots of severance across [15:49] [15:49] the province. [15:50] that was going to be the [15:52] equivalent of losing about a [15:53] million acres of farmland in [15:55] western ontario alone. [15:56] when we realized that our planning [15:59] planning expert team quickly got [16:01] [16:01] together, crunched numbers, [16:03] worked together and our [16:04] executives met with minister [16:06] thompson and several other [16:08] ministers to sound the alarm [16:10] about the possibility of this [16:12] legislation and the impact in the [16:14] the region with a million acres [16:16] of [16:16] of farmland and within two weeks [16:17] [16:17] they walked that legislation [16:19] back, primarily due to our [16:21] advocacy and work. Another [16:24] another win that we had [16:25] following that, was on the leave [16:27] [16:27] to construct threshold in [16:29] february 2024. [16:30] this is where somebody coming into [16:34] into the region wants to build, [16:37] [16:37] get natural gas to their site, [16:39] [16:39] if it is -- at the time if it [16:41] was over $7 million it had to go [16:43] to [16:43] to the ontario energy board and [16:44] [16:44] up to two years to the build. [16:47] so we lost a lot of investment [16:48] [16:48] within western ontario because [16:51] of [16:51] of that. [16:51] our partners in bc, their [16:53] threshold is 10 million. [16:54] so we worked with partners in [16:56] eastern ontario and enbridge to [16:57] [16:57] try to advocate to get that threshold [17:00] threshold increase and in february [17:02] february of 2024 that threshold [17:03] was [17:03] was increased to $10 million. [17:05] so any projects under 10 million don't [17:07] don't have to go through that process [17:10] process and can be built faster [17:12] through [17:12] through the province. [17:14] third we were able to secure [17:15] community response pilot project [17:17] [17:17] funding for the region, with [17:19] both simcoe county and [17:21] lambton county, this is where we [17:23] [17:23] partnered social workers with [17:25] paramedics, and the diversion rates [17:27] rates we have seen with this [17:28] programme are incredible. [17:29] it has been a two year pilot [17:30] with a wrap up in march of next [17:33] [17:33] year and so right now we are [17:35] progressively advocating to make sure [17:36] sure this is a permanent [17:37] programme that will become accessible [17:39] accessible to all 15 counties [17:40] because it has been a wonderful [17:42] [17:42] programme. [17:42] last but not least, just this [17:45] year, we had a big win with a [17:47] vulnerable sector checks. [17:49] last summer, all the vulnerable [17:51] [17:51] sector checks for anybody who [17:53] has opp were consolidated into [17:56] one [17:56] one central process. [17:57] at the same time our long term [17:59] care [17:59] care homes were requiring [18:00] vulnerable sector checks it [18:02] created a perfect storm where the [18:04] the vulnerable sector checks [18:05] were taking upwards of months to [18:07] come [18:07] come back, we had individuals in [18:08] [18:08] longer term care situations that [18:11] [18:11] could not start work at [18:12] long term care facilities, and [18:14] this [18:14] this was raised at the [18:16] administration panel expert [18:18] table. [18:18] so we quickly talked to our cao [18:21] [18:21] group, wardens group, and [18:23] brought together the data and [18:25] information and spoke to the solicitor [18:27] solicitor general's office and [18:28] [18:28] said that this was a concern, so [18:31] from [18:31] from last year in august where [18:32] we [18:32] we had a months long [18:34] applications to january, the [18:37] dedicated 27 day turnaround of a [18:38] [18:38] vulnerable sector checks and [18:40] committed to that in legislation [18:41] [18:41] and that was enshrined in [18:42] legislation in may, vulnerable [18:44] [18:44] sector checks will take no [18:45] longer than 27 days. [18:47] it all started with our [18:49] administration subject matter [18:50] expert team. [18:51] next slide. [18:54] as we talked about being a [18:56] valued partner of government, I [18:57] [18:57] can run to the next slide, I don't [18:59] don't want to go too much over [19:00] [19:00] time here, we engage the [19:02] government at many different [19:04] levels we have a dedicated queen's park [19:07] queen's park day in the spring, [19:10] [19:10] also we write a policy briefs, [19:13] [19:13] we report on environmental [19:14] registries and all the [19:15] submissions we can when it comes [19:17] [19:17] to our strategic priorities, or [19:19] [19:19] issues that are relevant to all [19:21] of [19:21] of western ontario and we often [19:23] [19:23] meet with ministers whether it [19:24] [19:24] is in toronto or whether it is [19:28] in the [19:28] in the constituencies offices, [19:29] [19:29] we're very fortunate we have a [19:31] [19:31] large number of ministers in the [19:32] [19:32] province that are based in western ontario so [19:34] western ontario so we have the [19:35] [19:35] advantage of being able to meet [19:37] [19:37] them at their constituency [19:38] offices. [19:38] next slide. [19:40] for 2026 and beyond, next slide, [19:44] as [19:44] as we move forward, we continue [19:45] [19:45] to have a strong engagement with [19:48] [19:48] our partners, and we will [19:49] continue to advocate with [19:51] clarity and purpose, strengthen [19:53] our [19:53] our relationships with all [19:54] levels of government and remain [19:56] [19:56] nonpartizan, and support our [19:58] members as we do that work. [20:00] as we move into january 2027 [20:02] with our a gm we will kick things [20:04] things off with a brand new [20:05] strategic plan, as you come into [20:08] [20:08] our a gm don't be surprised you [20:10] [20:10] will be hearing from strategic [20:12] [20:12] planners to get engaged and find [20:15] [20:15] out how the wowc has helped you [20:18] [20:18] and how you would like to see the wowc [20:20] the wowc help in the future, we [20:22] are [20:22] are looking forward to getting [20:23] [20:23] that external strategic plan [20:24] developed for the next [20:25] four-year term. [20:27] we look forward to continuing a [20:29] [20:29] partnership and having you members [20:32] members as the wowc and I am happy [20:33] happy to answer any questions [20:35] warden. >> [20:36] >> thank you kate, appreciate [20:38] that. [20:38] are there any questions? [20:40] councillors rogers? [20:41] >> thank you madam warden, [20:42] through you, I appreciate the [20:45] presentation and efforts, if you [20:46] [20:46] need help anywhere we can get [20:48] it. [20:48] the great lakes initiative, some [20:53] of our [20:53] of our counties and local [20:54] municipalities are members, I [20:55] know eastern ontario ward caucus [20:58] are [20:58] are members, can understand that [20:59] [20:59] have been in conversations with [21:01] federal [21:01] federal organizations, maybe just [21:02] just an update with where we are [21:03] [21:03] at if you have one? >> [21:05] >> through you warden to [21:06] councillors rogers, yes, so the [21:09] [21:09] great lakes city saint lawrence, [21:12] I [21:12] I often get them mixed up, long [21:15] one [21:15] one kirk apologies, the event in [21:17] [21:17] may, the conference we signed a [21:19] [21:19] memorandum of understanding. [21:21] so now we meet bimonthly, staff [21:24] [21:24] team and support all work they [21:26] [21:26] are doing. [21:27] there is great synergies there, [21:29] [21:29] and since then we also had a number [21:31] number of our member counties [21:32] join the great lakes initiative [21:34] [21:34] as well. [21:35] we are very pleased to be part [21:37] of that [21:37] of that organization. >> [21:39] >> anyone else? [21:41] thank you kate, appreciate your [21:44] [21:44] time and effort to come down [21:46] here and report back to [21:47] the county council. >> [21:49] >> thank you warden. [21:52] >> next up we have delegation, [21:56] gordon [21:56] gordon orr, a ceo, investments [22:00] [22:00] transixteen tourism windsor [22:02] essex pelee island will provide [22:03] [22:03] presentation to council with [22:05] regard to the twepi and [22:07] investments windsor essex [22:09] activities in the essex windsor [22:11] [22:11] region. [22:11] welcome gordon, always a [22:13] pleasure. >> [22:13] >> thank you warden macdonald [22:14] and members of essex county [22:16] council, I will sit so you can't [22:19] [22:19] see me which will be great if [22:20] you could always good to be with [22:21] [22:21] you. [22:21] I would like to acknowledge I'm [22:23] [22:23] not here alone I'm joined by my [22:25] [22:25] stellar fellow leadership team, [22:26] [22:26] some of them are here, jason [22:29] toner, ed dawson and wendy [22:32] stark, I had the privilege of working [22:33] working with these fine folks on [22:34] [22:34] a regular basis. [22:36] thank you very much for the [22:37] opportunity to provide an update [22:39] on [22:39] on the work invest windsor essex [22:41] [22:41] and tourism windsor essex has [22:42] done as well as presented the [22:44] recommendations presented -- [22:46] committed by consulting and I will [22:47] will begin with a brief overview [22:49] of [22:49] of performance by the [22:50] organizations before discussing [22:51] [22:51] recommendations before council [22:52] [22:52] this evening. [22:53] next slide, please. [22:55] we will begin with windsor [22:57] essex. [22:57] economic development continues [22:58] to [22:58] to be much more attracting new [23:01] [23:01] investment, it is about [23:03] supporting existing businesses, [23:05] fostering [23:05] fostering entrepreneurship and [23:06] [23:06] positioning windsor essex for future [23:08] future opportunities. [23:09] these performance metrics [23:11] highlight another strong year [23:12] for 2025 economic development, [23:15] [23:15] investments essex facilitated [23:17] more than $382 million in new [23:19] investment, 961 new jobs, 56 business [23:23] business expansions, and 86 [23:25] business start-ups. [23:26] next slide, please. [23:27] during the year invest windsor [23:28] [23:28] essex through our small business [23:30] and [23:30] and entrepreneurship aspect [23:32] delivered over 1201 on one [23:34] consultations and 105 business [23:37] [23:37] support sessions with more than [23:40] 2200 attendees. [23:40] 2200 attendees. [23:40] next slide, please. [23:41] our communications and marketing [23:43] [23:43] efforts continue to extend well [23:44] [23:44] beyond our borders, site [23:46] visitors come from canada, [23:48] united states, china, singapore [23:50] [23:50] and germany, reflecting the [23:52] national and international audiences [23:54] audiences we are reaching [23:55] through our invest and [23:56] interaction marketing efforts. [23:57] next slide, please. [23:59] looking at our past highlights [24:01] [24:01] we finalized the invest windsor [24:03] [24:03] essex new 2025 through 2028 [24:05] strategic plan, providing a road [24:07] [24:07] map focused on investment [24:08] attraction, business growth, [24:10] innovation and stakeholder [24:11] communication. [24:11] the region also celebrated [24:14] significant investment in advanced [24:15] advanced manufacturing and at [24:16] the same time we continue [24:18] expanding beyond automotive [24:20] through targeted industry [24:21] diversification initiatives. [24:22] next slide, please. [24:23] I will now turn to tourism [24:27] windsor essex and pelee island, [24:28] tourism [24:28] tourism is a critical component [24:29] of [24:29] of the windsor essex economy, [24:32] going beyond attracting [24:34] visitors, it supports local [24:35] businesses, promotes our [24:36] municipalities and strengthens [24:38] [24:38] community pride. [24:39] next slide, please, windsor [24:41] essex and pelee island welcomed [24:43] [24:43] more than 5.1 million visitors [24:45] [24:45] who generated approximately 816 million [24:47] 816 million in visitor spending [24:49] kirk [24:49] kirk tourism is a vital industry [24:50] [24:50] as it remains a significant economic [24:52] economic generator and job creator. [24:53] economic generator and job creator. [24:53] next slide, please. [24:55] those economic outcomes are [24:57] supported by highly effective [24:58] destination marketing, 2025 [25:00] showed record breaking [25:01] engagement, and we all know [25:03] awareness creates interest and [25:04] [25:04] interest creates visitation. [25:06] next slide, please. [25:07] this year's official visitor guide [25:09] guide launched on april 23rd [25:11] includes 292 tourism partners, [25:13] [25:13] with over 4000 printed copies [25:16] copies distributed and 100,000 [25:17] [25:17] digital views to date. [25:18] next slide, please. [25:20] our partner programmes, more [25:22] than 550 partners featured [25:23] through these programmes, these [25:25] [25:25] collaborative initiatives help [25:27] drive [25:27] drive visitation across all [25:28] municipalities. [25:28] next slide, please. [25:30] I would like now to turn to [25:32] purpose of tonight's report, earlier [25:34] earlier this year with the [25:35] support of both invest windsor [25:36] [25:36] essex and tourism windsor essex [25:38] [25:38] pelee island board we had an independent [25:42] independent consulting firm [25:43] undertake an objective review of [25:44] [25:44] how invested windsor essex [25:46] tourism windsor essex can best [25:48] position [25:48] position themselves for longer [25:49] [25:49] term success, over the course of [25:51] four [25:51] four months north guide reviewed [25:53] [25:53] evidence models from across [25:54] canada, organizational financial [25:56] [25:56] information, conducted stakeholder [25:58] stakeholder interviews and [25:58] facilitated workshops with both [26:01] [26:01] boards and both teams. [26:02] their recommendations are [26:03] evidence based, practical and [26:05] designed to strengthen regional [26:07] [26:07] service delivery while building [26:08] on the [26:09] on the success both [26:10] organizations have already achieved [26:11] achieved preclinic slide [26:12] please. [26:12] this slide captures what I believe [26:15] believe is the most important [26:16] message in the report, north [26:17] guide concluded both [26:19] organizations are highly respected [26:21] respected and perform [26:22] effectively, this review was not [26:23] initiated [26:23] initiated because of financial [26:24] [26:24] challenges, or organizational [26:26] shortcomings but rather [26:27] recognizing opportunities to [26:28] build on our existing strengths, [26:32] the [26:32] the opportunity lies in creating [26:33] [26:33] a stronger government structure, [26:36] improving [26:36] improving operational [26:37] coordination, and reinvesting [26:39] efficiencies into expanding [26:40] capacity. [26:40] the objective is a strong [26:43] organization not a smaller one, [26:45] [26:45] and any efficiencies should [26:46] allow us to do more for the [26:47] region not less. [26:47] next slide, please. [26:49] north guides first [26:50] recommendation focuses on [26:51] governance. [26:51] they recommend replacing the [26:54] current two boards with one [26:55] unified skill based board of [26:57] approximately nine to 11 [26:59] directors, that board would be [27:00] selected [27:00] selected using the skills matrix [27:01] [27:01] to ensure expertise in areas [27:03] such as finance, governance, [27:06] legal, marketing, [27:07] communications, tourism and economic [27:09] economic development. [27:10] importantly the warden of essex county [27:12] essex county and the mayor of [27:13] windsor would continue to serve [27:15] [27:15] ensuring strong municipal [27:16] involvement. [27:16] the warden and mayor may each [27:18] designate a member of their [27:19] respective council as an [27:21] alternate, this would ensure [27:22] consistent municipal [27:24] representation and accommodate [27:26] [27:26] scheduling conflicts and other [27:27] [27:27] commitments. [27:27] separate advisory committees for [27:30] [27:30] both economic development and tourism [27:32] tourism would have specialized [27:34] [27:34] sector expertise. [27:35] next slide, please. [27:36] one of the most common questions [27:38] [27:38] we receive today was whether either [27:40] either organization's brand [27:41] would disappear, the short answer [27:42] answer is no. [27:43] north guide specifically [27:44] recommends maintaining both [27:45] invest windsor essex and tourism [27:47] [27:47] windsor essex as distinct [27:49] business units under one legal [27:52] parent [27:52] parent organization. [27:52] both brands build significant [27:54] credibility with different [27:56] audiences, maintaining those [27:57] identities protects the equity [27:59] [27:59] that has already been built up [28:00] [28:00] over many years, and any future [28:02] [28:02] consideration of branding would [28:04] [28:04] occur only after the [28:06] organizations have successfully [28:07] [28:07] integrated operationally. [28:08] next slide, please. [28:10] the next recommendation focuses [28:12] [28:12] on shared services. [28:13] rather than duplicating [28:14] administrative functions across [28:16] [28:16] the two organizations, north guide [28:17] guide recommends consolidating [28:18] [28:18] areas such as finance human [28:20] resources and information [28:21] technology support, and by [28:24] consolidating these services [28:25] would create operational [28:26] efficiencies. [28:26] efficiencies achieved will be [28:29] reinvested directly into expanding [28:31] expanding services and regional [28:32] [28:32] prosperity growth. [28:33] next slide, please. [28:35] integration is much more than just [28:37] just governance, it's also about [28:38] [28:38] creating a shared organization [28:40] [28:40] culture. [28:40] north guide recommends beginning [28:42] [28:42] immediately by developing shared [28:43] [28:43] mission vision and values between [28:44] between the two organizations, [28:46] [28:46] and the report identifies long term [28:49] long term objectives of [28:49] eventually bringing both teams [28:52] together [28:52] together into one shared [28:52] location by 2029. [28:54] next slide, please. [28:55] north guide recommends a careful [28:58] [28:58] phased in implementation, phase [29:00] one [29:00] one beginning this year focuses [29:01] on [29:01] on governance, legal structure, [29:03] [29:03] shared mission vision values and [29:05] [29:05] establishing a foundation for the [29:06] the integrated organization. [29:08] phase two introduces shared [29:11] services, harmonized policies, [29:13] formal [29:13] formal pathways and greater [29:14] operational alignment. [29:16] phase three extends through 2029, [29:19] 2029, considering shared space, [29:20] [29:20] a future brand review, and a [29:22] governance assessment act of three [29:24] three years. [29:24] this phased in approach minimizes [29:26] minimizes disruption, allowing [29:28] each [29:28] each milestone to build upon the [29:29] [29:29] previous one. [29:30] next slide, please. [29:32] successful integration depends [29:33] [29:33] on strong communication and staff [29:35] staff engagement, the report [29:37] recommends direct communication [29:39] from [29:39] from leadership, consistent to [29:41] [29:41] funders, like we are here [29:42] tonight and stakeholders and involving [29:44] involving staff in designing the [29:46] future [29:46] future organization. [29:47] the objective is to build a stronger [29:49] stronger organization by [29:50] investing in people, not [29:52] reducing capacity. [29:53] next slide, please. [29:55] ultimately success will be [29:56] measured by outcomes. [29:57] success means a unified board, [29:59] [29:59] providing strong oversight, it [30:01] [30:01] means a streamlined operation allowing [30:03] allowing resources to be [30:05] directed towards programmes and [30:06] [30:06] services. [30:06] it means staff working [30:08] collaboratively within a shared [30:10] [30:10] culture built around a common [30:11] mission and values. [30:12] and most importantly meaning the [30:14] [30:14] region continues receiving [30:15] exceptional service from two trusted [30:17] trusted brands that are now working [30:19] working even more effectively [30:21] together. [30:21] the recommendation before [30:23] council tonight hopefully is [30:24] straightforward, we request [30:26] the county council approve in [30:27] principle the alignment [30:28] recommendations, unanimously [30:30] endorsed by north guide -- [30:33] endorsed by invest windsor essex [30:35] [30:35] and tourism windsor essex pelee [30:37] [30:37] island board of directors at the [30:39] meeting [30:39] meeting of june 30th, [30:40] recommendations related [30:40] specifically to governance, [30:42] organizational structure and [30:44] phased in approach integration, [30:46] [30:46] as outlined in the north guide [30:48] report. [30:48] report. [30:48] and any future representation [30:50] measures will be requiring board [30:53] [30:53] approval and city and county [30:54] councils will receive a progress [30:56] update [30:56] update during the first quarter [30:57] [30:57] of 2027. [30:58] in closing I would like to thank warden [31:00] warden macdonald and of course [31:01] [31:01] members of county council for [31:03] their continued partnership and [31:05] [31:05] support on both invest windsor [31:06] [31:06] essex and tourism windsor essex [31:08] [31:08] pelee island. [31:08] I would like to specifically [31:10] thank and recognize warden [31:12] macdonald who has the [31:13] distinction of serving on both [31:14] [31:14] boards of directors and we very [31:16] much [31:16] much appreciate your leadership [31:18] two [31:18] two thank you. [31:18] I would also like to recognize [31:21] [31:21] mayor dennis rogers and [31:23] mayor malloy who both serve on [31:24] [31:24] the tourism board, thank you both [31:25] both for your leadership and active [31:28] active engagement, in particular [31:29] I would [31:29] I would like to give a shout out [31:30] [31:30] to mayor meloche, for her [31:35] constant support and being a great [31:38] great soundboard, it's very much [31:39] [31:39] appreciated, thank you very much. [31:40] appreciated, thank you very much. [31:40] I would also like to thank and [31:41] [31:41] recognize the entire [31:42] administrative team here, at [31:44] the county of essex. [31:45] we know your ceo zwiers, we know [31:50] the tone [31:50] the tone is set at the top and [31:51] [31:51] all of her department heads and staff [31:53] staff are a pleasure to work with [31:54] with and we appreciate working [31:56] [31:56] with them on many projects and [31:57] [31:57] initiatives. [31:57] moving forward, both invest [32:00] windsor essex and tourism windsor [32:01] windsor essex pelee island continue [32:02] continue to attract investment, [32:04] will continue [32:04] will continue to grow [32:05] businesses, support [32:06] entrepreneurs, welcome visitors [32:08] [32:08] and will strengthen long term [32:10] prosperity of our region of the [32:12] [32:12] north guide recommendations [32:13] represent an opportunity to build [32:14] build on that success, and deliver [32:16] deliver even greater value to our [32:17] our municipalities, businesses, [32:20] [32:20] residents and visitors and I want [32:21] want to thank you very much for [32:22] [32:22] your time this evening and at the [32:24] the appropriate time I would be [32:25] [32:25] happy to answer questions, thank you. >> [32:27] happy to answer questions, thank you. >> [32:27] >> thank you gordon. [32:28] we will start with questions. [32:32] councillor bondy? >> [32:34] >> thank you warden macdonald, [32:36] [32:36] that is a lot, you talk fast but that [32:38] that is good we are used to it [32:40] and it [32:40] and it has a lot to digest. It's [32:41] it's not a surprise the [32:43] direction that is being [32:45] recommended. [32:45] one question that I'm sure you [32:47] [32:47] are getting asked by everybody [32:49] [32:49] so I will just ask it here in this [32:50] this room, and I do have a [32:51] follow up question, what caused [32:55] what [32:55] what are the county or city see [32:57] [32:57] by merging -- we have one less [33:01] [33:01] office, one top cat or top dog [33:05] [33:05] now, is there a decrease in the [33:08] levy [33:08] levy request going forward [33:09] because of that? [33:12] >> am I a top dog or cat? [chuckling] [33:16] >> am I a top dog or cat? [chuckling] [33:16] big question. [33:17] I had 10 minutes I tried to fit [33:18] [33:18] it all in. [33:19] thank you very much, through you [33:21] [33:21] warden to the council. [33:23] it's a very good question and we [33:24] [33:24] have been asked that question. [33:26] [33:26] the intent is any savings that [33:28] [33:28] we find between the two [33:30] organizations, we would then reimagine [33:32] reimagine within the [33:33] organization. There [33:33] there is no real cost savings to [33:36] [33:36] the city and county because as [33:37] [33:37] you know kirk we have [33:39] experienced certainly on the [33:40] investment side, flat funding for [33:42] for over a decade. [33:44] and I know you have a lot of budget [33:46] budget pressures and that's not [33:47] a [33:47] a slam to the city or county, it's [33:49] it's the reality. [33:50] we recognize -- I think that's [33:51] [33:51] why the two boards recognized [33:52] that one way that we could [33:54] perhaps be more efficient and effective [33:56] effective is to look internally [33:57] [33:57] and see how we can have some [33:59] savings as you suggest, with for [34:02] [34:02] example one cao, we have one [34:04] manager, administrative services [34:06] [34:06] now, so those dollars would then [34:07] [34:07] be able to be reimagined and [34:09] reinvested in the organization, [34:11] [34:11] so we don't have a budget for [34:13] you to share because for 27 and [34:17] [34:17] probably 28, we will have two separate [34:19] separate budgets for both [34:20] organizations and we will be [34:22] coming to city and county council [34:24] council with those budgets. So [34:26] so right now what we would be doing [34:27] doing is for example my salary [34:29] is [34:29] is paid by tourism, and then we will [34:32] will have the salary to invest [34:34] [34:34] windsor essex. [34:35] I hope that helps answer your [34:38] question. >> [34:38] >> thank you. [34:39] since you are here, I have another [34:42] another challenging question, so you [34:45] you gave a very good [34:46] presentation, about a year ago [34:49] [34:49] in colchester, a short term [34:51] venture about municipal [34:53] accommodation tax. [34:54] something really resonated with [34:56] [34:56] me in the divide between the [34:58] amount of tax dollars that the [34:59] [34:59] city of windsor is going to have [35:01] [35:01] and the amount of tax dollars the [35:02] the county has, I wonder if you [35:04] [35:04] can give us a high level? [35:05] if we are talking marketing and [35:07] [35:07] everything, and I'm not saying [35:09] I [35:09] support municipal tax or not, [35:11] I'm just gathering information, [35:13] and [35:13] and I think this is a good venue [35:15] because [35:15] because you are here. [35:16] if the county municipalities don't [35:18] don't come together and support [35:19] municipal [35:19] municipal accommodations tax [35:21] which has a lot of pros and [35:23] cons, were the consequences when [35:25] it [35:25] it comes to competing against the [35:26] the city of windsor for tourism [35:28] [35:28] dollars? [35:28] >> three warden to the [35:30] councillor, that is a very good [35:33] [35:33] question. [35:33] right now if I were to take round numbers [35:36] round numbers I would say that [35:38] [35:38] tourism is funded right now 66 by [35:40] by the city and 33% by the [35:43] county. And [35:43] and it is becoming increasingly [35:46] [35:46] difficult to try and just spend [35:50] [35:50] the money the city gives us on [35:53] city led [35:53] city led initiatives. [35:54] we are getting pretty good at it [35:56] but [35:56] but it is becoming more difficult, [35:58] difficult, the more money we [35:59] raise through the municipal [36:00] accommodation tax. [36:01] I think the county is being left [36:02] behind [36:02] behind and I think I have said [36:04] [36:04] that to all of you in the past, [36:06] because [36:06] because there's a number of [36:07] municipalities in the province [36:09] [36:09] collecting it, and those [36:10] municipalities are outpacing us in [36:13] in promotion and marketing, and [36:15] [36:15] using dollars to lure events whether [36:17] whether it is sporting events to [36:19] [36:19] your town's, or other events. [36:21] it is becoming a challenging. [36:23] I think we are fortunate the [36:26] city of windsor is still looking [36:27] at this [36:27] at this very much as a regional [36:29] [36:29] approach and working very well [36:31] together. [36:31] together. [36:31] I think on the tourism side. [36:35] but I know that the county is [36:37] looking at that and it is [36:38] becoming more challenging for us [36:40] [36:40] internally to look at what was [36:43] [36:43] once a global regional budget, [36:46] now [36:46] now looking at it being more of [36:48] [36:48] a separated budget. [36:50] so I would implore the [36:52] municipalities to really do [36:53] another hard look, and I know some of [36:55] some of you are more advanced in [36:56] this [36:56] this and are appreciative, but [36:59] [36:59] collecting that accommodation [37:00] tax would be a game changer because [37:02] because we won't have to go back [37:03] to [37:03] to the county taxpayer to ask [37:05] for more money, nor will there [37:06] [37:06] be a greater divide between what [37:08] [37:08] the city and county fund that [37:10] organization. >> [37:12] >> I just want to thank you for [37:13] answering [37:13] answering that for us, [37:15] thank you. [37:15] something to keep in mind in the [37:17] [37:17] future. [37:17] >> councillor bailey? [37:20] >> thank you very much, through [37:22] you [37:22] you warden, very thrilled to see [37:24] [37:24] this report, very thrilled to [37:25] see the integrated work that's [37:26] [37:26] been going on, highly [37:29] supportive. [37:29] you will note too lakeshore [37:31] recently did another thing, we [37:33] [37:33] will be bumping up at 33% I [37:35] hope, and seeing a bit more [37:37] happening in the counties so we [37:38] [37:38] hope to do that. [37:39] I was wondering if you can walk [37:41] [37:41] me through slide number 14, [37:45] mostly around the composition around [37:48] around the board tables. [37:49] fully understood the advisory [37:52] committee approach on both sides [37:53] of [37:53] of the house, understand [37:56] integration very well. [37:57] just wondering about the board [37:58] [37:58] table, I heard you say the [38:00] warden and mayor of the city, I [38:01] [38:01] wonder who else fills those [38:04] positions? [38:04] >> through you warden, thank you [38:07] very [38:07] very much for the question and [38:08] [38:08] thank you to lakeshore for [38:11] implementing the municipal [38:12] accommodation tax. [38:14] I would like to point out that [38:15] in [38:15] in the past, the university [38:17] board always had the mayor and [38:18] [38:18] the warden sit on that board. [38:20] the tourism board always had three [38:23] three representatives from city [38:24] [38:24] and three from county and a mayor of [38:25] mayor of pelee island. And [38:26] and that it was done based on [38:28] the necessity about 15 years ago [38:30] [38:30] when the organization was [38:31] struggling, and the elected [38:34] officials wanted to get a hold [38:35] of [38:35] of the public funds and build [38:37] that trust. [38:38] we did that I think quite [38:40] successfully and then we brought [38:41] [38:41] on four stakeholders to round [38:44] out 11 member board. [38:45] but we have continued that [38:47] path. Now [38:47] now that we are looking at this [38:50] new [38:50] new organization, it was felt that it [38:51] that it may be at a higher level [38:53] [38:53] we would have more of a skilled [38:55] [38:55] based board and we would still [38:57] [38:57] have very importantly municipal [38:59] [38:59] representation. And [38:59] and that would be the head of council and [39:02] council and the head of the [39:03] city council and county [39:05] council. [39:05] it was actually mayor meloche that [39:07] that came up with a great idea, [39:10] an [39:10] an idea to the consultants that [39:12] there will [39:12] there will be an alternate, [39:14] because we both know that the mayor [39:15] mayor and the warden are very busy [39:17] busy and if they cannot attend [39:18] a [39:18] meeting, then that [39:19] representation is not there. [39:21] so we came up with this idea of [39:23] [39:23] an alternate which I think is a [39:24] [39:24] great idea, I look at it for the [39:26] four [39:26] four years as well, and when the [39:28] mayor [39:28] mayor or warden, I'll take the [39:31] [39:31] warden example, they will get one [39:33] one vote of their alternatives [39:34] [39:34] their, if they are both there, [39:35] elizabeth [39:35] elizabeth will be in tune with [39:36] [39:36] what's going on and have a [39:37] chance to speak to the item. [39:40] then the other positions we have [39:41] [39:41] failed because we don't have [39:44] necessarily skills in finance, [39:46] [39:46] legal, hr, those would be the [39:50] sorts of folks we would look at the [39:52] the governance table. [39:54] very much there is a need for expert [39:59] expert representation, that's [40:00] why we felt the secretary advisory [40:02] advisory committee would come [40:03] and play. [40:04] we would have two silos, so to [40:05] [40:05] speak,, the tourism and [40:08] economic. [40:08] they would be open to people [40:10] that are engaged and those [40:13] environments, and they will [40:15] funnel ideas, thoughts kirk [40:17] suggestions to leadership of both [40:19] both organizations and that [40:21] information will be shared to me [40:23] [40:23] and brought to the board. [40:25] the two secretary advisory [40:26] committees will not have [40:28] governance power, but more [40:30] importantly they will be [40:32] providing their time and expertise. [40:33] providing their time and expertise. [40:33] that is how we looked at [40:35] structuring the new governance [40:37] [40:37] model of the organization. >> [40:39] >> thank you so much, I am highly [40:42] highly supportive of this model, [40:44] [40:44] expertise will be around at the [40:46] table [40:46] table and you will have that [40:47] integration team going that will [40:49] [40:49] be a powerhouse, I'm happy to [40:51] see people there. [40:53] thank you. [40:54] >> councillor mcnamara? [40:56] >> thank you madam warden. [41:00] certainly, no real question here but [41:03] but a more comment, I think it [41:08] [41:08] is highly timed that we combined [41:11] both. [41:11] both. [41:11] I firmly believe that tourism is [41:14] [41:14] another pillar of economic [41:16] development, and when you start [41:18] [41:18] looking at the numbers, 5.16 million [41:23] 5.16 million visitors, and [41:25] spending over 800 million, and [41:27] [41:27] you look at 266 million in tax [41:31] [41:31] revenue, you are talking -- [41:33] those are big numbers. [41:36] and I really like the concept in [41:38] [41:38] terms of combining that into an [41:41] economic [41:41] economic development because as [41:43] [41:43] I stated earlier, it is a pillar [41:46] of economic [41:46] of economic development. [41:47] I really supported the fact that [41:49] [41:49] you are looking at a more broad based [41:52] based professional board, a [41:55] governance structure. [41:56] I think it is high time, I think [41:59] both [41:59] both organizations, you alluded [42:00] to [42:00] to the reason why it was more [42:03] involvement from the municipal [42:06] [42:06] representation, I firmly believe [42:09] over the [42:09] over the course of the years both [42:10] both organizations have matured [42:12] quite [42:12] quite nicely and have done [42:13] tremendous amount of work. [42:16] as they say, figures don't lie, [42:20] and [42:20] and you have proven obviously [42:21] time and time again. [42:24] on the map tax I firmly support [42:27] [42:27] that, I remember when I was [42:28] president of amo, my last term [42:31] was [42:31] was introduced as the provincial [42:34] government [42:34] government said, we would give [42:36] [42:36] you more tools in the toolbox to [42:38] [42:38] generate revenue. [42:39] and what people have to [42:40] understand is well, the revenue [42:43] [42:43] generated there from visitors coming [42:44] coming into the community, it's [42:46] not [42:46] not from our own property tax [42:48] owners and so forth. [42:50] ploughing those dollars back into [42:52] into promotion and other [42:54] programmes, it takes away the [42:55] pressure in terms of looking at [42:58] [42:58] additional rounds coming from [42:59] the property tax base. [43:01] I fully support that particular [43:05] [43:05] direction. [43:05] it makes a whole lot of sense. [43:08] [43:08] I think it's timely that you are [43:11] [43:11] here, looking at these [43:13] recommendations. [43:13] I think it is now time to move [43:20] [43:20] forward and professionalize [43:22] obviously the organization to [43:23] the next level. [43:25] because we're not competing just [43:28] [43:28] regionally or obviously the [43:31] province, this is rural class, [43:33] [43:33] and I were trying to attract [43:36] investment to the region on a [43:37] professional level, as well as [43:41] [43:41] bringing those revenues here, I [43:43] [43:43] think that would be critical. [43:45] I think the makeup of the board [43:49] [43:49] and using those resources that [43:51] [43:51] you already have, combining them [43:55] [43:55] under one roof in 2029 makes [43:57] great sense. [43:58] madam warden certainly the [44:00] proper time I would be ready to [44:01] [44:01] move the recommendation. >> [44:04] >> I will take note of that, [44:06] thank you. [44:07] councillors rogers? >> [44:08] >> thank you madam warden, [44:09] through you, appreciate this, seems [44:12] seems like we have seen a lot of [44:13] [44:13] you guys lately. [44:14] I will be straight to the point [44:16] [44:16] as I am good at, with two words [44:17] [44:17] at a point I would at me was [44:20] beyond and automotive. We [44:21] we all know the power and strength [44:22] strength we have in the tool of the [44:24] the automotive sector, but with [44:28] [44:28] windsor-essex here you know I will [44:29] will ask about that. [44:29] we have 3000 acres of under glass [44:34] glass and that attracts a lot of [44:36] [44:36] those medium sized businesses. [44:38] [44:38] maybe some conversations you [44:39] have moving forward, where did [44:41] [44:41] that invest windsor-essex is doing [44:43] doing looking to attract those [44:44] [44:44] businesses to the county? >> [44:47] >> through you warden, thank you [44:49] [44:49] very much. [44:50] we hear you, every time you do [44:52] [44:52] mention -- yes, we are certainly [44:54] [44:54] automotive and that is very much [44:56] [44:56] the backbone, so to speak, of [44:59] the area, at the end of the day there's [45:01] there's a number of different sectors [45:02] sectors we are looking at, [45:04] defence is another one [45:05] obviously, it is very hot right [45:07] [45:07] now, and we -- we hear you, and [45:12] [45:12] our investment attraction team [45:13] [45:13] is working diligently. >> [45:17] >> councillor akpata? >> [45:18] >> thank you madam warden, [45:19] through you to the team, truly [45:21] [45:21] just a comment. [45:21] had an opportunity to go to the [45:23] [45:23] opening of the gordie howe [45:24] bridge, the first time, and then [45:26] [45:26] the second time, which was [45:28] actually the realtime, I just want [45:29] want you to take back to the [45:31] staff you had on sandwich [45:32] street, watch how they engage american [45:34] american cyclists that came [45:35] over. [45:35] listened to some conversations [45:38] and [45:38] and eavesdropping kind of way [45:40] but just involved kind of way, [45:42] one of [45:42] one of the things I really [45:42] noticed was the engagement that [45:44] your [45:44] your folks had with the people [45:45] [45:45] who are visiting. [45:47] and it was for me, sitting beside [45:49] beside the small business owners [45:52] where [45:52] where the tourism stand was if [45:54] I can [45:54] can call it that, I watch how they [45:56] they interact with business [45:57] owners, and I watched how [45:59] business owners interact with the american [46:00] the american cyclists that came, [46:01] [46:01] and I just wanted to tell you please [46:03] please take it back. [46:05] wonderful. [46:05] it was a really great day, [46:10] especially -- I don't cycle but [46:11] to see [46:12] to see all these people cycling [46:13] and [46:13] and [46:13] and [46:13] and [46:13] to stop and talk to some of [46:15] our american visitors who cross [46:17] [46:17] that day on their [46:18] that day on their [46:18] that day on their [46:18] [46:18] [46:18] [46:18] bicycles, who [46:19] had never come over before, I [46:21] was there when they discussed -- [46:22] there is [46:22] there is a noodle factory across [46:24] the [46:24] the bridge we don't speak about [46:25] [46:25] it anymore, I was listening to the [46:26] the gentleman talk about the noodle [46:28] noodle factory with the owner of [46:30] [46:30] rockbottom, and just that entire [46:31] [46:31] engagement was done right beside [46:34] [46:34] your stand and your staff were [46:35] [46:35] engaged and it was wonderful. [46:37] please bring my comments back. [46:39] thank you. [46:41] >> councillor meloche? >> [46:43] >> thank you warden, through you, [46:44] you, I just want to say [46:45] thank you to your team and north [46:46] [46:46] guide, you guys worked very fast. [chuckling] in [46:49] guide, you guys worked very fast. [chuckling] in [46:49] guide, you guys worked very fast. [chuckling] in [46:49] in a very short period of time, [46:50] got a [46:50] got a lot of work done. [46:52] I appreciate the fact that you [46:54] [46:54] took our comments from both [46:55] wards to heart and presented us with something [46:57] with something that I think [46:58] everybody was very comfortable [46:59] [46:59] with moving forward, and that [47:01] was not an easy task. [47:02] I appreciated the three phases [47:04] [47:04] because I think this is a big [47:05] step for our organizations, and [47:07] [47:07] a great way to move forward. [47:09] I especially love that as of right [47:11] right now you are keeping the two [47:13] two brands because it is [47:13] something we were very [47:15] passionate about and did not [47:15] want to lose, people know the logo [47:18] logo and the brand, in west [47:20] windsor essex so that it was [47:22] important. [47:22] thank you again and your team and [47:25] and north guide because you guys [47:26] really [47:26] really listened to the members [47:28] of [47:28] of the board before you put this [47:30] [47:30] together, and I think you [47:32] presented something that is [47:34] really positive and will help [47:36] our region moving forward so [47:39] thank you. >> [47:39] >> thank you, anybody else? [47:42] in that case I am not going to [47:45] [47:45] -- sorry, I need to see hands a [47:48] [47:48] little higher if you don't mind. [47:49] little higher if you don't mind. [47:49] must be my eyesight, councillor [47:52] [47:52] bailey? [47:52] >> thank you for giving me a second [47:54] second chance, I wanted to say [47:58] I [47:58] hope you continue to reach out [47:59] [47:59] to local administration and [48:02] local mayors when you come into [48:03] our [48:03] our communities as well, in [48:06] particular because we are asking [48:07] [48:07] the province to you know consult [48:09] [48:09] with us and let us know before [48:10] [48:10] they do hydro connections and [48:12] some of those bigger things [48:13] happening. [48:13] we are up against changing [48:16] clients, data centres, and I [48:18] hate to find out backwards [48:20] right? [48:20] as these things happen in our community [48:22] community I hope the [48:23] collaboration with our [48:24] administration and council [48:26] continues so we know that these [48:28] [48:28] consultations or questions or things [48:30] things that are coming up we would like [48:31] would like to know about them. [48:33] [48:33] welcome you to continue that good [48:34] good collaboration and dialogue [48:35] [48:35] with us. >> [48:37] >> through you warden, to the [48:39] councillor, thank you very [48:40] much. [48:40] absolutely. [48:40] and I will also say we have a [48:44] regional tourism committee now, [48:45] [48:45] and regional economic [48:46] development committee. [48:47] a lot of them shared the same [48:49] hat, but we are going to keep [48:51] those folks from the [48:52] administrative teams certainly up [48:53] up to date, and you have my [48:55] commitment as much as you have [48:56] for [48:56] for the last 16 years of being [48:58] out [48:58] out to council at least once a [48:59] [48:59] year. [48:59] itis, we are there. >> [49:03] >> thank you. [49:05] I won't reread the entire [49:07] recommendation for council but [49:10] for the [49:10] for the recommendations county [49:11] [49:11] council, county of essex council [49:13] [49:13] approve the alignment [49:15] recommendations, and that is [49:16] moved by councillor mcnamara, [49:18] looking for a secondary? [49:20] councillor meloche. [49:21] any further comments or questions [49:23] questions in that regard? [49:25] will we vote electronically? [49:27] okay, we will vote [49:28] electronically please. [49:31] and that is a unanimous stamp of [49:47] [49:47] approval, well done. [49:48] well done. [49:49] looking forward to what is [49:51] next. [49:51] thank you and thank you to your team [49:54] team as well we appreciate all [49:55] of [49:55] of you puck moving on to [49:58] communications, there are 12 [50:00] pieces of correspondence listed [50:01] on [50:01] on the agenda this evening, one of which [50:03] of which council has already [50:05] received, any items of [50:07] correspondence that council [50:07] wishes to discuss further? [50:10] councillor bondy. >> [50:11] >> thank you warden macdonald, [50:13] [50:13] there are two items in particular [50:15] particular interest to myself, [50:16] I [50:16] will start with the easy one, [50:18] which is ten .1.8, I would like [50:22] [50:22] to pull that and see if there is [50:25] [50:25] a will from county council to [50:27] support it. [50:27] it is in regards to the public [50:30] [50:30] library operating branch, it [50:32] appears the branch has been frozen [50:34] frozen since the 90s and so we [50:36] [50:36] are stuck at the same value even [50:38] [50:38] though there is increases each [50:40] year. [50:40] year. [50:40] so it would be really nice to [50:42] see if the province would revisit [50:45] revisit funding that grant more, [50:47] which would [50:47] which would help us here locally [50:49] [50:49] so I would like to move that we [50:50] [50:50] endorse the resolution passed by [50:52] [50:52] the township of armour regarding [50:55] the [50:55] the sustainable ontario public [50:56] [50:56] library fund, and further [50:58] council directed staff to [51:01] support this letter and send it [51:05] to the [51:05] to the premier and perhaps also [51:06] [51:06] amo and federation of ontario [51:08] public libraries and perhaps the [51:11] [51:11] western wardens conference? [51:14] >> western ontario conference. [51:16] >> [51:16] >> yes, them. [51:18] if I could get a seconder I [51:19] would like to support that [51:20] please. [51:20] >> councillor bailey is the [51:23] seconder, any further comments [51:24] [51:24] or questions by anyone? [51:27] then I will ask all in favour? [51:30] [51:30] opposed? [51:30] and that is carried. [51:33] okay. [51:33] and there is another one? [51:37] >> yes thank you warden. [51:41] 10.1.9. [51:41] I was really happy to see this [51:46] [51:46] annual report from chc, it has [51:48] [51:48] some very good tidbits in there [51:50] but I [51:50] but I know they are investing [51:51] into their current stock in the [51:54] [51:54] county. [51:54] what I did notice is they do have [51:57] have some new builds, and none [52:00] of [52:00] of them happened to be in the county. [52:02] of them happened to be in the county. [52:02] so we do know the service [52:04] manager for housing was [52:05] scheduled to come to county [52:07] council on the 16th, and they [52:09] have now said they are not coming. [52:11] have now said they are not coming. [52:11] so I want to see all the work [52:13] they are doing, but I also think [52:16] it's [52:16] it's imperative for us as this [52:18] [52:18] current council to reach out to [52:19] [52:19] the service manager, city of [52:21] windsor because current council [52:22] [52:22] asked many questions. [52:23] we have not got any answers when [52:25] [52:25] it comes to housing. [52:27] on july 17th, I sent several [52:30] questions in as per the request [52:33] [52:33] to discuss with the service [52:35] manager in advance. [52:36] I am wondering if there is [52:39] support to have questions sent [52:41] to [52:41] to the service manager by writing [52:44] writing and have them write back [52:45] [52:45] to us. [52:47] I am looking to the warden and [52:49] [52:49] cao for advice. I [52:50] I would like to get it on record [52:52] that [52:52] that I want them to look into the [52:53] the ratio of how people go into [52:55] [52:55] housing, I want them to look [52:57] into what new builds are coming [52:58] [52:58] into essex county, what are the [53:00] [53:00] major investment projects coming [53:02] to [53:02] to the county, when social [53:04] housing reports go to city council [53:05] city council can we find them on [53:06] [53:06] our county council agenda, what [53:08] [53:08] is the distribution of housing [53:10] in [53:10] in the city versus the county, [53:11] and where [53:11] and where are the newest builds [53:13] [53:13] located, and what is the last [53:15] housing wait-list review, and [53:17] this is the one that is almost [53:19] [53:19] the most important -- what security [53:21] security measures are being put [53:22] [53:22] in place for county units that [53:25] are [53:25] are experiencing an increase in [53:27] [53:27] crime? [53:27] because people are getting put [53:30] [53:30] in housing units in the county [53:32] [53:32] without the proper supports, and [53:34] [53:34] I get messages every single day, [53:37] [53:37] almost every single hour, there [53:39] [53:39] is a crime posted on [53:41] social media into the [53:43] municipality of essex due to [53:44] people put in housing without [53:46] the proper support. [53:47] this discussion has been pushed [53:49] [53:49] and pushed, and it cannot wait [53:52] [53:52] until 2027 because this council [53:53] [53:53] has been asking residents [53:55] experiencing crime daily, because of [53:57] because of a lack of support [53:57] from the service manager at the [53:59] [53:59] city of windsor, we cannot [54:01] wait. [54:01] I seek the advice from the cao [54:03] and [54:03] and warden on what can be done [54:04] in [54:04] in the current term of council [54:06] [54:06] to address the housing issues we [54:09] have [54:09] have from the failed action from [54:10] [54:10] the city of windsor service [54:12] manager. >> [54:13] >> three warden to county [54:14] council, so I would have no issue [54:18] issue taking your questions and [54:19] [54:19] thank you councillor bondy for [54:20] [54:20] forwarding them, kind of like a [54:22] [54:22] last call for the rush to the [54:23] group if you have other questions [54:25] questions you would like to [54:26] include, then I kind of put them [54:28] together [54:28] together and we can send them in [54:30] [54:30] writing to the city, and request [54:33] they [54:33] they respond in writing. [54:35] we can do that out of this [54:37] meeting. [54:37] just a comment about your [54:39] reference to crime and things [54:42] happening, really a reminder to [54:44] [54:44] the public that if crimes are [54:46] being committed, posting them on [54:48] [54:48] social media has no effect. [54:50] please contact the proper [54:52] authorities, call 911, call the [54:55] [54:55] police, to make sure those items [54:57] [54:57] are addressed, using [55:00] social media as another [55:02] channel. [55:02] not quite frankly is sending [55:05] them to us to put in writing to [55:07] [55:07] the city. [55:07] those are serious issues and [55:09] let's respond accordingly, but [55:11] [55:11] we can certainly put together a [55:13] [55:13] written package and in [55:14] collaboration with our social [55:17] manager and director of [55:20] community services we can send [55:21] [55:21] that to the city for a [55:23] response. >> [55:24] >> thank you, through you warden [55:25] [55:25] macdonald, I want to thank our [55:27] [55:27] ceo for taking the questions, that [55:29] that is greater. [55:30] I will continue to relay the [55:31] message to residents to call [55:33] police, many times they do call [55:34] [55:34] police, the police do what they [55:36] [55:36] can, the people go in jail and then [55:38] then they get let back out [55:39] because of the court system. [55:41] so the court system is failing [55:43] [55:43] our residents. [55:44] and I also get calls on the [55:46] amount of calls per service and [55:47] [55:47] our social housing, and it is through [55:50] through the roof. [55:51] from an opp calls per service [55:52] because we get billed calls per [55:55] [55:55] service, we want people to call [55:56] [55:56] the police but right now we are [55:58] reactive, [55:58] reactive, we are not proactive [56:00] [56:00] in serving the needs of our community [56:02] community because the system [56:03] that the city of windsor service [56:05] [56:05] manager has in place for how [56:06] people go in housing, is failing [56:09] [56:09] all of us. [56:10] acid three or four times and I [56:11] will [56:11] will say it again, I encourage [56:13] county [56:13] county councillors to also [56:15] submit questions, I will go through [56:17] through the list more, but [56:18] something has to change and it [56:20] [56:20] cannot keep waiting. >> [56:24] >> thank you. [56:25] any other correspondence you [56:27] want to pull out? [56:29] deputy mayor? [56:30] sorry, deputy warden? [56:32] >> thank you, through you [56:34] warden, a question I would like [56:35] to [56:35] to pull out, 10.1.5 and perhaps 10.1.3 [56:44] 10.1.3 I know we have the general [56:45] general manager of the windsor [56:46] [56:46] essex conservation authority [56:48] here, on the correspondence it [56:50] [56:50] gives timelines to be able to provide [56:52] provide input I believe, [56:54] september 14th, regarding the [56:56] western lake erie and transition [56:58] board [56:58] board that is being formed. [57:00] just if we can ask mr. Burney to [57:02] come [57:02] come up, I do have some questions [57:04] questions for him regarding this [57:06] [57:06] correspondence. >> sounds [57:07] >> sounds good to me, tim do you [57:09] [57:09] mind coming up? [57:12] there is a five minute rule, [57:19] just throwing that out there. [57:20] [laughter] [57:20] you know before the end of the [57:22] term I [57:22] term I had to do that. [57:25] >> thank you. [57:27] I would just like to start out, [57:28] [57:28] I know that you have some [57:32] concerns of being a board member [57:34] on [57:34] on the windsor essex [57:35] conservation authority for many [57:36] [57:36] years, I see the work that is [57:39] done and now with the transition [57:41] team [57:41] team that we see, in the other [57:43] [57:43] correspondence with yourself and [57:45] [57:45] the chair, what is going to [57:49] happen to things that we have in [57:52] [57:52] place? [57:52] are we able to provide input -- [57:55] [57:55] the impact that our conservation [57:57] [57:57] authority will have? [57:58] my concern is in terms of [58:00] affordability, who is going to [58:02] [58:02] control the levy? [58:04] obviously the new board, and [58:05] have you seen any numbers going [58:08] [58:08] into the future, what that may [58:11] [58:11] entail? [58:11] because in terms of our region [58:13] [58:13] here, essex region conservation [58:16] [58:16] authority, we have been running [58:17] [58:17] a lean machine in terms of making [58:19] making sure our local [58:21] municipalities come budget times [58:24] [58:24] here -- what do you foresee, what [58:25] what are you hearing? [58:27] that is kind of a question, in [58:29] [58:29] terms of the two correspondence [58:30] I would [58:30] I would like to make sure we [58:31] have the proper input. [58:34] >> thank you, through you [58:36] warden. [58:36] we have received some [58:38] information recently with [58:40] respect to the potential for [58:44] levy portion in a result of the [58:46] [58:46] redistribution, as the [58:48] contributions always prided [58:50] themselves of being one of the [58:51] [58:51] lowest, one-third of the 36 [58:54] conservation authorities for [58:56] levy portions. [58:57] that has been kept low, we have applied [58:59] applied for a senior level [59:01] grant, ngo grants to support a [59:03] [59:03] programmes and the operations of this [59:08] this organization. [59:08] at the moment the conservation [59:11] [59:11] authorities levy apportioned on [59:14] [59:14] operations is $18.58 per $300,000 household [59:21] $300,000 household based on the [59:23] [59:23] modified evaluated assessment. [59:26] [59:26] our nearest neighbour, levy [59:29] again is $300,000 assessment, [59:32] value is $32 per household. [59:35] the other predecessor [59:39] conservation authorities and the [59:41] new [59:41] new amalgamated group we [59:42] referred to as [unclear] will be [59:46] [59:46] forcedwill be forced to operate [59:49] to with [59:50] an average levy apportionment [59:51] that operate will be a [59:53] that operate will be a [59:53] that operate will be a [59:53] [59:53] [59:53] [59:53] [59:53] [59:53] [59:53] [59:53] significant [59:54] increase from what erca has been [59:56] [59:56] able to offer the city of [59:59] windsor and other municipalities [1:00:01] of [1:00:01] of the county. [1:00:02] at this point in time, we are [1:00:05] anticipating over a $1 million [1:00:08] [1:00:08] levy increase, just as a result [1:00:12] of the [1:00:12] of the redistribution going from [1:00:16] [1:00:16] local appointment to a more [1:00:19] blended, regional level. [1:00:20] so windsor essex can be looking [1:00:23] [1:00:23] at, without any budgetary [1:00:25] increase and anything else, a [1:00:27] redistribution of apportionment [1:00:29] [1:00:29] increase and a levy by a million [1:00:31] [1:00:31] dollars. [1:00:31] >> and that is why I want to [1:00:36] raise this point. [1:00:38] if this council is open to it, [1:00:41] just [1:00:41] just send a letter to a local [1:00:44] mpp who told us that this is a [1:00:46] [1:00:46] good thing. [1:00:47] it is just redistributing, it is [1:00:50] [1:00:50] making everybody stronger. [1:00:51] there are no changes. [1:00:54] but when these changes impact local [1:00:56] local municipalities in terms of [1:00:58] [1:00:58] their tax levy, and we heard it [1:00:59] [1:00:59] here with these changes, these [1:01:01] [1:01:01] are huge numbers. [1:01:03] and I would like, perhaps, a response [1:01:06] response on how this is good [1:01:08] moving forward. [1:01:08] this whole restructuring, where [1:01:10] [1:01:10] it is costing our local [1:01:11] taxpayers money in the end. [1:01:13] so I don't know if we can send [1:01:15] a [1:01:15] letter, but I would like a [1:01:16] response from our local mpps on [1:01:18] [1:01:18] this, thank you. [1:01:21] >> I will support that letter. [1:01:27] [1:01:27] >> that was my question. [1:01:28] so you want to make the motion [1:01:30] [1:01:30] that we send a letter to our [1:01:32] local mpps in regards to the [1:01:34] conservation authority? [1:01:36] >> if you don't mind. [1:01:37] through you warden, if they can [1:01:40] [1:01:40] draft the letter, I trust the [1:01:42] contents as basically the legend [1:01:44] is [1:01:44] is how this is good to justify [1:01:48] [1:01:48] the million, correct. [1:01:49] thank you councillor. [1:01:51] >> it has been moved by deputy [1:01:53] [1:01:53] warden and seconded by [1:01:55] councillor bondy, all in favour [1:01:56] of [1:01:56] of sending a letter? [1:01:58] opposed? [1:01:58] and that's carried. [1:02:00] thank you. [1:02:01] tim, thank you. [1:02:04] any other correspondence anyone [1:02:06] [1:02:06] wants to pull out? [1:02:09] seeing none, there is a [1:02:11] recommendation that the correspondence [1:02:12] correspondence listed on the [1:02:13] regular agenda be received and [1:02:15] [1:02:15] any noted action approved. [1:02:18] moved by councillor verbeke, [1:02:21] seconded by councillor gibb. [1:02:22] all in favour by show of hands? [1:02:25] [1:02:25] opposed? [1:02:25] that is carried, thank you. [1:02:29] no resolutions this evening. [1:02:31] on consent agenda there are three [1:02:33] three items listed. [1:02:34] they are amendments of the essex [1:02:37] [1:02:37] windsor solid waste authority [1:02:38] board meeting. [1:02:39] minutes of the windsor essex community [1:02:41] community safety and well-being [1:02:43] advisory [1:02:43] advisory committee and [1:02:44] outstanding matters report for [1:02:46] [1:02:46] september second. [1:02:47] any questions for administration [1:02:48] on [1:02:48] on the matters listed on [1:02:50] consent? [1:02:50] seeing none, then the [1:02:53] recommendation is that the [1:02:54] minutes presented as items 11.1 [1:02:57] [1:02:57] and 11.2 and the administrative [1:03:00] report [1:03:00] report listed as item 11.3 on [1:03:01] the consent agenda be received [1:03:03] as [1:03:03] as information. [1:03:05] moved by councillor mcnamara [1:03:06] and seconded by councillor [1:03:08] shepley. [1:03:08] any discussion on the motion? [1:03:12] I will ask you to vote [1:03:13] electronically, please. [1:03:17] and that is carried, thank you. [1:03:30] [1:03:30] we are on to reports and [1:03:32] questions. [1:03:32] the first report is the regional [1:03:35] [1:03:35] planning framework for [1:03:36] artificial intelligence and high [1:03:39] [1:03:39] density data centres. [1:03:40] for that report we have rebecca, [1:03:44] [1:03:44] manager of planning. [1:03:46] rebecca? [1:03:46] over to you. [1:03:52] >> thank you warden, [1:03:56] good evening. [1:03:56] the report to county council this [1:03:58] this evening is provided in [1:03:59] response to the notice of motion [1:04:02] directing [1:04:02] directing administration to [1:04:03] report back with the scope of [1:04:05] work and resource requirements [1:04:07] [1:04:07] needed to study the land use [1:04:09] planning policies related to ai [1:04:10] [1:04:10] data centres. [1:04:11] should council direct [1:04:13] administration to advance this [1:04:15] [1:04:15] regional study, the rfp can be ready [1:04:18] ready to be completed by the end [1:04:19] [1:04:19] of september, with a draft report [1:04:21] report addressing ai data centres [1:04:23] centres planned to be ready [1:04:24] during the first quarter of 2027. [1:04:27] during the first quarter of 2027. [1:04:27] due to the significant workload [1:04:29] [1:04:29] already in the planning department, [1:04:31] department, it is recommended [1:04:32] that a contract be pursued for the [1:04:35] the specialized consultant [1:04:37] services and that this perceived procurement [1:04:40] procurement with a maximum upset [1:04:41] [1:04:41] limit of 150,000 to be funded through [1:04:44] through the county's rate [1:04:45] stabilization reserve. [1:04:47] the report also summarizes the [1:04:50] complex [1:04:50] complex jurisdictional overlap [1:04:51] and [1:04:51] and addressing the approval process [1:04:54] process relating to large scale [1:04:55] [1:04:55] ai data centres with the [1:04:58] identification that the county [1:04:59] s [1:04:59] rule is actually quite limited [1:05:03] . [1:05:03] at the time that the report was [1:05:06] under [1:05:06] under preparation, the province [1:05:08] [1:05:08] then released the draft [1:05:09] data center playbook on the [1:05:11] environmental registry, seeking [1:05:13] [1:05:13] feedback with a deadline [1:05:15] of september 12th. [1:05:17] as noted in the report, the [1:05:20] playbook is specifically a grid [1:05:22] [1:05:22] connection framework that [1:05:24] outlines how the province will [1:05:25] [1:05:25] make grid connection decisions. [1:05:28] [1:05:28] it contains specific guidance, [1:05:31] criteria [1:05:31] criteria that must be met with [1:05:33] [1:05:33] new ai data centres to be [1:05:36] approved for connection to the [1:05:37] [1:05:37] electricity grid. [1:05:40] only proposals that meet the [1:05:42] strategic priority assessment [1:05:43] pillars will be considered for [1:05:45] [1:05:45] approval. [1:05:45] the final version of the [1:05:47] playbook is intended to be [1:05:49] available by the end of this [1:05:51] year. [1:05:51] pending county council's [1:05:54] directions this evening, a response [1:05:56] response will be prepared [1:05:58] addressing the recommended [1:05:59] comments in the report. [1:06:03] and this response on the [1:06:04] playbook would be sent seeking [1:06:07] [1:06:07] further advocacy. [1:06:08] the proposed correspondence also [1:06:11] formally [1:06:11] formally recommends a trilateral [1:06:14] and [1:06:14] and collaborative technical [1:06:16] siting strategy. [1:06:18] this concludes my comments on [1:06:20] the report, but I would be [1:06:21] pleased to answer any questions [1:06:23] [1:06:23] of county council. >> [1:06:24] >> thank you rebecca. [1:06:25] comments, questions? Councillor [1:06:28] councillor waldstedt, we will [1:06:29] start with you. >> [1:06:30] >> thank you madam warden. [1:06:31] I read the report in detail. [1:06:34] I really don't see the advantage [1:06:35] of [1:06:35] of the county spending $150,000 [1:06:38] [1:06:38] on a report or 90 to $150,000. [1:06:43] [1:06:43] and you mentioned the county's [1:06:45] [1:06:45] jurisdiction is somewhat [1:06:47] limited. [1:06:47] so I think this type of issue [1:06:49] needs to be left up to the [1:06:50] individual municipalities. [1:06:51] I know lakeshore has already [1:06:54] taken some action with a bylaw [1:07:00] [1:07:00] to delay -- I. Forget exactly what the [1:07:03] what the terminology is. [1:07:04] to delay it for a year. [1:07:05] and then it can be extended [1:07:07] another year. [1:07:08] that motion is already on the [1:07:09] floor at lakeshore. [1:07:11] so I really don't see the necessity [1:07:13] necessity or the need for the [1:07:15] county to spend that kind of money [1:07:18] money in a rushed manner. [1:07:21] I'm sure the report would be [1:07:23] done properly, but I just don't [1:07:25] [1:07:25] see the benefit of spending 90 up [1:07:29] up to $150,000 for something [1:07:30] that will be, in this case, will [1:07:33] [1:07:33] be and should be left at the [1:07:35] local level, thank you. [1:07:38] >> anyone else? [1:07:41] councillor shepley? [1:07:43] >> through you madam warden. [1:07:45] my understanding is the study that [1:07:46] that we are going to have to do, [1:07:49] you [1:07:49] you will be looking at it from [1:07:50] a [1:07:50] lens of our municipal for us, [1:07:54] not just broadly at the county [1:07:55] [1:07:55] level, we looked at it at what [1:07:57] [1:07:57] will be beneficial to all the [1:07:59] municipalities of the area, [1:08:01] correct? [1:08:01] >> through you warden, that is [1:08:04] [1:08:04] correct. [1:08:04] the intent of the study will [1:08:06] look at the county official [1:08:07] plan, local official plans, the [1:08:11] [1:08:11] specifics of your zoning bylaws, [1:08:13] [1:08:13] your site plan control bylaw and [1:08:16] even [1:08:16] even recommendations relating to [1:08:19] [1:08:19] other local bylaws. [1:08:22] there may be -- this is such a [1:08:25] [1:08:25] specific land use and the [1:08:26] implications associated with this [1:08:28] this land use are something we [1:08:29] [1:08:29] have never contemplated before. [1:08:32] [1:08:32] so there may also be [1:08:34] recommendations for other local [1:08:37] [1:08:37] bylaws, updates to your bylaws. [1:08:40] >> thank you. [1:08:40] >> thank you. [1:08:40] further to that, I initially was [1:08:41] of [1:08:41] of the same opinion that broadly [1:08:43] [1:08:43] the county wouldn't be able to [1:08:45] [1:08:45] do a whole lot if they looked at [1:08:48] it [1:08:48] it just from the county lens. [1:08:50] but I can support it on that and [1:08:53] at [1:08:53] at the same time, we will still [1:08:55] be [1:08:55] be submitting those questions in [1:08:58] our [1:08:58] our positions to the province for [1:08:59] for the 12th, -- correct? [1:09:02] >> through you warden, that is [1:09:04] [1:09:04] correct. [1:09:04] we would be putting together the [1:09:06] [1:09:06] scope of work for the rfp for [1:09:08] the regional study. [1:09:10] at the same time, the drive [1:09:13] letter, should we be directed [1:09:14] this evening to advance the [1:09:16] letter, it will be finalized [1:09:19] under the warden's signature and [1:09:20] [1:09:20] sent to amo for advocacy. [1:09:23] there is a deadline [1:09:25] of september 12th and it was [1:09:27] identified that the playbook is [1:09:29] intended [1:09:29] intended to be completed and finalized by [1:09:32] finalized by the end of this [1:09:33] year. [1:09:33] so the sooner that letter goes [1:09:35] [1:09:35] in, the sooner there is [1:09:37] opportunity for consideration of those [1:09:38] those comments that are listed [1:09:40] in [1:09:40] in the report. [1:09:42] as well as noted in the report, [1:09:44] [1:09:44] we are, in addition to what is [1:09:46] [1:09:46] recommended in the playbook, [1:09:48] recommending consideration of a [1:09:50] [1:09:50] trilateral strategy as well. [1:09:54] >> councillor deyong? [1:09:58] >> thank you warden. [1:09:58] I want to thank rebecca for the [1:10:00] [1:10:00] report. [1:10:00] I know there is probably more in [1:10:02] [1:10:02] it than we started with because the [1:10:04] the playbook came out right in [1:10:05] [1:10:05] the middle of our discussion. [1:10:07] I definitely agree with the study's [1:10:09] study's scope, I think you have [1:10:11] [1:10:11] hit just everything in there and [1:10:13] [1:10:13] it shows how little is actually [1:10:14] known [1:10:14] known about this, that we need [1:10:17] this [1:10:17] this information and it is not [1:10:19] [1:10:19] easily attained right now. [1:10:21] and I appreciate the feedback letter [1:10:23] letter and just want to highlight [1:10:24] highlight that I think the most [1:10:25] [1:10:25] important point is the [1:10:27] municipalities must be offered [1:10:28] a first [1:10:29] first right of refusal prior to [1:10:30] [1:10:30] the province approving any grid [1:10:31] [1:10:31] connections for this industry. [1:10:35] [1:10:35] with respect to whether the idea [1:10:38] [1:10:38] is we should start now or wait, [1:10:40] I think [1:10:40] I think that is the discussion [1:10:41] now. [1:10:41] now. [1:10:41] whether it makes sense to wait [1:10:43] [1:10:43] until the playbook comes out and [1:10:44] [1:10:44] figure out what municipalities [1:10:46] [1:10:46] can do, or start the study and [1:10:52] have [1:10:52] have something in our back [1:10:53] pockets before this may become [1:10:55] something [1:10:55] something that we now have to [1:10:56] fight against. [1:10:57] and I thought about that since [1:10:59] [1:10:59] reading the report and I think [1:11:02] [1:11:02] we are kind of in a bit of a fortunate [1:11:04] fortunate situation that we can [1:11:05] [1:11:05] get a little bit ahead of it. [1:11:06] the province hasn't decided exactly [1:11:08] exactly what they will do yet. [1:11:09] we can get comments and start the [1:11:11] the study and then when we are [1:11:13] [1:11:13] ready to assert something, we will [1:11:15] will actually know what it is we [1:11:16] need [1:11:16] need to assert. [1:11:17] and right now we don't. [1:11:18] and in terms of each [1:11:20] municipality doing their own [1:11:21] thing, anyone who wants to put [1:11:22] [1:11:22] in an interim control bylaw, which [1:11:25] which some may want to do that, [1:11:26] that [1:11:26] that requires a study. [1:11:27] you cannot put an interim [1:11:29] control bylaw without a study. [1:11:31] [1:11:31] so I think the fact that the county [1:11:32] county can do that on behalf of [1:11:34] [1:11:34] everyone makes sense to me. [1:11:36] so I do appreciate your work here [1:11:38] here and I will support the [1:11:39] recommendation that we go [1:11:41] forward. [1:11:41] thank you. [1:11:43] >> councillor prue? [1:11:46] >> on a similar vein, I want to [1:11:48] [1:11:48] make sure that whatever company [1:11:49] we [1:11:49] we hire to do this study, they [1:11:51] [1:11:51] will do the study on behalf of the [1:11:53] the whole county. [1:11:55] and then they will make [1:11:57] recommendations to the [1:11:58] municipalities. [1:11:58] or if the municipalities are [1:12:01] involved later on in having some [1:12:04] [1:12:04] corporation say they want ai, [1:12:06] will that same group be able to [1:12:08] [1:12:08] advise the county through your [1:12:13] [1:12:13] office and have that transfer to [1:12:14] [1:12:14] any of the municipalities so that [1:12:16] that they can prepare their [1:12:17] bylaws? [1:12:17] I just want to make sure, because [1:12:20] because if that is the thing, [1:12:21] this is essential. [1:12:24] >> through you warden, the [1:12:26] intent of the scope of work is [1:12:28] [1:12:28] to get into the weeds of looking [1:12:29] [1:12:29] at your official plans, your [1:12:32] zoning bylaws. [1:12:33] you are going to look at your [1:12:35] weather municipal bylaws and see [1:12:37] [1:12:37] how they could be updated and be [1:12:41] a [1:12:41] a resource at such a time that [1:12:43] a [1:12:43] data center comes forward, that [1:12:44] [1:12:44] you are already ready for it. [1:12:46] coming out of this study, there [1:12:48] [1:12:48] will be implementation that will [1:12:50] need [1:12:50] need to happen at the local [1:12:52] level. [1:12:52] if there are recommendations [1:12:55] coming out of this that the [1:12:58] zoning bylaw very likely needs [1:13:00] [1:13:00] some updates, the local planning [1:13:02] [1:13:02] department will then have to go [1:13:05] [1:13:05] away and run a form of a zoning [1:13:07] [1:13:07] bylaw amendment, possibly an [1:13:09] official plan amendment, updates [1:13:11] to [1:13:11] to the site plan control bylaws [1:13:13] [1:13:13] as some examples. [1:13:14] so there will be local [1:13:15] implementation when we are doing [1:13:17] [1:13:17] this study. [1:13:18] >> I just want to make sure that [1:13:20] the [1:13:20] the whole thing that the local [1:13:21] [1:13:21] does will be predicated on what [1:13:23] [1:13:23] the county has said and what has [1:13:27] been [1:13:27] been recommended. [1:13:28] >> through you, warden, I have [1:13:31] [1:13:31] already talked to the municipal [1:13:33] planners, [1:13:33] planners, they are fully informed. [1:13:35] planners, they are fully informed. [1:13:35] I met with them last week. [1:13:37] they will be a part of the [1:13:39] planning steering committee, they [1:13:40] they have already received the [1:13:42] report that [1:13:42] report that is in front [1:13:43] of county council this evening. [1:13:45] [1:13:45] they will be at the table all [1:13:46] the way throughout the process. [1:13:49] [1:13:49] >> I thank you very much. [1:13:50] then I will support the report [1:13:52] [1:13:52] as well. [1:13:54] >> councillor bailey? [1:13:56] >> thank you warden, through [1:13:58] you, I was very thrilled with [1:13:59] the report. [1:14:00] and in particular some of the advocacy [1:14:02] advocacy that will be able to go [1:14:03] in. [1:14:03] in. [1:14:03] in particular, related to the grid [1:14:05] grid connections. [1:14:06] because we see these things [1:14:07] happen in the community all the [1:14:09] time. [1:14:09] time. [1:14:09] I was really happy about that. [1:14:13] [1:14:13] councillor deyong, you took most [1:14:14] of [1:14:14] of what I was going to say [1:14:16] because I also had in my notes [1:14:17] the [1:14:17] the things that you stated, I won't [1:14:19] won't state those things again. [1:14:21] [1:14:21] I am highly supportive of the [1:14:23] report pending, in fact [1:14:24] lakeshore did table a motion for [1:14:26] [1:14:26] the interim control bylaw and will [1:14:29] will proceed through that process [1:14:30] process and into the [1:14:31] moratorium. And [1:14:31] and it is pending the [1:14:34] collaboration with the county in the [1:14:36] the development and [1:14:37] implementation of this report, [1:14:38] [1:14:38] thank you for that. [1:14:41] >> councillor mcnamara? [1:14:44] >> thank you madam warden. [1:14:47] one of the concerns that I have [1:14:48] [1:14:48] as well is that -- and you [1:14:51] alluded to councillor deyong, [1:14:55] you said at amo, when the [1:14:57] premier was speaking and this was [1:14:59] was part of his speech, talked [1:15:02] [1:15:02] about data centres and so [1:15:04] forth. [1:15:04] and it didn't give me a lot of [1:15:07] [1:15:07] confidence in terms of the [1:15:09] direction that the province is [1:15:11] [1:15:11] going. [1:15:11] and I think this is a critical [1:15:13] [1:15:13] stage for us, because this is [1:15:15] new, as you alluded to. [1:15:19] and we have to find some sort of [1:15:25] [1:15:25] baseline for all municipalities [1:15:26] in [1:15:26] in the region because you certainly don't [1:15:28] certainly don't want to be [1:15:28] pitting one against the other when [1:15:30] when they are trying to find [1:15:34] areas of, in their mind, where [1:15:37] [1:15:37] they should be placed and so [1:15:39] forth, to have some sort of a standard [1:15:42] standard bylaw or rules of [1:15:43] engagement, known exactly in [1:15:46] terms of the power requirements, [1:15:48] [1:15:48] water and everything that goes [1:15:51] [1:15:51] into the requirements of data centres. [1:15:53] into the requirements of data centres. [1:15:53] at least there's a standard [1:15:55] within our region and so forth. [1:15:57] I think it buys us a bit of [1:15:58] time, because obviously the [1:16:02] province -- would be interested [1:16:03] [1:16:03] enough to see what the province [1:16:05] [1:16:05] has come down in terms of [1:16:07] regulations that they are [1:16:09] proposing. [1:16:09] but there really was no real [1:16:13] direction. [1:16:13] it was well, we can go this way [1:16:16] or we [1:16:16] or we can go that way. [1:16:19] and so it didn't send a comfort [1:16:21] level [1:16:21] level in terms of a lot of the [1:16:24] [1:16:24] municipal delegates that were [1:16:25] sitting in the room. [1:16:26] so I think I will be supporting, [1:16:28] [1:16:28] obviously, the recommendation. [1:16:30] [1:16:30] because it does make sense. [1:16:32] it gives us time and to put something [1:16:33] something that I think is critical [1:16:35] critical that all municipalities [1:16:38] [1:16:38] will at least have a great template [1:16:40] template in terms of what we [1:16:41] should and shouldn't do. [1:16:44] >> and we will be sharing the [1:16:47] cost of that study as well, [1:16:49] amongst the seven of us. [1:16:51] councillor akpata? [1:16:52] >> thank you madam warden and [1:16:53] through you. I [1:16:54] I had a question from a resident [1:16:56] [1:16:56] who read this and loved it. [1:16:57] they said kudos to you and some [1:17:00] [1:17:00] very nice things. [1:17:01] the question is, from start to [1:17:03] [1:17:03] finish -- and you may not be able to [1:17:04] able to answer this because I didn't [1:17:05] didn't want to jump into it. [1:17:07] if, for some reason, the [1:17:08] legislation changes and these [1:17:11] things are mandated, they said [1:17:14] [1:17:14] you shall. [1:17:14] what happens to what we are [1:17:15] working on? That [1:17:16] that is a question they asked me [1:17:20]  me. [1:17:20]  me. [1:17:20] >> through you warden, I hate to [1:17:24] [1:17:24] say this, we will have to see. [1:17:26] [1:17:26] this will be helpful [1:17:28] information, no matter what. [1:17:30] hopefully useful information. [1:17:32] however, if it comes down that [1:17:35] [1:17:35] they are mandated, we will have [1:17:36] to [1:17:36] to consider our options at that [1:17:39] point. [1:17:39] point. [1:17:39] but presently our documents or [1:17:43] [1:17:43] official plans and zoning bylaws [1:17:44] don't [1:17:44] don't address them at all. [1:17:47] because we have never [1:17:48] complicated something like [1:17:50] this. [1:17:50] so no matter what cactus is helpful [1:17:53] helpful information for us. [1:17:55] but we will have to see what [1:17:56] approach we take if they come [1:17:57] down in the mandate. [1:18:00] >> and supplemental, madam [1:18:02] warden, the group that contacted [1:18:06] do [1:18:06] do not want them. [1:18:08] they want to make sure that as [1:18:11] [1:18:11] was described, a travelling road [1:18:12] [1:18:12] show going throughout the county [1:18:13] [1:18:13] so that folks would be able to [1:18:15] [1:18:15] travel within their own [1:18:16] municipality or others to bring [1:18:19] forth [1:18:19] forth directly to the [1:18:19] consultants. [1:18:19] and again, not knowing just want to [1:18:23] to make sure that is something [1:18:24] [1:18:24] that the public would be invited [1:18:26] across [1:18:26] across municipalities to bring [1:18:27] [1:18:27] forth comments and attend. [1:18:28] and I want to make sure I don't [1:18:30] [1:18:30] want to speak on behalf of you. [1:18:33] [1:18:33] >> thank you warden. [1:18:35] addressing comments and [1:18:37] concerns, the comments that we [1:18:38] [1:18:38] will be submitting back on the [1:18:41] [1:18:41] playbook factor around and look [1:18:44] [1:18:44] at building monitoring, ensuring [1:18:48] [1:18:48] there is protections for [1:18:50] municipalities and community [1:18:54] benefits. [1:18:54] so a lot of the clarifications [1:18:55] [1:18:55] that will be addressed back in [1:18:58] [1:18:58] the response back to the [1:19:01] province, just seek greater [1:19:04] clarification on that. [1:19:07] the study that we are about to [1:19:09] [1:19:09] initiate does involve [1:19:10] significant public [1:19:11] consultation. [1:19:11] they will be invited all the way [1:19:13] [1:19:13] along as part of this process. [1:19:16] [1:19:16] as well, one of the [1:19:18] recommendations in response to [1:19:20] [1:19:20] the playbook is proponents of [1:19:23] data centres also go through a public [1:19:25] public engagement process of [1:19:27] their own. [1:19:29] so they -- this is one of the [1:19:31] recommendations we will put forward. [1:19:33] recommendations we will put forward. [1:19:33] they are required to also host [1:19:34] [1:19:34] public meetings prior to any [1:19:36] commitments for data centres and [1:19:37] [1:19:37] communities. [1:19:37] >> thank you madam warden. [1:19:41] it was obvious to me but I didn't [1:19:42] didn't want to speak without [1:19:43] speaking to you first, thank you [1:19:45] [1:19:45] madam warden. [1:19:47] >> councillor gibb? [1:19:48] >> thank you madam warden, [1:19:49] through you. [1:19:51] there are times where several [1:19:53] individual municipalities and there [1:19:55] there are times where we are one county. [1:19:56] there are times where we are one county. [1:19:56] this is one of those times where [1:19:58] we [1:19:58] we are one county. [1:20:00] you know, the federal government [1:20:02] [1:20:02] is moving extremely fast on [1:20:05] certain projects. [1:20:06] the provincial government, from the [1:20:10] the way it sounds in the report, [1:20:11] I [1:20:11] I will use the term it sounds [1:20:12] like they are flying by the seat [1:20:14] of [1:20:14] of their pants with this [1:20:16] playbook. [1:20:16] there are so many times we sit [1:20:19] [1:20:19] around this horseshoe and we [1:20:21] react to things. [1:20:22] I think this is an excellent [1:20:24] opportunity to be proactive and say [1:20:26] say to our residents, you know [1:20:28] what? [1:20:28] what? [1:20:28] we hear you, we need to find out [1:20:30] [1:20:30] answers as well. [1:20:33] I think this is money well [1:20:34] spent, it makes no sense to have [1:20:37] seven [1:20:37] seven municipalities spent $750,000 when [1:20:38] $750,000 when we can do this for [1:20:40] [1:20:40] everyone. [1:20:40] so I am absolutely supportive of [1:20:43] [1:20:43] this, I think it is proactive [1:20:45] governance and I hope that it [1:20:47] passes tonight. [1:20:50] >> anyone else? Councillor [1:20:52] councillor waldstedt? [1:20:53] >> thank you madam warden. [1:20:54] maybe I'm reading this wrong, my concern [1:20:56] concern is that at the end of the [1:20:57] the day, I haven't spoken to [1:21:00] anyone in lakeshore and a lot of [1:21:02] [1:21:02] municipalities. [1:21:02] it's just a blanket no. [1:21:04] my concern is that we spend the [1:21:07] money [1:21:07] money on this report and $150,000 [1:21:11] $150,000 is $150,000. [1:21:12] but at the end of the day, if one of the [1:21:16] one of the conclusions possibly at [1:21:18] at the end of the report, these are [1:21:19] are all the negative things that [1:21:22] [1:21:22] is wrong with these and that we [1:21:23] [1:21:23] don't like. [1:21:24] which we already know, most of [1:21:29] us. [1:21:29] us. [1:21:29] my concern is if there will be some [1:21:30] some kind of reference in there [1:21:32] [1:21:32] that, well, there is a lot wrong [1:21:34] [1:21:34] with these but this municipality [1:21:38] [1:21:38] has better land suited for it [1:21:40] than this municipality, [1:21:42] therefore maybe lakeshore is a better [1:21:43] better fit than say lasalle or [1:21:44] [1:21:44] amherstburg or something like that. [1:21:46] amherstburg or something like that. [1:21:46] I don't want to pay $150,000 for [1:21:48] [1:21:48] that. [1:21:48] because unequivocally, I want to [1:21:53] [1:21:53] say no, we don't want them. [1:21:54] end of this report is going to [1:21:59] [1:21:59] substantiate and confirm what the [1:22:02] the gentleman at the last [1:22:04] meeting gave us, then I am fine [1:22:06] [1:22:06] with that. [1:22:07] but I don't want it to end up, [1:22:10] as [1:22:10] as many of us said here, playing [1:22:14] one [1:22:14] one against the other. [1:22:14] I think that's why a lot of us [1:22:15] [1:22:15] would be supporting the report, [1:22:17] so [1:22:17] so that doesn't happen. [1:22:19] but is there a possibility that [1:22:21] [1:22:21] could happen in the conclusion [1:22:23] [1:22:23] or the results of the report? [1:22:27] >> through you warden, there are [1:22:29] two [1:22:29] two things going on here. [1:22:31] one is recommendation of a [1:22:34] trilateral collaborative siting [1:22:38] strategy [1:22:38] strategy that the [1:22:38] municipalities, the province and [1:22:40] [1:22:40] the federal government would all [1:22:40] [1:22:40] be a part of. [1:22:42] and that would determine, based [1:22:45] on the [1:22:45] on the objectives of the federal [1:22:46] and [1:22:46] and provincial government, [1:22:48] working towards data sovereignty [1:22:51]  sovereignty. [1:22:51]  sovereignty. [1:22:51] that would look at the reality [1:22:52] [1:22:52] that data centres are coming to [1:22:54] [1:22:54] canada and where they can be most [1:22:56] most appropriately located to [1:22:58] accomplish objectives, as noted [1:23:02] in the [1:23:02] in the report with the least [1:23:04] environmental impacts. [1:23:05] that is one of the main [1:23:07] recommendations coming out of [1:23:09] this. [1:23:09] the other is that we don't have [1:23:12] [1:23:12] inappropriate land use planning [1:23:14] [1:23:14] framework and essex county to [1:23:16] consider a data center right [1:23:18] now. [1:23:18] so the scope of work this [1:23:24] evening is we need this land use [1:23:26] [1:23:26] planning framework to process and [1:23:28] and consider what types of [1:23:30] policies you need in your plans [1:23:33] [1:23:33] to consider the land use. What [1:23:34] what are the other protections [1:23:36] and [1:23:36] and regulations and bylaws that [1:23:39] [1:23:39] you need, should a data center [1:23:41] [1:23:41] proponent come forward, that [1:23:42] will help you to process this as [1:23:44] [1:23:44] well. That [1:23:44] that is the other objective. [1:23:48] >> further -- >> I guess [1:23:50] >> I guess the term I like to use [1:23:51] use is I just don't want to see [1:23:53] us lean [1:23:53] us lean into a left hook. [1:23:56] basically because -- perhaps you [1:23:58] couldn't [1:23:58] couldn't answer my question, but [1:24:00] I know [1:24:00] I know you want to look at all [1:24:02] of the [1:24:02] of the parameters and [1:24:03] infrastructure and everything [1:24:04] from the municipalities. [1:24:05] but I'm still concerned in the [1:24:07] [1:24:07] end that if it's 100% no we [1:24:11] don't want these but yet the [1:24:13] report comes back and says it [1:24:15] would be a better fit here or [1:24:17] here, are you telling me that is [1:24:21] a [1:24:21] a possibility or it's not? [1:24:23] if it's not a possibility and the [1:24:25] the report is going to say these [1:24:26] [1:24:26] are the reasons why it wouldn't [1:24:27] [1:24:27] fit in essex county or any of the [1:24:30] the municipalities, and all of the [1:24:32] the detriment and problems that [1:24:33] [1:24:33] it will cause like the last [1:24:35] meeting, then I'm okay with it [1:24:38] . [1:24:38] but I don't want to pay that money [1:24:40] money and have any cracks left [1:24:42] in [1:24:42] in the wall if somebody is going [1:24:43] [1:24:43] to crawl through with an ai [1:24:47] business, thank you. [1:24:48] >> I believe madam cao, you [1:24:50] would like to answer? [1:24:52] >> there is nothing in the scope [1:24:54] of [1:24:54] of recommendation for this [1:24:55] report that seeks to evaluate [1:24:58] acceptable sites within the [1:24:59] county of essex. [1:25:02] so the answer is no to your [1:25:03] question and a confirmation that [1:25:05] [1:25:05] nothing in the list and scope of [1:25:07] [1:25:07] this report has the intent to waive [1:25:11] waive municipalities, way better [1:25:13] locations, [1:25:13] locations, that is not the [1:25:14] intent of this report at all. [1:25:17] >> thank you. [1:25:20] councillor deyong? [1:25:21] >> maybe you are ready for a motion [1:25:23] motion and if you are, I would [1:25:24] [1:25:24] like to move -- >> I [1:25:26] >> I want to read it because it [1:25:27] [1:25:27] is rather lengthy but then I [1:25:28] will come to you first, how does [1:25:30] [1:25:30] that sound? [1:25:30] >> perfect. >> [1:25:33] >> it be received for [1:25:35] information that council endures [1:25:40] the [1:25:40] the correspondence to the [1:25:40] province of ontario as contained [1:25:43] [1:25:43] in report number 20260902ipsr ten rlb. [1:25:48] in report number 20260902ipsr ten rlb. [1:25:48] the framework for artificial [1:25:50] intelligence, ai, high density [1:25:53] data centres [1:25:53] data centres and be authorized [1:25:55] [1:25:55] to submit responses that may arise [1:25:58] arise from any bills or related [1:26:00] [1:26:00] regulations. [1:26:00] and to forward the report and in [1:26:07] a [1:26:07] a letter, seeking consideration [1:26:09] of [1:26:09] of the county's feedback and [1:26:10] expressing support for the advocacy [1:26:12] advocacy position to establish [1:26:16] a [1:26:16] trilateral siting strategy [1:26:18] supporting the meaningful [1:26:19] inclusion of municipalities and [1:26:21] the [1:26:21] the evaluation and [1:26:22] approval/denial for large scale [1:26:24] [1:26:24] data centres and request the [1:26:26] delay in finalizing the playbook [1:26:28] [1:26:28] to address identified concerns, [1:26:31] [1:26:31] including the necessary legal [1:26:32] mechanisms for the protection of [1:26:34] [1:26:34] residents and the environment host [1:26:37] host communities. [1:26:37] and that council authorize funding [1:26:39] funding from the rate [1:26:41] stabilization reserve of up to [1:26:44] $150,000 for [1:26:44] $150,000 for completion of a [1:26:45] county specific study on the [1:26:47] framework for artificial [1:26:49] intelligence ai and high density [1:26:52] [1:26:52] data centres. [1:26:53] and that is moved by councillor [1:26:57] deyong [1:26:57] deyong seconded by councillor [1:26:59] meloche. [1:26:59] any further discussion? [1:27:02] voting electronically? [1:27:05] I will ask you to vote [1:27:06] electronically, please. [1:27:10] and that is carried unanimously, [1:27:25] [1:27:25] thank you. [1:27:27] on to council procedure by law and [1:27:30] and governance review. [1:27:31] for that report we turn to [1:27:34] catherine, our clerk. [1:27:35] over to you. [1:27:37] >> thank you warden. [1:27:39] and county council, I have several [1:27:41] several pages of notes here to go [1:27:42] go over with you tonight, so I [1:27:43] [1:27:43] hope that you are bracing [1:27:45] themselves for a long one. [1:27:49] so with regards to council [1:27:51] procedure bylaw and review, I just [1:27:52] just wanted to talk a bit about [1:27:53] why [1:27:53] why this is before council this [1:27:55] [1:27:55] evening. [1:27:55] county administration engaged [1:27:58] in [1:27:58] in governance trading which provided [1:27:59] provided recommendations and best [1:28:01] best practices for streamlining [1:28:02] the [1:28:02] the governance procedures for [1:28:04] council and for administration. [1:28:06] [1:28:06] over the current term of [1:28:08] council, there have been some [1:28:10] changes, some lessons learned, [1:28:12] some [1:28:12] some pinch points highlighted as [1:28:14] [1:28:14] well as perhaps most notably, the [1:28:16] the development of the county's [1:28:18] first [1:28:18] first ever strategic plan. [1:28:21] attendance at each of your local [1:28:25] [1:28:25] council meetings with the cao [1:28:27] and the clerk, and the warden, [1:28:30] feedback [1:28:30] feedback gained over the course [1:28:31] of the [1:28:31] of the term as well as through [1:28:33] seven [1:28:33] seven engagement sessions with [1:28:34] [1:28:34] each of you and most of your [1:28:36] alternates. [1:28:36] the governance review team has [1:28:38] [1:28:38] been able to find some [1:28:40] commonality among your [1:28:41] suggestions on how to improve [1:28:43] procedures, meeting flow, support [1:28:46] support mechanisms and [1:28:46] communication in order for [1:28:48] council to be well served by [1:28:51] government documents, bylaws and policies [1:28:53] policies as well as county [1:28:54] administration. [1:28:54] so what has changed and why? [1:28:58] the procedure bylaw has some [1:29:01] changes, most being minor in [1:29:03] nature, which have not been [1:29:04] extensively outlined in the [1:29:06] report. [1:29:06] instead we have focused on the [1:29:09] most [1:29:09] most significant changes. [1:29:10] one being ease of use. [1:29:13] significant reordering of the [1:29:14] bylaw to reduce duplication, improve [1:29:18] improve findability and minimize [1:29:19] [1:29:19] the potential for [1:29:20] misunderstanding. [1:29:20] two, aligning reality with policy. [1:29:25] two, aligning reality with policy. [1:29:25] so removal of outdated language [1:29:27] [1:29:27] and out of practice clauses, [1:29:29] adding language in to formalize [1:29:32] [1:29:32] current practices. [1:29:32] three, agenda reordering. [1:29:35] adding sections and realigning [1:29:37] [1:29:37] sections to improve the flow of meetings [1:29:39] meetings and to reduce the need [1:29:40] [1:29:40] for multiple motions for [1:29:42] information items. [1:29:45] and four, updating election [1:29:47] procedures, providing council with [1:29:48] with modernized and transparent [1:29:51] [1:29:51] format for the meeting, [1:29:52] including the election of the [1:29:54] warden. [1:29:54] with the delegation policy, it [1:29:57] [1:29:57] was updated to align with [1:29:58] suggestions and feedback [1:29:59] received by the majority of [1:30:00] members of council during our [1:30:02] governance sessions. [1:30:05] provisions of clear parameters [1:30:06] [1:30:06] for which delegations may appear [1:30:09] [1:30:09] that align with the county scope [1:30:10] [1:30:10] and with council's ability to [1:30:12] address the matters before [1:30:13] them. [1:30:13] allocation of 5 minutes, rather [1:30:17] [1:30:17] than ten, for standard [1:30:18] delegations, defining that [1:30:21] presentations will be considered [1:30:22] [1:30:22] outside of the parameters of the [1:30:24] [1:30:24] delegation policy when invited [1:30:25] [1:30:25] by council, however compliance [1:30:27] [1:30:27] with decorum policies and [1:30:28] procedures is required. [1:30:32] highlighting that council may [1:30:33] elect to dispense with the specific [1:30:35] specific condition of that policy [1:30:36] policy with a motion to suspend [1:30:37] the [1:30:37] the rules of the procedure [1:30:39] bylaw. [1:30:39] several policies were reviewed, [1:30:43] [1:30:43] including public conduct, [1:30:44] visitor and trespass policies, [1:30:46] [1:30:46] these were revised to soften the language [1:30:48] language and to ensure that the [1:30:50] [1:30:50] county is not infringing on [1:30:51] freedom of expression [1:30:53] unreasonably, while maintaining [1:30:55] clear [1:30:55] clear safety, security and [1:30:57] decorum positions. [1:30:59] the council report got a refresh [1:31:01] [1:31:01] and is included as an appendix, [1:31:04] as [1:31:04] as is a new tool, which is the [1:31:06] [1:31:06] addition of a notice of motion [1:31:08] impact [1:31:08] impact assessment form, which is [1:31:10] [1:31:10] intended to help council make decisions [1:31:13] decisions and pivot as necessary [1:31:15] [1:31:15] with a notice of motion at the [1:31:17] last [1:31:17] last minute. [1:31:19] other matters considered during [1:31:20] [1:31:20] these feedback sessions were [1:31:22] related to technology changes, [1:31:24] [1:31:24] training and development for [1:31:26] council and administration, alternate [1:31:29] alternate members of council, [1:31:30] roles and responsibilities, [1:31:32] communication and referrals for [1:31:35] [1:31:35] the strategic planning process. [1:31:37] [1:31:37] the governance review team, [1:31:39] which is comprised of dave, [1:31:43] claire, sylvester and myself, we would [1:31:45] would like to thank you all for [1:31:47] your [1:31:47] your participation in the [1:31:48] governance review process. [1:31:50] members of council and your [1:31:51] alternates. [1:31:51] we are confident that we have provided [1:31:55] provided council with [1:31:56] recommendations and provisions [1:31:58] to the [1:31:58] to the government's documents on [1:31:59] [1:31:59] which council can rely as their [1:32:02] foundation for [1:32:02] foundation for accountable, [1:32:02] transparent and fair governing. [1:32:05] [1:32:05] the changes are elaborated upon [1:32:08] in [1:32:08] in detail and I will not go through [1:32:09] through them all. [1:32:10] but council was provided it in [1:32:12] [1:32:12] advance of the typical [1:32:13] publishing schedule to allow for [1:32:16] a [1:32:16] a thorough review. [1:32:18] what administration is proposing [1:32:20] is [1:32:20] is contained in the [1:32:20] recommendation on page 11 of the report [1:32:22] report and I am prepared to [1:32:23] answer any questions if council [1:32:25] [1:32:25] has any. [1:32:26] >> thank you kate. I [1:32:28] I will start with you, [1:32:29] councillor shepley. [1:32:31] >> first of all I want to [1:32:32] thank you for having those [1:32:34] governments, the changes we would [1:32:36] would like to see, I can see [1:32:37] that reflected in the report. [1:32:41] and I fully support it and [1:32:42] appreciate all the effort you [1:32:43] put into this. [1:32:46] >> that's it? [1:32:49] okay. [1:32:49] councillor deyong? [1:32:51] >> I just want to highlight that decrease [1:32:53] decrease in time from ten to [1:32:55] 5 minutes. [1:32:56] is this where council can use the [1:32:57] the motion to put the policy [1:32:59] aside to allow someone to finish if [1:33:00] if they were going over that [1:33:02] 5 minutes? [1:33:03] >> yes, through you warden, the [1:33:06] [1:33:06] motion to suspend the rules can [1:33:08] [1:33:08] be supplied to a very specific [1:33:10] rule [1:33:10] rule that is being implied. [1:33:13] so if there is a moment where council [1:33:14] council would like to waive the [1:33:15] [1:33:15] rules to extend a time. [1:33:17] or a specific delegation to [1:33:19] continue to speak, you can do so [1:33:20] [1:33:20] at that time. [1:33:24] >> councillor bailey? [1:33:27] >> thank you. [1:33:28] and through you, I am wondering [1:33:32] what [1:33:32] what the current number of days [1:33:34] [1:33:34] is for nonagenda items. [1:33:37] my concern is that there seems [1:33:38] [1:33:38] to be a shift -- and I [1:33:39] appreciate the consultation, I quite [1:33:41] quite enjoyed it. [1:33:42] I also think that the report is [1:33:44] very [1:33:44] very comprehensive and took a lot [1:33:45] lot to kind of integrate a lot [1:33:47] of [1:33:47] of different things. I [1:33:48] I just want to say thank you for [1:33:49] [1:33:49] that. [1:33:49] one of the areas that I found lacking [1:33:52] lacking though was that [1:33:53] residents need reasonable access [1:33:55] to [1:33:55] to council and I am worried that [1:33:56] [1:33:56] this really shifts the balance [1:33:59] of [1:33:59] of governance. [1:34:00] so moving to 20 business days to [1:34:04] a resident [1:34:04] a resident seems like a long time. [1:34:05] a resident seems like a long time. [1:34:05] what is it currently? [1:34:09] >> are you referring to the [1:34:12] delegation application? [1:34:14] >> yes, I am referring to the [1:34:17] shortening of the delegations [1:34:18] requiring 20 business days for [1:34:20] [1:34:20] nonagenda matters. [1:34:23] >> currently there is not a [1:34:28] requirement for a delegation to [1:34:30] [1:34:30] be speaking to a specific agenda [1:34:32] item. [1:34:32] item. [1:34:32] they can speak to any item at any time [1:34:35] any time that is within the [1:34:35] scope of county council. [1:34:39] >> thank you. So [1:34:42] so that I understand that a [1:34:43] little better, right now there [1:34:44] [1:34:44] is no set time at all and what [1:34:46] [1:34:46] we are doing is going to be [1:34:48] setting 20 days? [1:34:50] so we are going from no notice [1:34:52] [1:34:52] to 20 days? [1:34:55] >> the notice would be the same [1:34:57] [1:34:57] notice for any delegation. [1:35:00] so the current delegation policy [1:35:04] [1:35:04] says you have to apply within -- [1:35:07] [1:35:07] after the agenda is published, [1:35:09] [1:35:09] you have two days here with the [1:35:13] [1:35:13] clause. But [1:35:13] but it is not different for a [1:35:15] nonagenda item. [1:35:18] >> thank you for that. [1:35:19] I think what I'm understanding [1:35:21] [1:35:21] is that now it would be 20 [1:35:24] days. [1:35:24] so something happens for [1:35:26] residents, it is concerning and [1:35:28] it [1:35:28] it is a 20 day wait before that [1:35:30] [1:35:30] can happen in terms of being [1:35:32] addressed at county. So [1:35:34] so that was the only thing I [1:35:35] really pulled out that I thought [1:35:37] [1:35:37] residents deserve access to the people [1:35:39] people that are sitting around [1:35:40] [1:35:40] the table and it needs to be [1:35:42] more than them calling one of the [1:35:44] the mayors and the mayor [1:35:46] creating hoopla. [1:35:48] this 20 days seems to be [1:35:50] encouraging that kind of mayoral [1:35:55] [1:35:55] or deputy mayor reaction, rather [1:35:58] than [1:35:58] than encouraging that maybe I [1:36:00] could have those residents reach [1:36:01] [1:36:01] out to administration and have [1:36:03] a [1:36:03] discussion with administration. [1:36:06] [1:36:06] maybe it goes away there and [1:36:07] they don't end up here. [1:36:08] but I would really like a way to [1:36:09] be [1:36:09] be able to say it doesn't take [1:36:13] 20 days [1:36:13] 20 days when something is urgent [1:36:14] to you. [1:36:14] to you. [1:36:14] you don't often see folks coming and I [1:36:15] and I know we set aside the rules [1:36:17] rules and say I'd like to make a [1:36:18] [1:36:18] motion for so-and-so to speak. [1:36:20] [1:36:20] it is pretty rare. [1:36:22] but I feel like this is really [1:36:24] pushing [1:36:24] pushing residents away from [1:36:25] their access here and also pushing [1:36:27] pushing mayors and deputy mayors [1:36:28] [1:36:28] to continue with the poor code [1:36:30] of [1:36:30] of conduct of going to the media [1:36:32] [1:36:32] and other things like that. [1:36:33] so I am not supportive with that [1:36:35] clause in [1:36:35] clause in it and those are my [1:36:36] reasons why. [1:36:39] >> thank you. [1:36:41] if I could, warden, the intent [1:36:45] of [1:36:45] of including an advanced time limit [1:36:46] limit on that is to allow for [1:36:48] administration to prepare on [1:36:50] items that aren't specifically [1:36:52] [1:36:52] within our current scope of work [1:36:54] [1:36:54] that we are attending to in the [1:36:57] [1:36:57] immediate future. [1:36:58] so if a member of the public would [1:37:01] would like to bring forward a [1:37:02] delegation regarding something [1:37:05] that [1:37:05] that administration isn't currently [1:37:06] currently focused on, we do need [1:37:07] [1:37:07] some time to prepare in advance [1:37:09] for that [1:37:09] for that and that was the [1:37:10] rationale for adding that extra [1:37:12] [1:37:12] time. [1:37:12] david, I don't know if you want [1:37:14] [1:37:14] to speak additionally to that. [1:37:16] [1:37:16] >> through you warden, I will say [1:37:18] say the same thing. That [1:37:20] that it is probably time for [1:37:21] administration to prepare as necessary [1:37:23] necessary within the county [1:37:24] scope. [1:37:24] so again, there are two points. [1:37:27] [1:37:27] 5.2 deals with how to appear as [1:37:30] a [1:37:30] a delegation for agenda items and [1:37:32] and there's one for the nominee [1:37:34] [1:37:34] agenda with the county scope of [1:37:36] [1:37:36] work. So [1:37:36] so we would be able to prepare [1:37:38] [1:37:38] the board for council's [1:37:39] awareness. [1:37:39] >> thank you for that. [1:37:43] and I read that in the report. [1:37:44] I think that was one of the [1:37:45] things that I was talking about [1:37:47] with the [1:37:47] with the shift that goes from [1:37:50] the democracy of residents [1:37:52] having concerns and councillors [1:37:54] [1:37:54] hearing those concerns and having [1:37:55] having reasonable access to [1:37:56] members of council as opposed to [1:37:59] an [1:37:59] an administrative lens. [1:38:00] I know it requires a balance of [1:38:02] [1:38:02] trust between administration and [1:38:03] [1:38:03] council, because council could [1:38:06] make [1:38:06] make decisions on the fly, [1:38:07] right? [1:38:07] they heard from residents, they [1:38:08] [1:38:08] make a decision on the fly, they [1:38:10] don't [1:38:10] don't have the report. [1:38:12] some councillors are saying what [1:38:14] [1:38:14] about getting the report in [1:38:16] advance? [1:38:16] but I think that is kind of the [1:38:17] [1:38:17] balance of democracy. That [1:38:19] that is the part of democracy [1:38:20] that I like. [1:38:21] that residents can have [1:38:22] reasonable access and that the [1:38:24] [1:38:24] people around the table that are [1:38:26] [1:38:26] seasoned and in these roles, [1:38:28] just to say just a minute I [1:38:30] don't know the financials, just [1:38:32] a [1:38:32] a minute, I don't have the [1:38:32] report on that. [1:38:33] I prefer that, I don't want 20 days [1:38:35] days later to have a report from [1:38:37] [1:38:37] administration that says don't [1:38:38] [1:38:38] do what the resident is asked [1:38:39] for 20 days ago and here's the [1:38:41] report [1:38:41] report as to why. [1:38:42] so thank you, I understand it [1:38:45] and I'm mainly glad my [1:38:46] understanding is clear. [1:38:47] I'm just not supportive, but [1:38:49] thank you very much for the work [1:38:50] [1:38:50] that went into it. [1:38:53] anyone else? [1:38:54] councillor deyong? [1:38:56] >> just further, do you have a [1:38:58] [1:38:58] recollection -- you surveyed us [1:39:00] [1:39:00] all, I think they have a 14 day [1:39:02] if [1:39:02] if it's not on the agenda, [1:39:03] there's a 14 day delay, [1:39:05] basically a meeting cycle. [1:39:08] and is that the norm or are we the [1:39:10] the only one and you liked ours [1:39:11] so [1:39:11] so much you picked 20? [1:39:13] I'm just curious about how you [1:39:15] [1:39:15] chose. [1:39:15] >> I don't have my notes in [1:39:17] front of me from all of the [1:39:18] consultation sessions, however, [1:39:22] [1:39:22] our agenda cycle here is 19 days [1:39:24] [1:39:24] in advance of a meeting that we [1:39:27] [1:39:27] have to have our reports written [1:39:29] and [1:39:29] and submitted for approval. [1:39:30] so that is the rationale behind [1:39:31] [1:39:31] the time limit that we have [1:39:34] added for council's [1:39:35] consideration. [1:39:35] and we did get that feedback [1:39:38] from more than one municipality [1:39:40] [1:39:40] when we did our consultations with [1:39:42] with the seven locals. [1:39:45] >> you are okay with that now? [1:39:51] [1:39:51] >> I was just curious, does everyone [1:39:54] everyone have a weight or some [1:39:54] [1:39:54] don't have any weight at all? [1:39:56] do you recall at all? [1:39:57] I just heard lasalle is 21 days [1:39:59] [1:39:59] and another was 14. [1:40:01] does everybody know what theirs [1:40:02] [1:40:02] is? >> [1:40:02] >> not by heart, I can't tell [1:40:05] you what everyone's. [1:40:06] is for delegations. [1:40:08] however, I can get that back to you if [1:40:09] you if that is something you [1:40:10] want to hear before this goes [1:40:13] through here. [1:40:14] that will take a little while to [1:40:15] [1:40:15] find out. [1:40:18] >> councillor prue? [1:40:22] >> if I might, just to say [1:40:25] amherstburg has either 14 or 28 [1:40:27] [1:40:27] days, depending on how long the [1:40:28] [1:40:28] report is that staff has. [1:40:30] they say we can do it in the [1:40:32] next scheduled meeting, it's [1:40:34] done. If [1:40:34] if they say it's going to take [1:40:36] [1:40:36] longer, it takes two cycles. [1:40:38] that is what we do. [1:40:40] anyways, that is not [1:40:41] -- I. Promised kate I. Wouldn't [1:40:42] [1:40:42] ask a question with the [1:40:44] additional one minute. [1:40:45] but I do have a question about [1:40:48] [1:40:48] page 309, 32.1 that says request [1:40:53] for [1:40:53] for proclamations, the raising [1:40:55] of [1:40:55] of flags and building [1:40:57] illumination shall be addressed [1:40:58] in [1:40:58] in accordance with the county [1:40:59] policy. [1:40:59] the reason I am asking this is [1:41:02] it [1:41:02] it came to me on monday, we had [1:41:04] a [1:41:04] a group come forward with [1:41:08] childhood cancers. [1:41:08] we raised the flag, we read the [1:41:11] [1:41:11] proclamation and after we did that [1:41:12] that we were told that three [1:41:14] municipalities had refused them because [1:41:15] because it is not in accordance [1:41:16] [1:41:16] with their policies. [1:41:18] I don't want to tie myself into [1:41:22] [1:41:22] something where we have to say [1:41:24] [1:41:24] no to groups like that. [1:41:27] >> through you warden, the [1:41:29] county already has a policy that [1:41:32] [1:41:32] does not allow for that type of -- [1:41:34] -- we don't do any proclamations [1:41:36] [1:41:36] at all. [1:41:37] and flag raising we do very [1:41:39] limited. [1:41:39] >> does that mean that if we agree [1:41:41] agree with this, that the [1:41:43] municipalities cannot do what [1:41:44] they have always been doing because [1:41:45] because that is contrary to [1:41:48] county policy? [1:41:49] because we have always [1:41:50] recognized these groups. [1:41:52] we have always tried to help them put [1:41:54] them put up a flag, read a [1:41:56] proclamation. [1:41:56] >> through you warden, this is [1:42:01] related [1:42:01] related strictly just to the county [1:42:02] county facilities. [1:42:04] >> okay. [1:42:05] all right. So [1:42:07] so it does not impact -- it does [1:42:10] [1:42:10] not impact the municipalities? [1:42:12] [1:42:12] >> amherstburg can raise any [1:42:13] flag it wants. >> [1:42:14] >> thank you, that's all I need to [1:42:15] to know, I'm 100% in support. [1:42:18] >> councillor akpata? [1:42:19] >> thank you madam warden and through [1:42:21] through you, I just want to build [1:42:22] build on what my friend [1:42:24] miss bailey has said. [1:42:25] so if someone shows up with a [1:42:27] critical incident, a crisis in their [1:42:29] their municipality, we can waive [1:42:34] [1:42:34] -- suspend the rules, have the [1:42:35] [1:42:35] person talk and we will never [1:42:39] -- I. Just want to make sure we [1:42:40] [1:42:40] don't deny a citizen of the [1:42:42] county of essex, who has an [1:42:45] issue -- and it's called a [1:42:47] priority about incident x, comes [1:42:49] [1:42:49] here to come and speak, that we [1:42:52] [1:42:52] can waive the rules and let them [1:42:53] speak. [1:42:53] speak. [1:42:53] I just want to make sure we would [1:42:55] would never turn someone away, [1:42:57] that [1:42:57] that is my bottom line. [1:42:59] >> the intent of the time that [1:43:01] [1:43:01] is built into the new policy is [1:43:04] to [1:43:04] to allow for administration to [1:43:06] [1:43:06] make that decision without council's [1:43:07] council's involvement at all. [1:43:08] however, council, if confronted [1:43:11] [1:43:11] with a member of the public who [1:43:12] [1:43:12] would like to speak at a council [1:43:15] [1:43:15] meeting, who has either not applied [1:43:16] applied previously to the clerk [1:43:19] [1:43:19] or has approached a council member [1:43:20] member directly at the meeting, [1:43:22] council [1:43:22] council has the ability to waive [1:43:24] [1:43:24] the rules. [1:43:24] it is your bylaw, you have that ability [1:43:26] ability at any time. [1:43:29] >> thank you. [1:43:30] I thought about that. [1:43:31] but again, as I said, mayor bailey [1:43:33] mayor bailey brought up some [1:43:34] salient points and I want to make [1:43:35] make sure we never close our [1:43:36] doors to the people who -- we [1:43:38] have the privilege of [1:43:39] representing, thank you. [1:43:41] >> councillor meloche? [1:43:42] >> thank you. [1:43:44] and thank you for that [1:43:45] clarification as well. [1:43:46] you want to know we are always [1:43:47] [1:43:47] open and available to people. [1:43:49] I know lasalle -- we have a 21 [1:43:52] [1:43:52] day and I had to do some research [1:43:53] research to make sure it was [1:43:54] accurate, but it is important to [1:43:56] [1:43:56] get a report from [1:43:57] administration. [1:43:57] but I think it's even more [1:44:00] important that residents who look [1:44:01] look at our agendas can see [1:44:03] what's coming. And [1:44:04] and if they want to also speak [1:44:05] on [1:44:05] on that, that gives them a [1:44:07] chance to register as a [1:44:09] delegate, which in our municipality [1:44:10] municipality would be the friday [1:44:11] before [1:44:11] before because it would be [1:44:12] something on the agenda. [1:44:14] it actually gives the public [1:44:15] more of a chance to come speak [1:44:16] on [1:44:16] on it as well, where if we [1:44:17] didn't do that, they would come [1:44:18] [1:44:18] here and speak and would be like [1:44:21] I want to [1:44:21] I want to have an opinion, I want [1:44:22] want to talk about that and they [1:44:23] wouldn't [1:44:23] wouldn't have the opportunity. [1:44:24] [1:44:24] I look at it both ways but I'm glad [1:44:25] glad to know that we have that [1:44:28] [1:44:28] power to be able to say there is [1:44:30] [1:44:30] an emergency, someone needs to [1:44:31] [1:44:31] come talk and we would always [1:44:32] love to come talk, thank you. [1:44:35] >> councillor waldstedt? [1:44:39] >> thank you madam mayor. [1:44:41] I guess I need further [1:44:43] clarification on that, because [1:44:44] [1:44:44] with this restriction in there, [1:44:47] the [1:44:47] the administration is going to say [1:44:47] say you don't meet the timeline, [1:44:49] therefore [1:44:49] therefore you can't can't appear [1:44:50] [1:44:50] before council. [1:44:50] am I missing something here? [1:44:54] but then council has the [1:44:55] authority, if they come to the [1:44:57] [1:44:57] meeting to waive the rules or waive the [1:44:59] waive the procedural bylaw, to [1:45:00] [1:45:00] hear that. But [1:45:01] but how do they get notified [1:45:02] that they can come to council, [1:45:04] [1:45:04] despite the fact that administration [1:45:05] administration says you are not [1:45:06] [1:45:06] complying with the procedural [1:45:08] bylaw? [1:45:08] so then the irate resident goes [1:45:12] [1:45:12] back to the mayor or the deputy [1:45:13] mayor [1:45:13] mayor and says well, I've been [1:45:14] [1:45:14] told I can't come to county [1:45:15] council, then we have to tell [1:45:17] them well, you come to county council [1:45:18] council and we will try to make a motion [1:45:19] a motion to have you be heard. [1:45:21] [1:45:21] that's kind of messy. [1:45:22] I just think we should leave it [1:45:24] the [1:45:24] the way it was and you will get [1:45:27] [1:45:27] my support on the bylaw if we do [1:45:29] [1:45:29] that. [1:45:29] >> so through you warden, there [1:45:33] is [1:45:33] is also a provision that the [1:45:35] clerk shall notify all members [1:45:38] of [1:45:38] of council when there is a [1:45:39] delegation who is denied for any [1:45:41] [1:45:41] reason. [1:45:41] and the reason for that denial [1:45:44] of the [1:45:44] of the delegation. There [1:45:45] there is that awareness factor [1:45:47] that [1:45:47] that council would be made aware [1:45:49] of [1:45:49] of that fact of denial in any case [1:45:53] case and you'd be able to either reach [1:45:55] reach out or instruct or further [1:45:58] [1:45:58] contact that person or advise me to [1:45:59] to contact that person. [1:46:03] >> it still falls back on us [1:46:05] then. [1:46:05] because our bylaws say that they [1:46:08] [1:46:08] can't. [1:46:08] so I just think -- leave it the way [1:46:12] way it was so we don't get into [1:46:14] that [1:46:14] that predicament. That [1:46:16] that is the only way that I will [1:46:17] [1:46:17] support the bylaw, if we don't [1:46:21] [1:46:21] change that, leave it open. [1:46:22] and then we are on the spot, the [1:46:24] [1:46:24] mayors and the deputy mayors are [1:46:25] on [1:46:25] on the spot wondering if we are [1:46:26] [1:46:26] going to get support from the other [1:46:27] other members of council to hear [1:46:30] these [1:46:30] these individuals who we have [1:46:31] asked to come. [1:46:33] so it is a bit of a crab shoot [1:46:34] [1:46:34] for them and for us. [1:46:37] so if that wasn't their, we [1:46:39] wouldn't have that problem, [1:46:40] thank you. [1:46:41] >> councillor shepley? [1:46:42] >> through you madam warden. [1:46:43] just wondering if after [1:46:44] listening to some of the [1:46:45] conversation, if we could maybe [1:46:47] [1:46:47] pull this one aside and vote on [1:46:48] [1:46:48] the rest, unless there's some [1:46:51] issues with any other individual [1:46:53] [1:46:53] parts of this. [1:46:56] >> council can divide the question as [1:46:59] question as you see fit. [1:47:02] >> councillor bailey? [1:47:06] >> thank you. [1:47:07] I will get in on recognizing and [1:47:10] [1:47:10] going twice, through you, I just [1:47:12] [1:47:12] want to point out to my [1:47:13] colleague across the table, [1:47:15] because I also believe it should [1:47:16] [1:47:16] come on the agenda, that is the [1:47:18] [1:47:18] challenge that I'm trying to [1:47:19] avoid here. [1:47:20] what it means is that you get an [1:47:22] [1:47:22] email that says so-and-so was [1:47:23] turned away, the person has already [1:47:25] already called you, they are not [1:47:27] [1:47:27] able to come and you have to do [1:47:29] [1:47:29] the theatrics of saying come at [1:47:30] [1:47:30] the last minute, it's not on the [1:47:32] [1:47:32] agenda, other residents don't [1:47:33] get to know about it, other people [1:47:34] people may have wanted to speak [1:47:35] about it [1:47:35] about it but they are not in the [1:47:37] [1:47:37] room and it's last minute. [1:47:38] whereas it doesn't take 20 days [1:47:42] [1:47:42] to be also on the agenda. [1:47:43] we know that, because we see [1:47:45] lots of delegations that come in and [1:47:47] and don't take 20 days. [1:47:50] what I'm trying to avoid is the [1:47:53] [1:47:53] theatrics of having to bring [1:47:55] somebody in separately and vote [1:47:56] [1:47:56] on it and it just becomes this [1:47:58] [1:47:58] gong show and still you don't [1:48:00] have a report and now it's not [1:48:02] on the [1:48:02] on the agenda and no one else knows [1:48:03] knows about it. It [1:48:04] it is a shift in democracy and [1:48:06] [1:48:06] it is limiting access to [1:48:09] council. [1:48:09] thank you. [1:48:12] >> I believe we have talked this [1:48:20] [1:48:20] through enough, what are your [1:48:22] wishes in regards to the [1:48:24] recommendation? [1:48:24] do you propose that we take the [1:48:29] [1:48:29] delegation policy out and vote [1:48:30] [1:48:30] for that separately? [1:48:32] I'm looking to you, councillor [1:48:35] [1:48:35] bailey. [1:48:35] because you brought the issue up [1:48:38] first. [1:48:38] first. [1:48:38] is that okay with you, madam [1:48:40] clerk? Or [1:48:40] or do you have another [1:48:41] suggestion? [1:48:41] >> if it is council's preference [1:48:44] to [1:48:44] to consider these things [1:48:45] individually, we can make them [1:48:47] all [1:48:47] all individual motions and [1:48:48] council can vote on them that [1:48:50] way. [1:48:50] and if you just want to see the [1:48:54] [1:48:54] delegation policy held [1:48:56] separately and vote on it as [1:48:59] amended. [1:48:59] >> councillor bailey? [1:49:01] >> thank you. [1:49:02] I would propose an amendment and I [1:49:04] I would turn it over to [1:49:07] mr. Sandin, our clerk as well to [1:49:09] tell [1:49:09] tell me what the timeline is for [1:49:11] regular [1:49:11] regular delegation that would [1:49:12] appear on the agenda. [1:49:14] I don't know what that timing [1:49:15] is, but really my intent isn't [1:49:16] [1:49:16] to have last minute decisions [1:49:18] coming in either, I recognize that we [1:49:19] that we want it to be on the agenda [1:49:22] agenda and I also know that it [1:49:23] [1:49:23] turns things around and in quick [1:49:25] [1:49:25] order for administration. [1:49:26] but whatever the regular [1:49:27] delegation time frame would be [1:49:29] [1:49:29] is what I propose as an [1:49:31] amendment to council and I hope [1:49:32] [1:49:32] for support. [1:49:35] >> I will then wait for our team [1:49:38] [1:49:38] here to come up with the wording [1:49:40] [1:49:40] and we will check back with you, [1:49:42] is [1:49:42] is that all right? [1:49:44] >> through you warden, currently [1:50:25] [1:50:25] we publish the agenda seven days [1:50:28] [1:50:28] prior. [1:50:28] the current bylaw, we haven't changed [1:50:31] changed it yet, the current [1:50:33] bylaw has noon on the friday [1:50:35] before. So [1:50:35] so it would be three and a half [1:50:37] [1:50:37] business days before, currently [1:50:40] of [1:50:40] of the 20 business days we are [1:50:42] [1:50:42] proposing now. [1:50:42] if that assists you. [1:50:46] >> can I have some clarification [1:51:00] [1:51:00] on what it is you are seeking [1:51:02] here? [1:51:02] >> thank you. [1:51:03] I am proposing an amendment to [1:51:04] [1:51:04] what is currently written to reflect [1:51:06] reflect what was just [1:51:07] presented. [1:51:07] >> so to reiterate, the only [1:51:13] amendment you are proposing is [1:51:15] to the [1:51:15] to the delegation policy as [1:51:17] written, with the provision of [1:51:18] [1:51:18] the friday prior to publishing [1:51:21] [1:51:21] -- fryer -- friday prior to the [1:51:23] [1:51:23] meeting being reinstated into [1:51:25] the new, proposed delegation [1:51:27] policy? [1:51:27] >> correct. [1:51:28] I'm happy to move the [1:51:30] overarching policy as well, with [1:51:33] [1:51:33] the amendment concluded, shall [1:51:35] I [1:51:35] get support. [1:51:35] >> thank you. [1:51:36] >> thank you. [1:51:39] >> I am going to read the [1:51:57] recommendation, councillor, and [1:52:00] [1:52:00] then on the advice of the clerk, [1:52:01] [1:52:01] let me run this by you first. [1:52:04] so the council received the [1:52:05] report as information and that [1:52:07] [1:52:07] the proposed procedure bylaw be [1:52:08] [1:52:08] adopted as bylaw 2026-01 and [1:52:11] that the current bylaw be repealed, [1:52:16] repealed, and that the proposed [1:52:17] [1:52:17] changes to the delegation [1:52:20] policy, is it a public conduct [1:52:23] policy [1:52:23] policy passed to private policy [1:52:25] [1:52:25] be adopted as amended, are you [1:52:27] [1:52:27] okay with just adding that [1:52:29] part? [1:52:29] okay. And [1:52:29] and that is moved by councillor [1:52:32] [1:52:32] bailey. [1:52:32] looking for a seconder. Councillor [1:52:36] councillor waldstedt? [1:52:38] any further discussion on the [1:52:40] matter? [1:52:40] >> thank you. [1:52:42] I do like the compromise. [1:52:44] my only concern is by going to [1:52:47] friday [1:52:47] friday before, we won't have a report to [1:52:48] report to put on the agenda [1:52:49] because I think it was seven [1:52:51] days for the reports. [1:52:52] so we are still missing that [1:52:54] component of being able to produce [1:52:57] produce that for residents to be [1:52:58] able to [1:52:58] able to read to decide they want [1:52:59] to be a [1:52:59] to be a part of it. If [1:53:00] if we say friday, no one else could register to [1:53:03] could register to be a delegate [1:53:04] [1:53:04] at that point. [1:53:06] >> through you warden, you are [1:53:08] [1:53:08] correct that administration [1:53:09] would not have a window of time [1:53:11] [1:53:11] to prepare a report for the [1:53:13] agenda. [1:53:13] if this passes, I can assure you [1:53:16] [1:53:16] as your cao I. Will be more vocal [1:53:17] vocal at those meetings to [1:53:18] recommend that council take a [1:53:20] pause, to give administration [1:53:22] time to prepare a report, which [1:53:24] [1:53:24] would likely result in that item [1:53:25] [1:53:25] coming back to a future meeting [1:53:27] of [1:53:27] of council. [1:53:27] I will just be more vocal from here [1:53:29] here on out if this passes. [1:53:33] >> you still look perplexed. [1:53:35] councillor? [1:53:35] >> I think that my concern is, [1:53:40] [1:53:40] again, we want to hear these [1:53:41] people. But if [1:53:42] but if we don't get a report, we [1:53:43] [1:53:43] haven't come in on friday, a [1:53:45] delegate for friday on the [1:53:46] following wednesday, then we are [1:53:48] [1:53:48] going to say well, you have to [1:53:49] come back because we [1:53:49] come back because we have to get a [1:53:50] a report and we have now deleted [1:53:51] [1:53:51] another two weeks. [1:53:53] I'm wondering if the seven days [1:53:54] [1:53:54] would be fair so that [1:53:57] administration would be put on [1:53:59] [1:53:59] the agenda and we could actually [1:54:00] [1:54:00] address the residents when they [1:54:02] [1:54:02] are here, instead of saying sorry we [1:54:04] sorry we have no answers for [1:54:05] you, come back again in a few [1:54:06] weeks. That [1:54:06] that was my only thought. I [1:54:09] I want to be sure we aren't [1:54:10] wasting a lot of time but we are [1:54:11] also [1:54:11] also able to prepare something [1:54:12] [1:54:12] for these people. [1:54:13] and like I said, anybody else who [1:54:15] who may want to delegate on that [1:54:17] will [1:54:17] will have missed the deadline if [1:54:18] [1:54:18] the deadline is the same day. That [1:54:20] that is my only concern. [1:54:23] >> duly noted, thank you. [1:54:28] so I will ask folks to vote. [1:54:32] and we have it changed on the [1:54:35] screen. [1:54:35] so we will be voting [1:54:38] electronically, correct? [1:54:41] and that is carried, thank you [1:55:02] . [1:55:02] next up we have the appointment [1:55:06] [1:55:06] of a closed meeting [1:55:07] investigator, over to you. [1:55:11] >> thank you warden and through [1:55:14] [1:55:14] you to members of council. [1:55:15] this is not a new topic for [1:55:18] council, I will not elaborate [1:55:19] too much on this. [1:55:21] on may 20th, 2026, report was [1:55:23] provided to county council advising [1:55:25] advising that the current caption [1:55:26] caption would be concluding at the [1:55:27] the end of this year. [1:55:29] council has a choice to either [1:55:31] [1:55:31] engage in an independent closed [1:55:33] meeting [1:55:33] meeting investigator as a closed [1:55:42] meeting [1:55:42] meeting investigator. [1:55:44] and the county will be in [1:56:00] compliance with when the las contract [1:56:02] contract expires at the end of the [1:56:04] the year. [1:56:06] >> questions for [1:56:08] administration? [1:56:08] councillor bondy? [1:56:11] >> thank you warden [1:56:12] macdonald. [1:56:12] I was happy to see that [1:56:16] administration took the feedback [1:56:18] [1:56:18] and came back with open [1:56:21] mindedness towards using the [1:56:23] ombudsman. [1:56:23] I am hoping county council does [1:56:26] think [1:56:26] think about using the [1:56:27] ombudsman. [1:56:27] it seems like it is more fiscally [1:56:30] fiscally responsible, it drops [1:56:31] [1:56:31] our corporate legal bills and I think [1:56:33] think it has more public trust. [1:56:36] because [1:56:36] because when we appoint our own [1:56:37] -- this [1:56:37] -- this is my opinion -- when we [1:56:39] [1:56:39] appoint our own investigator, [1:56:41] there is a perception of bias by [1:56:43] [1:56:43] handpicking our investigator. [1:56:45] so unless a municipality is [1:56:47] facing a rare situation, then [1:56:51] the 30-60 day window is [1:56:53] appropriate for the ombudsman. [1:56:54] [1:56:54] we have had a closed meeting [1:56:56] investigation in essex, I will [1:56:59] [1:56:59] share it now and I feel like the [1:57:00] [1:57:00] ombudsman did a very fair job. [1:57:02] I couldn't imagine the cost it [1:57:05] could be [1:57:05] could be if it was a private [1:57:07] organization, that is just my thoughts [1:57:07] thoughts and I'm hoping somebody [1:57:09] [1:57:09] makes a motion to go with the [1:57:09] ombudsman. [1:57:09] >> anyone else? [1:57:15] councillor prue? >> [1:57:17] >> and I shall be he. [1:57:18] I think the ombudsman is the absolute [1:57:20] absolute best way to go here. [1:57:22] not because we are going to save [1:57:24] a [1:57:24] a lot of money, but the public [1:57:25] [1:57:25] perception is very important. [1:57:27] if you ask anyone out there on [1:57:29] [1:57:29] the street in any place around [1:57:32] [1:57:32] this whole county, if you ask [1:57:34] them who they feel most [1:57:35] confident in dealing with, the [1:57:39] [1:57:39] alleged misdeeds of the county [1:57:40] [1:57:40] or any of the municipalities, they [1:57:42] they will tell you the [1:57:43] ombudsman. [1:57:43] the ombudsman is called in a lot [1:57:46] more often [1:57:46] more often than you might [1:57:47] think. [1:57:47] if you only have one, you are lucky. [1:57:51] if you only have one, you are lucky. [1:57:51] we have had several requests and [1:57:53] I [1:57:53] I am always satisfied, although it [1:57:55] it does take a long time, it is [1:57:56] [1:57:56] free and it is done well. [1:58:00] the explanation is there and the [1:58:01] [1:58:01] person who is advised of the [1:58:03] reasons why they are or are not [1:58:05] [1:58:05] successful. [1:58:05] and I think that in terms of public [1:58:09] public perception, I would go [1:58:10] with that. [1:58:11] the savings may be small because [1:58:13] [1:58:13] they are nothing, versus $300 an [1:58:19] [1:58:19] hour if there are multiple [1:58:20] complaints, there's a lot going [1:58:23] [1:58:23] on. [1:58:23] and I have always admired the [1:58:28] ombudsman since it was [1:58:30] instituted I think during the [1:58:31] bill davis government, if my memory [1:58:33] memory is still right. [1:58:34] and it has never caused any [1:58:36] problem to anyone I know in the [1:58:38] [1:58:38] whole province. [1:58:39] I will move that motion. [1:58:43] >> councillor deyong? [1:58:45] we will get to the moving, I have to [1:58:46] have to do it in two separate, [1:58:49] I [1:58:49] will actually come back to councillor bondy [1:58:50] councillor bondy and I will let [1:58:51] [1:58:51] you second, how does that [1:58:52] sound? [1:58:52] councillor deyong? [1:58:55] >> I was going to second the [1:58:57] ombudsman. [1:58:57] >> councillor meloche, did you [1:59:02] have your [1:59:02] have your hand up? [1:59:05] but I have to separate it into [1:59:06] [1:59:06] two, if you don't mind. [1:59:07] the first is that council [1:59:08] receives the report as [1:59:10] information and does anybody [1:59:11] want to move or second that? Councillor [1:59:14] councillor mcnamara, deputy warden. [1:59:16] councillor mcnamara, deputy warden. [1:59:16] sorry. [1:59:16] any discussion on the motion to [1:59:25] [1:59:25] receive? [1:59:25] I will ask you to vote [1:59:27] electronically, please. [1:59:30] and that is carried. [1:59:43] next up, we have the [1:59:47] recommendation that council direct [1:59:49] direct administration to engage [1:59:50] with the [1:59:50] with the ombudsman for closed meeting [1:59:51] meeting investigator services, [1:59:52] [1:59:52] that is moved by councillor [1:59:54] bondy, seconded by councillor [1:59:56] prue. [1:59:56] any further discussion on that [1:59:59] [1:59:59] matter? [1:59:59] I will ask you to vote [2:00:01] electronically again, please. [2:00:04] and that is carried, thank you. [2:00:12] [2:00:12] thank you kate. [2:00:14] next up we have servicing [2:00:15] encroachment and easement [2:00:18] agreement. [2:00:18] for that -- we have marisa. [2:00:23] here to do our report. [2:00:26] over to you, marisa. [2:00:28] >> thank you. [2:00:29] through you madam warden, this [2:00:31] report [2:00:31] report before you tonight is [2:00:32] seeking council approval to enter [2:00:33] enter into an agreement with the [2:00:35] [2:00:35] parties noted for an [2:00:36] encroachment and solution of a [2:00:38] [2:00:38] water system in the county's [2:00:40] right of way. [2:00:42] just south of texas and water [2:00:46] treatment plant, this is a raw [2:00:49] [2:00:49] water intake. [2:00:50] in the report, the county has [2:00:52] historically had installation of such [2:00:54] such infrastructure along county [2:00:55] [2:00:55] routes, provided that the [2:00:56] proponent enters into an [2:00:57] agreement which addresses certain [2:00:59] certain requirements and [2:00:59] conditions to operate this [2:01:01] infrastructure. [2:01:01] working with a proponent of the [2:01:06] [2:01:06] details, we received and have been [2:01:07] been conditionally approved and [2:01:10] legal [2:01:10] legal services have negotiated [2:01:11] the [2:01:11] the terms of the agreement, based on [2:01:13] based on the form which is sent [2:01:14] [2:01:14] to council for consideration [2:01:15] this evening. [2:01:16] as noted in the report, there [2:01:18] are no expected issues with this [2:01:20] [2:01:20] infrastructure, the proponent is [2:01:23] [2:01:23] done by trenchless methods over the road [2:01:24] the road and the agreement is a [2:01:27] [2:01:27] proponent to follow for the [2:01:28] construction operation of the [2:01:30] water system within our right of [2:01:32] [2:01:32] way. [2:01:32] and with that we are available [2:01:33] [2:01:33] for any questions. [2:01:36] >> thank you marissa. [2:01:38] questions from this report? [2:01:41] councillor prue? [2:01:43] >> thank you madam warden. [2:01:45] it's not really a question, I [2:01:46] just want to say how successful [2:01:48] the [2:01:48] the county was last time we had [2:01:49] [2:01:49] someone who wanted to go on to [2:01:51] [2:01:51] the road, which was walker [2:01:53] aggregates. [2:01:53] they went under howard avenue. [2:01:58] [2:01:58] and that saved a whole [2:02:01] intersection, it allowed their [2:02:02] [2:02:02] trucks to go under to the two [2:02:05] parts of their quarries. [2:02:07] and it was seamless, it happened [2:02:10] [2:02:10] very quickly, they did a [2:02:11] good job. [2:02:11] and I'm sure that jackson will [2:02:13] do [2:02:13] do the same. [2:02:16] at the appropriate moment, I will [2:02:18] will support it. [2:02:20] >> in that case, no one else's [2:02:23] [2:02:23] comments, know that there is the [2:02:24] [2:02:24] recommendation that council [2:02:25] received the report as [2:02:26] information and authorized the [2:02:28] warden and [2:02:28] warden and clerk to execute the [2:02:29] servicing [2:02:29] servicing encroachment and [2:02:30] easement agreement it's moved [2:02:34] and seconded. [2:02:35] any further discussion? [2:02:37] again, I will ask you to vote [2:02:39] electronically. [2:02:39] and that is carried, thank you. [2:03:02] thank you marissa. [2:03:05] next we have the final [2:03:07] financials projected results [2:03:10] operations for 2026. [2:03:12] melissa ryan, over to you. [2:03:14] >> thank you warden, through you [2:03:16] [2:03:16] and the county council. [2:03:17] this report provides council [2:03:18] with a mid-year projection of the [2:03:20] the management results based on [2:03:22] [2:03:22] activity up to june 30th, as [2:03:23] well as updated forecasts from [2:03:25] the [2:03:25] the department's. [2:03:26] at this point in the year, the [2:03:28] [2:03:28] county is projecting an overall [2:03:29] [2:03:29] year end surplus of [2:03:30] approximately 2.3 million, which [2:03:32] [2:03:32] represents about 1.6% of our [2:03:35] total 2026 budget. [2:03:36] I do want to emphasize that while there [2:03:38] while there is a surplus projected, [2:03:40] projected, it is a relatively small [2:03:41] small variance when viewed against [2:03:42] against overall size of the [2:03:43] county budget. [2:03:45] and much of the surplus is [2:03:46] related to one time or timing related [2:03:49] related factors such as [2:03:50] vacancies, salary gaps, different [2:03:52] different projects and external [2:03:54] agency [2:03:54] agency adjustments. [2:03:55] so these should not be viewed as [2:03:57] ongoing savings [2:03:57] ongoing savings that can be [2:03:58] built into future budgets. So [2:04:00] so some of the more significant [2:04:02] [2:04:02] variances include sun parlour [2:04:03] home, which is projecting a [2:04:05] surplus of roughly 740000 and [2:04:08] that one is primarily due to [2:04:11] funding which was just indicated [2:04:12] [2:04:12] to us about a month ago. [2:04:15] some vacancies as well as [2:04:17] utility savings and ems, we are [2:04:20] [2:04:20] projecting a surplus of [2:04:21] approximately 536,000 and it is [2:04:24] primarily [2:04:24] primarily attributed to vacant [2:04:25] [2:04:25] shifts and associated wage costs. [2:04:26] shifts and associated wage costs. [2:04:26] and external commitments, we are [2:04:28] [2:04:28] projecting a surplus of [2:04:30] approximately 469,000 and that [2:04:33] is primarily [2:04:33] is primarily due to funding [2:04:34] returned by the health unit. [2:04:35] every year they do [2:04:37] reconciliation from the prior year [2:04:38] year and we did get some funding [2:04:39] [2:04:39] back there. [2:04:40] the remaining departments are [2:04:42] generally tracking close to [2:04:43] budget with some smaller [2:04:46] favourable variances. [2:04:46] so overall, administration lays [2:04:49] [2:04:49] out this part in the year, [2:04:51] departments continue to manage [2:04:52] [2:04:52] expenditures responsibly while [2:04:53] [2:04:53] maintaining service levels and [2:04:56] a [2:04:56] strong financial position. [2:04:58] that said these are still [2:04:59] projections. [2:04:59] several assumptions underpin the [2:05:01] [2:05:01] forecast, including winter [2:05:03] maintenance requirements, social [2:05:05] [2:05:05] services costs, investment [2:05:07] performance and inflationary [2:05:08] pressures. [2:05:08] so we will continue to monitor [2:05:10] [2:05:10] these closely throughout the [2:05:11] remainder of the year. [2:05:14] if the projected surpluses [2:05:15] materialize at year end, [2:05:17] anything else committed by [2:05:18] council would be committed to [2:05:19] the rate stabilization reserve [2:05:21] in [2:05:21] in accordance with the policy. [2:05:24] [2:05:24] administration may also return [2:05:25] at [2:05:25] at year end with recommendations [2:05:27] [2:05:27] regarding the allocation of any [2:05:29] [2:05:29] ems or son parker home surpluses [2:05:32] to [2:05:32] to potentially put into their [2:05:33] respective capital reserves, [2:05:34] given the significant capital projects [2:05:36] projects anticipated in those [2:05:37] areas. And [2:05:37] and with that I am happy to take [2:05:40] [2:05:40] any questions. [2:05:41] >> thank you melissa. [2:05:43] questions for our finance [2:05:45] director? [2:05:45] no questions? [2:05:48] great. [2:05:48] then the recommendation is that [2:05:51] [2:05:51] council receive the report as [2:05:53] information. [2:05:53] councillor verbeke? [2:05:57] councillors rogers? [2:05:58] any further discussion? [2:06:00] I will ask you to vote [2:06:01] electronically please. [2:06:04] and that is unanimous as well. [2:06:16] next up we have the meals on [2:06:18] wheels proposal submission. [2:06:19] and I believe councillor rogers [2:06:22] [2:06:22] has a conflict at this point, thank you. [2:06:24] has a conflict at this point, thank you. [2:06:24] so natasha, I believe you will [2:06:30] [2:06:30] be reporting. [2:06:31] natasha? [2:06:31] >> good evening warden and [2:06:33] members of council. [2:06:34] the report before you tonight is [2:06:36] [2:06:36] looking for council's [2:06:37] endorsement to submit a proposal [2:06:39] [2:06:39] with south essex community council [2:06:40] council for meals on wheels services [2:06:43] services delivered by sun parlor [2:06:44] [2:06:44] home. [2:06:44] you may know sun parlor home is [2:06:47] [2:06:47] partnered to deliver meals on wheels [2:06:49] wheels for more than 20 years [2:06:50] and this is really an [2:06:51] opportunity for us to [2:06:53] reestablish a long-standing [2:06:54] relationship with experience in [2:06:57] [2:06:57] delivering the programme and the [2:06:59] [2:06:59] specific in-house skills and [2:07:02] equipment already on board that [2:07:04] would [2:07:04] would require us to do so [2:07:05] successfully. [2:07:05] the service is important to our [2:07:08] [2:07:08] community as it provides [2:07:09] nutritious meals and wellness [2:07:11] checks that help seniors and [2:07:14] residents remaining independent [2:07:15] in [2:07:15] in their homes. [2:07:16] it aligns with the care and [2:07:18] services we provide to the [2:07:19] residents in the home and [2:07:20] reaches those who one day may [2:07:21] need long term care home [2:07:23] support. [2:07:23] from an operational perspective, [2:07:27] [2:07:27] we reviewed the requirements and [2:07:28] [2:07:28] have capacity to support the [2:07:29] programme through the existing [2:07:31] food and [2:07:31] food and nutritious services [2:07:33] resource. [2:07:33] we do not anticipate needing any [2:07:35] [2:07:35] additional staff, equipment or [2:07:37] [2:07:37] capital costs at this time and [2:07:38] are [2:07:38] are committed to working closely [2:07:40] with [2:07:40] with finance to ensure that our [2:07:41] [2:07:41] proposal is financially [2:07:42] sustainable and that there will [2:07:44] [2:07:44] be no net new cost to sun [2:07:46] parlour home. [2:07:49] this is a competitive process so [2:07:50] at [2:07:50] at this point in time we are [2:07:51] really just looking for council's endorsement [2:07:52] council's endorsement to allow us [2:07:53] us to move forward with the [2:07:55] proposal, but I'm happy to [2:07:56] answer any questions, [2:07:57] thank you. [2:07:58] >> thank you, natasha. [2:08:00] any questions for our director? [2:08:03] [2:08:03] no questions? [2:08:05] in that case, there is a [2:08:06] recommendation that council [2:08:07] received the report as [2:08:08] information and that council [2:08:09] endorsed the submission with the [2:08:11] [2:08:11] proposal for meals on wheels [2:08:13] services through south essex [2:08:14] community council, recognizing [2:08:16] [2:08:16] sun parlor's long-standing [2:08:18] partnership in the delivery of [2:08:19] [2:08:19] the programme. [2:08:20] its experience and operational [2:08:22] [2:08:22] capacity to support service delivery [2:08:24] delivery and the positive impact [2:08:26] of [2:08:26] of the programme has for [2:08:28] residents within the community. [2:08:31] [2:08:31] moved by councillor bailey, [2:08:33] seconded by councillor shepley. [2:08:35] [2:08:35] any further discussion? [2:08:38] seeing none, I will ask you to [2:08:40] vote [2:08:40] vote electronically. [2:08:42] and that is carried. [2:08:51] no matters of unfinished [2:08:53] business, onto new business. [2:08:55] prior to the regular council [2:08:56] meeting this evening cat council [2:08:57] [2:08:57] met for a special closed meeting [2:09:00] at [2:09:00] at 2:00 p.m., pursuant to [2:09:02] section 239 -- 3.1 of the [2:09:04] municipal act for an education [2:09:05] [2:09:05] and training session regarding [2:09:08] [2:09:08] truth and reconciliation [2:09:09] theory. [2:09:09] council met further in a closed [2:09:11] [2:09:11] meeting at 5:00 p.m. Pursuant to [2:09:14] section [2:09:14] section 2392dnf of the municipal [2:09:16] [2:09:16] act. [2:09:16] council was provided with [2:09:18] information regarding ongoing [2:09:19] legal matters and regarding [2:09:21] status of collective bargaining [2:09:24] [2:09:24] with local union 4.72. [2:09:26] council further received [2:09:28] information related to the tentative [2:09:30] tentative collective agreement [2:09:31] between [2:09:31] between the county of essex and [2:09:34] local [2:09:34] local 2974.1. [2:09:35] as a result of the discussion, [2:09:37] [2:09:37] the following recommendation are [2:09:38] [2:09:38] before council. [2:09:39] that essex county council [2:09:41] approved the tentative agreement [2:09:43] between the corporation [2:09:43] between the corporation and [2:09:43] the county of essex and local [2:09:47] 2974.1, including a drop above [2:09:51] [2:09:51] the $45,128 from the health [2:09:52] benefit rate stabilization [2:09:54] reserve, subject to ratification [2:09:56] by [2:09:56] by the union's membership. [2:09:58] moved by councillor meloche, [2:10:00] seconded by councillor gibb. [2:10:02] any other questions? [2:10:04] I will ask you to vote [2:10:06] electronically. [2:10:06] and that is carried. [2:10:30] are there any other matters of [2:10:31] [2:10:31] new business? Councillor [2:10:32] councillor mcnamara? [2:10:33] >> thank you madam warden. Through [2:10:34] through you to our director of [2:10:36] [2:10:36] transportation services, just a [2:10:38] [2:10:38] question. [2:10:38] in terms of when you were [2:10:42] expecting tenders from the [2:10:46] manning road drainage, the seer [2:10:51] [2:10:51] ponds, I think two or three ponds. [2:10:54] ponds, I think two or three ponds. [2:10:54] I think it was a partnership [2:10:55] obviously with the town, but [2:10:57] it's going through the county. [2:10:59] [2:10:59] >> through you madam warden, that [2:11:01] that tender is actually closed, [2:11:02] I [2:11:02] I believe it was last week. [2:11:04] so we are now in the process of being [2:11:05] being able to work through that [2:11:07] and [2:11:07] and then we will be commencing [2:11:08] that [2:11:08] that in a few weeks. [2:11:09] >> thank you. [2:11:12] >> anyone else? [2:11:14] seeing none then we're moving on [2:11:15] [2:11:15] to adoption of bylaws, there are [2:11:18] three [2:11:18] three bylaws this evening for council's [2:11:20] council's consideration. [2:11:20] they will be read by the county [2:11:22] [2:11:22] clerk. [2:11:22] >> bylaw number 2026-31, being [2:11:28] a [2:11:28] bylaw to provide the rules [2:11:30] governing the order and [2:11:31] proceedings of the council of the [2:11:32] the corporation of the county of [2:11:33] [2:11:33] essex, committees and local [2:11:35] boards. [2:11:35] bylaw number 2026-34, being a [2:11:40] bylaw to authorize the execution [2:11:41] [2:11:41] of a service in, encroachment, [2:11:43] [2:11:43] and easement agreement between the [2:11:44] the corporation of the county of [2:11:45] [2:11:45] essex and 100-040-2065 ontario [2:11:49] [2:11:49] limited, operating as southern [2:11:52] [2:11:52] aqua and 145-4410 ontario inc., [2:11:56] [2:11:56] operating as jax organics. [2:11:58] and bylaw number 2026-35, being [2:12:01] a [2:12:01] a bylaw to confirm the [2:12:01] proceedings of the council of the [2:12:03] the corporation of the county of [2:12:04] [2:12:04] essex, special, closed, and regular [2:12:06] regular meetings for [2:12:07] september second, 2026. >> [2:12:08] >> there's a recommendation that [2:12:10] [2:12:10] bylaws 2026-31, 2026-34 and [2:12:14] 2026-35 be given three readings [2:12:16] and [2:12:16] and having been ready first, second [2:12:18] second and third time be finally [2:12:19] [2:12:19] passed and enacted. [2:12:22] moved and seconded all in [2:12:27] favour? [2:12:27] never mind. [2:12:28] vote electronically please. [2:12:30] I thought I would get through one meeting [2:12:32] one meeting without messing it [2:12:33] [2:12:33] up. [2:12:33] and that is carried. [2:13:06] are there any notices of motion [2:13:08] [2:13:08] to be introduced for [2:13:09] september second? [2:13:10] councillor akpata? [2:13:12] >> thank you madam warden. [2:13:14] my notice of motion as the [2:13:15] county of essex has an existing [2:13:17] [2:13:17] history and culture deep rooted [2:13:19] [2:13:19] in french heritage and it's been [2:13:20] [2:13:20] acknowledged that french language [2:13:22] language heritage and culture are [2:13:22] are part of the trade [2:13:23] negotiations with the [2:13:24] united states. [2:13:25] and has occurred, trade [2:13:26] negotiations with the [2:13:27] united states will affect border [2:13:29] [2:13:29] communities and whereby many of our [2:13:30] our residents are directly impacted [2:13:32] impacted by these cross-border [2:13:34] issues [2:13:34] issues to their livelihood, be [2:13:35] [2:13:35] it resolved that the county of [2:13:37] [2:13:37] essex ensure that the concerns [2:13:38] of our [2:13:39] of our residents are brought [2:13:39] directly to the federal [2:13:40] government to consider as part [2:13:41] of the [2:13:41] of the future trade positions and [2:13:44] and discussions, reminding them [2:13:45] their [2:13:45] their activities directly affect [2:13:47] our [2:13:47] our communities and be it [2:13:48] further resolved that the french [2:13:49] [2:13:49] language history of the county [2:13:50] of essex [2:13:50] of essex is also brought to the [2:13:50] [2:13:50] attention of the federal [2:13:51] government to ensure the unique [2:13:53] [2:13:53] language and culture of french [2:13:55] [2:13:55] canadians is respected in any trade agreements [2:13:56] trade agreements that are going [2:13:57] [2:13:57] to affect and how it will affect [2:14:01] [2:14:01] us. [2:14:01] >> anyone else? [2:14:04] so all matters of business have [2:14:07] [2:14:07] been adjourned -- are addressed, [2:14:09] [2:14:09] adjournment is in order. [2:14:10] so the motion is that [2:14:12] essex county council meeting for [2:14:14] [2:14:14] september second, 2026, be [2:14:16] adjourned at 8:14 p.m. [2:14:18] councillor prue? [2:14:19] councillors rogers? [2:14:20] all in favour by show of hands? [2:14:22] [2:14:22] that is carried. [2:14:23] thank you everyone, I wish you [2:14:25] [2:14:25] all a good night.