Afternoon, everyone. We have a motion by Councillor Albano and
it has been seconded by Councillor brass that. The Councillor
for the town of Holton Hills reconvened this meeting in
open session. All in favor? That's carried.
And we will now stand for O Canada, please.
And we begin by acknowledging that the land on which
we gather is part of the treaty lands. And territory
of the Mississaugas of the credit. Are there any disclosures
of pecuniary interest or conflict of interest? Councilor Ingles. Thank
you, worship. Yes, I have one, and it is on
the general committee. Part of the agenda, item 9.2, point
e. It's referring to a development as report number. 20240
64. My family owns a farm abutting the property being
discussed. Okay, thank you very much. And Councillor Fogle. Yes,
I declared a conflict. In the closed session meeting regarding.
An issue where my property is near the issue, okay?
Sufficiently vague. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much.
Okay, so we have a couple of announcements today. And
one of them is staff recognition. And I'd like to
announce that the association of Ontario Road Supervisors has been
serving public works professionals since 1961. And in 1996. The
exclusive right to use the designation certified road supervisor was
provided. The four levels of certification. Associate certified road supervisor,
intermediate and senior have mandatory experience. And education criteria established
by the AORS Education Committee and Certificate Board. And I'm
pleased to announce that two town employees have reached new
levels of certification and on behalf of Councillor would like
to congratulate Brian Kraft. Check for his recent associate roads.
Supervisor certification and Dan King for his certified road supervisor
cert. Certification. Their ongoing commitment to broaden their knowledge through
training and education will help them both continue to serve
the public more effectively. Congratulations, Brian and Dan, on your
certifications. And with winter coming up, We're very glad that
we have people who know what they're doing on our
roads, plowing and maintaining them. My second announcement is from
the library that it is hosting a winter wonder on
Saturday, November 30. From ten to 03:00 p.m. At the
Acton and Georgetown branches, families are invited to meet the
popular tv characters Louie and Bingo. Take family photos, write
a letter to Santa, and enjoy crafts and activities. All
ages are welcome and for more details, please visit the
library website. At hhpl, ca. Are there any other members
of Councillor who have other announcements? Councilor norris. Thank you,
Madam Mayor. And actually, This announcement falls along with the
library one. So on Saturday, November 30, the downtown Georgetown
BIA is having a holiday market, which will be all
of Main street south. And we'll also have. Some vendors
inside the Knox Presbyterian Church. And it also, as I
said, it ties in completely same time frame as with
the library and as the BIA is saying, join us
for a holly, jolly good time at this year's. Holiday
market with over 90 fantastic vendors. The streets will be
alive with festive cheer and holiday magic and also hop
aboard the trackless train. As it chugs down main street,
bringing smiles to all ages. Enjoy the sweet sounds of
Kerala. Serenading the crowd, filling the air with holiday spirit.
Plus, don't miss out on our amazing photo op. Capture
the moment with friends and family. Come celebrate the season
with us and make unforgettable memories at the downtown Georgetown
holiday market. Thank you. Thank you very much, Councillor Bacinski.
Thank you, madam. I want to invite the community to.
The Glenn Williams Christmas market as well, which happened on
December 1 from one to 04:00 p.m. They've expanded it
this year. It should be great. So I encourage people
to come to the Glenn on December 1. Thank you
very much. Councilor Somerville. Well, since we're talking about wonderful
Christmas events, I'd be remiss. If we didn't mention the
stocking auction that the act in town hall. Center hosts
on December 1 as well and gets underway about 11:00
and it's a lot of fun. And local merchants and
politicians and members of the public have donated. A wide
variety of items, and it's always such a great time.
Having Doug Donaldson as the auctioneer as well. So hopefully
everyone can attend if you have any. Money left from
your other markets that you're at. I'm hoping you can
attend. For that one. It's a lot of fun. Good.
Thanks very much. Yes. It's great. The christmas season is
upon us. And with two great parades over the weekend,
And. That's all. Holton Hills is a great place to
be at Christmas time. That's. For sure. I'm wondering if
I could have. A motion from a member of Councillor
to waive the rules. We have a delegate who wants.
To comment on an item that is coming up. With.
The next series of reports. And so could I have
someone waive the rules? Councillor Garno? To be able to
hear a delegation regarding one of this group. Of recommendations.
Okay. All in favor? That's carried. Thank you. Okay. So
is Jameson champ in the audience?
Good afternoon, sir. Madam Mayor. Councillor. I was here in
May to talk to the fireworks. Ban. And my concern
was the lack of due process. And there was a
bit of a debate about whether we should. Use the
public engagement access we talked about the $25,000. It's a
lot. Of money. And my concern now is that we've
actually done the process. Got a result that seems to
suggest that the public does not want the ban yet.
We're going to put the ban through. So I've reviewed.
This survey. I find that the number of calls is
statistically valid. But the report is seriously biased. And by
biased, I mean. To start with. The findings to discussion
are usage and awareness. Concerns and issues and preferences for
regulation. There isn't a point for benefits and positive nonexistent.
As I said, the numbers are fine. Usage and awareness.
60% are aware of the current laws, which actually, I
think is a pretty good number that are aware of
where we are now and what's expected. Fireworks related activities.
People participate? Not a surprising number. Concerns and issues. First
one is the concerns about fireworks. We have. Not concerned
at all. Not very concerned, somewhat concerned and very concerned.
And what I'm concerned with is if you had asked
me, I would have vote somewhat concerned. I think we
can concede that there are some risks involved with fireworks,
but there's risks involved. With biking, dogs, driving cars, everything.
So the question is, what's reasonable? The real concern comes
into when we then take a fraction of the sample
size. We eliminate the people that have no concerns. And
we dive deep into and ask them which of these
concerns do you have. We're suggesting concerns to these people
and then asking them to answer up to three. Of
them. I don't know how I use statistics daily, but
I'm pretty sure that promoting. Six or eight possible safety
concerns, asking them to say if they're concerned about them
and then saying, They can respond positively to up to
three of them seems like a flawed way to do
a report. Then when we get in preference for regulations,
we go through. Actually, 60% of respondents want no ban.
And if we have a bias report, Or even if
we assume it could be, we still have 60% that
don't want the ban. Even as a result of a
biased report. So we don't really need to talk about.
Whether it's biased or not, and if anybody has any
questions on the bias of it. Whether. It is biased
or not. I have a little example for you. If
we flip the fireworks to dogs and we ask the
same question and we say, not very concerned. Concern. I
suspect we'll get similar numbers. When we ask about are
you concerned about personal safety with dogs? Are you worried
about noise with dogs? Are you worried about responsible dog
owners? Are you worried about. Destruction to pets and wildlife
with dogs running through the forest or barking. Are you
worried about the time of day, too late at night.
It seems that they all apply to dogs. Property damage,
destruction. Of private property. Physical injury. Now, I think we
can agree. That nobody's going to want to ban dogs.
The point is, we're talking something. Similar. We've gone out
here looking specifically. To produce a result. And in statistical
speaking, that's what's known as a statistical bias. Systemic favoritism.
That is present in the data collection process, resulting in
lopsided, misleading results. Omitted variable bias. Nowhere in here does
it say, List your top three reasons. That are good
reasons to keep it. Nowhere in here does it say,
Do you like it? If I do have a picture,
if we could put it up a slide. Slide number
one. And when I say good things, I mean. Children's
wonderment of what's going on. I mean, them questioning how
you get it to go that high. How do you
get it to be red and blue? These are the
future physicists, engineers and chemists. Teaching an eight year old,
teaching them how to respect the rule, how to read
it and say, the concerns are stay back this far.
No, you can't light it. Because of this? Because. Of
that. And on top of that, I am worried about
the fact that we seem to have trouble enforcing the
bylaws as they currently stand. I would submit to you
that most people that have a problem with fireworks have
a problem with the 02:00 a.m. Fireworks after 11:00 we
have days we can use it. Hours you can use
it and permits for other occasions. I wonder how. Much
of this would die. Down if. We could enforce those.
The one thing I do worry about is it's a
call based complaint for bylaw. So you're asking neighbors to
squeal on neighbors now? Some of these neighbors might celebrate
Victoria Day. Some of these neighbors might celebrate dwaly. I
would suggest everybody here that a neighbor celebrating dwaly that
invites the neighbors. To sit and do it with them
respectfully. To have conversation, to have a drink and some
food is a far better use of this, but. Number
one, we have spent $25,000. If we were going to
end up here. The eight that voted for it should
have declared that it will not change my mind. And
we should have bought food for the food bank or
worked on housing. It's an incredible waste. Of $25,000, 60%
of. People. Don't want the ban. And when it comes
right down to it, I could refer to the vision
statement public engagement democracy makes its best decisions when people
express their will and become involved they did. They had
their say. Your code of conduct. Council members should recognize
the need to uphold both the letter and the spirit
of the law, including policies before the Councillor. Now, I
would suggest to you that if we have 60% that
don't. Want it, then the spirit is not being upheld
here. There is a picture. Are we unable to get
the pictures? Sir, I'm going to ask you to wrap
it up, please. We're getting close to you. That's fine.
I'm wrapping up. I just wanted to show the one
picture that we submitted for. Anyways. It's a picture of
a group of kids from the shot from behind them
celebrating with people all around, all respectable distance and even
from behind. It's really sad. We can't. Get it up
there, because even from behind and in shadow, you can
tell that these five or six children are completely bewildered
by what they're seeing. And there's people all around. It's
a beautiful one. It's actually, you know what? Let's do
this. Even the front page of here is beautiful picture
displaying what will not be allowed. The picture that I
would like to put up here is from your report
tendered to Councillor. That has the pictures of a fountain
going off in the middle, everybody around it, it's actually
in your brochure that you publish to the public on
the background of where this came from. It actually depicts
a beautiful picture that nobody will ever take again in
this town. Nobody will be bewildered, nobody by the fountain.
Burning schoolhouse, which is a chuckle for us older people,
because I don't know why we remember it so fondly
because it was the silliest bundom. So we need to
wrap it up, please. Thank you. Well, I would really
like to see the picture. I was told. Well, I
think the clerk isn't able to put it up. We're
having a technical problem with that, so I thank you
for. Well, that's pretty unfortunate. That would be part of
my presentation. Can we still work on it? If we're
going to discuss it, can they put it up while
the discussion comes up? Well, no. I don't think. We're
capable. There. We got it. Look at that picture there.
If you zoom in on it. Right out of the
publication from here. Those kids, you can't see their face,
but you. Can tell what they're thinking. Everybody's respectfully distance.
That will not happen in this town again with this.
And we waste $25,000 and we don't respect the spirit
of the public engagement charter. Thank you. Okay. Are there
members of Councillor who have a question or comment? Question,
I should say. Okay. I don't see any, so thank
you very much, sir. So I have a resolution, moved
by Councillor Brass, seconded by Councillor Albano, to adopt the
general committee items from the October 20 eigth Councillor meeting.
The details of these items can be found in section
five of today's agenda. The recommendations are contained in the
following reports and memorandum from Monday, October 28, 2024. General
committee meeting are hereby adopted as presented. Report cs 20
24 35. Report PD 20240. Eight one. Report pd 20240
90. Report tpw 20240. Zero eight. Report tpw 20240. Two,
one. Memorandum CSE 20240. Zero eight. A memorandum library
20240. Zero two. Report admin. 20 24 00:25. And further,
that the following report is hereby adopted as amendment at
amended admin 20240. 114 all in favor? That's carried. Thank
you very much. We now have confirmation of minutes from
previous Councillor meetings. It has been moved by Councillor Albano.
Secreted by Councillor Brass that the following minutes are hereby
approved. 6.1 minutes of. The Councillor workshop held on Monday,
October 21, 2024. Six two to confidential minutes of the
Councillor held on Monday, October 28, 2024. 63 minutes of
the Councillor held on Monday, October 28, 2024 6.4 confidential
minutes from the. Council workshop held on Monday, November 11,
2024. And 6.5 is minutes from the Councillor workshop held
on Monday, November 11, 2024. All in favor. That's carried.
Okay. Now we have a public presentation. Holden Regional Police
Services is here for a presentation to Councillor about what's
happening in the. Police force these days. So welcome, Chief
Tanner and your team.
Your worship. And thank you, members of Councillor. It's always
great to be back here. It's been a little while.
We've lived through Covid. We've lived through a few other
things. We've. Lived through virtual presentations, so it's great to
be back in person. I'm going to turn most of
the presentation over to what we call our executive command
team here in the north end, Milton and Halton Hills.
And that'll be superintendent co areepta. And Inspector Anita la
Fromois. They are really, for many intents and purposes. Your
assistant chief and assistant deputy chief when it comes to
all things that are policing in Halton. Hills. So we've
asked them to do a presentation which touches on some
specific Halton. Hill statistics and some of the work that's
going on. In this great municipality here for the specific
knowledge of your members of council. I do recognize that.
I've met several of you recently at the occasion of
Peter Barrel's funeral, so. It was great to see everyone
there, and of course, it's a great loss to both.
Our Halton Hills Fire Department and Halton police, where Peter
served us and our members for many, many years. We're
celebrating our 50th anniversary. Peter predated that. I think clerk
Somerville predates that, too, but. We won't necessarily say that
here at the end of the presentation, if there are
any more general questions. I'm certainly here to assist in
any way I can or to discuss some things that
are happening more on the regional stage. There are some
alarming crime trends in the region of Halton, still much
lower than our neighboring municipalities. But auto theft and home
invasions and things that are happening. Disproportionately in the south
end of the region. Thankfully for the folks here, but
these sorts of crime trends are coming to us from
our neighbors. Most of. Those more dangerous and serious of
criminals tend not to be homegrown, so we know they're
coming from Pl to and often from Montreal. I also
want to thank this Councillor and your CEO for all
the work that staff did as well to move along
the new station. I'm reminded as I sit here. I
think I used to look over this direction and answer
a bunch of questions about where this future police station
would be going. That questionnaire is not here today. But
feel free to ask any questions. But it is underway
now on steals Avenue. Nice to see some of the
steel work now up and things starting to take shape.
So this command team behind me. Hopefully, we'll be moving
into that new facility, I hope, during 2025 and. We'll
certainly push our regional partners and construction people to get
that done for us, so great to be here. Great
to be here in your town and to assist you
in any way. That we can. And I'll turn it
over to Cole and Anita. Thank you. Thank you for
having us here today. This is just a high level
overview of the police department in one district. And more
of an introduction to you, Nita and I, who are
new to the district kind. Of. In. April to May,
we had a transfer of leadership, and Anita and I.
I'm the superintendent. Of the district and he is the
inspector. Came up to one district. Now, if you're not
aware, one district is a combination of Milton and Halton
Hills. The majority of the resources do work out of
the twelve division in Milton, but we do share those
resources with Halton Hills. And there is, as you know,
a station in Georgetown. The station. That act and all
the resources, like investigative resources, are triaged out of Milton
to those two. Districts. There is a set number of
people, mostly uniform officers, working. Out of eleven division and
a few officers working out of ten division on a
full time basis. I moved up in April, but I
do have a background. Working up in one district that
was stationed for my first four years of policing in
Georgetown and acting back, then you would transfer between. The
different stations and do three months in one, three months
in the next. And then I came back. It was
up there for four years and went back to. Went
to. A tactical background for the next 15 years or
so, and then I came back in 2000. And 16.
As a staff sergeant and worked up again under Milton
and Georgetown. And Anita's background is vastly investigative. She's worked
all different investigative units across the region. From. The drug
investigator. And so I think we have a perfect combination
when we put us together. You have operational background. And
a bit of a planning background, then investigative background through
Anita. In the whole region. We have just over 1100
sworn and civilian members. We're going to get to it
in. I think we have 172 just in our district.
Just do it quicker. If you take a look now,
you don't have to read through all the slide, but.
This is what we look like as a police service.
We're over on the left. We have three districts, one
district, two district and three district. That's Oakville and Burlington.
And really, all you need to know is, although we
have limited resources in our district, 172 members, all of
those other areas are there to support us at the
front line, and if we needed a tactical resource. They're
available to come support us if we needed. Regional investigators,
high level drug investigators, they're there to support us auto
theft teams. So they're triaged out to the district when
there's a bigger concern. So although. We're small in size.
We have the available resources of 1200 members. And 172.
As I said, in our district alone, the district. Is
divided. Milton and Holton Hills. And as I said, we
have a station that act in Georgetown. About half our
resources end up in both of those areas, Holton Hills
and Milton. On a daily basis. So half the members
working end up in both places, and that's scalable. To
where. The problem is that if there's an event in
acting, more resources go. To act. And if there's. An
event in Holton Hills. More resources go to Holt Hills,
but we start every morning with roughly the same amount
of people in both areas. Within our own district. This
is all how we divide all our resources. We have
investigative resources. And although you see summer reporting directly to
me, and some are reporting to Anita. We're really a
team, and all decisions go through both of us. If
Anita has something coming up. She advises me she makes
her own decisions, but she'll run it past me. Anita
looks after our uniform officers and I look after our
investigative and our community mobilization officers, but really, it's a
team effort entirely. We do have 24/7 coverage, obviously. We
do have a uniform. Sergeant on ground at all times,
and a team of people in Georgetown. And acting. We
do have a pilot. Right now we're running where we
have a third. Sergeant on ground at all time. The
reason why that is is that person can go between
Milton and Halton Hills. If we need a second sergeant
in one of those locations, we're piloting that now. We
expect that to take effect at some time through 2025
because it has been successful. I think everyone here has
probably been introduced to the community safety and well being.
The pillars are important to us. What I will say
about this is this came into effect across the province
a few years back. But we were way ahead of
the curve in Holton, not only in the Holton region.
But the Halton police as well. And we rely on
these four pillars. I like to think of these four
pillars as. A decision making tool. So if something comes
up and there's a problem, we make sure. All these
points are touched on, all these areas are looked at
before we decide the solution. In which direction we're going
to go. And this works into every decision we make,
right from frontline officers up to the decisions I make
as a superintendent of the district. So it's really ingrain.
Ingrained in our service and our district. And it's something
that's because we were head of the curve is why
we're so successful at it today. And you'll? See throughout
the presentation. This is woven into every unit we have.
Within the unit. Where we break up within the district,
we're broken up into specific units. One of those units
is a district response team where many of you may
have communications with this. Used to be called traffic. Or
now it's half traffic, half community concerns. But ten years
ago, we would call this the traffic. And they do
look at traffic enforcement as a large part of what
they do. That also means responding to regional and provincial
projects. But why that's important is because when we have
a big event. We can rely on those resources coming
back to help us, which happens quite often for street
racing. For example, which is a problem through the Holton
hills, and we can rely on the resources. Not only
from the rest of Halton, but rest of the province.
Really? And we do that? Quite often. We have our
yearly projects that touch on traffic. Things like a project
safe start. Canada safety, Canada Road Safety Week, which happens.
In the fall and the spring. And other projects almost
on a monthly basis. Of course, ride is an important
part of what we do. We ramp up our ride.
Program. In December, in the summer. Not really because of
the holidays, but more because that's when more people are
on the road. And that says, you know, that's coming
up in December, and our efforts have already ramped up.
We do that in the district, we apply more resources
to rise. I do have some stats that will tell
you about 2023. Rise statistics. When they're not. Doing reactive
things. They do proactive things. And this combination of responding
to motor vehicles, reactive, we assist our front line, but.
We attend lots of community events. In the last couple
of years, we've shifted from almost. Solely based on traffic
to a combination of event based, with protests being one
of the primary things. We respond to. And it's this
unit that goes to those things primarily. They have more
training and more experience dealing with members of the public.
And they're there just. As. Overwatched in case a problem
happens. They don't interfere unless there's actually. An issue that
happens. They do liquor license check up in Holton Hills.
It hasn't. Been a big issue. In 2024 for us.
The closure of the national north used to take up
a lot of our time. It hasn't in the recent
this year. And of course, they go to priority calls
for service. If there's an emergency incident, they have to
drop everything and go to that. And the assistor frontline.
In 2023. Just this unit, which is the traffic unit,
is an eight person unit. They went to over 2200
calls for service. As you work your way down 2500.
Provincial offense notices, which are tickets. They give out about
an equal number of warning tickets, which aren't captured the
same with provincial offenses are and probably an equal amount
of stops where they just educate people and just talk
to people. 3100 traffic stops conducted by jew. But that's
only related to the Pos. And every stop, they may
give one pond or more. So you have to work
your way through. The numbers, they don't all add up.
It's because every stop could equal one. Education piece. One
mourn and a few tickets. The complaints traffic related come
through a different way as well. A variety of ways
it can be officer generated, which is the majority of
those traffic stops. It can be through traffic complaints that's.
A member of the public. We call them nine. Nine
one occurrences. In 2024. That was only up to August.
We had just about 800, so they look to be
trending to vote the same as 2023. Numbers. That's members
of the public call us. That the calls you're going
to receive quite often. And then. We do an analysis
of those calls and we'll send resources to hot spots.
Another way it comes to is through our road watch,
which is through our website. We don't. Get nearly as
many, but we do get some. We're trending of a
bit. Less this year than in other years, but numbers
seem to be the same this year for traffic as
they do in years ago past. When you have a
specific concern. We are as well as changing a need
and I, in terms of. The hierarchy. In 2025, we
will have a new person in charge of this unit.
And our cab. And traffic will continue to be a
concern, but they'll introduce you to that person when they
start. And that will be your primary contact. It's going
to be a girl named Kathy Walker. She's a staff
sergeant and she'll be a staff sergeant in this unit.
And just, this just shows that. We do have kind
of yearly things that come up. We try to divide
them up to each quarter each quarter, there's usually two
or three things, kind of the standard enforcement projects we
do every year. You can see project noise maker is
always an interest to you. Canada Road safety week. The
commercial motor vehicle blitz is important. That shows the truck.
Those things happen every year, and we divide them up
throughout the year by quarter. If you're not aware, we
have recently changed the way we've taken traffic complaints. And
we communicate to the public. It used to be that
Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, Milton would all have their own.
X account or Twitter account. And we would communicate to
people that way and people would communicate to us that
way, would get confusing for people. And the feedback we
got is if someone had a complaint, they wouldn't. Know
where to go. To make a complaint on Twitter or
X, and they wouldn't know where to get information. So
we've put that all into one account, so everyone throughout
the region goes the same. Account. It's monitored by all
the districts, and we found that it's more productive. For
us. We get more information that way, and we're able
to get information out to our public much quicker in
all the districts, including all mills. The other half of
the district response team. At community mobilization team. So between
the Drew team and the community mobilization team, that's one.
Office of people that work for us. This is where
community, safety and well being is. Bread and butter. They
get out into the public, the public events continuously. We
have a group of people, including high school liaison officers
and. They're educating the public on things that are important
to us and also getting feedback from the public are
most important to us. Although our high school officers aren't
embedded in the schools. They do have a really close
relationship with our youth, and. With the teachers and the
principals. And on a daily basis, they're in communication with
people from the Holton Hill schools. And if there's an
incident. They're the ones who will go investigate that. So
they build that rapport with the youth because they're the
face the youth see on a daily basis. We have
a social worker attached to that team. It really is
an advisor and gives us a civilian. Lens to look
through. And it's more of a help to our officers
than to anybody. To be honest with you. Community mobilization
officers. I have some examples coming up of what the
things they did in 2024. But they're really out in
the public and running programs for youth, running programs for
adults. Some of the initiatives in 2024. These are the
things that you will see us out at 2024. You
saw us in 2023. Same things. The importance of this
is there's dozens and dozens more, and I'll tell you.
Each one of these comes with. We just don't show
up. It comes with a very fulsome operational plan. It's
not going to be the same as the one from
2023 we look at. Every incident. Every event on its
own. We debrief the one from the year before and
say, what do we need to do? Better in the
next year. I am a critical engine commander, which is
the highest level you can get. In terms of event
planning in the police, and I view every plan that
comes through, so every plan that comes through our office,
we make sure that there's the right amount of resources.
We took lessons from 2023, and we apply them to
2024. And there's dozens and dozens. Every event you go
to there is a plan for. A few of those.
In 2024. April 27, officer james dedu. Gave a lesson
to the community on Sept. Which really what that is,
is teaches people about target hardening their environment, their home,
their business. Highlights things they should do to deter burglars
or people from breaking into their homes. We had members
of our CIB unit district response team there to answer
questions. Those are things like places that should be really
well lit, where you should cut shrubs, making sure you
have two layers of security on every doorway, and it
was well attended. And that septa training blood over to
other. Initiatives we looked at in 2024 as well, including.
The act in graffiti cleanup. There was a problem with
graffiti enact and we applied those principles. To the graffiti
problem. To help deter that, we had an officer, Chris
David, who then took part in the blitz to clean
up the graffiti and act during the summertime. Another similar
event that the community mobilization team was involved in. We're
partnered with Proaction, which is an organization that helps kids
and provides funding. To youth, specifically youth at risk at
times. One event just to highlight was a summer skate
and. This is a high school liaison officer. Took youth
out to do a skating program and that's? Paid for
by proaction cops for kids. And just recently, we just
completed a drive for clothing. This drive started in 2022.
Our 2024 program just ended, and I believe we raised
just over 300. Winter jackets and pants for kids in
the region. And he's going to take over now. Michael.
So I'm going to refer to our criminal Investigations Bureau.
So we do have regional units. That. Take, for the
lack of a better word, those higher level investigations. Anything
that we can manage within the district. Will maintain a
level of control over unless it exceeds the capacity or
the KSAs of those teams. So this is the makeup
of our CIB unit. Right now, there are six different
portfolios. Now, it's important to say that although they have
specific areas that they focus on, They are generalists. So
if they are working, they are the ones that are
responding on the ground supporting our front line, and that's
the expectation, and they do it very well. However, when
it comes to their specific portfolios, they're the ones that
assume control of the investigations. So oftentimes. With missing persons,
especially persons that we don't locate immediately. They'll take control
of that and make sure that they're exhausting all the
additional efforts. In locating that person. So just high level.
Are missing. Our person's team. They deal with missing persons,
assaults, criminal harassment, sex tortion. Online based. Interactions and crimes
against seniors. We should have a member that's solely dedicated.
To senior related investigations because they are very complex. Our
second team is a robbery team. We also. Have a
member that's embedded in that team that manages all of
the calls that come. Through Maple hearst, which is? You
can imagine there are quite a few that come to
our team. And it's our responsibility to attend and ensure
that. We're conducting a criminal investigation. In consultation with the
staff at Maplehurst. An auto theft team. We do have
a regional auto assess team now. And this team will
maintain control of anything that doesn't really involve. Home invasions,
anything that isn't organized crime related. Now, they do have
some level of involvement. In those investigations, but ultimately we
will send it off to our regional investigative services to
manage our break and enter team. Any type of break
and enter. To. Any buildings, whether it's residential. Commercial, they'll
take over that. And our offender management warrants have suffered
from vehicles this is a risk mitigation team. Offender management
works again with a regional unit, and anybody that's living
in our area. They'll manage anybody that's high risk for
reoffending anybody that's on the sex offender registry, anything that
requires some sort of diligence through probation and parole. And
they'll also deal with some other matters that come up,
and they'll assist. The other teams and our street crime
unit. Again, it's our mini drug. Team that we use
in the district, so they'll manage those street level drugs.
They'll respond oftentimes to overdoses, and they'll manage those types
of investigations. This is a very pretty slide, but the
numbers that I want. To draw your attention to are
the bolded numbers. 89%. Those are our clearance rates, and
unfortunately, we don't have the breaking enters as far as
broken up between. Milton and Halton Hills, but we do
have them kind of broken up elsewhere, so our assaults
we do have a high clearance rate for salts, as
you can see in Holton Hills there. Were 101 that
occurred specifically in Holton Hills. There is a slight increase
and there's anecdotal reasons for any. Increase and decrease. And
we can obviously do a deep dive with our analytics
team, discuss with or regional investigative services. But we don't
often make utterances based on what we believe. Those anecdotal
purposes are because. It can be misleading. There are a
lot of things that are impacted by the global climate
in our region as well. So there are differences year
to year. Or missing persons. We do have a very
high success rate, and actually we credit probably the last
few. To the use of drones. When a loved one
goes missing and it's reported to us. And because we
have a lot of rural property in this district. We're
getting the drones up. We're deploying our canine dogs. We're
utilizing all the resources that we have. So luckily, we've
had a very high success rate in locating persons that
have gone missing. Break. And owners, they do fluctuate. Our
robberies. We do have a high clearance rate as well.
There's a very small percentage up in Halton Hills. We
have had one home invasion. I believe that one is
still being investigated. And we did have an incident that
was reported as a carjacking. It ended up being. False
report. For various reasons. Vehicle thefts, and we'll have some
slides that'll speak to those later on. Those have increased.
In the recent few years. And. Vehicle theft from vehicles.
As you'll see with. The blue bar. Those are unlocked
vehicles. So 141 of the occurrences are based on the
fact, and it goes back to what Cole was referring
to as that sept head is target hardening. What are
the actions that some homeowners need to take to ensure
that they're not victimized. Unlocking their cars. It's always an
educational piece for a lot of people. And then our
overall stats. We have had some very fulsome discussions around
stats because when you look at these bars. They are
very misleading. When you see 3200 investigations. And only 380
reps or 421 charges. When we look at investigations, we're
also looking at. Those occurrences coming through Maple Hearst, which
takes a significant toll on our cib unit. We're looking
at overdoses, we're looking at other incidents that don't necessarily
result. In an arrest, but requires some level of investigation.
So that's why, on the surface, that can look somewhat
misleading. And this is auto thefts for Halton Hills. Our
percentage increased since 2019. I don't think. It's going to
be a shock to anybody in this room because. The
media is heavily covering it. Every region has been impacted.
It's gone up 165%. It's a trend that we're very
live. To that. The province is very live too that
we've specifically received funding to address. We have had, on
average, about 13 vehicles get stolen in a month. And
about. 62 recovered, so. There are some top vehicles. Again,
I'm not going to make any inferences. My husband actually
works at Toyota, and I told me he's not allowed
to buy a Toyota. But there's various reasons for why
they're being targeted. How marketable that vehicle may be. So
this is just what we're seeing. Up in Holton Hills
specifically. And are very comprehensive, and it goes far beyond
this. Again, it goes back to that CSWB model that
Cole is referring to. Enforcement. Isn't enough for something like
this. There needs to be collaboration. There needs to be
some level. Of thought put into education for the public.
And we need to partner with other services. So our
instant response and a lot of these investigations when they
do involve organized crime, we are partnering with. Other services.
As you can imagine, there's a slide coming up next.
It takes a significant amount of resources, takes a lot
of time and energy. As somebody that has done surveillance,
it takes a lot of hours to make observations, to
make inferences. From those observations. And to actually develop a
case that's strong enough to be able to prosecute. So
the time, money, resources is definitely a significant factor, but
it is a priority. So the services are very collaborative
when we do work together because. It's a very transient
type of crime. We do have a regional auto theft
task force. That has been able to lift a lot
of the work and a lot of the pressure. And
the time constraints off of our CIB unit. We are
looking at reorganizing. Our CIB portfolios. There's a need because
the trends have changed. The environment has. Changed. We now
need to adapt to some of those changes within our
CIB, and we do provide our officers training. I was
on frontline patrol quite a few years ago, and it
has changed significantly since that. Time. So our frontline officers
are experiencing. A very different environment than the rest of
us ever have. So it's ensuring that everybody, including our
level, have the same level of training to appreciate what
those trends are at the current time. Our partnerships. Are
anybody and everybody that will join us equit. We do
see some revenning. We saw revenning and then. We didn't
see it as much, and now we're starting to see
it again. And so Equita is a national company that
comes in. I don't know if it's in partnership with
the insurance companies. But because there are markers within the
vehicles to be able to identify what the true Vin
is, within that vehicle. We collaborate with the Crown's office
all the time. Our members have a very close working
relationship with our local crowds. Other police services, obviously. And
then we do host. An annual summit to ensure that.
Everybody from local jurisdictions have the same information. Communication strategy.
Communication is essential to us. We use our corporate communications
team to educate the public. And we're constantly looking at
means of doing that so that it is catching their
attention. As delivering the proper message. They did work on
a crime Stoppers reenactment recently as well. We work with
our regional community mobilization team, and they do assist with
some of the youth based groups. And part of this
is education, but ensuring that we're targeting some of those
youth. Before. They kind of go down a trail. That
maybe would be concerning. So we're utilizing. Our school liaison
officers to help mitigate some of those issues. Network intervention.
Or community mobilization office. Is we stand them up quite
regularly. Every time we have something, we sort of redeploy.
Them. And we try to be present. At as many
events as we can. And again, So personalized letters to
owners. Through the MTO, we determined these high risk vehicles,
and we personally delivered letters to some of those residents
to ensure that they had an awareness that they could
potentially be targeted and what to do to limit the
likelihood. These are just a couple of joint forces operations.
I personally was not involved in any of them. But
as you can see on the right hand side, There
are quite a few services that were including the port
of Halifax. The chief potential could probably speak to it
when he does get up. But September 2023 to March
2024, was one of them, and. It was a group
of individuals that was targeting members of the public. And
taking their vehicles while they were operating the vehicle. So
it did escalate at times. To a level of violence.
And similarly, there was another one, project vector, and they
ended up. Locating a number of recovered vehicles. At the
poor. To my understanding, it was quite. The undertaking. Trying
to search some of the sea cans because there are
quite a few of them, and they ended up locating
598 vehicles, 19 of which were stolen from our region.
So that was a significant project. Our mental health response.
We have two levels of response. We have m cert,
which is on this side, and then we have coast
m cert is our emergency response. Somebody is. In a
state of unwell that they need to seek medical assistance,
and this is through a partnership with St. Joe's Hospital.
So it's one of our officers that has very specific
training, partnered with a healthcare professional. And the whole purpose
is to have them attend because they have the requisite
knowledge, skills, and abilities to be able to try to
de escalate. And oftentimes they're able to divert that person
away from the hospital and then engage our second mental
health. Program or group that we have embedded in the
service. Crisis intervention training all of our officers that are
assigned to that team. Have that training in many of
our frontline do as well. We have a cohort program.
For our recruits. That is now embedded in their training,
that within the first. Years of their service, they do
receive that very specific focus training on mental health. Our
second team is our coast crisis outreach and support team.
Again, this was something. That I didn't necessarily exist when
I was on the front line, and it's a partnership
with the Canadian Mental Health association. And again. It's member
of our team that's partnered with a crisis intervention specialist,
and they go out after. When we respond to a
call, they'll get a referral from our front line and.
They will go and visit the person. So it could
be a person that's living in a state that's concerning
but not necessarily necessitating an immediate course of action to
bring them in to get assessed. And so this team
goes in and makes sure that. They're providing them with
a proper assistance, resources, et cetera. So it's very tailored
to the needs of the individual. Hate crime and hate
incident response. This is another sort of evolving.
Area for service. And the reason being the demographics have
changed. There's tons of growth. In our community. And within
our service. So our focus. In the last five or
six years is to really focus on our internal well
being, and then externally, how we're responding to the community.
So we do have an organizational strategy. There is a
provincial investigative team to share information between the services. Anybody
that's committing any type of hate crime oftentimes is transient
and going from region to region, or if investigatively we're
looking at employing certain strategies coming across a specific group.
They'll discuss it at that table. We do have an
internal hate crime group to ensure. That our three districts
and our regional investigative services are communicating. And we have
mandatory. Service wide training. There is a difference in the
criminal code. As far as a hate related incident and
a hate crime. There are some misconceptions. With how to
address certain incidents. Our approach as a service is that
hate crime in isolation. Is not for one specific person
to investigate. All of our investigators need and our frontline
need. To know how to manage and how to deal
with. Any incident. They hate crime. So our CIB unit.
Will typically flag that with the crown, that there's an
element to hate, whether it's. Hate related or whether it
classifies as a hate crime. Edi engagement. We do have
an EDI team and an extended ADI team. Each district
has members that it's to ensure that they have a
current awareness of what the climate is. The political climate,
the global climate, maybe some items of interest. The demographics
within each district are very different. And some of the
incidents that we're dealing with can be very different. So
this group helps navigate some, and many of the people
in this room have probably dealt with more recently. KeitH
Nakahara who is working. In that unit. He will meet
with community partners. He will meet and he will discuss.
Legislation if he needs to, and he will discuss. What
our policies and procedures are, so it's ensuring that there's
a shared understanding. And leveraging provincial funding. Our budget is
limited to what it's limited to, and so we do
apply for community. Grants recently. We had a community safety
and well being. Grant. It was just under a million
dollars that we were able to leverage that and utilize
it. Towards hiring experts in the field. Hosting a community
event. Two years in a row. And through that, we
were able to determine some things that we are the
do need improvement. And one of them goes back to
something as simple as. Social media. Is if there are
any posts that we post that. Have. An EDI sort
of perspective or lens is not allowing members of the
public to use it. As a form for hate. So
we do shut down the opportunity for people to comment,
and it wasn't necessarily. Something that we had thought of,
so there was tons of value in getting that feedback,
and then tracking mechanisms. We actually have internal mechanisms to
now track how many hate incidents, hate crimes, and we're
able to present to the board every year. So as
of 2023, we did have 146 related hate occurrences. 70
of which resulted in criminal charges, and that's in Holme
Hills. Our opioid strategy.
So this is in partnership with regional health. This has
been quite a few years. And what we've done is.
Each one of our frontline officers and ourselves included, have
do carry Narcan, and we use it regularly. As recent
as this morning, we had an officer come into our
office and she had administered two in a row, and
so our officers are using it on a regular basis.
To date, we've had 32. Now. We did host an
opioid awareness. Education forum for members last week. And our
drug unit advised that they have seen a 40. I
believe it's 46%. Decrease. Of fatal deaths with overdoses, and
that's region wide. So again, there can be anecdotal reasons
for that, but it could be an indication that. Distributing
an arcan is a life saving measure. Promise. I am
not a talker, so this is killing me. And then
our new one district. Facility, which everyone here is well
aware of, and we're very excited to move into her.
Current building. Is not necessarily in the best state of
affairs. A groundbreaking. I know I saw many people here
on May 8, which was wonderful to see, and these
completion dates, you probably have way more awareness as far
as. The completion date probably stands. Do you want to
wrap it up? No. Thank you so much. There's a
lot of information to go through, but I know. Different
counselors always have particular interest in those different areas in
Autosft and home invasion. Certainly. Is a big topic for
us these days. But. We sometimes lose sight of the
fact that police service is not just ours. Across Canada,
we tend to say that 75%, maybe more, of what
our officers do on the front line is not crime
related. So the 25% is the robberies and the breaking
enters and we had 1500. Vehicles stolen last year. We're
down about eleven or twelve. Percent so far this year.
I hope that continues. Probably down 34% in the last
month part of that might be because the port of
Montreal has been closed. So when the federal government orders
them to open up again. I'm not sure what's going
to happen, but that auto theft issue really is. And
for the members of Councillor that are on regional Councillor
have had police services board. Exposure. The port of Montreal.
Is. A leaking huge port out of this country. The
federal government does not prioritize exports from the country. When
it comes to CBSA, the only thing they really prioritize
on an export basis is drugs and firearms, and we
are an import company when it comes to stolen firearms.
I could go on about that for quite some time,
but 85% of our. Crime guns when they're handguns in
Ontario. Are stolen. Or smuggled here from the United States.
We even know it's from four particular states. So there's
no doubt about. Where some of our issues are at
the border. Our crime trends, we are still the lowest
crime severity index crime rates of all the large municipalities
in Canada. That's over 100,000 in total as a region.
And certainly, I think there are statistics here in Halton
Hills are favorable when you compare to Oakville and Burlington
Oakville. Is certainly sort of the center for our auto
theft, more of our auto thefts, and certainly our home
invasions are happening in Oakville. Bottom line, I believe most
of our criminals don't. Have to go any further than
Oakville when it comes to some of those vehicles that
are being targeted, particularly the Toyota Trendra's Range Rovers and
different types of vehicle. Vehicles. We are very wealthy region,
as we all know, generally speaking, and we are certainly
target rich when it comes to our criminals that are
coming from outside of Halton to commit some of these.
Crimes here. I'm glad that Anita mentioned the fact that
Narcan was used as recently as today to save an
overdose situation here in Halton Hills. We've also began to.
Give Narcan out. To at risk individuals when we release
them from custody. So if we have prisoners, sometimes overnight
or they're released in the morning or bail hearing in
the morning, and there is an issue. There. We will
provide an arcan to them, too. I never thought a
police service would do. That thinking back to 1982. When
I started. But it's certainly a different world. And the
mental health issues. Certainly places a different level of priority
on our missing persons, sorts of incidents and why we
have to do some of the extensive work that we
do around every missing person call that we have. Now
because they are generally people at risk. Or at some
sort of elevated risk. Great to see the drone technology
and that sort of thing. We actually had. An 85
year old. Lady. I think it was just a couple
of months ago that went missing in Burlington for a
day and a half and was found with drone technology
in a ravine where she probably never would. Have been
found, so. She was returned safely in that situation. So
the technology needs to be leveraged. It's not a secret.
The Police Services Board has approved a budget increase for
2025 at 13.8%, which. Will be going to regional Councillor.
I think it's worth mentioning that amount. Because 11.9%. Is
just keeping the lights on the way they are now.
It's a combination of the compounding of collective agreement settlements
from 2023, four and five. You will see, I would
say. You will see in the not too distant future
the same sorts of numbers when it comes to collective
agreements for municipal fire departments and the paramedics. Are impacted
to a similar level. But 9.9% is to absorb the
salary benefit and related costs of collective agreements or arbitrations,
which are cross Ontario trending that way. I can also
tell you pl police Services board just approve their 2025
budget at over 20%. And they're asking for 300 additional
officers. We're asking for 26. So I say that to
keep it in perspective. It is an expensive business. It
is an expensive year. It will be higher than any
previous recent year or future year, looking ahead. But that
is where. We are at financially because of some of
those impacts. The other thing, and I'm sure Mr. Mills
would see it here in Halton Hills. Is the horrifically
escalating cost of information technology. Everything that we do in
the. It world it seems these days. We don't go
out and purchase a system now, pay for it with
capital dollars. And then keep it going for relatively little
money every year. Everything is license based, everything is Sas.
Server as you. Use these devices and as you use
the technology. So when you think about. The level of
analytics that we need to do, the records management systems
that we need to have. In place to manage everything
that the police service does. The computer aided dispatch types
of systems which we sometimes share some of our technology
with our municipal. Police or fire services and with our
paramedics, when they can, are becoming increasingly expensive. I think
the superintendent and the inspector touched on. There are a
variety of resources that are available. To Halton Hills or
to any of our municipalities on a regional basis. I
know that members of regional Councillor will remember last year.
We increased some budget dollars to enhance. Our homicide. Or
major crime type of area, and that was to take
some of that work away from the district criminal investigation
bureau. So a year ago, if there had been a
shooting in Halton Hills, and it was not a fatal
shooting. The resources here in Milton and Halton Hills would
have dealt with the majority of that investigation. But the
reality is that shooting. Was probably just as difficult to
investigate and solve as if the person had passed away.
A homicide or an attempt homicide is the same investigation.
Increasingly, its organized crime coming from out of town with
a lot of technical things that have to be done
on the investigative side. Now we can take those investigations.
I use an example of just last week we had
a shooting in Oakville. We have had very few. This
year, thankfully. Something that. Would. But that will be handled
by regional resources, not by the Oakville detectives. So. They're
no longer being drawn away to do the shooting. And
not able to do the break and endorse and the
auto thefts in the local area. So again, just an
example of how our regional resources and capabilities. Are greater
than each of us would have been individually back in
pre 1974. The Georgetown Police Department back then. Would not
be able to do the level of investigations that we
are now required to do by provincial legislation when it
comes to homicides and sexual assaults and very technically in
depth incident, so. That's just sort of a top up
to what the command team had to say. I'm certainly
here along with them to answer any questions. I know
we've taken a fair bit of your time, but thank
you for the invitation, and we'll come anytime that you
want us here on any topic. Thank you. Well, thanks
very much, chief. And I'll be very surprised if there
aren't lots of questions. You're always welcome. To come and
visit us, and there's a huge amount of interest in
the kinds of services the police are providing. So I
think. Councillor Rosinski, I saw you first. Thank you, Madam
Mayor. And thank you. Chief superintendent and inspector for coming
and giving your presentation today. Really appreciate it. As you
know, the province is pushing for bail reform, and I
was at an event organized by Councillor Hilsen a few
months ago about domestic abuse, and an officer was there
giving a presentation. He was sharing some of the issues
that they have. In keeping people, repeat offenders off the
streets and the work that you put in to prosecute.
As was mentioned by the inspector and then have them
do out on the street. Soon after that. Is discouraging
for your officers and for the people involved in those
investigations, so I just. Wondered if you could comment on
that and how you're dealing with repeat offenders in Hamilton.
Region? I'd love to. How long do I have? It's
such a complicated situation. We thank the provincial. Government for
their position on bail reform. To the extent that they
can control that, it's sort of a multilevel government issue
and concern. Where criminal laws are made by our federal
government. Our provincial government is responsible for policing and the
attorney general's office provincially. We do very much have what
you will hear, Premier Ford. General Kirsner say is a
catch and release type of justice system. Most people. That
if we hold them in custody, most people are let
out on some form of bail. For violent offenders. I'm
not at all a fan of ankle bracelets and how's.
The rest? Because they can be removed. And we've had
horrendous situations. Happen, even involving some citizens from Halton Hills
in a tragic circumstance a few years ago. So it
definitely needs to change. Having said that, maple hear. Hearst
is pretty much full, I think they say 97% full.
They may be having. More than one inmate in a
cell area. That's only made for one I don't feel
particularly sorry about that. In and of itself. But the
provincial government also knows they will have to. Build increased
incarceration facilities, which come with huge expense. I think they
can prioritize. Some non criminal. Individuals who are incarcerated and
save those positions for the ones that need to stay
in jail. It's horrendous that a repeat auto theft offender
is released and then goes and steals another vehicle. Every
time a vehicle stolen, it presents a great threat to
our police officers and to anyone else. Who's driving on
the road because. They're completely reckless, abandoned. They'll ram our
police cars, and we know that, and. We certainly have
our limitations on what we can do because we have
to look after public safety. Frustrating when we cannot do
more to apprehend some of those people in those situations,
but. We also can't. Have a pursuit lead to innocent
people being killed. I will say that the situation in
Durham where the U Haul ban was pursued on the
401 and was going in the wrong direction. That person
had been arrested and charged twice in Alton region. With
similar liquor store types of robberies and stuff if they
had still been in custody only my opinion, that never
would have happened. Never should have happened. So we do
need to have a system that keeps more people in
jail. I think there will be another election sometime in
the next year, and there may be a change. In
some priorities from a federal perspective. We'll wait to see
when that happens. Thank you. For sharing your perspective. I
agree completely, and I really appreciate that. Thank you. Thank
you. Councilor brass. Thank you, madam Mayor, through you to
the chief. And thanks again for being here today. Chief,
with your team. My question is more of a Halton
Hill specific question, and. That would be. We are very
rich in aggregate in Halton Hills, and as a result
we have a lot of truck traffic. Not just regular
but also commercial truck traffic that really goes through all
wards. And we're seeing an increase in. Trucks. That? If
I can say, some of them are quite lawless. And
we see such an uptake on trucks using no truck
roads. Or their trucks are unsafe. We constantly getting complaints
about that. And I know you do an annual commercial
truck blitz which I've attended, and it was fantastic. It
was really great. But can you maybe comment or someone
from your team on. Is there going to be more
resource or more focus on cracking down on commercial vehicles
that are literally put citizens at risk because they're barreling
through no truck roads. Where they're not just no truck
rollers, because we don't want them on. There, it's because
they're not safe to be on there. So I wonder
if you might comment on that. Well, absolutely. And thank
you for the question. I absolutely agree with you. There
is a great concern with truck traffic in particular, even
more in the north end, I believe. Milton and Halton
Hills and Oakfront, Burlington. Things that sienne may or may
not do, and the status of that may even increase
that. And worsen things. Not all gravel aggregate hauling companies,
but certainly some. There is more profit. In overloading some
vehicles than following the law. We do have a commercial
motor vehicle unit who are exceptionally busy. I can't believe
what they do. I would not be able to do
what they do. I don't understand the things that they
understand about trucks. They can observe a truck on a
highway and they know that it's offending and they can
then pull it over and do the enforcement. They do
do an annual blitz, which you refer to where we
bring in the opp in York and Durham and Peele
and Hamilton. And they all do things on the same
day, and then our people go there as well, but.
They're also. Working daily. I honestly would double or triple
the size of our commercial motor vehicle unit if we
could. But having said that, I will say. In the
1.9% which is to hire additional stop this year. That
includes 26 police officers. That will allow us to put
16 of those on frontline platoons. There is no extra
officers there to put specifically into commercial vehicles units, but
we could use them. Here. Absolutely. They would be busy.
They would be busy 24 hours a day. So I
hope that that is a commitment that we can make
moving forward. We will have our officers and we have
officers in the district who train. And work alongside of
our full time, fully accredited. Commercial motor vehicle enforcement people.
We just can't make them. All a part of a
larger regional. Unit at this point. Absolutely share your concerns.
Great. Thank you very much. Councilor Somerville. Yes. Thank you,
Madam Mayor. You to the chief. And I agree about
the commercial. Vehicle unit. You and I have chat about
that a number of times. That it's absolutely incredible that
they go in every day with their plan of being
as dirty as they can as they crawl in under
the trucks. But it's surprising for one of the statistics
that was put up that shows the calls to people.
Who didn't have their vehicle locked. The break in. I
can't believe I have to ask this question. In 2024,
how do we remind people to lock your door. Lock
the car up. And do that as well. It just
seems so foreign to me that we have to do
something. As simple and basic as that. Yeah. There are
a lot of common sense things that certainly all of
us as citizens could do better at that is one
of them. I drive a police vehicle. That doesn't look
like a police vehicle. I don't. Leave it anywhere without
a club on it and having a mobilizer in it
as well. Because I would not want to come here
and say that my truck was stolen personally. But the
immobilizers are expensive. There's the other tag systems, and certainly
locking the vehicle. I think some people. Have the perception
that. If they don't lock it, somebody will go into
it and steal something. But they won't. Smash the window
out. So I think some people are under that impression
that maybe they'll result in less damage. I think the
reality is, most times if a criminal we're talking about,
the less sophisticated person walking down the street that decides
to steal some change in sunglasses out of a vehicle
are not going to smash the window. So. It becomes
more of a crime of opportunity. But on a larger
scale, we also see it. With. There's so many homes
here in Halton Hills and throughout the region that have
two or three car garages. That are full of things.
And arrange rovers, and the Toyota Tundras and the f
150s are sitting in the driveway where criminals can just
drive by and basically shop for them. It would be
a great deterrent if we could educate people to put
particularly these high end vehicles, and they are being targeted.
Because they are worth $50 to $75,000. In Africa or
East Europe, which is where they're going to on these
ships, if they were inside the garages, I think our
auto theft problem would be significantly reduced. I agree. They
need to clean out their garage, I guess is what
I'd say to them. My last comment is we had
the meeting with the ward two councilors. And when Councillor
Debo did the septid, and it was tremendous, and I
would urge any of the other Councillor. If they want
to have a community meeting like that, set it up
and. Work together and have the police in because. You
stop looking. At landscaping rocks as being rocks, but instead,
it's a key for someone to get into. Your house,
and they're saying it's the easiest thing to pick up
if I. Need to get in the house. I throw
a rock through a window and you really start thinking,
of it differently when you see the presentation. So thank
you for that as well, because. It was for the
folks who attended. It was very enlightening to hear some
of the very simple things people can do that can
help secure their home. Thank you. It's great. To hear
and thank you. And we use that term septid, I
think, for the last 30 years, crime prevention through environmental
design. Cole referred to it as target hardening, which really
is what it is. I think th was taken. Thank
you, Councillor Garnell. Thank you. And through you, Madam Mayor,
to the chief. Thank you for coming here today. And
it's always nice to hear what's happening and to hear
from you and. Your colleagues. In particular. The new station
is exciting, and I'm just wondering if you can confirm
what's going to happen with the existing stations, long term
or short term? Yeah. There are some things that are
up in the air, I've always said, and I've said
this to. I've been back here as a chief now
in Halton for. Twelve years, and I think we've talked
about it for ten or eleven. Our plan is still
to use the station here. As a storefront type of
environment for people because it's still a fair distance for
some of your citizens to travel down to the other
part of your town. But although it's not in milton,
But. I think that presence is still important. I'm not
sure what level of staffing that will be. We also
probably have some use for that building and storage or
different things. It's interesting. All of these buildings are regional
assets. They're bought for and paid for by regional tax
dollars, which ultimately come from all of your Councillor, and
we have to budget for them in our operating budget
to pay for them, so. These buildings are paid for
in Halton Hills and the one in Milton. We may
actually. At the end of or going into 2026, we
may have to use the station in Milton. To do
some specific police training that we do. If you can
picture. Some of the terrible situations we tend to see
south of the border, active shooter types of situations. Every
one of our frontline officers have to be trained in
that dynamic type of response. We're having a really hard
time finding facilities to do that in. We've historically. Won't
get off topic. Historically, we've used vacant schools. Vacant businesses.
There are no schools available right now that are appropriate
for us to use. We may look at keeping that
for as long as we can, because I think. There
is a longer term commitment that that's going to move
into an expansion of Allendale and. It's going to be
retail and commercial. And there are probably millions of dollars
involved there outside of the police business. But we will
certainly keep those buildings going in different capacities for the
coming couple of years. And let me add to that.
I have also always said to this Councillor that while
the current location is where this facility is, going to
go. In the next eight to ten years, we are
going to start to outgrow that facility. And at that
point in time, I think there should be a separate
facility. Probably, I always say, in Georgetown proper, but back
more in central Halton Hills, and at which point, the
districts would be separated. So we would go to four
districts as opposed to three. With your population now. Oakland,
Burlington were this size when I started in 1982. They've
always been their own district, but it's always been this
proportionality thing, so. Halton hills. I'm not sure what I'll
be doing ten years from now. But Halton Hills should
be its own district, in my opinion. Have their own
superintendent and inspector. And units that coal and Anita just
spoke to. Thank you, Councillor Keane. Thanks, Madam Mary. Through
you to the chief. Thanks, chief. We're all addressing, I
guess our pet projects here. But following up on Councillor
Garnos comment, I've certainly heard feedback from the constituents that
there's a concern that we're not getting the same kind.
Of coverage up here through our police station that we've
had in the past. And specific area of concern that
I wanted to get your thoughts on. Is the vast
increase in what appears to be a vast increase in
street racing. It's been going on. You hear it here
every night, picking on the weekends. Just outside the outskirts
of town. I had just anecdotally told to me a
few months ago that basically the words gotten out on
the street with the younger generation that if you want
to get your hot rod come up from Milton or
Oakville, go up to Halton Hills, because there's no popo
around, you're more likely to get away with it on
their Instagram accounts. Or whatever they're using, right? So I
don't know if you could comment on that. Or if
you had some ideas on how we could maybe do
a blitz of some sort on the evenings to try
and put a little scare into these kids so they
don't get themselves killed, frankly. Thank you. That's one of
the greatest risks. On top of. The risk. That it
presents to all of your citizens when it's going on.
And the noise of it and everything else. We have
seen more of it in York Region has been really,
really bad for street racing and parts of Durham worse
than we have here, but we've had it. I think
it's a combination of frontline staffing. We're one person on
a shift starts to make a little bit of a
difference, so. When we're looking at these 16 frontline officers
that are in the 13.8%. Budget that we're talking about.
That, ideally, is one officer per platoon in Halton Hills
and in Milton. So it's actually two per platoon in
the north end and one per platoon. And Oakland, Burlington,
that's the general plan. That's why it's 16 instead of
twelve. Because we actually have twelve platoons across the region
working twelve hour shifts. If there were another twelve officers.
In addition to that, it would probably just be one
to the district up here. But it is important to
increase our presence in every community as much as we
can as far as the location of the station. If
the location of the station was our biggest issue, there's
another issue with that, because our frontline officers, I don't
want them in the stations unless they are there for
lunches or for some reason that. They have to. They're
dealing with a prisoner or dealing with reports. Our front
line officers. Their office is actually the patrol cars. So
they will be out here in Halton Hills and. Milton
just as much as they would be when we had
the old station here, if I can. Call it that.
Soon to be the old station. So we will adjust
the staffing here in this municipality as much as we
can going forward. Blitzes are always something, and certainly the
superintendent and the inspector are here, they can look at
that with their district response teams and different ways that
we can blitz things. We're doing that in a different
way. Just last week. We had two auto theft situations
in Oakville. Just use this as an example. One was.
Two stolen cars that came to Oakville to steal other
cars that were observed by officers and because we put
this blitz sort of approach in place. There were additional
resources there to follow those people and address that situation
and make the arrest and the other incident, the same
night was a home invasion where someone was injured and
a car was stolen. And because the blitz type of
thing was happening that evening, we were able to make
arrests. And locate that car in another jurisdiction. And make
arrests the next day through a very complicated. Investigation. So
the Blitz approach and the project approach is something that
we will definitely do. Here and Colon, Anita and others
will definitely be looking at that with you. Thank you.
Councilor hill. Thank you, madam mayor, through youth of the
chief. Thanks for coming, making the trip today, and thank
you good to listen to the presentation. As Councillor Keane
said. My pet project. This year. This was noted in
the presentation. You mentioned some of the work you did.
Councillor Arbano knows better than I do with. The graffiti
in downtown act and thank you for your support in
that as a force. But. I think there's also. Been
a bit of a shock that there's obviously break and
enters and vehicle thefts. All over the region. But. Representing.
A smaller suburban area. Smaller, with rural pieces. We just
had a particularly severe attempt at a home evasion a
couple of weeks ago. And I think there's people. It's
those things that people. It's the stories that scare people,
right? They don't necessarily see the numbers, but. They see
the news headline and they say, hey, that could have
been me. With persons beating the door with a gun.
So I'm just curious how. We communicate the work that's
being done and wondering if you could comment on that.
To let the people know. People don't necessarily know until
they know it. Right? And then. When something happens. They're
concerned. Nothing's being done to address it, which we know
isn't. The case, so I'm just curious if you could
comment on that. Yeah. Thank you. I think it perfectly
mirrors what we're seeing in part of Oldfill right now,
because the majority of the auto thefts that are of
the home invasion auto thefts are happening in one part
of Oakville so similar to what you're talking about here.
And. Those two instances last week happened in that neighborhood.
All the talk is of these terrible incidents which is
true, and we share that concern. The talk isn't that
individuals were arrested for both of those, and that's understandable.
Too, because the people were still threatened or injured. It
happened after the crime. It would be better if that
never happened. It's hard to. Stop them from happening. Sometimes
our officers are there. And time to do that and
more of a proactive way. I think we have to
get the message out. On the success of some of
those investigations. We can say in that Oakville situation. There
were, I want to say only x number of these
incidents. Because one is too many. But we also have
to keep it in perspective that we do have. It
doesn't matter to a citizen whose house was broken into
or you live next door. To that person that we
have the lowest crime severity index, because that still threatens
your safety and security. So we do a lot through
social media. We try to educate through town halls and
different municipalities and in particular in that part of Oakville
to educate people. On what they could do to target
Harden, those homes and those vehicles. But that's a message.
I think what we often say in policing and other
businesses is if you think you've communicated enough, say it
ten more times. Because if you can put it out
on, get used to calling it X. Or whatever social
media platform we use. And if the citizens aren't on
that particular platform, it doesn't matter. So we have to
get it out. We also don't have local media assistance
that we used to have. There's no oak phobia. Burlington
Post. All the newspapers that most of us were used
to. Years gone by. It's either social media or someone
freelancing. And the Toronto media are so busy. They tend
not to come out here to help us get those
messages out, so we have to do more on a
corporate communications perspective. We're looking at adding a couple of
staff in that particular area for that reason. So. Certainly
all of you. When you hear presentations such as Today
from Colon, Anita can help to get that message out
as well, but the citizens that are living there still
feel more threatened than they did two years ago. And
that's going to take some bigger changes to make them
feel safer. Through the mayor. Yeah, you raised lots of
good points, and I think we know. In national media,
provincial media, There has been a significant increase. It's just
when you have a small community that maybe hasn't been
targeted the same way. That's why people get the sense
that things are getting worse. In many ways, they're not.
They're getting better. When you look as a region as
a whole, So I did have one other quick question.
I know there's been a lot said, but there was
a couple of times Maple Hearst. Was mentioned in different
ways. I'm just curious what percentage. Of our police. Power
of the Holton Regional Police is actually sort of dedicated
to Maplehurst. It seems like it takes quite a bit
of work. To keep things safe. Could you comment on
that? Yeah, it's Maple. Hearst keeps us very busy. We
have a shockingly high number of. Addiction issues there and
overdoses and sudden deaths and assaults. The province up until
about. Two and a half years ago, funded us for
about $200,000 to have. Two, three full time officers working
right there, so. They were there working in the institution.
The provincial government. More on the attorney general side and
other areas decided to save those dollars. And with the
idea that they would do more of their own investigations.
At the time. And still I say that's not really
possible because. We have great correctional officers, but if they're
involved in a situation where there's a death that they
really shouldn't be investigating that any more. Than we investigate
a police shooting type of situation. We have the special
investigations unit for that. I don't want to say we
are kicked out of Maplehurst, but. That funding was removed.
We said, okay, you do what you can do, and
we will go. When we need to. So that's the
way we've been doing it, probably for the last two
years. Is that a variety of officers will respond there
to those overdoses or to do those assault. Investigations. The
reality is, once in a while, those things are on
video and they're so serious. That charges are possible and
charges are pursued by our officers. A lot of times
you can imagine when people are in custody. They may
not want to give evidence against the person who injured
them. So there are some situations that go unsolved because
of that, because of the ongoing safety concern of the
victim, which we certainly understand, but the maple hearst. Is
a complicated facility, and it is a huge provincial facility.
There's 1200. Something like 1200 inmates at May 1. And
Banya is huge in and of itself. So. It's a
very complicated issue. Thank you, Chief. Appreciate it. I actually
suggested that the OPP should do all provincial correctional facilities.
And that hasn't taken up on that yet. Cancer, Albano.
Thank you very much, Madam Mayor. Through you to the
chief and the superintendent and the inspector. Thank you for
being here. You provided a lot of information, last statistics
and so on. I'm particularly interested in. You talked about
online hate crimes and so on. I'm just wondering. What
kind of difficulties do you have with social media? Companies
bringing down posts and going after them and resolving. I
can't imagine that it would. Be like an easy task
to do that. I'm just wondering. What some of the
things that you're facing, the difficulties that you're faced dealing
with those types of crimes. Yeah, it's really sort of
a multifaceted. Area. Of a number of issues. So, for
one, social media becomes complicated or the Internet becomes complicated.
Because what is a crime or what isn't a crime
is very technical when it comes to the criminal code.
So the actual hate crime, if it's absent of an
assault or a threatening death or something else along with
it. Is not necessarily a crime. So then we're limited
on what we can do as far as search warrants
and types of things. Some social media platforms are more
helpful when it comes to police investigations. We still need
to do some form. Of jurisprudence, official judicial approval for
us to do some things because of privacy laws in
Canada, which. Are probably even stronger than they need to
be, or should be, in my opinion. So it can
be complicated. But we do get a fair bit of.
Cooperation. From the major providers when it comes to technical
investigations. But I think there's also a shortage. Of laws
or legislation when it comes to what I think, and
I'm going to speak on. I think it's tomorrow night.
On an online event about hate crime. And while right
now we just have the criminal code, and it is
a crime or it isn't. A crime. And provincially. We
have the Highway Traffic act, which isn't criminal, it's other
things, and we have the liquor License act and the
trespass the Property act, and I think there might be
a time in the not too distant future, we should
look at some sort of provincial hate crime. Or hate
legislation. So other things would become some form of an
offense, at least for enforcement purposes, which are short. Of
someone having to be assaulted or threatened or injured. But
that's a whole different level of. Legislation that might be
possible. So the short answer is yes. These investigations are
complicated. And there's a lot of different. Well. There's even
a change federally when it's now more difficult for us
to come. Up with an IP address for someone. When
they're dealing with situations like human trafficking or child pornography
because of the right to privacy, and the IP addresses
were never that level of privacy before. So if you
can imagine. There are so many of those investigations. Headed
up to a degree by the rcmp and the opp
working. With. We have Internet child exploitation officers within our
regional investigative area. Who do those local child pornography types
of investigations, even those have become, I think, unnecessarily. Complicated.
Thank you very much. And it's a fluid sort of
problem, isn't it? I don't know if you all ever
catch up to where you want to be, but. I
appreciate all your efforts and thank you for addressing the
graffiti enact. And I know that the via was very
supportive and I was out along with Councillor Norris and
some of the other Councillor from ward one doing the
cleaning. Up, so we really appreciate that. Your reference. Thank
you very much. Well. I'm conscious of time, but I
do have a couple of questions I don't. See any
from any other counselors. And my questions have to do
with. A couple of areas that I don't think you
touched on. And I'm wondering if you can talk a
little bit about human trafficking. And kind of where that
is right now. It was in the news a lot.
I think about a year ago. And I'm wondering if
you can comment on the status. Of. That issue. Because
it's my understanding that it was a significant one in
Holton. Yes. No, absolutely. I know we've talked about it
a little bit at regional Councillor. Probably the last budget.
Human trafficking. Is one of the most horrendous crimes, I
think, that we can imagine, short of. Homicide and a
couple of others, maybe. But. It's complicated because the federal
government a few years ago made prostitution legal, which I
can see on certain levels. An individual's right to do
what they do if it is what they want to
do. But in the human trafficking, when it comes to
the prostitution side of human trafficking, because there's. Also a
labor side, but on the prostitution side of Ht. It's
incredibly complex. It's organized crime at its finest. It's extremely
profitable. I would hazard just say. Three to $500,000 per
year per. Victim that's forced to work in that industry.
Often against their will, but sometimes not knowing that it's
against their will because. The individuals, whether it's organized street
gang types of individuals or. Traditional organized crime are very
coercive. And how they manipulate young people who are vulnerable
to get them into that industry in the first place
and then they're moved around. From hotel to hotel with
limited resources on their own, so they really are unable
to leave. But often when our investigators encounter them and
are in a position. To help them, the individuals. Either.
Don't want to say something about their person that's handling
them because they really think they're friends? Or they're afraid
to in some circumstances, so. We are on the 401
on the QEW corridor here. All through Halton, we have
a multitude of hotels. Human trafficking I won't say is
going on at every hotel, but I'd be surprised if
it isn't. There might be one or two somewhere. But
it is a very prolific. Issue for us here in
Halton and across Ontario and Canada. Again, organized crime at
its highest levels, extremely profitable. Extremely dangerous. And risky for
those individuals that are in those situations. Sorry, I should
say. We do have. A very capable, full time human
trafficking unit that do nothing but human trafficking investigations, sometimes
proactively. Through social media and otherwise. Most of. These if
things are publicly advertised or on the Internet now, so
our investigators are able to intervene. Sometimes. Even sometimes do
more of an undercover type of operation into some of
these situations. We have arrested professional individuals. Including university professors
who have been trying to meet. With a young female
who they think is 15 years of age. I mean,
it is quite disturbing. And alarming. What's going on out
there? But our investigators are doing great work when it
comes to some of those situations. But it's, something that.
Other than being in every hotel every day and going
to every hotel room. It's so prevalent, it's very difficult
to address. Well, one of my questions. And I'm glad
to hear that you have a dedicated unit. That is
specifically looking at this. The other question I have is
regards innovate partner violence. And. I remember hearing that there
were many calls a day. That were being received. By
the force regarding innocent partner violence. And domestic abuse and
so forth, and I'm wondering if you could make a
comment on kind of the prevalence of that. And how
you're tackling it. Yeah. It is extremely prevalent as well.
I would say that it's on the rise from a
reported crime perspective. The difficulty with intimate partner violence. We
used to call it domestic violence. So we have now
an intimate partner violence unit full time. I think that
is 26 full time detectives who do nothing but specialize
in intimate partner violence situations, so assaults between spouses, common
law. Partners, whatever the intimate situation relationship may be. So
when the frontline officers here in Halton Hills. Go to
a domestic violence situation, they will intervene. Make sure someone.
Isn't at further risk. But then the experts from this
intimate partner unit will come and. Take over the investigation.
Lay the charges and see it through bale hangings or
whatever happens. The complication with intimate partner. Violence is. It's
so underreported, as is human trafficking. So you may hear
me make this point on Wednesday. But I have with
our police services board. Ironically. I would rather see. Increased
numbers in some of those areas because. Unless they're reported
to us, we're not going to know about them. So
I use drug investigations as an example. Unless we're doing
an investigation and find drugs. Or find someone trafficking in
drugs. There is no offense that's reported in human trafficking.
Unless. Something's reported directly to us, which is rare, or
we uncover a victim in that situation. There is no
human trafficking occurrence, but there's hundreds of them going on.
The intimate partner. Violence. I know. Estimates are violence happens
seven to ten times before in most cases. The female
partner reports that to the police, so we would rather
see those reports go up. Which would look like we're
having an increased crime trend, but we'd actually be helping
more victims. So we've said purposely. The police services board
and the strategic plan. While we say. We want to
lower autofafter. We want to decrease auto theft by 50%
in the next four years, which the federal government should
have to do on their own. We actually may want
to see an increase in the reported intimate partner violence
incidents because we know the reality is eight to ten
times higher, so. We want to intervene in more of
those situations sooner, so they are very complicated. More often,
I would say in the last couple of years or
a few years, certainly. I think more people. We're at
least holding more people for bail hearings and whether that
means the person's. Kept in custody or they're released with
conditions. In addition to the. 26 intimate partner violence investigators
we have risk. Mitigation teams. In each of our districts
who are going out and purposely looking for people who
are contravening or their conditions that they're released on and
then arresting them again to try to hold them accountable
to what the courts are trying to tell them they
have to do or not. Do. I think that's a
tremendous proactive initiative from our investigative areas, so. It's very
multifaceted. And Ipvu will always be complicated. And there's so
many reasons. Why? One partner may be so reliant, dependent,
or fearful of the perpetrator that it's underreported. I think
I heard there are ten calls a day or something
in that neighborhood, I would think. It's probably that much
or more. Across. The region. Yeah. Okay, so that's a
lot. All right. Thank you for that. Are there any
further? Comments. Okay. Well, it was worth the drive. Thank
you. It always used to be worth the drive to
act in. Where my uncle owned the restaurant, but I'm
just kidding. It's always a pleasure to be here. Thank
you very much. Thank you very much for coming in.
Okay. Well, we have another delegation. People are very patient.
The commentary is always interesting. But. It makes for a
long meeting. We have a delegation from Alex Herriman. I
think perhaps via zoom. Regarding provincial overreach into municipal decision
making. Can everyone hear me? Yes.
Alexis. Yes. All right. Thank you very much. And thank
you for your patience. We were able to hear you,
so go ahead. Wonderful. Good afternoon. Madam mayor and councillor,
thank you for allowing me to speak today. My name
is Alexis Harriman. And I grew up in Georgetown. After
a university, I moved to Toronto in roughly 2008 and
worked at a downtown hospital, always taking the TTC as
biking at that time had never crossed my mind. In
2016, I settled down on Dublin line in Acton and
I'm lucky to work fairly close to home in the
great town of Georgetown where I grew up. My parents
didn't ride bikes very much. They fully prioritized driving around
town, and so biking sort of slipped away from me
when my first son was born roughly seven years ago.
Before I knew it, I was teaching him to ride
a bike. Kyle learned to ride a bike at three
years old. And at the age of three, I actually
wrote 5 km with my husband and I at point.
Peeley national park. People ride bikes for different reasons, including
exercise, sports, leisure and commuting. I have experienced all of
those, but I have to say, the one I enjoy
the most is riding a bike for commuting and running
errands. When I drive to work, it takes me 15
minutes. My way home is roughly the same when I
ride my bike to work from Acton to Georgetown. It
takes me 35 minutes, and then roughly 50 minutes to
get home as it's all uphill. So that's almost an
extra hour out of my day. Used for comm. Commuting.
While some of you might be thinking about all of
the time that I lost by riding my bike or
the things that I didn't get done because I made
the choice to ride. A bike. I look at it
differently. When I show up at work after the morning
bike ride, I really can't begin to describe the feelings,
but I will try. It's joy, love, connection. Connection to
the earth, connection to myself, my mind and my body.
Connection to others. As bikers wave at each other, they
say hello and chat with one another. I find myself
frequently saying thank you. And thank you for the choice
that I had to ride. My bike today. Sometimes when
I'm riding against the wind uphill on 22nd side road,
I think there are so many people and patients that
I know that would probably give anything to trade spots
with. Me right now if they had the choice. I
feel connected to the creatures and the biodiversity that we
share this town with, and I show up to work
with a smile on my face, rejuvenated and relaxed and
ready to take on the day. My employer has also
allowed me to modify my work hours in order to
accommodate riding a bike to work, which is huge. Both
of my sons have asthma symptoms, and their respiratory symptoms
are aggravated. By viruses and the environment and knowing that
I am reducing emissions by riding a bike as a
source of pride. In addition to saving money on gas.
My kids love riding their bikes to school. However, our
road does not have a bike lane or a very
good shoulder, which worries me. In terms of safety, I
feel comfortable on the road with my bike lights, reflective
vest, helmet and staying as far over as possible. Unfortunately,
there are so few bike lanes that my commute isn't
really benefiting from. Them. Aside from the lanes on Queen
and Churchill that eventually disappear, turning into the treacherous Glen
Lawson Road my route is roughly 80% unmarked. Bike lanes
bring more structure, less likelihood of someone biking out in
traffic or riding two and three. Across. Green paint and
more visual markers of the bike lane would be better
as well as actual barricades. I would absolutely love to
see more people running errands on their bikes. However we
live in or believe that we live in a time
where cars are prioritized. And have difficulty seeing the value
added as we are blinded by the extra time or
time taken. Away from our busy day in order to
bike instead of drive. With regards to the limitations set
forth in bill two one two regarding provincial approval prior
to impacting car lanes with bike lanes. I am very
hopeful that you are respected elected officials will honor and
acknowledge the importance of biking and bike lanes and continue.
To build them into current and future urban plans. I
hope that cycling will be valued as an essential and
preferred method of commuting and transportation. Within town in order
to give people safe, affordable and fun options for running
errands going to school, going to work and also leisure.
I hope you will advocate for these options in the
face of the province's plan to remove some of the
Toronto bike lanes and override municipal planning decisions. I fear
Toronto is only the beginning. With all due respect, people
that are injured or killed while biking are often blamed.
They're blamed for being on a busy road riding during
what others think are unsafe conditions. However, I think it's
a result. Of poor urban planning and dying while riding
a bike should be a very rare or never event.
Again, thank you sincerely for your time today. I hope
that you all have a moment to hop. On a
bicycle the next time you are running errands and let
me know about your experience. Thank you. Thank you very
much. Ms. Herriman, are there members of Councillor who have
a question or comment? For the delegation, Councillor Rzinski. Thank
you, Madam Mayor, through you to the delegation. Thank you,
Ms. Herriman, for sharing your personal experiences. First, I was
wondering, what percentage of the time would you say you
commute to? Work by biking in a year, a percentage
of right now. With my schedule. It's about one to
two times per week. I also invested in winter biking
gear. So the goal. The goal is five days a
week. But I definitely, on the weekends, do my. Errands.
I prefer to do my errands on a bike. That's
helpful. Thank you. And then what percentage of your coworkers
you think commute? To work. I do ride with one
other coworker that I know of, and I know of
another. Nurse that rides a bike too. I think it's
not many right now. I appreciate that, and you are
an anomaly. And again, kudos to you for doing that.
It's fantastic. And I think it is important that we
have good shoulders on our roads, not just for bikers,
but for walkers, for farmers. It's important to think about
our infrastructure. In that way and to build it well.
But when we look at this motion, And this bill.
It's about restricting. A lane of vacator traffic specific to
that instance. And you're saying that most people don't commute
that way. But you want to restrict their mobility. So
I think there's a disconnect there between. Allowing for biking
for those that want to do it, and that's fantastic
that you do. But. Actually increasing, gridlock increasing. And we
have to, as counselors. And respected decision makers need to
look at the whole community. And not individuals again as
commendable others like yourself that are more of an anomaly.
I don't know if you have anything. Any thoughts on
that? I definitely recognize that. Not many people ride a
bike in Georgetown. And in Acton there are few. I
also acknowledge that. The way our community is designed. It
is time consuming to consider riding a bike the way
that it's designed. I don't know all the reasons why
people aren't riding a bike. It could be safety. It
could be time. But if. Those issues were addressed, I
would imagine more people would be riding a bike. I
don't. Know that we have to prioritize. Cars for everything.
I again think it's good to take safety considerations and
making it possible for people like you to do what
you want to do, but at the expense of Hicula.
Traffic is what this bill is looking at, and that's
the difference, in my opinion. But thank you for coming
in for your answers. Okay. Thank you. Are there. Any
other Councillor fogle. Good question of the delegation. Yes, thank
you. I hope she's not gone. No, I'm still here.
Okay, well, thanks for being here. And for sharing with
us. Your love of getting to work by a bike,
that's fantastic. The feeling that you have and the health
benefits and so on, that you're probably getting. So, yes,
this bill is about for me, anyway. About. Who should
be making the decisions. About which. Lanes. Have the bike
lanes or whether we're going to have a lane of
traffic or not. Which level of government do you think
is best suited for making those decisions? Are you asking
me? Yeah. What do you think? Should it be the
province that decides on the streets? Or maybe the local
municipality. Local municipality. Absolutely. Okay. Thank you for that. Okay.
So thank you very much. Ms. Herriman, I don't see.
Any other members of Councillor who have a question? But
I do recognize that. You were speaking to an item
that. Is identified as being later on in our agenda.
And I would ask members of Councillor if we could
waive the rules in order to address the resolution that
is brought forward. Councillor Brzinski. All in favor? That's carried.
Thank you. So. We'll now then, jump. To a resolution
that has been moved by Councillor Fogel and seconded by
Councillor Hilson. Regarding provincial overreach into municipal decision making. And
I'll read it to you. It says, whereas the government
of Ontario has introduced legislation that would require municipalities to
apply for and receive approval from the province before the
installation of new cycling lanes where the installation would cause.
The reduction of vehicle traffic lanes. And whereas part of
this approval, municipalities would be required to demonstrate that the
proposed cycling lanes will not have a negative impact on
vehicle traffic. And whereas the town of Holton Hills has.
An approved active transportation master plan that was developed with
significant public consultation. And expert transportation expertise. And whereas. The
Holton Hills Active Transportation Master plan does not recommend. Converting
any lanes of traffic to cycling lanes. We still reserve
the responsibilities to make future traffic decisions based on local
input from residents and local. Circumstances without seeking permission from
the province. And whereas the association of Municipalities of Ontario
is urging the province to respect local decision making, when
considering transportation improvements. And whereas Amo has indicated there has
been no indication of local. Consultation in the province's arbitrary
decision to remove bike lanes in the city of Toronto.
Therefore, be it resolved that the Councillor for the Town
of Halton Hills expresses its support for. Amos position, urging
the province to respect local decision making and jurisdiction. As
set out in the municipal act. And further, that the
Councillor of the town of Holtson Hills does not support
the provisions in Bill 212 with respect to the installation
of cycling lanes. And further, that this resolution. Be circulated
to Premier Ford, Minister of Transportation Prabmi Ting, MPp Ted
Arnett Leaders of the opposition parties and the association of
Municipalities of Ontario. Councilor Frogle, do you have some comments?
Yes. Thank you very much. So this bill 212 the
reducing gridlock and saving you time. At it is a
proposal at this stage. And input. Is still. Invited until
pretty much the end of the month. So. We are
invited to make comments about. The bill. And so I
think we should. So this proposed act is a significant
overreach into municipal jurisdiction. Amo said as much in its
statement, although the act has been amended to also target
three Toronto streets. It requires all municipalities to seek permission
to convert a vehicle lane to provide safe cycling infrastructure.
For a premier who hates red tape, it's hard to
understand why it would add this. Particular red tape to
our process. It comes with a requirement to prove that
removal of a lane will not cause delays in traffic.
How exactly does one do that in advance of installing
the bike lane? So for a government that isn't interested
in data, the studying of an issue in advance. Of
a decision. This is pretty surprising, and it raises the
question of whether any amount of data would make any
difference in their decision making. So in my mind, it's
quite likely that it wouldn't matter what data we came
back with it would be turned down. It's particularly unacceptable.
There's no proof whatsoever to back up the claim that
the bike lanes on Bluer Street. University Avenue in Young
street cause gridlock. Toronto is full of gridlock, whether it's
streets, whether there's a bike lane. Or not. And there
is evidence that separating cyclists from the traffic is not
only safer for the cyclists, but also helps the flow
of traffic. This is proven on Lori Avenue in Ottawa
for a pilot on Laurier. They measured before. The pilot
on Lori Avenue. They measured travel times before and after
the installation of the bike lanes. And found improvement in
travel times when the bike lanes were installed. And with
that data, Ottawa made the separated bike lanes permanent, and
businesses along the route also found a positive impact on
their business. Businesses, even though they didn't expect it before
they were there. Likewise, Toronto has generated years of study
on these roads. Before investing in bike lanes, they invested
in the bike lanes to provide a safe cycling network
and to save lives. Toronto has a car problem, not
a bike problem. As more development occurs in the core,
it will attract more people who need to commute. One
way or the other. But there's no way to widen
any of those roads. So the city is rightfully encouraging
more commuters to choose cycling for their commute. Something that
isn't taken into consideration is that in Ontario it is
mandatory to leave a meter space. Between. A passing vehicle
and a bike. That means in Toronto, where there are
no shoulders on the roads, wherever there is a bike
in a lane, they take up the whole lane. Now
the vehicles have to move over to the adjacent lane.
Now there are hundreds of bikes every day on these
same roads. Mixing of bikes and vehicles flows. Traffic and
tragically, sometimes causes loss of life. Although the premier claims
that only 1.2% of torontonian cycle that number wherever it
came from is wrong and very misleading. A 2019 survey
showed that 10% of Torontonians spiked to work and another
25% reported cycling for other reasons. Other cities have chosen
to invest in cycling with the twin goals of offering
a safe alternative to driving and to clean up the
air. And you can look to Montreal or New York
City as prime examples. In 2020, Mount Sinai hospital's chief
executive officer told the city that 63% of his staff
bike to work. He and other downtown hospital leaders have
been strong advocates to have. The bike infrastructure to make
their staff commute safer. The truth is that cycling is
growing. With the investment in safer cycling infrastructure. It's another
case of build it and they will come. Mayor Chow
recently remarked in an interview that Toronto's. Bike share program
had 665,000 trips. In 2015. This year it is on
track to hit 6 million trips. It cost the city
of Toronto millions of dollars to install these bike lanes.
The city estimates it will cost $48 million to remove
them. The city is demanding not only that the city
be compensated for the removal, but also for all the
costs that went into researching and holding public input sessions
and stakeholder consultations. As part of the installation process. What
a waste of taxpayers money. Obviously, there is support for
bike lanes and evidence to support that separated bike lanes
are much safer. Than mixing bikes and cars in one
lane, especially in terms of rider safety. There was also
a claim that the bike lanes slows down the traffic
and slows down. In particular, emergency vehicles. However, the deputy
fire chief for the city of Toronto says that, in
fact response times have improved with the bike lanes. The
point is, the city sea cycling is a way to
combat gridlock and a way to save lives. Every cyclist
could be a driver. They know that as the network
improves, more people will choose cycling when safe infrastructure is
provided. To take the opposite view and foist it upon
a city that is the size of a small province
is totally unacceptable. Consultation is something that municipalities do in
person with stakeholders. We know how long it takes to
make a decision on changes to our infrastructure and that
public input. Is actually prescribed by the same provincial government.
Why doesn't the government need to do the same thing.
Amel, representing all municipalities, has protested, calling it an overreach,
and I think that's sort of a nice way to
put it. And I have to wonder where this is
going next. First the province changed up all of the
municipal land use planning. Then they cut our DC funding.
Then they reduced our ability to provide parks. And now
they're saying when we make a decision about transportation systems.
Is the. Province doesn't like it, they'll just swoop in
and change it, which we've spent years studying. The issue
is not the bike lanes, though. The issue here is
the meddling and municipal decision. Making in an ad hoc
sort of way. All the changes that have been coming
at us have been made have made our jobs much
harder. And made it more difficult to provide for our
residents the services and infrastructure that we believe they want.
So I hope all of you on Councillor can support
Amos position that this is an overreach. By the province
into municipal jurisdiction and stand up for local decision. Making.
Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Hilson. Yes. Thank you, Madam
mayor. Councillor Fogle. That made many of the comments that
I maybe would have. Started with the province. Bring forward
Bill 212. Through that there is the potential for the
province to have oversight over municipal bike lanes, not just
new ones, but ones. That exist. And it could require
municipalities to remove those. So these are on municipal roads.
There are roads that we pay for. They're using contractors
that we'll have to pay for, and it's based upon
feedbacks and studies that we also are paying for. So
the position the AMO has put forward is that this
is an overstep. And we're asking Councillor to support Amos
position. On this. So in Holtzon Hills, we have an
active transportation master plan that was done between 2018, 2020.
Cost just for the plan itself, $137,000. I said with
Councillor Fogel on the act of transportation committee. I'm not
an avid cyclist. I'm not very good at all, actually,
but I. Have learned through my time on that committee
that it is important to members of our community, particularly
for those who don't have vehicles, who don't drive. So
I think that's the position that the talent has held
over the last couple of years, and I hope we
can continue to support that. I have heard. I chatted
with some of my fellow counselors beforehand. As you would
know. Some of the things I heard was that this
was just an attack on the province. I don't look
at it that way at all. I think that. We're
communicating, as Councillor Fogel mentioned. It is on the environmental
registry. Our staff do communicate with the province on different
issues when they see them. So we're communicating as a
business partner, which is what we are with the province.
We're small compared to them, but. If we don't make
a comment now, then when are we going to make
a comment? Because it will impact us and impact our
business. Something else that I've heard is Bill 212 is
just aimed at larger municipalities and possibly that's true. There's
the piece about. Changing vehicle lanes into bike lanes. I
think, as we know, the devil is in the details
with all these things. And those pieces haven't come out,
but I think. We need to. Based on the direction
that our municipalities held, it would be the right thing
to do. To talk about our support in the parse
at the very least, and to talk about the municipality's
position as far as managing roads compared to provincial pieces
of responsibility. So. Echoing Councillor Fogel. I hope we can
agree on this and support it and send it out.
Thank you. Thank you, Councillor Hilson. I see Councillor Somerville.
Well, I'll be briefer than the previous two speakers. I
know we're supposed to have a five minute limit for
speaking, but I will respect that to make sure. We're
in the town of Halton Hills. We're not in the
city of. Toronto. So all the comments about what is
going on with Toronto are kind of a moot. Point
to this. I have tremendous difficulty with this motion. The
province, the municipalities. Under Article two of the constitution lays
out. That municipalities are the creature of the province. A
province can decide. It's not really overreach that they're deciding
that bike lanes are going to be reported in this
way. This really doesn't affect Halton Hills because. There is
not recommending that any of the lanes of traffic be
changed to cycling lanes. This is as Amos said today
in a meeting I was in with them. This is
aimed at. Toronto, Ottawa. And they figured it could be
a Mississauga. This isn't really anything that we have here.
While I respect that we can bring items forward to
this that we discuss. This one I can't support because
of it. The second operative clause that says in further
that Councillor does not support the provisions in Bill T.
Twelve. With respect to the installation of cycling lanes, I
would actually like to amend that that be struck because
I can support the other part of it, because I
agree we have to go to the province about respecting
local decision making. But we better also remember that the
province does actually have that say, so I will put
that on the floor that we strike that, because if
that one's out of there, it is. About the only
way I could even look at entertaining, supporting this. Okay.
Somerville. Are you making a motion? And it is one,
two, three, clause four. It is a second operative clause.
And further, that the Councillor of the town of Hill,
Alton hills. Does not support the provisions in 212 with
respect to the installation of cycling liens. It's. On the
operative clause, not on the preamble. The preamble doesn't. Matter.
It's too long anyways. But it's just on that operative
clause, I'm suggesting be removed. Like I said, I do
not have a seconder for that. So I would need
someone for that to be on the floor. Councilor Albano,
you'll second that amendment? Yes, I will support that.
Are there any speakers to the amendment? Okay, Councillor Fogle.
Okay, well, I object to a lot of what's just
been said. We are still a legitimate. Level of government.
With responsibilities. For keeping our citizens safe. And we've had
that for a long time. We're invested in that. This
is brand new. Out of nowhere with no justification. Whatsoever.
And all the facts line up against. What the province
is doing. I think. The association of Municipalities of Ontario
represents all of us, all of the municipalities. They don't
come out with a statement like this. Just willy nilly,
they consider it. They've got their own lawyers. This is
a serious problem. And the problem in this case? Deals
with bike lanes. And all this paragraph says is that.
Of the whole bill to twelve, which has a lot
of other things in it, including 413. This one thing.
About swooping in and changing the decision of the local
municipality. That's what we object to that part. You take
this one out. There isn't. Much left. I hope people
can see through this, that it just disembowels the entire.
Resolution by taking that one out. So I guess that's
the point. What you want to do, you could just
vote. Against. The resolution without doing that. I'll leave it
there. Councilor Garno, did you have something on the amendment?
Okay. I'm just wondering. If so, Councillor Somerville, you mentioned
you'd consider supporting it. I'm just wondering if. We do
pass the amendment. Are you going to support the amended
motion or not? Well, I guess we'd have to wait
and see, won't we? No, you don't have the answer.
Because I haven't said my answer. I said. You would
have to wait and see Councillor Fogle. But no. I
have so much difficulty at this point. I probably would,
but it would also depend on what the other discussion
is that Councillor has come up. That would make my
mind finally up. I support Amo as they're doing their
positioning to the province. I don't. Support us poking the
province in the eye every few weeks. I don't support
that, but. I also don't support that. This one is
aimed specifically at the installation of cycling lanes. When it
does not affect us. That's the big thing. It does
not affect us. So I would have to wait and
see what the other discussion is from other members of
Councillor. If I would support it. If the amendment passes
at this time, I don't know. I'm sorry.
On a recorded vote. So, Councillor Garno, did you
have anything further? On the amendment. Well.
No. Not right now. Councilor keane. Just on the amendment.
Clarification. I'm tending towards. Leaning towards. The Councillor Somerville's amendment.
I agree. With what? He's very strong with what he's.
Saying, but then. The other part of the resolution. I'm
having real trouble with this whole resolution, the way it's
been written, and it's asking us to Halton Hills to
express support. For Amos position, urging the province. Is that
a most specific position? What's the wording of there? Have
they issued an official statement. Is that the exact wording?
They're asking us for that. Okay. I'll just leave it
at that. I'll support the amendment at this time, but.
I'm not sure I'm going to support the resolution. Councilor
Vzinski to the amendment. Thank you, madam Mayor. I will
not be supporting this amendment as I don't believe it.
Goes far enough, and I will not be supporting the
motion. I agree with Councillor Fogle that this motion is
not about supporting amo. It is about. Attacking the province.
All due respect, Councillor Hilson, I have no idea. How
you can say what you just said. And after hearing
what Councillor Fogle just said in her preamble. That was
clearly an attack on the province. I cannot support either
this amendment or the motion. Thank you. And I'll remind
members of Councillor to keep their comments. Objective. Please do
not refer to whether counselors by name. Councilor brass. Thank
you, Madam Mayor. Just listening to some of the comments,
and I would like to chime in with a couple
of my own. And about a year and a half
ago. I'm also not a cyclist, but about a year
and a half ago, I decided to take activity more
seriously in active transportation, and I started walking ten to
15 day and have done so far and have not
missed a day in a year and a half, and
I often take the opportunity to walk to work or
to walk home. From work, which. Is a pretty good
walk. And the benefits of that for me have been
enormous. For mental and physical health. So when I hear
comments about cyclists getting benefits from it, I really take
that to heart as well, because I have those same
results but with a different mode. And being somewhat well
traveled and had the pleasure of and the privilege of
being to a lot. Of big cities around the world,
one of them being Tokyo. And that is one of
the biggest and busiest cities in the world. With very,
very effective bike lanes. And that city moves like clockwork.
And cyclists are safe. So that was a great example
of a city that hasn't got it right, and it
works. I don't think the debate is about Toronto at
a care less. We represent Halton. Hills. The motion. I
don't know what all the fuss is about it. Aside
from maybe the argument of the attack on the province.
That I can see, and maybe there's a little bit
of merit to that. But the motion is just trying
to do good by the citizens of Halton Hills. By
protecting our rights to put bike lanes in the way
these councillor see fit to do so. And I want
to support this motion. Simply to keep more control over.
Our decisions from municipal perspective. So I really don't want
to support the amendment because I don't see the point
to the amendment. So we'll see how it plays out.
But I won't support the amendment and I'm going to
support the motion. I will withdraw the amendment and just
vote against the whole thing. Okay. Thank you. So.
I'm going to go to first time speakers even though.
We were on the amendment earlier. We will. Now then,
speak to the motion. Okay. All right. I see. Councillor
Ingles. Thank you, worship. Yeah. I am going to support
this. I take it? Somewhat, I think, Councillor Summerville, it's
kind of a moot point. There's very little here that
affects us. Except for. Where the decision making power. Will
lie in the end. And I believe it should lie
here. Streets, roads. They are our mandate. Per se. It
eliminates red tape. It's an extra. Probably it's an extra
step which would turn into, I believe. Dealing with the
province into weeks, months, maybe longer. Just to handle. Something
like this. So much more efficient being at the municipal
level. I have no problem here poking. The government. They're
big boys and girls. They can take it. If they
can't handle this, they probably shouldn't be. They probably shouldn't
be in the chamber to start with. So I'm fine.
I will be supporting this as it's put forward. Thank
you. Thank you. Are there other first time speakers? Councilor
norris. Thank you, Madam Mayor. And I admit that I
didn't spend a lot of time before the meeting going
through. This. And listening to the commentary on that. I
also picked up that this was an attack on the
Ontario government. I have to admit, I was very encouraged
earlier when we had. The speakers from the police department
that we're actually saying positive things about our provincial government.
We don't get to hear that in this chamber very
often, and, in fact, never. So I was encouraged to
hear that. I did also hear nothing but. Attacks on
the provincial government. So while that was going on over
the five minute limit, that was allowed for speakers. I
chose to take a look online and I found an
Ipso poll that was done in. March 25 of this
year, 2024. But Canadians to work. Now I'm hearing that
it's not about the bike lanes, but it is about
the bike lanes. The numbers that were being thrown around
do support the 3%. According to Ipso, 54% people reported
taking cars, 19% take public transit. 5%. Take car and
carpools. 9% walk and only 3% cycle. So I think
the number that's coming out of the provincial government is
accurate. I just heard this. It doesn't seem like it
was really intended to be anything more. Than. An attack
on another level of government, and I'm sorry, that's not
appropriate. We shouldn't be having that here in the Councillor
chambers. I think if we're going. To be discussing and
debating things at different levels of government. There should be
more objectivity to it. I didn't see that. I don't
hear it. I can't support. This. Thank you. Okay. Thank
you. Well, I will provide my comments as a first
time speaker and then. We'll go again around the table.
And I'm supporting this motion. And the reason why I'm
doing so is. Largely because of the comments made by
Amo. And I think that this has to do absolutely
with overreach by the provincial government. There is something called
the Municipal Act. That is legislation that indicates the kind
of rule that municipality should play. And we are responsible
for designing transportation systems in our municipality, whether they include
bike lanes or not. It is clearly a responsibility of
this level of government. And the province. Enacted the municipal
act. Furthermore, the province has now on their environmental registry.
Asked for commentary. Commentary. Not attack. But the province has
asked for commentary. On. This piece of proposed legislation. So
this is providing a commentary. From one level of government
that has the municipal act that is determining how it
behaves. And it is absolutely within the rights of this
Councillor to provide that commentary. On the legislation that. We
have been. For many years been asked. To provide, so.
It is absolutely within our jurisdiction. It is absolutely a
request that has been received from the province. To hear
back what we think of this legislation. And. This is.
Simply a resolution that describes how this Councillor feels about
the proposal by the provincial government to move in this
direction. We've been asked to do this. And so we
shall. Depending on the results of this resolution. So I
will be supporting it. Absolutely. And I will also be
supporting. Our association of Municipalities, which gives guidance to us
and assists us in some of the important work. That
we do. Okay. Are there any further second time? Speakers.
All right, Councillor Rosinski. Thank you, Madam Mayor. As my
comments on the motion. Now, as first time speaker to
the motion. First of all, I find it interesting that
counselors choose to focus on this issue while our neighboring
municipalities and Amo are working together with the province to
tackle the issue of homelessness. A very big, important issue.
And there hasn't been a word out of this Councillor
on that issue. Now, according to this motion, the province
is asking for a sober second look. To look at
bike lanes that actually restricts. Vehicular traffic, which, of course,
is not happening in Halton Hills, nor most likely will.
Ever happen in hall to the hills? Hopefully not. So
I really don't see. What the big deal is. How
does this affect our municipality? It's really not a priority.
And clearly there are municipalities that are pushing. This they're
pushing. A radical ideological agenda rather than prioritizing. Efficient, effective
flow of traffic, which is what we should be doing.
We heard last year about traffic issues from when? Mountain
View and Trafalgar. And there's construction and zipper merging, and
they even got emails from Ward two residents about those
traffic. Issues, traffic issues are real, and they're going to
continue to grow as we continue to grow. And with
all due respect to Councillor fogle and their preamble, she.
Said that reducing a lane of traffic. Doesn't affect gridlock.
And then later on she said that in Toronto and
why we're talking with Toronto? I don't know. But in
Toronto you can't increase. Delanes. But if lanes don't contribute
to gridlock, then that's irrelevant. So I was a little
confused there. I think this is just. Really not something
we should be spending our time on and I can't
support. Okay. Are there any other Councillor
Somerville? Well, I appreciate Councillor Zinsky mentioned about homelessness and.
The other one that Amos unlowed a lot of work
on we've never raised. Here is about encampments, but that
doesn't seem to matter because. Save the bike. Lanes. I
said I'm not supporting it. I wish people would have
been of this impassioned by the other municipal overreach. Things
such as strong mayor powers or the absolutely terrible budget
process that we now have forced on us with the
mayor's budget where a budget is not even passed by
council. That's the ridiculous things that we are pretty selective.
But let's keep poking our nose at the province and
we will know what the result will be as we
keep asking for funding, and we won't get it. Well,
no wonder. So I am opposed, and we'll be very
glad to stand up for that on this. One. I
do appreciate and respect the work amo does, because I
do spend a lot of time talking to them, and
I agree with them on the local decision making. It
may be in the municipal act. But go back to
article two of the constitution. Any act or that the
province wants to give to the municipalities and take away,
they can do. Very easily because that is their purview
under the canadian charter, rights and freedoms. It's actually the
constitution, but anyway, Councillor Keane.
Thank you, Madam Mayor should come. As no surprise to
Councillor, I will not be supporting this resolution. I'm thrilled
about the introduction of Bill to twelve. Having visited a
friend for lunch a month or so ago down in
Yorkville and driving on Bluer street. I can say unequivocally,
it's a disaster. And. This kind of politically and ideologically
charged decision to put bike lanes where there's no way
or reason they should be. There is nothing more than
a thinly veiled attack continuing. Attack the war on the
car. It's just like the mobility master plan to be
discussed. Many of our local residents came and saw through
that initial attack and made their views known, but apparently
that isn't important. Certain members of council. You talk about
the responsibility of paying attention to the municipal act? Well,
the municipal act. Also dictates that counselors should be listening
to the concerns of their residents, not telling residents what
they think is best for them. This is another example
of an elite. Nanny state approach to our town, saying,
we're going to force you to get healthy by riding
a bicycle. I don't need to be told to ride
a bicycle to be healthy. I go to the gym
three times a week. That's my choice. It's the choice
of my residence. This is not provincial overreach. This is
counteracting municipal overreach. Fellow counselors. And if towns are not
going to behave responsibly and they're going to start pushing
their agendas, we're going to continue to have the province
interject themselves. As it's been pointed out, is their right
under the municipal act and under legislation of this promise.
So we need to stop promoting these kind of irresponsible
policy decisions that go against the wishes of our constituents
that are not practical for the way this to. Town
is designed. And I can tell you that when every
time we order these new bike lanes, in Georgetown. South
ward four. It's one of the largest sources of complaints
I've received for my constituents. They're angry about them. They
don't use them. They don't. Know why they're there. They
want their money back on their taxes, so I'll not
be supporting this resolution. It is not worthy of support.
Thank you. Okay. Are there any further comments? Recorded vote.
Okay, Madam clerk. On the resolution. Thank you, Madamaran. Through
you. When I call your name, Councillor, please say yes
that you are. Supporting the motion or no, that you
are not supporting the motion, Mayor Lawler. Yes, Councillor Fogle.
Yes. Councilor Garno? Yes. Councillor Norris. No. Councillor Ingles. Yes.
Councillor Keane. No. Councillor Somerville. No. Councillor Hillson? Yes. Councillor
Rosinski? No. Councillor Albano. No. Councillor Brasst. Yes. That motion
carries.
It's 06:00. Now there are several people in the gallery.
We also have a lot of items. And we also
have a public meeting that we are required to do
at 06:00. The clerk tells me. Can you tell us
how we're going to proceed? Through you, Madam mayor. So
if you wanted to call for recess. Just for a
quick stretch and all that stuff to come back. I
don't know. 615. 620 whatever time you want. We will
have to do the public meeting first and then after
the public meeting. We will resume with the rest of
the councillor agenda.
All right, so. We're going to take a ten minute
break right now, and when we come back there will
be a public meeting. Okay. And following the public meeting.
We will reconvene into general committee. And we will then
receive some reports at that point. And there will be
a couple of delegations. But. It wouldn't surprise me if
it's 630 before we get to general committee. Okay, so
ten minute break now and then back into a public
meeting. Thank you.
Well, good evening, everyone. And I'm sorry, that was a
bit of a long ten minutes. But hopefully. We move
forward. So it's not midnight when we're out of here
tonight. So I'd like to open a public meeting. It
regards southeast Georgetown's secondary plan. And the purpose of this
public meeting is to inform and provide the public. With
an opportunity to ask questions or express views. With respect
to an official plan amendment pertaining to the southeast Georgetown
draft secondary plan. The Councillor are here to observe and
listen. To comments. However, they will not make any decisions
this evening. As chair, I am informing you that when
Councillor makes a decision, the Planning act provides individual landowners.
Within the secondary plan area with an opportunity to appeal
the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a hearing
subject to tribunal valid. Validation of the appeal. Please note
that if a person or public body does not make
oral submissions at a public meeting, or written submissions to
the town of Holton Hills before the decision is made,
the person or public body is not entitled to appeal
the decision of the town of Holton Hills to the
Ontario. Land tribunal. In written comments. In written comments to
the town of Holton. Public. And you may also not
be added as a participant to the hearing. If an
appeal before the Ontario land tribunal unless. In the opinion
of the tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
You may wish to talk to planning staff regarding further
information. On the appeal process. The Planning act requires that
a statutory public meeting be held for a proposal to
amend the official plan. In the format of this public
meeting is as follows. Josh Salisbury, senior policy planner, will
provide an overview of the Southeast Georgetown draft secondary plan.
Then Shika Jaguani, the senior urban designer landscape intern at
SGL planning and design. The lead consultants for the study
will go over the draft secondary plan policies. Next, the
public will have the opportunity to obtain clarification. Ask questions.
And express their views on the proposed amendments. The town's
consultants and staff will attempt to answer questions or respond
to concerns this evening. If this is not possible, staff
will follow up and obtain the information. Responses will be
provided when the matter is brought forward and evaluated by
Councillor at a later date. I now invite Josh Salisbury
to come forward. And while Josh is coming up, I'll
comment that this is being streamed, and there may be
individuals online who are joining. This public meeting.
Can you guys hear me? Oh, here we go. Thank
you very much, madamarin. Good evening. To you, Madamor, as
well as good evening to the rest of Councillor. I
also want to. Say good evening to those from the
public who are here in attendance and who are also
joining. In virtually tonight. Tonight, I am joined by shika
jaguani of sgl planning and design, inc. Incentive Plan amendment
number 59, which is also references OPA 59, which is
to establish a secondary plan that will guide land use
and future development on lands abutting 10th line and 10th
side. Ode in Georgetown, which has become more commonly known
as southeast Georgetown. Town Councillor endorsed the preferred land use
plan for southeast Georgetown through report PD 20 24 62,
which helps steer the preparation of the draft secondary plan.
This statutory public meeting is yet another key milestone in
progressing to a completed OPa 59 southeast Georgetown secondary plan.
The following presentation is going to be delivered in seven
sections. First I will be speaking to what has been
completed to date and then Shika will be. Discussing the
vision and guiding principles. The land use schedule the key
secondary plan policies the key urban design guidelines the status
of the technical studies required for this report. And the
next steps. So what has been done to date?
Currently, we are in phase four of this process. Over
the past couple of months, town staff have met with
a technical advisory committee, which is made up of internal
town staff and external reviewing agencies. To present the draft
official plan Amendment 59, southeast Georgetown secondary plan and gather
feedback for the proposed policies as well as the key
urb. Urban design guidelines and the land use schedules. Also
during this phase, town staff have met with the steering
committee for the southeast Georgetown Secondary Plan. Which is made
up of counselors, the mayor, a member of the public,
the landowner and town. Staff. And the purpose of this
meeting was to gather their feedback on the draft secondary
plan policies. The key urban design guidelines and land use
schedules. After the completion of the statutory public meeting, it
is the intent of town staff to review all feedback
and comments that have been provided for the draft. Secondary
plan policies and to submit. The town Councillor. A recommendation
report for a finalized official plan. Amendment 59, southeast Georgetown
secondary plan. We anticipate that this report will come forward
to Councillor in early of 2025. So we are there.
This is just a bit of a timeline of some
of the consultation that we've had. In phase four to
date. So, as I noted, we had the TAC presentation
on October 24. Of 2024. And then we had the
steering committee presentation on October 29 of 2024 on November
the fourth of 2024. We had our public open house,
which I believe a majority of town Councillor were there.
It was actually quite well attended. We had a number
of people from the public attendant as well, which was
awesome. And that's just a picture of Catherine J. Who's
one of our consultants working. From Sgl, interacting with the
public and how the open house looked there. I also
want to make note that we do have also an
online ongoing survey happening right now. In this report that's
being used for this meeting, which is PD 20240 95.
There is a link on the second page that the
readers can click on. I think it says link here
and it can direct them right to the. Let's talk
Halton Hills, Georgetown. Southeast secondary plan page, and on that
page you can actually provide. Comments or you can provide
feedback from the November 4 open house. And you can
also ask town staff questions, and we do respond to
those questions as well. If you guys need to know
the link as well, it's, let's talkhaultonhills. Caso. Casotownsecondaryplan. And
I will ask Shika to come up. Thank you, Josh.
No. So, as Josh mentioned, we will go over the
vision. Just a general overview. The vision for southeast Georgetown.
Is that it will foster a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, balancing
the need for economic, environmental and social sustainability. It will
be designed to be resilient, compact and contribute to surrounding
community in a manner that respects the natural and cultural
heritage features as well as the surrounding neighborhood. Just a
quick overview of the principles as part of the plan.
It's to provide a mix of built form as well
as a street and block pattern. That provides a walkable
community. Provides for a mixed use area to accommodate the
daily needs of residents, respects the natural cultural heritage that
currently exists within and adjacent to the site. Locates appropriate
land uses adjacent to these natural heritage features and also
incorporating them in parks and open space, which we'll illustrate
later on. Providing for sustainability measures as well as urban
design best practices, which we'll also go over. Parks and
trails connections both within throughout the plan and also in
the adjacent natural heritage features. Creating a sense of place
by enhancing views to these natural heritage features as well
as. The cultural heritage features nearby and ensuring that new
communities are accessible for all ages and abilities. This is
the first kind of overview of the land use plan.
And we'll go step by step in the different elements
of the plan, starting with a breakdown of the land
uses, then jumping into the parks and open space structure,
active transportation structure, the road network. Discussing. The impacts of
the Norval west bypass. As well as sustainability and location
of stormwater management features, as well as lastly, incorporation of
natural heritage features and cultural heritage features. So, firstly, starting
off with. The local commercial mixed use area that's located.
Alongside road ten and a portion of road b. You
could see it in this purple area over here. To
the south side. This is intended to include. Live work
units stacked, townhouse dwellings and an apartment. So. Either a
mixed use structure or a mix of uses. A retail
commercial needs analysis by tape. Research found that the maximum
gross leasable floor area should be between 1802,300 m² density
of 60 to 150 units per hectare. And up to
eight stories in height. Next, we're illustrating the medium
density land uses, which take out about. Take up about
half. Of the study area, as you can see. In
the orange coloring. This area would include stock townhouses as
well as back to back townhouses, including all the permitted
uses in the op policy. Up to a max. Density
of 80 units per hectare, heights of three to six.
Up to six. Stories. And using the massing of any
taller buildings at gateway features such as the entrance to
the community itself. And collector, road a and 10th line.
And framing collector roads in general, with some taller built
form. Low density residential uses are concentrated to more the
northern portion of the study area or of the community.
This includes. Singles and stacked. Sorry. Single and semi detached
housing permitted by the op. The policy D 1.3.1 .1.
Density of 24 to 30 units per hectare and a
height of up to three stories. Next, coming into parks
and open space. We have three different parks. That are
included within the secondary plan area. This includes a neighborhood
park on the west side of the Norva west bypass,
which is the larger central green square you can see
in the middle. Of the study area as well as
two parquets, one located along road sea. Again. West of
the Norva west bypass. You can see there's an arrow.
And where the road c label is itself. And on
the east side there is also a parquet, and the
little plus illustrates the cultural heritage feature. There's a Russell
farm complex, which I'll mention later on. But the intent
is that that could be integrated into the design of
the parquet going forward. In terms of active transportation and
connection. Throughout this community, there is multiple types of active
transportation features one of them is a multi use path,
a three meter wide pathway along. 10th line just on
the west side of the study area. As you can
see with the black dashed line. As well as trails
within the green belt that I had mentioned earlier. That's
some brown line. That is. On the northeast side of
the study area, and it connects to Green street over
the bypass. Lastly, looking at some pedestrian connections, and this
can take the form of openings. Between. Built form and
providing access to and from collector roads, sidewalks and parks.
Internal land uses you can see that? Those highlighted in
the green arrows. Also connecting over the Norval west bypass.
In a way that connects the eastern half of the
community with the western half. Conceptually. The road network is
also conceptual. It shows three collector road systems. Road a,
road b and road C. All. Collector roads will provide
sidewalks from both sides of the streets, and local roads
can provide sidewalks. On at least one side of the
street, and we have general policies that speak to street
trees. Within boulevards, allowing for sufficient soil volume. Having nice
big tree canopies embedded in the policies. And in the
plan. Speaking a bit to the Norva west bypass itself.
It's a future transportation corridor. The final size and alignment
will be determined by Halton Region. We have policies in
the secondary plan that state that no development would be
approved within the bypass. Until the final alignment is determined.
And also a caveat in those pallet policies that lands
not required for transportation. Once the alignment is approved, we'll
assume the adjacent land use designation. Speaking a bit to
sustainability and stormwater. The secondary plan speaks to promoting stormwater
best practices. Low impact development features, such as illustrated in
these pictures here with bioswales. You can see at the
bottom. Southeast portion of the plan itself. We have a
conceptual stormwater pond located, and it is located. In the
area that receives the most drainage. Speaking a bit to
the existing natural heritage feature. The scope subwatershed study identified
a vegetation community. You can see that in this purple
blob. To the northern part of the site. With a
yellow line. At the bottom. The decision for the wetland
to be removed and replicated. So that's speaking to that
blob itself. And it should be guided by future technical
study following ecosystem offsetting guidelines and approved by the responsible
authority. Speaking to the cultural heritage features that I mentioned
earlier on the site. There's the Russell farm complex that
includes a barn, main residences. This was studied as part
of the southeast Georgetown secondary plan, study process. We have
policies that state that the town will consider whether designation
should be. Pursued for this farm complex. And integrated in
long term conservation strategy. And heritage impact assessment is required
to identify conservation and mitigation strategies. As well as determining
how this complex can be integrated into the parquet that
I mentioned earlier. On the east side of the bypass.
Jumping into some key urban design guidelines that we have
prepared, including, again, sustainable design features that are key to
this plan, such as ensuring. There's a range of low
impact development features, no mo zones, for example, adequate topsoil
volume to allow those large canopies to flourish, ensuring enough
soil volume for each tree. Implementing again, low impact development
features or having options to implement those features such as
green roofs or light roofs. Including other sustainable features such
as trees and parking lots to help with shade. In
terms of the design of the public realm. Forwarding the
town's direction. To complete it in a complete streets approach
short street and block sizes to encourage walking and connection
throughout the community. Addressing gateways and key intersections. As illustrated
earlier on. With gateway features such as public art, flowering
trees, taller buildings at those intersections that I mentioned earlier.
Preserving views to the Russell Farm complex. Is another integral
part of the public realm design. And should help secure
an idea of a sense of place in this area
and then also ensuring. Guidelines for Septen, which is crime
prevention through environmental design principles. In terms of the design
of the private realm. Including guidelines such as front doors
of building facing the main roads, such as collector road
b and ten side road with active uses along the
streets. Having guidelines that call for high quality, durable, energy
efficient building materials. Again, trying to hone in on those
sustainability policies. Incorporating lid features that align to the town's
green development standards. Using something like a 45 degree angular
plane to ensure transition. Is achieved. You're not having really
tall buildings right next to really short buildings. And. Creating
more of those active frontages with outdoor patios. Spill out
space within these areas in the private realm and then
ensuring that things like parking are located at the rear
of the building, so you maintain that active frontage along
the main streets. In terms of the status of technical
studies, a majority of the studies have been completed, including
the preferred land use alternative report Urban design memo, which
is the guidelines? Cultural heritage resource assessment, fiscal, agricultural impact
assessment transportation report, as well as. The scopes of watershed
study and the area servicing plan is still in progress.
And that's pretty much the presentation. As Josh mentioned, a
recommendation report should be prepared by early 2025. Any comments
that we receive from. This statutory public meeting will be
reviewed and addressed. For the upcoming term. Thank you.
There you go. Thank you. That's very helpful. It is
now the public's opportunity. And so I would ask if
there are any persons who have questions require further clarification.
Or information. Or wish to present their views on the
proposed official plan amendment. If you are assigned in via
zoom. Please raise your hand by clicking on the raise
my hand button, typically on the bottom right side of
your panel or if you join the meeting by phone.
Press star nine to raise your hand and staff will
permit you to unmute yourself when it is your turn
to speak. So I will ask first if there is
anyone online. Who is. No. Okay. Are there people in
the gallery? If you want to make a comment on
this or ask a question, please raise your hand. And
then come to the podium. Hello. Okay. Would you please
give your name and address? Yes, certainly. My name is
Heidi Noyes. And I'm that. 69 Gollip Crescent. My name
is Susan Forrester. I'm. At 67 gallup present. And I'm
Cammy Pierce, and I'm at 63 Gallup Crescent. Okay. So
you're doing this together? You don't get five minute seat
each, necessarily, but. If you could address your comments in
five minutes, that would be great. Thank you. So maybe
I'll start, and then if anyone has anything to add.
So thank you very. Much for your consideration. We wanted
to mention a couple of things that we wanted on
the record. We know that your team has been very
supportive of us, and they've listened to our concerns. They
responded to our emails. We've had meetings, including yourself, so
for that, we want to. Thank you very much. We
did have a couple of comments about. The secondary plan
that we noticed when it came in, some of us
were not able to attend. The last meeting. Should I
just list them? Okay, great. So, first of all, the
wetlands are a bit of a concern for us because
these are wetlands. Like the farmer never. They still are
not farmed because it is a wetland, and I understand
that they're going to relocate. In the corner, but. I
think as a sustainable community that cares about their environment.
Why are we actually taking away from that original wetland?
So I think. That would be for everyone's consideration. We
all back out onto that property, and I'm sure you
can appreciate. We have multiple animals. Deers, coyotes, ducks. All
sorts of wildlife that use. That wetland, so. We'd like
to, for you guys to consider to keep it, make
it into a parquet. Park, whatever. You can do. We
did notice. As part of your vision, and I'm not
sure where it is on the website, but. You do
speak about building, like, for, like, homes. We appreciate that
people have really looked at and owned in on these
drawings. And are having. Single dwelling homes. South. Is that
south? No. North of Danby Road. I need to learn
my north and south here. North of Danby. Road, but.
In the provisions, it does state that there is three.
Stories. To be allowed. As well as semidetach. I know
the builder is here and he spoke with us. Already,
and we appreciate his voice. But we do want it
noted that we do want, like, for, like, houses to
be. Single, detached, two story houses. And no semi, so
we're asking for that to be included. Into our town
vision. And for that to be included in the drawings.
And then the last thing that I have is behind
us, we have a green belt. When we originally came
to Councillor, we talked about that we would be able
to maintain that green belt as well as the trees
that are there. They're historic trees. They've been trees that
we've planted. It is a beautiful area. In this drawing.
For everyone who. I don't know if we want to
note this, but just for those records. It does show
that there is a multi use trail that goes behind.
The six, seven houses on Gollip, but. It just ends.
There's no purpose for it. And that's actually not what
we spoke about during the original meeting, so we would
like to ask that. This multi use. Path. Be behind
the green belt. Be reconsidered. Yes, please. Okay, go ahead.
So the point we were making is that when you
look at the trail system coming from Green, street going
right through. The green space in behind the proposed development
area. It comes up. At the top of the field.
And ends, but the trailhead is right. At Argar World
and 10th line. So if a trailhead is starting there,
it makes no sense to have, we feel makes no
sense to have a multipurpose path. That's paved behind there
instead. Have that strip of land. The trail continue. So
the existing trails, now that we have that go off
of goodterham. It's all that crushed stone. And it's basically
for walkers and people on their bicycles, not. A multipurpose
pathway like on 8th line with a wide strip of
paved area plus lighting. And all the rest that we
want it for the trail to continue up around there
and down. To the trailhead. And then. Have the traffic
barrier. At the bottom of the trail here head there
is just to allow for pedestrians and anybody who wants
to access it with their bicycle. But. Not this huge
thing. And also, the trail that exists meanders naturally through
the existing trees. No matter where you go on the
trail system, which is so beautiful, through Georgetown. So. That's
what we're looking for. In that strip there for the
trail to continue as it is everywhere else, not. A
big, paved multipurpose, and it is a very small area
that we're talking about. And. If I may. My husband
and I are original owners, so we've been in that
house from day one. Watch being built 31 years. And
that whole strip of land behind. The builder originally then
had left this huge mound of topsoil. And the neighbors
all spread it. We threw grass seed. We've maintained that
land for 31. Years. We mow it every week. There's
no weeds back there. It is beautiful. People come there
to walk their dogs, so. It's already a beautiful natural
pathway for. Yeah, and there is a Marsha back there.
So we would really want to make that point that.
Stays as natural as possible. So I think we're good.
Did you have something else? No. I'm supporting that. So
they spoke wonderfully, and I'm pleased with that. Okay. Thanks
very much. Okay. Thank you. Hi there.
My name is. Good evening, Wilson. I'm at ten two
four eight, 10th line. So I'm literally the last house
on 10th line before the Argyle bend. The question that
I have. And I'm not sure if it was ever
clarified, but right across the street from us. There's mature
trees in a line all the way along tent line,
and I don't. Know what's going to happen with those
trees, whether. They're going to be. A truck one day
is going to come by and totally destroy all of
that, or if it's going to be a multi path
that I've heard which was going to happen. I just
would like to have it clarified if those trees are
staying or if. They're going and if they're going. I
really don't want to have condos of six to eight
stories right in front. Of my house. So if anybody
could clarify that, that would be wonderful. Thank you. So.
I'm going to ask that everyone who has a comment
to come up and make it. Or their question. And
then after that, staff. Or. The consultant will
provide some of those answers. Okay, are there any other
members of the public who have a comment to make.
Sorry. One of the other things that, besides what's right
behind us is the bypass. As a community. These group
of neighbors and other people we've been talking to. Can't
see the logic of this bypass when people who are
going to go to Brampton. Are still going to go
through Norville. And they take this bypass and hit. 10th
side road and to go. Where? The logic of that.
That's a huge cost. And. We just don't understand the
logic behind this bypass. That's a question that staff may
be able to make reference to generally. Good afternoon. My
name is artist Snow and I live at 63 Gallup
Crescent. In your plan. It actually said that? The plan
itself wouldn't be approved until the bypass is approved. Am
I reading that correctly? Or is that being presented in
that way? Because I'm thinking that there's going to be
a vote on this plan, but. In your presentation, it
actually said that? The plan wouldn't be approved until the
bypass is approved, so I would like somebody to clarify
that also, please. I think staff will be able to
reference. That. Are there any others who have a comment
or question? Okay. Thank you very much then, Mr. Salzbury,
your turn again. I'm going to be asking a few
different people to come up. I guess there's a couple
that I can answer right off the top. With regards
to. The bypass. So that policy itself. Is underneath. I
guess we don't have the image up there. I can't
really see this, but on the land use plan that
we have, you'll. Notice underneath where. There's this. There it
is. Okay. Yeah, we can go with that. So where
you see that hatched? Area of where it's the proposed
Norval west bypass route. If you notice how there's colors
underneath that. So you'll see that orange you see, the
purple you see. The green for the park. So what
that means is that, and we have policy within the
draft. Secondary plan that whenever the region has decided their
final design and where and how they're going? To build
it that those areas underneath that hatching that are that
color of land use designation. That they will then be
able to be built as that land use designation. We
just have to wait until the region has decided what
that road is actually going to look like, but that
doesn't prevent this secondary plan from being able to be
passed. We just have to wait and see the final
design. From the region, but that's what that is, so
I hope that helps with clarification. Perfect. In terms of.
Another question that we had with regards to the trail,
so that's. The one that was referenced just north of
Argyle on ten line there. So. This just proves that
sometimes municipalities work really quickly. I was able to talk
to one of our transportation guys, and he confirmed that
that was actually an incorrect. Dotted line that was put
up there, so there's. I don't know who to. Speak
to. So there's not actually. A plan for that multi
use path to go that far north anyways. So thank
you all for actually pointing that out, because that's really
good thing for us. To know about. And that's the
point of meetings like this is stuff like that to
get determined. That's excellent. Next I'm going to ask regarding
the wetland question I'm going to ask Aaron. To come
up. He's one of the engineers that is dealing with
the servicing and water. Engineer, I guess, is the best
way to describe. Thank you, Josh. Good evening, Madam Mayor,
members of council. Just to maybe clarify. My role and
my credentials. I was the project manager, project engineer, and
water resources engineer for the scopes of watershed study. Which
was the multidisciplinary environmental study undertaken in support of the
overall secondary plan. We did have an ecologist on our
team, Steve Hill from Dugan and associates. And with respect
to the full. Technical rationale and support. If there's further
questions. We can certainly reach out to Steve for some
further clarification, but at this point, I can speak to
my understanding in the context again, as my role in
that project. The comments with respect to the wetland. There
was fundamentally a question. Why was wetland being removed? And
some questions about the rationale for bringing it into the
location. Toward the north limit in that one corner. But
also some comments about. The fauna in the area. And
a suggestion to incorporate into a parquet. So first to
speak to the rationale about. Why? To move it. From
the work that Dugan and associates completed, they found that
the wetland is rather isolated from the broader system. We
have surrounding the site. The Silver Creek main branch and
portions of the credit main branch. By contrast, the wetland
itself is toward the middle of the property. So localized
within. The agricultural lands. And it's the opinion of our
ecologists that it would be more sustainable to have the
wetland right adjacent to the silver creek, right adjacent to
that broader system. It's got a better chance of survival
fundamentally. And you can see just from this graphic it's
to where the top. It's that kind of purple triangle
that you can. See on the land use plan. So
that was the rationale for moving it. It's to put
it in a location. Where it has got a better
chance of really thriving. And surviving. With respect to the
comment about. The fauna in the area. The fauna. Largely
using, again, those broader systems. So it's moving that feature
toward. Where? The animals are going to be using it
and where they're actually going to be in a safer
position and moved away from a lot of the traffic
that would be going on through. There. The suggestion that
was put forward about incorporating the wetland into a parquet.
It's an interesting suggestion. And what we have put forward
in the scopes of watershed study is a recommendation, and
the rationale, but there are requirements for further studying and
assessment as part of the next stages of planning. So
through those next stages of planning, there is the opportunity
to review other alternatives for the ultimate management of this
feature. There's a recommendation put forward by our team, but
there's certainly other options that can be investigated and explored
at the next stages. I hope that answers the question.
Is the conservation authority involved in this study. So the
question that was put forward is whether or not the
conservation authority is involved, and the answer is yes. And
they think it'll survive moving it. So the question is
whether or not the conservation authority is in agreement with
our recommendations and findings. And my understanding is yes, the
conservation authority has not voiced any disagreement.
All right. Thanks, Aaron. So there's a couple of other
questions that were asked as well. That. I just want
to provide some comment to. First one being. The building
lake for lake houses and the two stories, no semis.
So. That's good information to receive from the public. And
as we're finalizing the final. Secondary plan itself. We do
take. Those comments into consideration. We're all sitting at the
last table, I guess is the best. Way to put
it. To figure out what the strap or what this
final plan is going to. Look like, so I do.
Thank you guys for those comments. There was another comment
about what was the logic behind the bypass? Just for
clarity, and I'm sure you understand the background of what's
going on. With the bypass. So that's something that the
region has determined has to go in this particular location.
They're continuing to run studies to determine the final design
and the feasibility for any other sort of connections that
they believe are going to help for traffic to flow
better, that's the best explanation we've really been given. But
unfortunately, we don't have anything really to add in addition
to that. We can happily take your questions and I
can certainly forward them onto the region. But. That's the
best answer that we can give right now for the
bypass. And the last question that I did take down
here, it was to do with the mature trees. That
are along ten line. I believe it was 10th line
there. Specifically across the more southern part of 10th line.
I'm going to ask one of our transportation coordinators, Ivan,
to come up to speak to that in the multi
use path. Madam mayor and councillor. So when we do
the design of the multiuse path through the design. We'll
preserve the trees as much as we can.
Okay. Yeah, that's it from our end. So I'm not
sure if there's. Any other comments or questions, but we're
here, and I can give anybody my contact. Details after
we're done here today. If you have any further questions
or you want to. Talk further, anything like that. It
is on the record. About the mature treat. Like, just
say we'll do the best we can, but we just.
Want to notice. Those are all mature trees that have
been there a long time, and it is. Big barrier.
And across the street from where? Your business. And when
you have trees. Are massive. It just creates this wall.
I believe there. I want to retire there. I don't
want to see condos. I'm sorry. I really don't. And
I know you'll be the best. You can. I do
understand that. But if it was your house. You'd want
to do absolutely the best you can. And I just
want to voice my opinion and the neighbors do. That.
We would like it to be considered. All right, thank
you, ma'am. Yeah. Thank you very much for that comment.
We do appreciate it. Commissioner Andrews, did you have some
comments? Yeah, go ahead, please. Thank you. And through you,
madam. Mayor, just to radiate what Ivan mentioned, it is
really early in this process. To really comment on the
detailed design, what's going to happen there? But concerns are
noted. We do try to avoid taking down trees whenever
possible, so it is something we'll take. Very seriously. It's
just way too early in the process, so we have
more to come. On that in the future. Also with
regard to the Norval west bypass, as jaw should noted,
it is a region project. They're currently in the process
of finalizing their class EA, so there is an opportunity
for public to continue to comment on it, but I'll
also note that. It does look a little bit odd
at this point in time, but. Consider this to be
sort of a first phase of a longer term project.
It is a regional road. And the Winston Churchill is
also boundary Road with Halton and peele. So there are
plans in the future for addressing transportation south of ten
side road that the region will be initiating. It sort
of goes back to. What we had referred to as
HP bats, which is sort of to address. The broader
transportation scheme in that area, sort of north, southeast, west.
So this is sort of the first phase of it.
So on its own, it looks a little bit odd,
but in the fullness of time. It'll make a little
more sense, but we encourage you to reach out. To
the region if you do have any concerns, and we're
happy to pass along any contact information we can. Thank
you. That's helpful. Okay, so I don't see anything further.
Ten. Steph, did you have any closing comments? Or anything
further. Okay, good. All right, then I am going to
declare. This public meeting closed, Councillor will take no action
on the proposed official plan amendment for the draft. Southeast
Georgetown secondary plan tonight. Staff will be reporting at a
later date with a recommendation for council's. Consideration if you
wish to receive further information regarding. This project, please. Contact
planners Melissa Ricci or Josh Salisbury following the meeting. If
you wish to make a written submission, the deadline for
comment is December 9, 2024.
So I have a motion from Councillor Ingles, seconded by
Councillor Rozinski. That report. PD 20240. Nine five, dated November
6, 2024. Regarding the statutory public meeting for the draft
southeast Georget. Georgetown secondary Plan OPA 59, attached as appendices
a, B and C to this report. Be received. And
further, that all agency and public comments be referred to
staff to be addressed in a final recommendation report to
Councillor on the disposition of these matters. And further the
Town clerk forward a copy of Report PD 20240. Nine
five to the ministry. Of municipal affairs and Housing, the
Region of Holton, Credit Valley conservation and all local school
boards for information. All in favor? That's carried. Thank you.
Okay now, and I'm glad to see this one. I
have a motion from Councillor ingles. Seconded by Councillor Somerville.
The Councillor do now convene into general committee and I.
Believe. Councillor Rozinski, you're in the chair. All in favor?
That's carried.
Good evening. I recognize it is late in the evening,
so we will try and keep this as efficient as
possible. I will begin by. Betting the reports committee will
begin by biting the reports. First report is report number
Cs. 20240 30 regarding 2025 personal policy manual.
Moved by Councillor Summerville. All in favor? Raise. Item b,
report number CS 2024. 36 regarding 2025 interim taxes. Moved
by Councillor Hilson. All those in favor? Carried. Report number.
Cs 20 24 00:37 regarding temporary borrowing of funds to
meet 2025 current operating expenses moved by Councillor Keane. All
those in favor? Carried. Report. Numbers. Report number
d is going to be deferred. Pulled from the agenda.
Sorry is the correct term. It's been pulled from the
agenda, so. Item e, report number PD 240 64, regarding
the proposed zoning Byla amendment draft plan subdivision to permit.
28 single detached lots on an extension of Bishop Court
and Glenn Williams is an automatic. Hold. Report number PD
20240 70. Regarding intention to designate five key in Georgetown.
Moved by Councillor Norris. All those in favor? Carried. Report
number PD 2024. 88 regarding Georgetown Ghost station area, Mill
street corridor secondary plan review preferred land use plan and
policy direction is an automatic hold. Report number PD 20240
80 regarding proposed official plan and zoning bylaw amendments to
permit the expansion of an existing self storage facility onto
13, three, seven, six, highway seven, and the construction of
two new self storage buildings in additions to existing self
storage buildings. At 13. Three nine, four and 13. Three
seven, six. Highway seven. Moved by Councillor Brass. All those
in favor? Carried. Report number PD 20 24 92 regarding
award of consulting services for the Gulf street corridor secondary
plan. Moved by Mayor Lawler. All those in favor?
Carrying. Report number PD 20 24 94 regarding Heritage Halton
Hill's recommendations for prioritized research and evaluation. Moved by Councillor
Somerville. All those in favor? Carried. Report number PD 20240.
Nine three. Regarding additional residential units. Moved by Councillor Albano.
All those in favor? Carried. Report number. TPW 20 24
00:25 regarding uniform traffic control bylaw schedule amendment. Go ahead,
Councillor Albano. Thank you much, Mr. Chair. I just want
to thank staff for acting so quickly bringing this report.
Forward. I know that I mentioned this in the summer,
and I'm happy to see this. Happening now. With the
construction going down Acton, down Mill street, it'd be great
to have a couple. Of new parking spots. So I
appreciate the quick response and thank you to staff. Thank
you, Mr. Chair. And would you like to move that
to Councillor Habino? I'd be happy to move. It. And
all those in favor? Carried. All right. So the first
report on the agenda, that was automatic cold item e.
Report number PD 2024. Okay, we're actually going to move
item g forward to go first, if that's all right
with council. And then, so said Jackie, planning. On. Report
number PD 240 88, with opening remarks by Keith Hamilton,
senior planner. Good afternoon. I should say good evening now.
Madam mayor and Councillor today. We're here. And we've reached
a milestone in the Georgetown Go station area mill. Street
corridor secondary plan review project. Where we are prepared to
present to you a preferred land use plan for the
area. The existing secondary plan was adopted in 2010 through
local. Official plan amendment seven, which established land use designations
and policies for the Georgetown go station area in Mill
street corridor. In 2021 through regional official Plant Amendment 48.
A major transistation area surrounding the Georgetown Ghost station was
delineated, which included the existing secondary plan area. And areas
to the south and northeast, as illustrated in appendix two
to the staff report. A terms of reference was later
brought in November of 2021 for a revised Georgetown ghost
station area. Mill Street Court or secondary plan based on
the newly delineated major transistation area boundary. The secondary plan
review officially began in April of 2022, when the town
retained Sajeki planning to act as the lead consultant for
the review. Today we have Davis Ajacki and Mishi McCloskey
here from Sajeki. Planning to present the preferred plan. Their
presentation will go into more detail on how we got
to today, including public consultation and technical review and analysis
that went into the draft preferred land use option. Report,
which is currently posted on let's talk Holton Hills. For
public view. Before passing it over to our project consultant,
I would like to clarify what's being presented. Today for
endorsement is a land use plan that will guide the
phase four policy directions and preparation. Of the draft secondary
plan. As noted in the staff report, key items associated
with the designations identified in this land use plan including
density, height ranges, and policy directions are preliminary and subject
to change in the next phase of our project through
further review and analysis and feedback. Gathered. The designations in
the draft preferred land use plan largely reflect the current
designations in place. With density and high permissions either matching
or proposing modest increases. Meas and other policy directions. Including.
The encouragement of mixed uses in our policies will be
further assessed in the next phase of the project when
policies are drafted and a secondary plan is prepared. Before
a secondary plan is ready. Before the draft secondary plan
is ready, the project team will further engage the public,
community, associations, and technical advisory committee to gather input. The
plan being presented for endorsement today does reflect over two
years of coordinated effort between. Town staff, project consulting team
and various departments. Various departments at the town, agencies as
well as multiple. Engagement efforts with the public and neighborhood
associations, and with that, I will pass it over to
David. To will take you through the presentation. Thank you.
Thank you. Good evening, Mr. Chair. Your worship and members
of committee. My name is David Sidreki. I'm a partner
at Sujacki Planning and. I'm joined by my colleague Mishi
McCloskey, senior associate with their firm. We're grateful to speak
to you tonight. About what we've come. To. Learn is
a very special place. And that's Georgetown. In terms what
we'll speak to tonight. It's a short presentation. As Mr.
Hamilton mentioned, is dividing to three sections. It begins with
an overview of the project to date. It includes a
summary of recent consultation efforts, and then it'll be turning
it over. To Mishi who will speak to the preferred
land use option and what the preferred land use option
is. It's intended to form the basis for updating the
secondary plan. Specifically the policies and the schedules in the
existing plan. How did we get here? The existing secondary
plan was adopted by town Councillor in 2010. It was
approved by Halton Region in 2011 with a small portion
of the secondary plan. Specifically 60 John street. That remains
part of an ongoing appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal.
In 2021, the region adopted. Ropa, or regional official Plan
Amendment 48, which delineated the boundaries of the major transit
station area, and it added an additional 52 study area
that includes. The area identified on the screen in red.
Within major transit station areas. The provincial planning statement identifies
densities. It's identified as 200 people in jobs per hectare
for areas with the subway. 160 people in jaws per
hectare for areas that are served by light rail transit
or bus rapid. Transit and 150 people in jobs per
hectare for lands that are served by commuter or regional
rail. Such as go transit. However, it does include a
policy as well, too, that says that a municipality may
make a request to. The minister to lower the density.
The targeted density within specific major transit station areas. In
terms of Georgetown, it served on the metrolinx's kitchener corridor.
Metrolins is expanding service to two way all day, and
it's also looking at making travel times 20% more efficient.
This is a game changer. It will provide direct connections
to Kitchener to Guelph to downtown Toronto, as well as
direct connections to the uni. Union, Pearson Express into Pearson
Airport. In terms of our direction for the plan itself
and the preferred land use option that you'll. See tonight.
Overall, our goal was to create a strength and planning
framework for this area through the updated secondary plan, but
we also adopted six key principles. The first one is
around bringing forward a strategic and thoughtful approach to growth.
The second one is utilizing the town's direction around an
environment first approach. So that's really looking at how do
we enhance natural heritage system? And within Georgetown, that's looking
at how do we enhance. Protections around the Silver Creek
subwatershed as well existing wood lots. We also want to
bring forward a plan that supports a diverse mix of
land uses and that also supports healthy community building. We're
looking to protect and enhance the local context and heritage
for the area. One thing that is unique to Georgetown
is that there are 126 known or potential heritage properties.
Within the study area, of which five of those are
designated, and those are primarily focused along Queen Ed McNabb
Street. Another principle is enhanced connections. And that's not just
to the go station, but that's. Throughout the study area
itself. And really bringing forward a vibrant and inclusive public
realm. So how do all the public spaces work? Together.
And again, that also speaks to connections, as people don't
think about this often, but 80% of the public realm
are the streets and the rights of ways. Within our
communities. I'll quickly just walk through what we've heard to
date. It's been a study that's been ongoing since June
of 2022. We're presently. Towards the end of the third
phase. Which is developing the preferred land use option. The
first phase really focused on background and policy review. We
started this with a visioning session. We then created two
land use alternatives that was brought out to public open
house number one. We also met with the neighborhood group,
we met with the technical advisory committee, and we conducted
an online survey. All of that input, as well as
some of the initial technical studies, helped us to inform
the development of the draft preferred land use option that
was taken forward to public open house. Number two again.
We conducted another. Online survey where we see feedback. Met
with a neighborhood group. We met with the technical advisory
committee. And that brings us to the Councillor meeting tonight.
The fourth phasers will go into more detail. On is
really around. How do we take the basis of this
preferred land use alternative and turn into the draft secondary
plan. Itself. In terms of some of the consultation that
has occurred, what we really heard at the public open
house number three, which was attended by. About approximately 60
residents is a few of the key highlights. There is
support for sustainable growth, especially in the context of mixed
use development. They wanted us to look at enhancing the
integration of civic and mixed use elements. They're looking at
improved sidewalks and walkability. With the focus on Mill street
between downtown and the ghost station. How do we enhance
Silver Creek? There was discuss around. Enhancing the pedestrian access
via the cemetery. Ensuring appropriate building transitions and also looking
at focusing the density around the ghost station. This next
slide just identifies the existing land use plan. And it
speaks to a few of the items that we took
forward as principles as we worked. At developing the preferred
land use option. That includes looking at with the greatest
density around the ghost station. How do you transition down
to that? Do existing low rise areas. We really looked
at what were some of the stable residential neighborhoods. So
that's in the south precinct south of the ghost station,
and limiting redevelopment of that area. We looked at. How
do you permit development, but still be respectful? A heritage
features protecting employment lands. And also ensuring how can we
integrate with limited opportunities really within this area? How can
we take a focus at integrating community amenities into new
development. So in terms of where we are today, as
I mentioned, we're towards the end of phase three. This
just identifies some of the technical studies that have been
underway. So we've conducted a natural heritage gap analysis. A
cultural heritage resource assessment, and in phase two, we also
prepare the terms of reference for traffic and servicing, and
that was done at the time. Of our draft land
use alternatives, and we use that information to inform. The
direct preferred land use alternative. As we were doing that,
though, we then commenced on the work. Around the scope
traffic study, the area servicing plan. The scope natural heritage
system analysis and the fiscal impact analysis. We took that
in a very qualitative level initially. To further inform. The
drop referred land use alternative. From that, we identified what
our density projections and once we had those numbers, those
fed into the models for all the technical studies and
that identified areas where from a technical perspective around transportation
and servicing. We'd have to look at improvements and then
use that input to refine the preferred. Land use option,
and that's the version that I'm going to turn over
to. My colleague Mishi, and she'll walk us through our
findings from that work. Thank you. All right. Thanks,
David. Just get this the right way here. All right,
so moving on to the preferred land use option. To
begin. As of 2021. According to the region of Halton,
the secondary plan area has a density of approximately 36
people in jobs per gross hectare, and this is based
off the region's joint best planning estimates. Turning to, I
guess, currently as well as the future. So we're dealing
with a horizon. Year of 2051. And basically what this
table shows is a breakdown of the short, medium and
long term projections. And this was done, as David mentioned,
based on. A density analysis that was undertaken by our
team. So, looking at, I guess, the full build out
to 2051. We are targeting. A maximum density target of
126 people in jobs per gross hectare. And this considered
a number of different factors, including regional population and employment
data. As mentioned. Ongoing development activity in the town. And
the potential for redevelopment of certain sites. Here is a
summary table of the proposed changes to density, and this
just focuses on medium medium high and high density residential
and mixed use designations within the study area, as you
can see here. In the second column. It shows the
existing density permissions and the. Proposed on the far right.
It's a bit tricky to see on this screen, but
basically. Where the bolded text is mixed use. There are
three. Designation changes to the medium density residential, what's now
called, which adds mixed use area to it, as well
as the medium, high and high density residential. So the
idea here is to add a greater mix of uses
and encourage those greater mix of uses in these three
designations. So, yeah, as mentioned, Previously. There's not a ton
of changes when you look at the plan holistically. However,
there are some key changes. That allow for higher densities
and heights in some of these designations. Okay, so looking
at it for more of a visual standpoint, Here are
the. Existing land use schedule and the draft or the
proposed land use schedule. So looking at the side by
side comparison. As you can see, the existing schedule shows
the outline of the existing secondary plan. Area. And the
proposed actually combines three different schedules from the existing Op
or official plan. Which adds the additional. 54 study area.
The majority of land use designations within the updated secondary
plan area reflect existing permissions with several key updates, the
first being a greater mix of uses, the second. A
greater heights and densities at strategic locations and third. Encouraging
community assets in these areas, which will be reflected in
the secondary of plan policy. All right, moving along to
heights, here is our draft height schedule. As you can
see there's. Three circles with the arrows kind of popping
out, and those are the three height peaks being. Around
the go station. So the highest heights that we're contemplating.
And we'll call it, I guess, closer to Mountain View.
Over there is in the range. Of eight. To 16
stories. And then closer to the ghost station, we have
eight to twelve stories. There is. A second sort of
peak for heights down at the bottom of the study
area and that's. Near Gulf street in Maple Avenue. That
contemplates up to ten stories. Here is. And just to
kind of flip between the two. So here you see
the height schedule. And this one here shows what's changed.
So the gray areas are more or less the same.
The ones that remain. Where we're proposing increase in heights.
Okay, here's our transportation and mobility draft schedule. And this
schedule reflects existing roads, existing and proposed active transportation networks.
Per the town's active transportation master plan. And really here,
the goal is to support an integrated system that prioritizes
safety and connectivity throughout the site. It is important that
as this area grows, links to and from the Go
station and to strategic areas like the downtown are enhanced.
And seek to support multimodes of transportation throughout. Moving along
to our parks and open space schedule. So one of
the primary objectives here is to ensure that every resident
has convenient access to high quality parks and open spaces,
ideally within a short walking distance. And as you can
see here, we have included parts outside of the study
area, but what we wanted to highlight that it's really
important that those connections to those areas. Are really critical,
even though. They are perhaps like right outside of the
study area. For instance, Dominion park to the south and
then also the trails along the different water courses as
well. Moving along. So this is a bit of a
different map, and it doesn't form part. Of the actual
secondary plan. It's a conceptual. So we have the schedules,
but this is. Sort of a second layer, and it
looks at the conceptual. Parks that could be offered or
privately owned public spaces known as pops, that you'll see.
Indicated through stars throughout the study area. And the idea
is that as these areas grow and change, and potentially
redevelop that there is an opportunity. For these spaces to
occur, these green spaces. And we've been working really closely
with park. Staff to ensure that. We identify these opportunities
as we move forward through the process in identifying strategic
locations for potential parks. And pops. All right, just a
few more slides. So the next one is our draft
urban design. Principles. And this was something we brought forward
to at the public open house number two back in
October. Not much has changed here. We just wanted to
note that as part of phase four, we are. Developing.
A set of draft urban design guidelines that will be
paired with the secondary plan. And that will build on
the urban design policies that are in the secondary plan
and provide further direction, especially because we're dealing with seven
precincts now that are each unique in character. And this
will give more specificity to how we want to see
these places grow and change. In the future. All right,
looking ahead. So we do have a public open house
scheduled for the end of November. And this is to
look at the draft, I guess, sort of recap on
what's been done to date again with the public, how
their information has been considered and really look towards draft
policies for secondary plan and following that, we are targeting
a draft secondary plan in the new year, which will
go through a number of. Consultation iterations, we'll call them,
as well as meeting with our neighborhood groups and the
technical advisory committee. And with that. That's the end. And
we are happy to take questions. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much. Are there any questions from members
of Councillor of the delegation? Would somebody like to bring
this report forward? Councilor Garnell question.
On the page where you have heights. What's changed? The
legend. So there's some that's in gray and some that's
in white. And I missed what you said. What was
what? There. Yeah. And again, we can kind of. Toggle
between the two. But this one here identifies. So basically,
the gray area we're not touching as far as. Height
goes. And as David mentioned previously, the south precinct, which
is just south of the ghost station. That's an area
that's going to remain largely unchanged just because it is
an established neighborhood. There are a lot of cultural heritage
assets within that neighborhood, and the idea is that a
long strategic corridors. In sort of clusters up in the
north area where the Mill street precinct is, there's an
ongoing act of development there. So basically, in close consultation
with staff, We have proposed an increase in heightened density,
but it was not an arbitrary decision. It was first
and foremost close to the ghost station because we want
to encourage the highest heights. And densities there. And then
again, that maple and guelph intersection and some opportunities up
in most treat as well. You'll also see. Along Mountain
view close what we call. The here. I wonder if
I can skip, actually. To. Yeah. So the northeast precinct,
which you'll see on the east side. There is a
chunk that has a five story increase in height, and
that's, again, just due to proximity to negotiation. We want
to look at transition. From the Main street into the
interior neighborhood, and there is an employment area just south
of there. So the idea would be that there's a
bit of transition and use there from a higher density,
or we'll call it medium density to the neighborhood. In
the interior area. Okay. Thank you. No problem.
All of this development depends on individual developers deciding to
do this work, correct? Yes. This is all conceptual. So
it's all conceptual. But. When you're mapping out some of
the streetscape changes. Some of the maybe amenities or some
of the things that we might do. For the public.
To make it for sort of like the common good
element, right? At what point? Would those happen? So if
one development happens, does the street scape get changed? Or
when would the park? So I'm just wondering. The phasing
and how you see that. Practically. Materializing some of that.
Yeah. And I might pull David up a bit later
for this, but, I mean, there are a. Lot of
moving parts. It is a long term plan. Like we
are seeing this build out until 2051. So we've identified
what we think will occur within that time frame, short
of in a short, medium, long term. Time frame each
decade, however. Yeah, it could be through new development applications.
It could be through. New investment that the town. Makes.
Could be one off parks. I know that there's some
new parks coming. To be in the future. And. Again,
it's hard to predict, but we hope that through both
the secondary plan policies and the urban design standards that
we bring forward. That change will come, and it provides
the basis to make those decisions, whether they be public
or private investment. Sure. I'm actually. I think I'm going
to turn over to the town. But. Specifically around phasing.
But if you look at this map and you think
of it as a heat map as well, too. I
think it's clear now, but it's the dark gray is
all. The area where the heights aren't changing. The areas
that are the lighter color. We've identified as, like, an
incremental change in height. They're not conceptual. Those are what
the policy and the schedules would permit in order to
go beyond that, you would require an official plan amendment,
zoning bylaw amendment and everything that's. Entailed with that, too,
when it comes to community services, facilities, studies, et cetera.
Et cetera. But specifically in terms of phasing, I might
turn it over to keep. To add to that. Thank
you. They've done a pretty good job explaining that. I
just want to add two. Things. One thing to this
map here. I know the dark gray isn't subject to
change. Just also want to point out in our mixed
high density residential mixed use areas directly north of the
Gova station. So that would be one Rosetta, two river
drive. And 130 mountain view. Those heights are actually permitted
there right now. We are not actually going up. It
was before the plant. They changed the planning act. You
could do it through density bonusing. We are going to
have to revise those policies because that's no longer part
of the Planning act. It's been replaced with community benefits
charges. But I do want to make that clear that
before? This. As of now, you can still go up
to those heights in those areas. And in terms of
your question, At the development stage. Development application stage. A
lot of that does get sorted out in terms of
how the streetscape might change the design of the buildings.
Things like looking for opportunities for green amenity space within
the developable area, all of that. The secondary plan here
does act as a guide to that in which our
development review staff can use those policies to enforce what
needs to happen as part of those development application packages.
So again, one of the reasons why this secondary plan
is important is that we do set the tone for
that. Thank you. And so a follow up question. Through
you, Mr. Chair. Regarding the streetscapes. Right. So a lot
of the arterial roads are through. Existing residential areas that
are mapped out in the gray to not change in
the height restrictions. And it's largely like people's front lawns
and then little sidewalks or some sides don't have sidewalks.
And so I'm just wondering. How that walkability and where
that extra space might come from. For those sidewalks and
some of the features that. Are shown as being important.
To adding that density and making it walkable. And I
can let them jump back into. But as part of
the secondary plan, we can put in policies to encourage.
Change to the streetscape to better accommodate pedestrian. There. I
say cyclist, traffic. Sorry. But. We can put in policies
to recommend that. And again, we do try to work
with our developing partners. As they have the applications, they
are responsible. Mercy alteration happens. So we do understand that
I had an inquiry today about similar to what you've
asked about the impacts on streets outside. Of the plan
area. So certainly we do appreciate that the density will.
Add the need for people to get around. We've made
comments on applications already as a policy team on that
very notion that. Developer should be a partner in creating
space for pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic. Through you,
Mr. Chair. To Councillor Garnell. It's a great question, and
it hasn't all been decided yet. We haven't. Started drafting
the policies, so there will be policies that speak to
that when it comes to the transportation network. We haven't
actually made changes to the right of ways of any
of the streets, so that remains the same. And I
know the town has the mobility master plan that is
also under. Underway and that will feed into it. And
then, just to add around the density, Earlier when I
was speaking to the new provincial planning statement. I mentioned.
Minimum densities. Those are minimum densities. What we've identified. I
know there have been discussions with the province is a
lower density, but that 126 number that's not a minimum
number. That is showing that you can achieve up to
that number. With. The densities that are presently in place.
Sorry. Just to follow up. And with the roads that
are currently in place as well. Generally. Yes. We have
a whole series of recommendations. Three. Mr. Charity. Councillor Garno.
We have a whole series of recommendations that have come
out of the transportation impact study, and those do indicate
where there are areas where it could require. Improvements to
the signal timing. It does not recommend any increases to
the rights of way or reclassification of streets. We also
have a whole set of urban design guidelines that have
not. Been developed yet, and those will speak. To. How
to improve the public realm. But I should reiterate that
those are guidelines, so you have your policy. And your
policy is something that is required to be met through
development applications unless you apply to amend it, and then
you have your guidelines, which are directions. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. Mayor Lawler. Thanks very much, Mr. Chair, and
thank you for the presentation. I have three or four
questions. And probably to the consultant. Yes. Okay. I want
to refer to this slide that's on the screen right
now for my first question. And that is. You have
three circles there. With arrows radiating out and the one
that is at Mountain View and John street. Yes, I'm.
Wondering if you can tell us what the built form
might look like there and what might the population be.
Based on? Your projections or your calculations at this stage.
I think you talked about up to 16 stories. But.
How many towers? How many people? Can you describe that,
please? Yes. So that would be under the high density
residential mixed use area designation. It does permit some minimum
of twelve stories and a maximum of 16 stories. There
is also a maximum of twelve stories for certain portions
of that site. I wonder if I have. What? That.
If. You're asking in particular about the Guelph and maple
intersections, that is? No, just. Generally. No, I'm asking. About
Mountain view and John. Oh, Mountain View. Mountain view and
river. Oh, mountain view, river. Okay. Yeah, it's the biggest
circle there. Yeah. Understood. We could probably provide this to
you if you'd like. We did an internal exercise that
looked at both two d and three d rendering of
a few different sample sites. This being one of them.
So this could be anything from a combination of. Some
higher towers, maybe 16 stories, going down to twelve. But
generally more of a mid rise feel. We're looking at
podiums, and really within these areas, we hope to encourage.
Community. The integration of community services in these buildings, for
instance, At the vmc in bond metropolitan center. They have
a ymca right at the base of the tower. Coming
right off the subway. And that's something, a great example
that we would think of. Having that integration of community
use in a new building. So that's sort of what
we envisioned for right next to the Go station, those
heights. Are proposed to be a bit higher. In what
we will call close to Mountain View. Just north of
the ghost station. Those heights are. A tad lower. So
eight to twelve. And again. That transition to the areas
to the north, those existing low density residential neighborhoods. So
transition would be really important here. And we would think
about things like perhaps townhouses between a higher density built
form just to make sure there's a bit of a
buffer between. Existing and proposed neighborhoods. And thank you, Michi
three. Mr. Chair, to Mayor Lawler. By full buildout in
2051. We've projected that area. To house up to just
under 2000 people and 133 jobs. 2000 people. In that.
Where that circle is with the arrows. Radiator. In all
the areas that are. Correct. In that one lot. I
will go back and confirm those numbers, but those are
the numbers that I'm seeing. I used to live across
the road and it would blow me away if there
were 2000 people. There. It's really not that big of
space. Right now, where there's kind of industrial and a
lot of ratty trees. Anyway, I'm just trying to confirm.
Just to confirm that? Yes. So that entire designation is
one lot. It's 130 Mountain view. And yes, those are
the correct numbers based on the densities that are in
the table in the report. All right. Thank you. That's
a lot of people. Another question that I have regards
the area along Gulf Street. Between Maple Avenue. And down
towards the creek. Where it's kind of a zigzag. Streetscape
on the map. And I just want to confirm. What
is proposed there. Through. Mr.
Chair to Mayor Lawler. Sorry. The area that you're asking
about. Are you asking at the intersection of Guelph? And
Maple. The area with the other circle. No, I'm not
asking about the intersection. I'm asking about? Well, let's call
it the west side of Gulf street. That. Goes from
that other circle. Towards. The creek. Right now.
It's primarily a single family homes. And very large. Trees.
Along that guelph. Streetscape. That I would argue. Is a
defining characteristic of that neighborhood, yes. And of Guelph Street,
a major corridor in Georgetown. So what's being proposed along?
I can't see. No, that's okay. I. Understand. It's not
entirely clear. It's four to six stories. For those sites
that are fronting onto Gwell street along that zigzaggy saw.
Tooth saw tooth area. So that would be quite a
significant difference from, as I said, the single family. Streetscape
that's there right now. It's an increase. It is an
increase from what is there right now. That's correct? Sure.
Okay. Another question that I have is. You mentioned that
there's the capacity for us, for a municipality. To propose
to the province. A different formula. For a metropolitan. Sorry.
Major transit area. And I'm wondering if you can tell
me a little bit more. About that process. Yes. I
may refer that. I think I may refer that to
staff for this specific process. But I believe what the
policy says. Is. I spoke to before. I'm happy to
identify numbers again, but it's 260 or. 150. Are the
minimum densities identified in the provincial planning statement. However, there
is another policy that says and I may need to
look up the exact wording, but it says that. If
a municipality finds that. There are land uses that make
it prohibitive to reach those numbers. I believe it may
also. Mention. Some direction around the existing built forum. That
the municipality can request the minister to provide. A lower
density target than that. Identifying the provincial planning statement. Right.
Well, and I appreciate knowing that that provision exists. I
don't know where this is all going to end up,
but to know that, that. Capacity is there? If you
present a good argument. Is good to know. As part
of our planning toolbox, let's say yes. Okay, that's. All
I have. Thanks very much. Thank you. Councilor Fogle. Thank
you. I think it's a question for the consultants, too.
Or a comment. I'm having a little trouble with all
the different ways of expressing density. I don't know. We
go from units per net hectare and then units per
gross. Heck. There, and then we go to square floor
indexes. And. Then. Look to me like
16,492 people in jobs per hectare. It's hard for me
to understand. To what magnitude were changing things.
And how it fits with the jobs and people per
hectare. Because that's kind of what the province was using.
Or place them to grow anyway, was based on that?
No. Through you, Mr. Chair. To Councillor Fogel. It's a
very good question. And it's extremely confusing. I can appreciate
that. There are two different. Density designations that are in
the existing secondary plan. I'm going to let he speak
to sort of direction around why we're using both. Units
per hectare. And fsi, which stands for floor space index.
What we've done, though, in order to come up with
a specific density numbers. Is. Oh, gosh. I don't even
know if I can explain this. Off top of my
head, but. You identify your gross floor area. For example,
if you're using. Your floor space index by multiplying. That
number, the 1.01.8, whereas 1.0 would be like one times
the entire site you could cover by how large the
site is. And then when it comes to units per
hectare, just multiply it by how many hectares exist. Within
that specific land use designation. But then if you're focusing
on taking that number to people in jobs, By. Look
at the gross floor area from the floor space index.
You're then able to use. Your average unit sizes that
are directed. By, for example. Often the development charges background
study. You can take that information to divide it into
the types of units that you're expected under each designation.
And then once you identify your number of units, you
then take your average unit size, and then once you
have your average unit size, you then say, okay. Within
a one bedroom apartment, you might expect 1.6 people, and
you multiply it by that in a townhouse, you might
expect 2.7 people. You multiply that and there. Are different
numbers for different uses. Those gives you your number of
people. Use something very similar for your employment where depending
on what type of employment it is, you have specific
ratio. Ratios of how many people work per square meter.
It's a bit easier. In the units per hectare because
you already have the number of units, but then you
still use the same ratios, divide it up into the
types of units. In the same area. Of land. Not
of land. Of floor plates, floor space that you have
for each of those units, and then you multiply. Again
by the multiplier for the number of people, and that's
how you come up with those numbers. I'm going to
turn it over because. It was direction from the town
and it's within the existing official plan. It uses both.
Units per hectare as well as floor space index, but
I'll turn it over to Keith. To explain the reason
behind that. Thank you, David. Through the chair to the
Councillor. So the first thing I'll say is, Traditionally for
high density residential area, we had a 100 units per
hectare maximum. Over last ten years or so. I think
development review staff have found that to be challenging generally.
The high density projects that come in request to exceed
that. So that is one reason why we started looking
at the floor space index. The other reason is that
the floor space index for a builder provides a little
bit more flexibility. In that you're identifying the fuller area
for a building that the developer. Can then carve up
into the units that they so wish, depending on what
the market is. Dictating. So if, say, the market is
dictating that a bachelor is smaller or a smaller one.
Bedroom unit is popular and would they believe it would
sell? They could create more units that way. In the
same building, the same floor area, or in the other
way. If more, the community is desiring three bedroom units.
It's more flexibility that way. So we had heard through
some of our technical review committee. And things like that,
that this was a preferred way to go. In terms
of based on the heights at 16 and twelve stories
in our identity, residential mixed use areas that this would
be a better option and a better measure of density.
So that explains it in a nutshell. Why we were
gone with this direction. Well, I think you've all made
my point. I don't know how the public could ever
figure out exactly what's going to happen here. But just
on the last point. Of just doing the floor space
so that the developer can divide it up according to
the market. And these would largely be condos. The condo
market has been based on who wants to invest. In
condos. Not which families, what the family needs. But what
does the market need to make? Money on it. And
to me. We've sort of ceded it to these people
out there that are going to make a lot of
money. But then we've ended up with not enough family
units. People buy up four and five condos just to
make some money. And they don't care about how the
building is looked after and who's on. The condo board
and all of that stuff. So it's just part of
a system that's not working very well if we're trying
to create this. We said vibrant community. Through the chair.
I do appreciate that point. I will say that we
have had our high density residential mixed use areas in
place. Those designations in place for almost 15 years now,
and we haven't seen a unit be built. So I
think in some ways we were looking at how to
get development going, period. But I think I do appreciate
that. The points you make that there's no guarantee on
what will be built. In that lease. But can't be
negotiated. That would be at the development application stage. Okay,
well, finally, I think the public is going to have
trouble understanding what all this means, and the idea that
there might be renderings out there to show. Them, I
think would be very useful, like a picture of what's
it feel like from the standing at the ghost station
looking up around you. What does it look like? I
have trouble with that. So that's a fair point for
the next public open house and future engagement. Absolutely. We
can look into a focus on that. Absolutely. And through
you, Mr. Chair. To Councillor Fogel. We have actually tested.
It's a very fair point. We've tested each of these
designations to show what would it look like? If you
follow the policies and if you follow the zoning regulations
and you build out to these densities. What does it
mean for how many buildings you can fit on site?
What are those? Floor plates. What is the separation between
these buildings? And we'll bring those forward to the next
public open house. We haven't specifically spoken about providing renderings,
but that's a conversation. We can certainly have, but, yeah,
a picture is worth 1000 words, and it's a very.
Fair point. Okay. Thank you for that. And I'm also
trying to get my head around transportation that everybody's going
to have to have cars there because. There's no transit
other than the go train and the bus. But not
for around the town or not if you want to
get to Orangeville. There's going to be a lot of
cars and there's no schools, so everybody's going to be
driving or buses coming up and around that area. I
don't know. I see it very congested sites as a
result of that. So somehow. We have to figure out
where all those cars going. It looks tight to me.
With not that much space. For amenities. With that many
people, that many cars. Looks difficult to me. But anyway,
one final question. Is that? This is for staff. The
public input that we've been doing. When it's just those
boards that go up around the room. I find it's
very hard for people to understand that they sort of
look at it. And go, oh, make some sense out
of this, and then maybe they go to another one,
but. The kind of meetings where we do a presentation.
Like we just had tonight, take people through it and
then listen to everybody's questions and. Hear the answers is
way better. For actually understanding what we're talking about. And
I'm hoping that we could, at some point, go back
to that. Given how big this is in the town,
like, it's infill, it's. Not like doing the fields out
at southeast Georgetown. This is right in people's neighborhoods that
we're talking about, so I think we need a higher
degree. Of helping people understand what it is. Okay, I
can just comment to the chair, to this Councillor. I
will take that into consideration. I. Think the last time
we had a public open house, we did try to
carve out an hour after the presentation, as you said,
to do that, and maybe that was challenging this time
around. We certainly can do more focus on the presentation.
With strict Q and A afterwards. I think we just
maybe bring the boards as displays that people can read
before and after. We do like the people to feel
comfortable, to stick around and look. At them and ask
one on one questions if they can, so we'd still
like to. Provide that as a service, but absolutely. We
can consider that even in the coming up forthcoming public
open house to be more presentation focused. With commissioner Linhardt
had a comment. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just wanted to
follow up on a couple of points that Mr. Hamilton
made. In it. So with respect to density and moving
forward, how we'll be dealing with this, so if you're
dealing with either lower medium density product, Expect to still
see the calculation done on a units per hectare basis
and you'll see. That in the chart. For medium density
residential area. Now it sort of says what the base
is in the parent official plan at 21 to 50
units per hectare and then. In the next. Column, if
you will. It shows 35 to 75 units per net
hectare, so it's just. Giving you a bit of the
range or the changes that we're looking at. Insofar as
higher density development goes. So essentially apartments, we are moving
towards floor space index. As the way to calculate it
when you're dealing. In a more infill or intensification scenario.
We just find that that makes more sense. To do
it that way rather than the units per hectare calculation,
because. You have parcels that are very irregular shape. There's
no real uniformity in a lot. Of cases. You're relying
on land assembly to make projects work. So if you
looked in the existing go station secondary plant right now
as it exists today, as approved by Councillor Fsi is
used for the Mountain View road property. For the Rosetta
property. We used it on the former memorial arena site.
Now, the amico lands all through there. The recent approval
we did on day foot drive. We've all used floor
space index. To govern those specific projects on an individual
basis. The other. Challenging part, of course, in all of
this is that the province then wants us to look
at persons and jobs per hectare right across the entire
plant area. And that's something that we have to look
at, frankly, because the province asked us to do so,
not because. We particularly think it's the be all and
end all, but it is something that the province asks
for, and that's what we have to do. So those
are some of the things that we need to look
at. And I think maybe the last comment I will
offer is on units per hectare for apartments, and Keith
made reference to 100 units per hectare as a historic
standard. Yes, that's true, but. We've consistently had to surpass
that because, frankly, eight stories and 100 units per hectare
it just doesn't work. So we see over and over
again, we get requests from the private sector to amend
that, and either through an increase in the number of
units per hectare or moving towards a floor space index
or in the case of destination downtown, we decided to.
Control development strictly on the basis of height. And we
decided we wouldn't even bother with units per hectare or
floor space index. So there's so many different ways you
can do this. And it's a matter of finding. Okay,
what makes the most sense in a given geographic? Area
depending upon the context. So I just wanted to add
that to assist the discussion. Thank you, commissioner. Councillor Brass.
Thank you. Chair through YouTube planning. I was listening to
all this discussion and going through. The various iterations and
explanations. I zoomed in on the act in major transit
area, I should say, and I'm wondering as we go
through and whatever we settle on here. Does that have
precedent? For the act and go area as well. Through
the chair. My short answer will be no, it doesn't,
because it's going. To be looked at through its own
study, subject to the approval of the capital budget for
next year, and you would really go through the detailed
analysis and make a determination what makes sense there. And
we also know in the case of Acton, you also
have a servicing constraint that. Is much more significant than
anything we have in Georgetown. So that's another consideration. But
bottom line is whatever you set for here will not
be the precedent for what you said enacting. Okay. Thank
you. Thank you, Councillor Norris. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.
And. My question I was waiting for because I'm hearing
part of it coming from Councillor fogle. Part of it
coming from Councillor Garno, but I just want to say,
after 7 hours, of not having anything to say. Commissioner
lindhard, you, I think came up with the answer. That
we wanted here because. We are talking different things within
even one report. As I just look at the one
report and we've got the different ones. So I'm hearing
that the number of people can go from 1.6 to
2.7. So actually going by the units, can we actually
now say that that's what we will? Use. In the
reports that the public will see at the public meetings.
Is that what we should go with? Are you still
thinking that maybe we should go with people? And if
we do, can we go? With just one or the
other. So through the chair to the Councillor. Great question.
So we have the provincial piece that we have. To
deal with. And I think, as the consultant alluded to
for this, for a major transistation area on a go
line. They've set a minimum target of 150 residents and
jobs per hectare for what I'll call the. Collective area.
Then there's a bit of a caveat that you can
ask the minister for an alternative target. If you believe
that you cannot achieve that target. And effectively, what you've
heard tonight. Is even sort of rolling up our sleeves
and looking at the possibility of some increases in density.
We don't believe you would get to 150 residents and
jobs per hector within this larger geographic area. So I
think there were a couple of numbers bantied. About one
was around. 125 if my words, everything went well. And
all the projects advanced as is set out in the
plan, you would get to around 125. There was another
number that said what it may average out around 100.
So one of the decisions that we would have to
make through this process is what is the minimum target
that we would want to go to the province with
for that I'll call aggregate density target for the geographic
area as a whole. So that's something we haven't arrived
at. A definitive conclus. Conclusion tonight that's really a final
study deliverable that would be implemented in the secondary plan,
and then that's what we would go to the province
with. So that's still open for discussion. The other ranges
that you see here are for specific land use designations
that would sit inside the secondary plan itself. So pick
your area, whether it's a low. Density area, a medium
density area or one of the high density areas, and
then that's. Giving you an indication of. Either units per
hectare or a floor space index, and then you will
also get an indication on heights, depending on the geographic
area, so it's almost like drilling down at the site
level. Versus that aggregate total. And the province is kind
of interested in the aggregate total. Based on what's? In
the provincial planning statement, but you kind of get to
the aggregate total. By factoring in what you may achieve
on individual sites. Just as planners, we've always looked at
either units per hectare on a site or use the
floor space index, and then you build from there to
get to that combined residence and jobs for Hector over
the broader geographic area. So I know it's a bit
confusing, but hopefully that helps a little. It does. And
just so I understand. So when we do get to
that point where we presenting to the public like the
one that's coming up on November 27. We won't have
all three. Different. Your team will just agree to go
with one number, whether it's units or people. Because that
confusion. Will. And I think Councillor Fogle said that confusion
when it gets to the public level is going to
be a problem. So am I hearing correctly that we
are just going to use one? When it comes to
presenting to them. Great question through the chair. I want
to take that away and think about it with the
team, exactly what we show, right? Now, in the report,
it's basically saying you could maybe do 125 if all
goes well. The question in my mind, though, is that
really going to be the minimum target or is that
maybe more of a maximum, and I think the province
is looking for a minimum target, so I think that's
what we have to turn our mind to right now
is more the minimum. Than the maximum. Thank you. Councilor
Keen. Give me a comment. Commissioner Lynnhardt, my next question
might just make your job even harder. Looking at the
changes to the plans proposed by the consultant. The new
land use. High density land use areas one and two.
Around the ghost station. Made complete sense to me. And
even the higher towers of the mayor was referring to
I kind of see how that fits, being such close
proximity to the ghost station. It's the high density area
number three down on the corner of Maple and Gulf
street. I'm kind of having a hard time getting my
head around. That's where the postsees are on strike right
now, right? The current post station. And Gary Allen High
School in that area there. I don't see them going
anywhere in the foreseeable future, for starters, but. I see
that. Proposing a height designation of almost ten stories. Six
to ten stories. I realize there's some three or four
story walk ups across the road on the other side
on the corner there already. Existing. I just think. That's
really on the outskirts of the study zone, and there
ain't nobody in a tower there that's going to be
walking to the ghost station or even riding their bike
they're all going to be driving. If they're commuting. So
I'm just wondering what the rationale was. For increasing the
density in that corner just because it was already designated
a high density area. On the original plan or that
talks about options there potentially. For? What do they call
it? Sure. No, I understand what you're saying through the
chair. Potential amenities use or something. Opportunities for community amenities
is a possible opportunity. So through the chair, I know
the consultants is coming up to the podium to speak
to this. I'll just quickly. Say something. So, yes, at
that intersection, it is high density in the town's existing
official. Plan, even though those. Lands sit outside of the
existing ghost station secondary plan. But it is high density
now, so that. Would permit up to eight stories. A
bit of a history there at one point. I know
it's Gary Allen High school. Now. Once upon a time.
Was, I believe, Wrigglesworth Public School, which was declared surplus
by the Halton district. School board several years ago when
we were doing the current official plan in the early
two thousand s and discussions that we held with the
school board at that time identified that as a suitable
site for high density purposes. Since that time, obviously the.
School board has repurposed the site for Gary Allen High
School, and I think, obviously, we recognize that as we
recognize that the post office is there, but. If I
can take you back to a comment the consultants made
about this being a plan out. To 2051 so things
can change. Over the horizon. And this is really identifying
an opportunity should things change within this area. This would
be, in my view, a good site for redevelopment purposes,
given the Gulf street location, so that's a bit of
the backdrop, but with that. I will turn it to
the consultants to provide any additional input. Thank you. Not
much to add there, but yeah, just to pull up.
The comparison of the existing land use schedule against the
proposed. So as John mentioned, we are just retaining that
high speed designation. The only changes that we've added mixed
use within that title as well, and then added a
three, and that was more of a way to make
it a bit more user friendly. So then we have
a first 2nd 3rd as far as the high density
category goes. Otherwise, it kind of would have been on
its own. As a high density residential area, but we
still wanted to incorporate the mixed use. So just to
keep things consistent. We changed the name. It was more
of a naming convention. And for that area, currently it
has maximum permitted height of eight stories. So this is
in the range of six to ten. So, assuming that
things could still land about the same as. They're currently
allowed being eight stories. Thank you. Just one final comment
out on that. That's all true. So it's an increase.
Of two stories, from the existing permissions to the maximum
heights. And if you see the scale that shows a
distance there of 250 meters and typically. When you're studying
a major transit station area, a distance of 800 meters,
they equate that to a ten minute walk. So. This
might be? I don't know. It's within still what would
be considered approximately a ten minute walk of the go
station. So that tends to. Be within the realm of
what people consider walkable. Thank you. Before I go to
the merit a second time speaker, I just wanted to
follow up on her. Original questioning, I think it has
kind of been alluded to, but. It's worth emphasizing. The
plan here as proposed. The density as proposed in this
plan is below. What the province is asked for, for
major transit stations. So we are already asking the province.
For an exemption. Through this plan. That's correct. Right. I
got a nod from Keith. Okay, so just want to
make sure that that's very. Clear for everybody. Madam mayor.
Thanks very much, Mr. Chair. I just want to make
a comment about the process. That I'm seeing here with
this particular plan. And it's one that I think has
been influenced heavily by circumstance. It was described as starting
in. 2021, changes were made and so forth. But this
particular process. Started in the spring of 2022. Which was
just prior to the election. Which happened in October of
2022. So this process started. Under the regime of the
old previous council. And then there was obviously. A significant
change. But the activity continued on. As it is reasonable.
But also in that time we had Covid. Okay. Public
consultation. That this council. Has experienced through vision,
Georgetown through. And more recently through the secondary plans with
southeast Georgetown, with Stewart Town. And so forth. The amount
of public consultation and the discussion that happened. The fact
that a steering committee. Was not struck for. This particular.
Consultation. Means that. The process, I think, of public consultation
and in fact, informing this Councillor and the ward counselors.
Of the way this was unfolding has been. Significantly less.
Than we have traditionally undertaken in the town of Halton
Hills. And frankly, I think we've lost a lot in
that. I was stunned, frankly. A few weeks ago. When
I went to let's talk. And saw some of these
studies that had been done. The reports had not been
brought to my attention, that's for sure. It was there
for public consumption. But. I hadn't been advised that some
of this was ready to go. And that I should
pay attention. And I kind of think if I wasn't
aware of it, there's got to be a lot of
other people as well who are not aware. Of the
way this project and this set of studies has unfolded.
So. I'm feeling extremely uncomfortable right now. With the level
of understanding. I think, witnessed the conversation that we had
about gross floor area. About units per hectare, about heights
and so forth. I kind of wish we'd had a
videotape of some of that explanation. Because frankly, it is
extremely complex. And as I said, I'm feeling very uncomfortable
with the process that has unfolded. We as a municipality
typically take public consultation and education and understanding and truth.
Very, very seriously. And it is my sense that we've
missed the boat. As I said, for a variety of
reasons. Elections, Covid. The complexities of the planet itself, the
lack of a steering committee. The lack of a unified
neighborhood group that would pay attention. And. Would comment on
this. Those are all factors, I think, that have led
us. To a lot of really big question marks here
at this, I would say, fairly late stage. In the
secondary planning process. So I'm just laying that out on
the table. In my position. That I wish that we
had done things a bit differently on this particular plan.
See no other questions. Madam Mayor, would you like to
bring this forward for discussion? Sure? Yes. Bring the report
forward. Thank you. Any comments on the report? I will
just say something. I have attended public information meetings both
in person at the library and on Zoom regarding. This
secondary plan. I think it's absolutely essential when we look
at our housing target. I've heard 2000 units is what
we need to have in our existing urban boundary. And
intensification, obviously extremely important to my residents and I think
residents across Halton Hills. And there's no better place in
our town to intensify them, this area, so. Very pleased
to see. This. Come forward and move along. Councilor garnell.
Yes. Thank you. And through you, Mr. Chair. I sometimes
refer to being a new Councillor, and this will be
a time that I do that. Again. Having. Been newly
elected two years ago. So. I came in after this
project had already started and. I did sit on the
Stewart Town secondary plan steering committee and through that process
did have a lot of updates and was very familiar
with the land use plan when it came to councillor
and so I understand very much what the mayor was
saying. About not having been involved with that process for
this and. When this is having such a big impact
on the local residents who already have homes and already
live in those areas and not even. Just within the
secondary plan area, but all the adjacent neighborhoods and all
the adjacent folks too. It goes right up to downtown
Georgetown. So, wondering if the BIA was involved. And some
other community. Folks. So I'm wondering. If it's possible to
just slow the process down a little bit. I did
have a request come in from one of the neighborhood
associations representatives asking if it's. Possible to. Defer the approval
tonight and maybe just slow down a little bit, go
back to the public. And explain some of. This. Because
I imagine when we get into the next phases, there's
going to be even more information when we get into
the policies and everything. So just trying to make sure
that everyone understands. The land use. The proposed densities. Really
well. Or at least a little bit. And then continue
moving forward. So just maybe slow it down, paste it
a little bit. I'm wondering maybe if staff could speak
to that. Thank you. Through the chair to the Councillor.
A few points. So. No, we didn't have the traditional
steering committee. Yes, we do have a stakeholder. Group, Silver
Creek Neighborhood association and the John Street Neighborhood group. We
have had meetings with them where things like Florida Space
index and units per Hector have been discussed. We have
circulated them on studies. We have circulated them on the
preferred land use option report for our comment. We did
not receive any comments, but we did circulate them. I
have been. In regular contact with the two representatives for
those groups, updating them on the project. Through. Let's talk
Halton Hills. We do regularly update our public notification lists,
and as well as all. Let's talk. Subscribers on this.
We have been putting public notice out of both these
things. So I do want to clarify that. I don't
believe that the process has been sped up. I think
we are two and a half years into what was
originally budgeted, in the terms of reference as a two
year project. We have. Taken time and careful consideration. Really,
this entire calendar year has been just the technical work
that's. Gone into it. Project update report was provided at
the start of the year, laying out the technical studies
and all that information. And we're effectively moving forward to
a public open house in November 27, largely because we
haven't been to the public in over a year, so
we would like to engage them. Again. So I just
wanted to make those points of clarification. Councilor Garnos. Good.
For now. Councilor Fogo. I guess I'm also feeling a
little uneasy about it. And I'm not saying that. I
don't want the density there. But politically, what I'm afraid
of is approving this. And then the press puts it
in the paper that we've approved all these towers and
everything, and then the people that don't know about it.
Come and say what? When did that happen and what
did you do? I wonder if. This public information. That
we're lining up to do. Could be before we approve
this. Instead of after. It. To the chair? To the
Councillor, certainly, if that's council's decision. We do still plan
to go ahead on the 27th. We can refocus. That
presented materials a little bit there to go back to
what was presented largely last October when we did go
over the preferred plan. And density and things like that,
but if that's our direction, we certainly will do so.
I do acknowledge that we did see the message from
the representative of the silver Creek neighbor association. And. We
can also have more engagement with the groups, more meetings.
Absolutely. But if that's how we're directed, that's what we'll
do. Well, I think it would be a good idea.
Where we're in the room with those people. Like staff
have gone and talked to Silver Creek, but I haven't
gone and talked to them. I don't know what they
said to you, so there's a little bit. Of. I
wish I knew more about what they were saying. Than.
I do. And. If it really wouldn't slow us down
all that much. To sort of have a meeting with
them and then come back. And get an approval. Commissioner
Linhardt. So through the chair to the counselor. I
echo Keith's comments that at the end of the day,
this is a Councillor decision. How you wish to proceed
from here. And if Councillor wishes to slow the process
down, that of. Course, is council's purview to do that.
In any report, you have an option of approving the
report, not approving the report, modifying the report in some
way, shape or fashion or defer in a report. Those
are basically your choices. Obviously, if you didn't approve the
report whatsoever, then that sort of begs the question. Well,
now what? If you were just trying to modify the
report on the fly. That probably wouldn't be prudent, I
would suggest. So that really leaves us with either you
approve it or you defer it to allow for additional
consultation to take place. And I guess the only other
thing that I would offer counsel, if you would think
that would be helpful at some point early in the
new year is some form of councillor workshop on some
of the terminology where you could maybe roll up our
sleeves a little bit more, if that would. Be helpful.
Given. The. Obviously, there's a lot of terminology, there's a
lot of moving parts here. There's been a lot of
change at the provincial level. And really maybe giving you
some of the. Context, almost what I'll call the starting
point here, where we are with this particular. Initiative in
terms of some of the existing permissions that are already
in place that are sort. Of like your anchor point
where we're starting from. This is really not a blank
canvas that we're starting completely from scratch. There are obviously
existing permissions in place, and as Councillor knows, there's existing
applications that are currently going through the process, so there's
a lot of things to think about. Including the potential
for litigation, so I just offer that as well. As
a thought. So could we more or less get to
the finish line? Sort of like maybe a month late
or something like that. But just do things in the
other order. There's no concern on my end in doing
that, frankly. We don't have a hard deadline on getting
this done, other than, obviously, given the length. At the
time, it has been ongoing. We don't wish this to
go on forever. I don't think Councillor would either. So
we would like to wrap it up sooner rather than.
Later, but we do have a little bit of time.
There's not a specific hard deadline. That I have to
say, if this is not done by such and. Such
a date. We're getting a call from the minister, which
I know. Councillor, you're? Familiar with those kind of deadlines
from other planning processes. Thank you, commissioner. Councillor Somerville. Thank
you. So, in the recommendation. This is to be approved
in principle to allow for these other conversations to go
on and for the preparation of the draft. Secondary plan.
Is that correct? That's what it says right in the
recommendations. Through the chair to the Councillor, yes. Okay. So
I really don't know how much less glacial we want
to slow this down. It's been around for a long
time. And, Madam mayor, you could have appointed a steering
committee. As mayor, it's under your purview. You could have.
That's one of the things you're able to do. You
could. Have created a committee to look at this. And
frankly, this has been around. For. It came back. In
2021. It was around before that because we did have
other iterations of it, but. I think the other thing
for us to all keep in mind is with the
land assembly that would need to happen for the infrastructure
that would need to happen. This is going to be
a very complicated. Area to ever see developed because the
infrastructure that would have to be updated through existing neighborhoods
is also part of that as well. So in reality,
I'm not sure. What? We have enough things there to
go back out to the public to be able to
talk. To them without having it anyway. And as the
planning director just said, we still have those options. It's
not like we have a hard deadline, but it is
something I'd like. To see it before us sooner rather
than later. Any other comments before I take a second
time? Speakers. Councilor Keene. Just to support. The more I'm
thinking about it. I made our comments. I don't. See
what's to be gained by delaying this any further. I
would support going forward. With it. Mayor Lawler. Yeah, I'm
going to put a deferral on the floor. And so
we can decide. Okay. I'd like to suggest that. We
defer this report. Until the spring, until. Let's say.
March the 31st. I'm looking at the planning commissioner because.
In order to allow us. To have time to. Get
that public consultation. And to advise counsel on what the
implications. Are for this. And in the meantime, We will
continue to have the public meeting. That is later on
in November. And so the processes can continue on. But
this report would come back. I'll just say March 31.
And if the planning commissioner has another date in mind.
I'd be happy. To change that date. The clerk just
reminded me that March 24 is the Councillor date, so.
Maybe. It would be that date. But, commissioner. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the end of the day,
this is council's decision. Whether to adopt the report, as
I said, as is, or whether to modify the recommendations
in the report. So, as always, we're in your hands.
The way this is set up and the way I
would interpret it, if it's deferred until March 24. The
preferred land use plan is not approved in principle at
all. It's simply going out for another public open house.
And in March, if we're using the March date, that
would be the deadline to bring back a follow up
report and presumably for Councillor, then to make a determination
on the preferred land. Use plan and then move on
into phase four and develop the secondary plan. So that's.
Really what we're talking about right now in my mind.
But again, this is entirely up. To. Council. We'll work
with whatever Councillor directs us to do at this point.
Well, just further to that. Commissioner. With those dates in
mind, do you? See that. As holding up the process.
In a significant way. Is that going to create other
problems? Through the chair to the mayor. I think a
lot of it will. Come into play is. Whether in
that period of time that the matter is deferred. Whether
everyone works hard and we arrive at a consensus and
are able to bring back a report. Or whether. This
spirals into other areas, and sometimes you can get that.
On a process. So there's a bit of an unknown,
I guess, is the way I would characterize. It. We
would obviously proceed in good faith. Conduct the necessary meetings
and come back with the necessary reports. Sometimes you do
get into these processes. Though, and you find at the
end of the day, you can't satisfy everybody and that.
May be the challenge in all of this. The other
component, just to bear in mind, is obviously we do
have one existing application. On the one Rosetta property and
probably another one that we're going to see in the
not too distant future as well. And those proposals are
entitled to due process as well. So that's just something
to think. About in terms of an overly elongated deferral.
So just something to bear in mind. Okay, well, and
they've got existing permissions and existing. That they would be
submitting under anyway. Right. Yeah. Okay. Yes, that is correct.
Yeah, okay. All right, so then I'll put that deferral
on the floor. To March 24 and with the provides,
though. That we, in fact, do roller upper sleeves and
that those processes that we already have in place. Such
as? A public meeting on November the 27th and so
forth. Will continue on. Okay. Thank you. Councilor brass to
the deferral. Thank you, chair. Yes, thank you. So I've
heard a lot of conversation about this tonight. I also
think that this area. Should be intensified and should be
dense. But I've heard some cautionary comments from the ward
three counters. I wonder if. We can. Before I decide
to vote on the deferral or not, I kind of
want to know where Councillor Norris and Councillor Garno stand.
On a deferral or do either of you think. That.
We haven't gotten far enough along the road for us
to make a decision yet. Councilor norris. Thank you, Mr.
Chair. And thank you, Councillor Brass, for that. I've been
sitting here going through this. I'm. Not a fan of
deferring this through to next year. I'm hearing what's coming
from the planning. And it has been out there for
a long time. My only concern is when we present
at the end of November. I think it's November 27.
Will it be clear what the density will be? Will
there be a lot of confusion at that? Time if
no. If the public that comes out can clearly see
what the density is going to be, I'm not a
big fan of deferring it. I don't want to defer
it, but I just want to be sure that what
we're going to be presenting on November 27 and any
public when it's going to be cleared as to what
the density is because I'm just looking at the one.
Report, and we're seeing. Different descriptions on the same line,
and so I just want to be sure that we'll
be able to explain that. Or your team will be
able. To explain that. So that's where I'm at with
the deferral. Thank you, Councillor Brass, for doing that. Commissioner
Linhard. So through the chair to the Councillor, we would
certainly undertake to have a clear set of density. Parameters
for purposes of this meeting. And maybe. It's as simple
as saying this is going to be the density on
this particular site. And sort of going at it that
way and then concluding with it will aggregate up to
this. Across the area as a whole. And then if
someone. Is really keen, if you will. Will have the
existing permissions in our back pocket that we can present
to them, because maybe. It's transitioning from one to another
that may cause confusion. I don't know. At the end
of the day, but we will make it as clear
as we possibly can. Thank you, commissioner. And with that
in mind. With that kind of foot direction. Specifically when
it comes to the public meetings, I would not support
the deferral. Thank you. Councilor Garnell. Yeah. From speaking to
some residents about this project. Not very many people in
war three know that this is on the horizon. And
I think deferring it and not deciding. Making a firm
decision tonight. But still, I do think the density is
coming. I think everyone knows. It's coming, but I think
giving time for the residents. And to cast the net
a bit wider than the neighborhood associations that have been
involved so far. Because those are very limited neighborhoods where
this whole area is huge. So there's the Stuart McLaren
area. There's the area up. Like. Dayfoot north of there.
There's a lot of different areas within ward three that
are being affected by this, and I'm not sure that
everybody's aware. And I just like to, if it's not
going to slow down the process, Too much or really
interfere, then I think. Just in the spirit of involving
as many people as possible in the process. Before the
decision. Around where the density goes, I think. It would.
Be. Important to allow. That participation. So I would be
in favor of a deferral. But still having the meeting.
And speaking about it. Like presenting it to them again
and really targeting to get people that haven't been. In
front of this project yet to ensure that we're including
as many people as possible. From the whole area. Rather
than certain neighborhood groups that might be a little bit
more engaged. Any other comments on the deferral? Councilor fogle.
Just to be clear, I'm supporting that deferral just in
order. To what I feel. Complete the circle as far
as the community is concerned and to do it. In
a way where it's not a fed accomple. Why am
I coming out? If you've already decided. So I prefer
it this way. All right. Thank you. And I will
not be supporting the deferral to Councillor Keane's. Point. There's
existing density on Gary Allen and the post office that
hasn't been acted. On and probably won't be acted on
whether we pass this or not anytime soon, so. We're
simply updating our plan. That's what we're doing here, and.
This isn't the final secondary plan. It's just the preferred
land use, so I. Think we need to keep the
ball rolling and to delay it till the end of.
March is quite significant. With that. All in favor of
the deferral? That does not pass. So it is now
on the floor. Any further comments on the report? Moved
by Councillor Summerville. All in favor of the report moving
forward. And that passes. Thank you. Sorry. Raise your hand
again. Keep them up nice high. Thank you. Okay.
So the next report on the agenda. Report. Number pd
240 64. Regarding. Bishop Court. And we have a delegation,
Glenn Wellings from Wellings plan and consultants incorporated. And we'll
have a five minute timer on the screen for our
delegations. Just so. We can keep this going. Thank you.
I try not to laugh. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, Mayor
Lawler and counselors. My name is Glenn Wellings. I am
planning consultant for the owner. Charleston developments. And I've been
involved in this project many, many years. Our consulting team
is available this evening to answer any questions. I should
note that we're all in person, with one exception. Our
ecologist. Sarah Mingi is available virtually, and she's happy to
answer any questions of counsel and the public. First of
all, I'd like to thank Mr. Chairman and committee members.
Town staff and in particular, Ruth Connor. For her effort
in preparing tonight's staff report. It's comprehensive and there's a
lot of history, folks. In that report. And this. Spans
over a 40 year period. This file. We are in
support of the staff recommendations that are before you. It
has been a very lengthy planning process. And the subject
lands were first included within the hamlet boundary of Glenn
Williams. Back about 20 years ago. With the Glenn Williams
secondary plan, the 2005 version, and that's been reaffirmed in
the latest version of the secondary plan. The extension of
Bishop's court for residential development will complete the rehabilitation of
the former sand and gravel pit that was formerly on
the property. I think we lose sight of this, that
these lands were used industrially for sand and gravel pit
for many, many years. So this is a rehabilitation of
that former use. So the process to get to this
point this evening has been. Extensive. Exhaustive. Tonight's been exhaustive?
And very challenging to get to this point. So I
do thank staff for their persistence and efforts. Again, I'm
bringing this report forward. It was a lot of work.
But happily, this rezoning and subdivision application is before you.
It does fully conform to the new secondary plan. And
I emphasize new secondary plan. The process. To lead to
tonight's staff report has been instrumental in resolving the outstanding
appeal of the secondary plan by my client. In the
recommended zoning bylaw and conditions of draft approval. Implement the
latest policies of the secondary plan approved by this Councillor
and supported by the community and that support. Includes Zcland
Williams Community Association. Although the applications predate the new secondary
plan, the development satisfies these latest policies and that would
include the public dedication of a ten meter hamlet buffer
into public ownership. To facilitate both trails and enhance planting.
In addition to the public dedication of open space blocks.
And that would be blogs 29 to 31 of these
subdivision plan. As I have five minutes. I will not
get into the technical details this evening. The staff reports.
Comprehensive the conditions. Are extensive. And I won't get into
the technical side of things. But I do want to
point out. One important aspect. That this is the only
recent subdivision. Within the Glenn Williams hamlet that has not
gone to the Ontario land trip noono so we are
actually here without going to the land tribulo, which. Is
significant, in my opinion, because they last four subdivisions approved.
Were before the Ontario Land Tribunal and not as Councillor,
so I see that as good news. In addition, just
to clarify, I'll be very quick, Mr. Chairman. I just
got a couple more points. In addition, just to clarify
some misinformation that is out there, there's been site work
that has occurred in this property, and I can advise.
This Councillor at all. Site work that has been undertaken
has been in accordance with permits issued by both the
town as well as Credit valley Conservation. There has been
no legal work on this property. There was that comment
that did come out through the circulation process just to
clarify that comment. So I would ask, respectfully that, Councillor,
adopt the staff recommendations this evening as presented. In just
one additional comment, Mr. Chairman. Before I wrap things up,
the lines of communication. Do not end here this evening.
I noticed there's two other delegations after me. Mr. Stalkford
and Mr. Brown from the Community association. We're happy to.
I'm happy to meet with them to discuss. The staff
report, discuss our consultants reports, and make her consulting team
fully available to them to answer. Any questions? I've not
met these gentlemen, but. I'm opening that out for further
dialogue and discussion. So thank you for your time and
happy to answer any questions. Thank you, Mr. Williams. Any
questions from Councillor to the delegation? Seeing none. Thank you.
I'm happy to come back if necessary. Thank you. I
appreciate that. Our next delegation is Roger Stoffford, who I
believe is on Zoom.
Hi. Can you hear me? Yes, we can. Roger. Go
ahead. You have five minutes. Thank you very. Much. So
I have some prepared notes, and I'm sure I'll get
through it in. Less than five minutes. I'm speaking, of
course, in consideration of the report. I've lived in Holton
Hills for over 40 years, and I've been in Glenn
Williams for over ten years, so I'm familiar with. The
nature of the town and the requirements for growth, and
I have no objection to growth and developments. What triggers
me to come forward is that. I object to. Development,
degrading the quality of Glenn Williams. And in particular the
unique quality of the Glenn Williams historic core. And I'm
going to talk about that a little bit. Our official
plan. And I'll paraphrase a little bit, but I think
I stay. True to the meaning in the official plan
regarding Glenn Williams. The goal is to guide change so
that it contributes and does not detract from the character
of the glen. And the Glen Williams secondary plan is
clear. The goal is protect and preserve and maintain and
enhance I think those sentiments that are reflected in the
documents are a very good reflection of what the residents
of the Glen feel. We're all familiar with Glenn Williams,
and I'm not going to try and describe the unique
qualities of Glenn, but certainly Glenn Williams is worth the
effort to try and preserve and protect. The report evaluates
the draft plan of subdivision against the official plan on
the glamorium. Secondary plan. But I don't feel the report
addresses these requirements, which are the goals for the Glenn
as laid out in those two documents. The report. Talks
about. The technical build design guidelines. But I feel these
overarching goals. Are not really addressed in the report. New
homes in the Glen are good because they add residents
and create the opportunity for healthy economic vitality. Reasonably, you
could. Say, bishop? Court two is just a subdivision. Yes,
it's within Glenn Williams, but it's. One or 2 km
away from the historic core of Glenn Williams. Apart from
therefore addressing the architectural design buildings, how can it contribute?
To protecting, preserving, maintaining and enhancing Blair Williams. I think
that's a question, really, that we should have our professionals.
Evaluate. As part of the process of producing the report.
New residents benefit the economic vitality of the glen. Extra
cars. Potentially are a problem for the glen. The historic
core of the gland is tiny. Sometimes it is exactly
the nature of Glenn Williams that we are supposed to
be protecting. Other times, it's a log jam of vehicles.
I've read the traffic impact study. Of course, the traffic
impact of Bishop court two is tiny. But the, and
the subject report assesses the traffic impact as acceptable. But
for Glenn Williams. It's going to be death by 1000
cuts. Each increment is going to be tiny. But. They
all accumulate, and eventually it kills. I think there are
two things that are needed in Glenn Williams. One is
a solution for the growing visitor parking, and the other
is. Something we're all familiar with, which is the through
traffic. And clearly, as these developments go into place, We've
got the growth in traffic from the residential growth on
the east side. And then, of course, the coming of
413 and the two interchanges that are going to drop
traffic on Mayfield and old school. And Mayfield, an old
school, directly lead to the historic core. Of glomal loops.
So I feel Glenn Williams is going to have developments
and growth. Georgetown has grown and changed what's different with
Glen Williams is that there is already a consensus in
our official plan and the secondary plan that the glen
has unique qualities that should be protected, preserved, maintained and
enhanced. And what I would like to see. Is the
report start to address? Those requirements that we've already laid
out. And that completes my presentation. Thank you very much.
Thank you very much, Roger. And are there any questions
of the delegation? From, Councillor. This is just questions again,
to the delegation, not to staff at this point. Seeing
none. Thank you, Roger. Again, thank you. Mike brown from
the glenn williams community association. Madam mayor. Esteemed
counselors. Thanks for allowing me some time tonight. I'm Mike
Brown, and I'm here representing Glenn Williams Community association regarding
the recommendation. Report for proposed zoning bylaw amendment and draft
plan of subdivision to permit an extension of Bishop Court
in Glenn Williams. First, I'd like to thank town staff
for their time and focus. On our questions and concerns.
Following reviews of all the filed key documents. We appreciate
they followed up with us on all outstanding issues discussed.
We are generally supportive of the conditions of draft plan
approval for this subdivision as tabled by the planning department.
There are several issues, however, we strongly feel need to
be highlighted. While we also reserve the right to continue
to monitor. Previously noted outstanding issues and questions. Subsequent reviews
of the plan moving forward. The issues we feel strongly
that should be highlighted include the removal of 35% of
the conifer plantation. Granted, it is acknowledged that this plantation
is in its latter stage of life. While we appreciate
the efforts to date to reduce the amount of canopy
removal. The proposed replacement plannings will take many years to
replace the lost carbon footprint. We acknowledge the intent to
create more diversity with the replanting plan. However, the language
used in current documentation when referencing reinforcement plantings, for example,
best efforts or as opportunities are available. Does not reflect
an absolute commitment for equivalency. We will continue to monitor
this as the loss of canopy in the Glen is
a priority concern for residents as the hamlet continues to
experience negative impacts of climate change. It was most disheartening
to see what we feel was a superficial assessment of
wildlife. Activity throughout phase two property and phase one pond
area, and to see that this data supported canopy removal
decisions. It should be noted that is not only cottontail
rabbits, squirrels blue. Jays and American crow red breasted nut
hatch a few frogs and a few turtles that inhabit
these lands rather. What will more accurately be impacted are
additional wildlife, such as pilliated and Downey woodpeckers. Deer, foxes,
coyotes that actively inhabit and track these lands today. Beavers,
muskrats, and snapping turtles have also been cited in the
phase one pond area. There are currently many bird nesting
boxes actively in use and maintained by a local resident
throughout the phase two property and the phase one pond
area. We expect that the replacement planting density and caliper
sizes will provide the continued habitat required for this diversity
of wildlife to continue to thrive. There's a reference that
numbers of calling amphibians were generally low, with no full
choruses heard on the ponds or adjacent to the site
as a resident of Bishop Court. And adjacent to pond.
Phase one, pond area. This is not an accurate observation
as full courses are. Evident throughout the spring and summer.
Protecting wildlife. Access to the wilderness areas and tributaries is
critical, along with the sensitivity to birds. Amphibians and mammals.
As an example, the fencing proposal along the hamlet buffer
will unduly restrict access to these areas for such mammals
as deer who are currently active in the area. We
appreciate that this will. Be assessed and hope plans can
be modified to maintain this access. The proposed slope for
the rights are fitted in expanded fees. One stormwater management
pond suggests a fence will be required around the pond.
This is a great concern, as an enclosed fence would
not allow access for wildlife, for water foraging and habitat.
We ask that the grading be reconsidered. To design the
slopes around the pond such that no. Offense is required.
The existing trail around this pond is a favorite height
and viewing spot. I'll hurry for residents to observe wildlife
in this area, which residents do not want to. Lose.
It's great to hear this pond will remain a wet
pond. Today's snapping. Turtles and occasional beaver. Muskrats, frogs, herons,
ducks form part of the wildlife that inhabits this pond
is our expectation that the retrofit will be done in
such a manner. To protect the existing wildlife and allow
for the diversity of wildlife to flourish here. We recognize
and appreciate an adjacent wetland is proposed to provide a
breeding habitat for amphibian species. However, this should not be
considered as compensation for losses from bond one. Finally, regarding.
Trails in all. Hurry. We are pleased to see a
proposal for a trail system, but have specific concerns and
requests here. First, in phase one, a trail system was
proposed. It was never implemented by the developer. There is
access off Bishop court between number 28 and 30. But
it goes nowhere. There is town land behind the properties
along the right side of Bishop Court for the trail
system. However, it was never implemented. It is our request
that this be included in this draft plan of subdivision
as part of the overall trail system failing. This being
added to the draft plan. Would be expect the town
to include this project in the appropriate corresponding budget year.
Two more points please, if I could. Be quick, please.
Second, it's great to see the trail system be incorporated
into the hamlet. To buffer. However, there should be a
connecting trail from behind lot 16 on the. Hamlet buffer
to connect to this proposed phase one trail completion. Create
trail contiguity. Third. Pleased to see the trail access through
this area for passive recreational use. However, we are requesting
that extend it through and include the existing stormwater management
pond beside bishop court. The existing trail locally developed and
managed requires improvements, including old tree, old tire removal and
old tree stakes. Fine and closing there. 's a long
standing issue on Bishop Court, with property flooding along the
lower west side of Bishop court phase one. This problem
has not gone away. In fact, it is worsened in
frequency and flow with the recent work in phase two
land. We would like assurance that this issue will be
addressed, if not at least not further compromise by this
new development. Apologize for the. Lengthiness of that. Thank you
very much for your time and consideration. Thank you, Mr.
Brown. I appreciate that and also appreciate the GDWCa having
those conversations with staff ahead of this as well as
providing those comments to us ahead of this meeting, very
much appreciate it. Any questions from councillor to delegation. Councillor
Summerville. Thank you. Thank you for delegating tonight. I hope
you'll take up Mr. Wellings on his offer. Work with
him. With GWCN? Yes. Thank you. Any other questions? Seeing
none. Thank you, Mr. Brown. Would someone. Like to bring
this report forward. Councilor brass. Thank you. All those in
favor? All right. It is now on the floor. Any
questions to staff Councillor Brass? Thank you, Mr. Chair. I
would just start with Rogers comments, Mr. Staufford and in
particular. If the 413 does go through and those two
exits on Mayfield and Old school. And maybe we can
hear from traffic. If there's our transportation. Sorry. If there's
been any discussion on how to mitigate traffic. From those
two roads going into Glenn Williams. Has that been discussed?
What are the possible solutions? Marine Ben Ravens to come
up and provide some comments.
Three, Mr. Chair. To Councillor Brass. As part of the
413 we're still waiting for. The MTO to do their
assessment. We have asked as part of their analysis that
they look at the interchanges, one interchange being Mayfield Road,
and the impact from that. But we have not received
any information. To date. So this would be on our
radar, obviously. That. We sort of get good answers on
these questions for both those exits. Through the chair to
you. Councillor Brass? Yes, that's correct. Great. Thank you. And
maybe at that point, we can circle back to Mr.
Staufford. Mr. Brown's comments, and there are plentiful lots of
good questions there. Mike. And so I'm wondering, from staff,
there's different areas of staff that would needed. To be
consulted on this, but the fencing around the buffer, the
fencing around the stormwater pond. Et cetera. Are two things
I highlighted for sure. The trail system, whether that can
be part of the draft plan and actually get the
trail system. Done is another one that I highlighted, which
would be, I think, of keen interest to the community.
In Glenn Williams. And so just wondering if anyone can
talk to those. And who will we be getting back
to? Mr. Brown and gwc. On these new questions.
Sure. Thank you for the chair to Councillor Brass. So,
yes, Mr. Brown had a number of great questions. And
we have worked extensively with the GWCA to date. In
terms of fencing at the hamlet, buffer staff understands and
appreciates the concerns that have been raised by the GWCA.
The draft conditions are flexible enough that staff can work
with the applicant to explore how fencing can occur along
the hamlet buffer and around the stormwater management pond. Although
development engineering staff is here and can speak to that
if they have any further information. In terms of trails.
So while the town owns lands behind the phase one
lots that can accommodate the trail. The construction of the
trail was not secured at the time of approval of
phase one, which we understand. Staff cannot require the applicant
to construct the trails in phase one through the approval
of phase two. However, it appears that construction in this
area has been budgeted to 2027. 2028. So. That is
something that can be considered as. Part of next steps.
The active transportation master plan has identified the desire for
trails throughout the subdivision. Including to the east side of
the subdivision behind lot 16. So that has been considered.
And the trail system. Does extend, actually, through the swim
pond. To bishop court, and that's in condition number 67.
So I'm not sure if that was reviewed, but I'm
not sure. Community services is online and has. Any other
responses or if Jeff wanted to come up to talk
about the swim pond fencing? Through the chair to Councillor
Brass. I don't have much else to add, but typically.
Our ponds. You only add fencing around there when they
sort of safety the slopes is not sort. Of conducive
for allowing public in those areas there, based on the
input we were hitting. We're going to try to accommodate
the trail system and make sure it's accessible where we
can. If an extreme situation we can't, then we might
be forced to. Put the fence in, but it won't
be our first go to. Okay, so you'll. Try to
work around for that. We're going to try to. Yes.
Sure. And Mr. Chair, if I can have one more,
please. It wasn't addressing Mr. Brown's comments just now, but
I did read in one of the concerns that. The
water pressure for phase two, whether. That would be adequate
or not, given that bishop's court phase one, and I
actually remember. This. When I was campaigning, I had several
people on district court complaining to me about lack of
water pressure. So just maybe if there's someone here that
can comment on that as well. Please. Yeah, sorry. This
is from region. No, go ahead. Through the chair to
Councillor Brass. Yes. We consulted with the region after discussions.
With residents and the region's responses that their interest is
ensuring that. The pressure is within acceptable range, there could
be other engineering solutions that meet that pressure threshold. Other
than onsite pressure tanks, but this is up to the
consulting engineer to provide those solutions. Regional staff are not
expecting that there will be any water pressure concerns for
the phase one residents. The new water infrastructure will create
a looped water main which will eliminate the dead end
within. Phase one and approve the pressure of the system.
While a booster pump could be an option, so the
GWCA had brought up the possibility of a booster pump.
So we consulted with the region, and they did indicate
that while a booster pump could be an option. Regional
staff again have to leave it up to the consulting
engineer to demonstrate that the region of Halton requirements can
be met. Wonderful. Thank you. Chair. Councilor Somerville. My questions
are asked, were answered. Anyone further questions on their report?
Seeing? None. Someone like to move this report. Councillor Brass,
all those in favor? That carries Q and that brings
our general committee to a close for the evening. Can
I get a motion to adjourn back into. Councillor. Councillor
Norris. Thank you. All in favor? Gary.
Well, thank you very much. Thank you very much, Councillor
Rosinski. This is heading on to be a Councillor meeting
for the book, that's for sure. You and I have
earned our money tonight. Okay, well, some of the items
from general committee. Were identified as being time sensitive, needing
immediate action by Councillor tonight. And the details of these
items can be found in section nine of today's agenda.
It is moved by Councillor Somerville, seconded by Councillor Engels.
The recommendation contained in the following immediate action item reports
from Monday, November 18, 2024 general committee are hereby adopted
report pd. 20240 70 as presented. Report PD 20240 92
is presented. Report PD 20240 94 as presented. All in
favor? That's carried. Thank you. And it's been moved by
Councillor Somerville, I think, and seconded by Councillor Brass, that.
The recommendations contained in the following confidential reports from the
Monday, November 18, 2024 closed session of Councillor are hereby
adopted as presented. And further that staff carry out any
of council's direction on these matters as set out. In
the confidential minutes dated November 18, 2024. Report CS 20240
to nine report. Fire 20240. Zero five, report TPW 20240.
Two three. All in favor? That's carriage.
We have it moved by Councillor Vzinski, seconded by Councillor
Ingles, that the general. Information package dated November 18, 2024,
be received. Are there any items that people want. To
address. See none. All in favor? That's carried.
The details of tonight's bylaws can be found in section
17 of the agenda. Is boomed by Councillor Rozinski, seconded
by Councillor Fogel, that the following bills are. Hereby passed
by council. And further, the mayor and clerk are hereby
authorized to execute the said bylaws and affix the seal
of the corporation thereto. Bylaw numbers 2024 0086 through to
20240. Zero, 95. All in favor? That's Carrie. Thank you.
And finally, it has been moved by Councillor Somerville, seconded
by Councillor Fogle, that this Councillor. Meeting. Do now adjourn
at 09:18 p.m. All in favor?