Thank you. Councelor Burl and Councelor
White, you're moving the motions to go
in camera.
I move that Sarnia City Council mo I
move that Sarnia City Council move into
close session pursuant to sections 239 2
B C E F and K of the Municipal Act to
consider the following matters
to receive advice that is subject to
solicitor client privilege regarding a
legal action commenced against the city.
Consideration will be given to
appointments to the joint compliance
audit committee.
Consideration will be given to
appointments to the Sarna Chris Hadfield
Airport Municipal Services Corporation
board.
Consideration will be given to an
expression of interest to acquire
city-owned land.
Consideration will be given to an
expression of interest to lease land at
the airport.
Consideration will be given to a matter
that is the subject of litigation
concerning contractual performance.
Consideration will be given to advice
that is subject to solicitor client
privilege and negotiations with respect
to a lease.
Council provided direction to staff
regarding litigation affecting laws.
>> All those in favor, we will return at
1:00. Thank you everyone.
Check one two mic
Mike one second.
That's a good go. Thank you,
» Mr. Wells. I'm going to warn you right
now. If you don't if you do not behave
yourself,
>> Don, if you don't behave yourself,
>> Don, we're running a meeting right now.
if you don't behave, if you don't
behave yourself, you'll be ejected from
this meeting.
All right. Thank you. If we could move
forward,
I'll move the council right as report.
>> I report that um we received advice
subject to solicister client privilege
regarding a legal action commenced
against the city. The council provided
direction to staff regarding
appointments to a joint compliance audit audit committee
and we made a num number of appointments
to the new uh airport group the
municipal service organization and I
will say on behalf of council we've
never had such a high quality of
applicants so it was an extremely
difficult decision to pick these
positions to look to to get this
operation up and running. We have
appointed Jillian Shelley, Glenn
Fenwick, Matthew Bertran, and Paul
Busack. And there's an opening still on
the legal side.
Council also provided direction to staff
regarding an expression of interest to
acquire city own land. We provided
direction to staff regarding an
expression of interest to lease land at
the airport.
Council provided direction to staff
regarding a matter that's subject to
litigation concerning contract
performances. Council provided direction
to staff regarding the negotiations and
received advice that's subject to
solicitor client privilege. We respect
those agreements. Council provided
direction to staff regarding litigation
affecting laws. And that's my report.
>> I move that Sarn City Council adopt the
report of the closed meeting.
>> All those in favor? That is done. I
acknowledge in the territory
acknowledgement in the spirit of peace
and friendship we honor an inher of the
three fires confederacy on whose
traditional territory we are gathered.
The city of Sarna has resolved to
implement the United Nations declaration
on the rights of indigenous people. And
I would ask you if you can stand to
stand for O Canada and then a moment of
silent reflection.
Our
[music and singing]
home and native land
true [music]
love
in all [music]
of life
with
[singing] hearts we seek.
Rise the true north [singing] strong and
free
from far and wide. Oh Canada
we stand [singing]
on guard for thee. [music]
God [singing]
keep our land [music]
glorious [singing]
and free.
Oh Canada [music]
we stand [singing]
on guard
for thee. [music]
Oh Canada,
we stand [singing]
on God.
[music]
Thank you everyone.
» Are there any declarations of conflict
of interest? Councelor White.
>> Uh yes. I'm going to declare a conflict
on delegation number one as it's in
regards to my own neighborhood.
>> Thank you very much.
If we if we councelor Keller
>> um just I I hate to interrupt the the meeting but I do do think it's
important for us to um uh recognize that
today is your birthday. This is the last
day before uh we get into election
period and I I just want to wish you a
happy birthday and and uh move forward
from there. Thanks.
>> Well, councelor Kellner, I cannot tell
you a better place for me to celebrate
my birthday than here. [laughter]
>> Thank you for that. Um,
>> okay. Don, I'm This is your last
warning.
>> It's my birthday.
>> Don, this is your last warning.
>> So, please sit down and let us go ahead
with the public's business. If we can
move into the public meeting, uh, we
have a on Confederation line. Miss
Grant, would you like to come forward
and present
Good afternoon in your worship members
of council city staff and members of the
public and my name is K grant I'm one of
the planners here with the city one
teeth brown planning consultants
submitted official plan and zoning bylaw
amendment applications to develop lands
known municipally as 1519 and 1521
Confederation Line for automative uses.
The site is planned to accommodate two
automative dealerships with associated
office sales showroom and service areas.
The official plan amendment portion will
designate the lands from prestige
employment to mixeduse corridor one to
permit automative use only. The zoning
by amendment portion will create a
sightsp specific exception under the
general commercial one zone to permit
the proposed use. These applications
were circulated for review and commence
to the review and agencies and
departments and publicized as per the
provisions of the planning act. No
concerns were raised by the review
agencies and no commence were received
from the public.
Should the draft OPA and zoning by
amendment be adopted, said plan approval
will be required to permit the proposed
use.
Planning staff has
evaluated
the proposal based on all applicable
land use planning policies and zoning
bylaw 85 of 2002.
And it is planning staff opinion that
the proposal is consistent with the PPS
and conforms to the Lantern County
official plan and the SNI official plan.
Planning staff supports the proposal and
recommends for it to be approved. I
understand that their planning
consultants are available to answer
questions that uh on the proposal.
>> Thank you.
bring on the planning consultants.
» They're joining us virtually, I
understand.
» Just they're just joining now.
>> Thank you.
» Hello. Can you hear me?
>> Mr. McGuffin and the other gentlemen.
You've heard the planning presentation.
It's recommending approval. Do you have
anything further to add?
>> Uh through you, Mayor Bradley. I'm Adam
Lru, planner at Monteth Brown Planning
Consultants, and I'm here with Jay
McGuffin, principal planner at Monteth
Brown Planning Consultants. Uh we're
here on behalf of the property owner uh
for the official plan amendment and
zoning bylaw amendments at 1519 and 1521
Confederation Line. Uh we just wanted to
thank staff for their work on this
application. We've reviewed the staff
report and bylaws and are in agreement
with the recommendations outlined within
the report and we're available to answer
any questions that council or the public
may have regarding the application.
>> Okay. I'm not seeing any questions from
council
have any further anything further to add
and there's no one appears uh to object
to the application. So with that, I will
close the public portion of the meeting
and I will look for a resolution from
councel on the application. Councelor
Vanderberg, councelor White, you're
moving it and seconding it. Any further
discussion? All those in favor? That is
done. Thank you.
Next is a public meeting related to uh
Centennial Park and Solister is going to
make a brief presentation and then we'll
have one presentation from Donna Payet
of the Sonia Humane Society.
Good afternoon, your worship, members of
council and city staff. Thank you for
the opportunity to speak to you today.
My name is Donna Payatt and I have the
privilege of serving as executive
director of the Sarna District Human
Society.
I am here to speak to you on behalf of
the board of directors and the community
we serve regarding the recently declared
surplus lands and council's impending
decision on whether those lands should
be sold or retained.
[clears throat]
Respectfully, we believe the decision
before you is about something much
bigger than a parcel of land. It is
about what that land makes possible.
In June, council granted the Humane
Society first right of refusal, and for
that we are deeply and sincerely
grateful. We recognize, however, that
the first right of refusal is not a
guarantee. We understand that council
must carefully consider the long-term
interests of the city and its residents
before making any final decisions.
Today, I want to share why this land
matters so deeply, not just to our
organization, but to the people and
animals of your community, and why we
believe preserving this opportunity
aligns with a vision that has been
decades in the making.
The Sernian District Humane Society is
much more than an animal shelter. Every
day, we provide a safe refuge, care, and
second chances to animals who have
nowhere else to go.
We reunite lost pets with anxious
families. We help seniors keep beloved
companions. We support people facing
financial hardship who have otherwise
struggled to care for their animals.
We work with community partners,
volunteers, foster families,
veterinarians, and donors who all share
a common belief that compassion
strengthens a community.
When think people think about the Humane
Society, they often think of animals.
But our work is really about people,
too. Anyone who has experienced the
unconditional love of a pet understands
the impact animals have on mental
health, emotional well-being, social
connection, and their quality of life.
Every successful adoption creates a
family. Every animal saved eases
suffering. And every pet retained in a
home supports programs that prevent
another crisis.
» The land before you today represents an
opportunity to build upon that community
impact for generations.
>> Excuse me, M. I fine. I hate to
interrupt your uh
>> That's okay,
>> Mr. Wells. Mr. Wells, please.
Mr. Wells, would would you please leave
people alone back there or vacate the
chamber?
» Yeah, I'm talking to you, Don. You're
disrupting the meeting.
>> I will sit down.
>> Please sit down and be quiet. Miss
Payet, again, I apologize.
>> It's okay.
» Payet, I apologize. Please go ahead.
>> Thank you.
As our community grows and changes, so
do the demands placed on animal welfare
organizations. We face increasing
challenges related to animal intake,
housing capacity, enrichment needs,
veterinary care, and public services.
Additionally, the land provides room to
think beyond today's needs and prepare
for tomorrow's realities. It increas It
creates possibilities for expanded
animal care facilities, educational
programs, and increased community
engagement.
And perhaps most importantly, the
possibilities that we cannot fully
realize if this opportunity is lost.
Once land is sold and developed, it is
gone forever.
Opportunities to expand community
serving infrastructure do not come
around often, particularly adjacent to
our existing shelter. This is a unique
moment and one that may never present
itself again.
As council considers this decision, I
would also like to remind you of a
vision that was planted many years ago
by a remarkable community leader in
animal welfare, Marilyn her.
Many of you will remember Marilyn and
know or know of her contributions on
behalf of those who cannot speak for
themselves. When Marilyn began her work
with the Humane Society, operations were
conducted from a modest two- room
shelter on Campbell Street. Conditions
were far different than they are today.
Resources were limited. Expectations
were different. Yet, Marilyn saw beyond
what existed. She had a vision for
something better. She believed that the
animals in this community deserved
better. She believed that the people who
cared about those animals deserve
better. And she believed that the Humane
Society could become a larger, more
impactful community organization that
anyone might have imagined at this time.
Because of people like Marlin and
because previous councils and community
leaders were willing to look beyond
immediate circumstances and invest in
the future, we are where we are today.
What once seemed ambitious became a
reality. What once seemed distant became
achievable. The current discussion about
these lands is in many ways an extension
of the very vision that Maryland planted
years ago.
Maryland planted a seed and it grew
because people believed in it. Today,
council has an opportunity to help
ensure it continues to grow. This is not
simply about acquiring additional
property. It is about protecting the
potential to meet future community
needs. It is about ensuring that the
humane society can continue evolving as
circumstances change. And it is about
creating capacity before crisis demands
it. Most importantly, this is about
stewardship.
The Humane Society has been entrusted
with the welfare of vulnerable animals
for generations, over seven decades. We
take that responsibility seriously. We
know that every decision we make must be
guided by fiscal responsibility,
operational planning, and community
benefit. If given the opportunity to
secure this land, we intend to approach
it with that same sense of
responsibility and long-term thinking.
Council is often asked to weigh
competing priorities. You are asked to
balance today's realities with
tomorrow's possibilities.
These decisions are not always easy, and
we respect that. But some decisions have
the potential to create benefits that
last for decades, and I personally
believe that this is one of those
decisions.
The value of this land should not be
measured solely in dollars or potential
sale proceeds. Its value should be
measured in the community impact which
it will create.
Sorry. [clears throat]
Future opportunity, animal welfare and
the legacy that we leave for future
generations.
Years from now, the financial return
from the land sale will be forgotten.
But the impact of preserving an
opportunity for a community institution
to grow and serve more people and
animals will continue to be seen every
day in every adoption, every reunion,
and every family supported and every
animal that's been given a second
chance.
This is not about taking something away
from Sarna.
It is about investing in something that
has been giving back to Sarnia for over
70 years. We are asking you to consider
the opportunity before you not simply as
a question of land but as a question of
community impact. On behalf of the
staff, volunteers, donors, foster
families, supporters, and the countless
animals who depend on us, I respectfully
ask council to consider the broader
community value of these lands and the
role they play in helping the Sarnia
District Humane Society continue its
mission into the future. Let us continue
building on the vision that Marilyn her
began in a small two- room shelter on
Camel Street. Let us nurture the seed
that she planted
and let us ensure that future
generations inherit a humane society
that is prepared, capable, and
positioned to serve this community for
decades to come. Thank you for your
time, your consideration, and your
continued support of animal welfare.
Respectfully,
>> thank you, Miss Pat. And again, I
apologize for the interruptions there. I
was really pleased you um recognized
Marilyn.
>> Of course. Yes. Um question is we go
through this process and you've been
very good working with on the process
[applause]
» as we move into LA later this year.
What's your time frame council when
council gives that approval to move
forward on that land? Like we talking
late this year, next year?
>> Late this year if possible.
>> Any questions? Uh, Councelor Vandenberg,
Councelor White, Councelor Ker,
>> and then Councelor Burl. Okay, go ahead,
please.
>> You're going to let me go first. Oh,
thanks. Thanks, Councelor Vandenberg.
Uh, Mayor Bradley, uh, through you, uh, the whole situation. I just want to
kind of go back to the broader picture,
which is you're located where you are.
Your neighbors are Sandrin Cargle, uh,
Patty Flarities, and so on and so forth,
Centennial Park even. and uh uh there's
excess land there. And our conversation
is essentially that
um it makes a whole lot more sense for
an organization that already has really
good neighbors uh to expand where they
are with the support of their neighbors.
uh rather than trying to find a new
location and uh convince neighbors uh in new locations
uh to get used to dogs barking and cats
meowing and parrots doing whatever
parrots do. Uh so uh I'm fundamentally
just this is just a general comment that to me the pitch that you're making
makes a whole lot of sense. Uh there's
the uh the location also supports lots
of people who are perhaps unhoused or
couch surfing that depend on their pets
uh to uh just provide support. You know,
we all need companions on the journey.
And uh I suppose my question is is this kind of stuff that I'm
thinking about does that make sense in
terms of moving this forward? Because
you folks don't aren't just a humane
society, you're also the pound service
in in this in this city and like we
require
u just incredible serious
uh support from [snorts] you. Um, the
location makes sense, the neighbors make
sense, and and an expansion makes sense.
It
>> all makes sense.
[laughter] It does. It all makes sense.
It does. Yes,
>> that's a good answer. Uh, Council
Vanderberg, Councelor White, and then
Councelor Burl.
>> Thank you, Horship. Um, you know, it's
no secret that the Humane Society and I
was a former chair and former board
member for a number of years and it's no
secret that we've been looking for or we
they have been looking for a spot for
quite a while and now now they've
centered back on the spot beside their
original location.
your worship. My my thinking of this
matter is it's it's we have these
documents in front of us today saying
it's a right at first of refusal and all
this other stuff and we have to wait
another six weeks maybe to see if
anybody else uh shows up with
an offer to purchase or or some
expression of interest. Uh this has been
going on. It's been public record for a
number of years now. We everybody in the
city of Sarnia and the county of Lamp
probably the province of Ontario knows
that they we need a new facility here. I
don't know why we need to sit here and
wait another six weeks to find out if
anybody is expressing any interest in
this property. I I think if there was
any expression of interest now that
would have been brought forward at some
point in time and and unless somebody
can tell me otherwise but I don't see
anybody running up to the podium here to
tell tell us that they want to buy that
property. So I I my respectful
submission would be in this regard your
worship that uh we dropped this right of
first of re get and tell the humane
society that today we will start
negotiating with them and so they can
make that purchase of the property.
Sorry
[applause]
I don't like being in this position but
the reality is you're a public body and
I believe the humane society has
recognized that. Yes, we have.
>> And this will take us through councelor
Vandenberg with known and with there are
critics of this land going to the main
society. This will keep you bulletproof
on any complaints the ombsman or anyone
else about how we disposed of this land
and that's the only reason I brought
with the support of the mayor side of
this clause. It'll be done in six weeks
and then we can move forward. But I
would just caution you if you derail it
right now uh you may have ever
consequences to the city and that's what
we're trying to avoid.
concern is your worship if is this the
last council meeting we're having so
it's six weeks from now what happens
then
>> well the CEO is mandated to move forward
with the direction of council if we at
that point
>> and we can marry that together so we can
work that out
>> so that would be part of the the motion
that that would proceed in six weeks
whether it's so but it got approved
today
>> yep that's I believe within his
authority
councelor white councelor Burl.
>> Uh, thank you. Uh, and thank you, Miss
Bad. Thank you for being here. Um, I'll
be honest, I was disappointed at the
previous plan of moving somewhere else
and now we're reverting back to was it 5
years ago, six years ago, we were
talking about this same location.
>> Um, which I was 100% on board with and remain. So, so I'm actually excited
that we're here today. And and I think
what's uh the point that was just made
has been uh difficult uh for a lot of
folks to understand that there's
actually just a regulatory process. It
doesn't mean that we're not individually
or collectively supportive one way or
the other, but there is a legal process
that we just have to follow. And I know
through discussions with yourself and the board chair that you're aware of
that as well. So I think it's important
to acknowledge that for public sake that
we're just we're checking the boxes
here. We're making sure, as the mayor
said, that we're bulletproof and and
that we're going to find ourselves after
a very long period of years. Uh,
working through some difficult
circumstances of which, you know, I I
think are very unfortunate, but here we
are today. Um, and I'm really excited
about what the future holds for you. Um,
and and the organization and the city as
a whole. So, thank you for your
perseverance and thank you for allowing
us to get to this point today. Uh first
off, um and could could you um uh two
things. I want to just absolutely
explicitly understand what your ask is
today. I I think we're clear, but I want
to make sure that I hear it from you
directly. Um given that you've got the
microphone. Um and then uh would you be
able to just I think for for the sake of
hope and optimism elaborate on some of
the future plans that you do anticipate
um employing in that particular space.
What can we look forward to?
>> Certainly from your worship to council
Councilman White um I don't believe that
there was really an ask today as much as
it was. Um we just felt we've been we've
tried to remain very quiet about this.
We have reached out to counselors and we
have had those conversations and I
believe we just reached a point where we
thought you know what we need to we need
to to say what what we
just need everyone to know [laughter]
what what we think and what we feel um
and to make council aware um that how
important this land is to us and how
important um this project is to us. Um,
I will say, um, and I do want to give
kudos to city staff, um, who have been
in this with us for quite a few years
and most specifically over the last
year, um, and I will embarrass them and
point them out as to Adam McDonald and
to Eric Hyatt who have been extremely
patient with us in meeting with us and
answering a lot of questions and kind of
navigating us through this. So, um,
kudos to them and to the city staff.
They've been great. Um, I think the
biggest piece of what the shelter, the
new shelter, what we envision for that
new shelter is the services to the
community. So, some of you do know that
we do Howled um public wellness clinics
um throughout the year. Um they're
completely volunteer-driven and they
provide wellness to to owned pets um for
people who um just need a little bit of
help. Um last year we serviced close to
2,000 pets. So, um, this year we've only
held two and we're well over into
beating that number. And it just, you
know, it it shows us um how desperately
needed uh our community animals um the
owned animals are into needing help. and
um you know looking at that new shelter
and providing an affordable veterinary
clinic for our community so that
everyone regardless of you know where
they sit on that financial scale can
access that veterinary care. That's a
big one for us. Um community programs
where we can um enhance our uh our
emergency housing services. Um that new
shelter will will bring that to us.
right now we're just we're so bogged
down with surreners and strays and if we
just had that ability to be able to
provide a bigger space where we can help
the community more. Um that's really
what that's really what it all comes
down to for this new shelter.
>> Councelor Burl,
>> Council Mc Roberts,
>> uh excuse me. [clears throat] Thank you,
worship. Uh just uh I guess a question
for staff before I um have other
questions, but what is the current
arrangement
on the existing facility
» through the mayor uh with respect to the
lands at least to the Sarnian District
Humane Society or the lands adjacent to
them?
Okay. So, the city owns the land and
the humane society owns the building. Is
that basically it through the mayor?
Yes, that is correct. With respect to
the lands
that the Sernian District Humane Society
are situated on, the city owns the land
and is under a lease um agreement with
the Humane Society who owns the
building. the lands subject to the um
this public meeting are the lands east
so adjacent to them.
>> Yes, thank you. Uh yes. So I guess my
basic my question is why why is the uh
humane society [clears throat]
interested in purchasing this land where
the city has already provided the
existing land really I guess it's just
least like a dollar a year kind of it's
basically donated land why is it that
they want to now buy land as opposed to
maybe working some deal with the city on
leasing again or whatever
>> through the worship to um Councilman
Burl. Um great question. Um one that we
get asked a lot um in lease agreements
um and we've had a great lease agreement
with the city of Sarnia for a number of
years. Um and I know that lease
agreement comes up I believe in 20 2030
2040. Um,
a lot of it is based on our donor base
and um,
we, you know, we truly believe in
conversations with them that, um, owned
land makes more sense. If we're going to
sink $10 million into a building, we
want it to be sitting on own land and
not lease land. Council has been great
over the last 40, 50, 60, 70 years, but
council in five years may look a lot
differently and may have a different
idea. So, you know, this protects that
shelter um with us owning that land.
» Thank you, Councelor McRoberts.
>> Thank you to the chair. Thank you,
Donna, for your talk. So, how is
fundraising going right now?
>> Really good.
>> And that's for the building, right?
>> Absolutely.
>> So, I'm going to jump the gun here and
say first write or refusal and it
happens. Would it be unoured for us to
say in a contract that we're going to
give them
50 years to pay off that land as opposed
to having to fund raise and come up with
that immediately? I know that that's up
to the staff to make this happen, but as
Donna just said, councils can change.
So, if we put into a contract to give
them the longest possible term to pay
that off cuz 10 million isn't just going
to happen overnight for them to build
the building to plus their permits and
whatnot.
>> But you're not looking for that,
correct? You're not looking for a lease.
>> We are not looking for a lease.
>> They're looking to purchase it, right?
So, that's we're estimating it's $1.4
million. They've got a $10 million bill
to build a building. I would I would
suggest you do want to wait till the end
of uh let's say eight weeks and then
go from there.
>> Okay,
>> that makes sense. Okay,
>> if I could to and you have the right to
call an emergency meeting for us to be
online and discuss.
>> It's in my notes here that if by any
chance the CEO has indicated very
clearly, I'm going to ask you to change
the resolution about returning to
council to the CEO. But for any when any
reason we thought um we needed to meet
with council, I will call a special
meeting at the end of the
Thank you very much. Miss Nicholson, do
you have anything you want to add to
this?
>> Please go ahead.
Sorry. Amber, Miss
Giggles, go ahead, please.
>> Okay. Uh, yes. Thank you. Thank you,
worship. Uh I don't have a question
directly to Miss Payet but I I did want
to ask a question of yourself and and
staff because in this report it says uh
we are going to have um in the EO EOI or
expression of interest and have an eight
each 8 week period to do so. You already
stated your worship that is going to be
in six weeks. Uh, I would like to ask if
we can shorten that down again to four
weeks. And the reason I'm saying that is
because it will allow us to have a
special meeting in August and get this
all wrapped up. My explanation it comes
back to the report again which says um
any submissions uh will be non-binding
and could be considered council can
consider
or are not obligated to take any other
submissions but the preferred.
So really, we're we're we're trying to satisfy the legal
component, but I don't think the
timelines would would interfere with
that at all given the fact that this is
such um a very public um transaction
that we've had. There's there's massive
support. Yes, there's some that that are
isn't, but there's massive support, I
would say, for this particular project
and the um certainly the the council has
certainly um indicated that they have uh
very strong support for this project.
And then when I look at actually the
policy that we have um the purpose of
the policy and I'm quoting here is um to
have an accountable and equitable
process in a manner consistent with the
best interest of the city. I would argue
that um having this whole transaction
done within this council's term is in
the best interest of the city because
we're satisfying the needs of the city,
we're satisfying the needs of this
humane society who not only looks after
our pound for us but also uh looks after
the animal farm. So, I would ask and
I'll make this as a motion coming
forward if I can that we shorten that
EOI process down to four weeks and then
uh have call a special meeting to um to
finish it off.
>> Okay. I just want to remind council that
you have not decided yet whether this
land is going to be surplus. That's what
you're doing today. You've got a choice
of uh directing that we do not dispose
of the land or that we move forward with
the humane society. That's the question
today that we decide time frames and my
recommendation and the CEO said he's
fine with that is to uh de delegate him
to make a decision if council gives that
positive direction
and if I said earlier if necessary I'll
call a special meeting I would hope not
because I think the direction is very
clear if we endorse this other motion.
So with that I thank you and did you to
our lawyer do you have anything further
to add
» is there a reason why it's eight weeks
>> so uh to the mayor the
because of the value of the land uh and
the potential interest being it's
waterfront uh public parkland um the
proposal was eight weeks to allow for
potential interested parties to prepare
um a comprehensive proposal EOI to bring
to council is just um to allow them time
to prepare that. Um if council's desire
is to shorten that period um we we can
certainly do so. Um I would um with
respect to the the four weeks um
bringing back to August, I would just
caution that that timeline um would be
short to to prepare the report um and
bring to council in in four weeks.
>> Thank you very much, Miss Pette.
>> Thank you. So council you have had
directions in front of you. There's two
directions. It's pretty obvious what the
sentiment in the room is is to move the
first direction uh related to declaring
the soliciting expressions of interest
and returning back in eight weeks and
the CEO would be delegated to move
forward on the
comes back.
>> I I so move but I'd like to make an
amendment to that if I may.
>> Sorry I don't even have a movement
second yet. Councelor Vanderberg.
Councelor Secer, Councelor Kellner. Go
ahead, please. Councelor Burl and then
councelor [clears throat] Sorry,
Councelor Gillston. Councelor Burl.
>> Yes. I'd like to make an amendment to
that because uh listening to the legal
uh council um had difficulty with four
weeks, but I did not hear any difficulty
with six weeks. So if we could uh reduce
that to six weeks and uh again going
back council is not obligated to um
accept the highest submission. Indeed
council doesn't have to accept any EOI
that comes forward other than the
preferred candidate. So
>> I'll simply ask the mover and second if
they would accept that as a friendly
amendment. Accepted. Accepted. Okay.
Thank you. So that doesn't need an
amendment to it. Okay. Let's deal with
question. All those in favor.
That's unanimous. Thank you everyone.
Back to C. [applause]
Okay. The clerk's being the clerk which
is her job.
I understood the motion would come back
at the end of eight weeks and the CEO
would have delegated authority to move
forward with the main society.
That's understood. All right, moving on.
We have
>> I'm sorry.
>> Yeah,
>> six weeks. Yes.
>> Okay. Can we move on to the next
delegation then, please?
And that is Emily Grant and Christian
Eddie related to uh an issue with a
basketball net.
Um, can I ask permission that the boys
show photos of what we're talking about
as we talk about it?
>> Okay, that's fine. Um, can you give them
to the clerk or you're going to do it up
there?
>> If you'd prefer that,
>> whatever is the public can see. I think
that's important.
» And I have um petitions that we did. So,
this is over 30 signatures. And if you
could present that to the clerk,
» I can I can also tell you I we tried to
find every which way to have you not
come to council,
>> but I appreciate that we could not do
that. So, please tell us the story.
>> Okay. Uh good afternoon. We're here to
speak on behalf of the families, kids,
and residents of our neighborhood
regarding a notice to remove a
basketball net from our boulevard
located at 2425 Diane Drive. However, it
is on the West Grove side. We are on a
corner. We understand that this issue
was sparked by a single neighbor's
complaint. While we fully respect all of
our neighbors, we believe ordering the
removal of this net penalizes the
neighborhood youth. It removes a
healthy, safe, and positive outlook
outlet for our children. To show you
just how much our neighborhood values
this space, we are proud to present a
petition to today with over 30
signatures from residents in our
neighborhood. And those are all from
separate homes, taxpayers. These are the
homeowners who live near the net, who
hear the games, and who see the kids
every day. By an overwhelming majority,
the taxpayers in our street want this
basketball net to stay. As my boys and I
knocked on doors this past weekend, we
were so heartened by the response from
our neighbors who offered to come to
today's meeting with signs, told us how
much they love watching the kids play,
and felt genuinely confused that anyone
would want the net removed. Our
neighborhood is already actively
committed to safety. We have installed
slow down signs as is shown in the
photos to alert drivers and to ensure
our streets remain safe for our
children. We have also purchased
portable slowdown turtles that go on the
street when the net is being used. Also
in the photos, our Boulevard basketball
net is more than just the metal that
it's made of. It is a community hub. It
is a place where local kids disconnect
from screens, get fresh air, learn about
teamwork, sharing, and sportsmanship.
In a world where we constantly worry
about youth mental health and screen
time, this hoop provides an accessible
solution right outside our doors. Our
kids have become friends with neighbors
who they might not otherwise interact
with. Children of all ages play together
and everyone is welcome. This community
building is priceless. Upon a quick
drive through our ne our immediate
neighborhood within a few blocks, we
have identified over 10 portable
basketball nets that are on boulevards
or directly on city streets. Again, some
of those photos are are available there.
We do not wish to complain about these
nets and we absolutely want them to stay
where they are. However, our inground
basketball net offers more safety
because it eliminates the tipping
hazards associated with portable bases.
Well, portable hoops rely on weighted
bases that can shift, crack, or leak
over time. Cemented poles provide rigid
stability capable of withstanding severe
wind and aggressive gameplay. And I do
believe that there are hundreds of these
portable nets on boulevards throughout
the city of Sarnia. Um, Brightites Grove
alone, I think there are more than 50.
Um, we understand that the city has
bylaws regarding boulevard encro
encroachment. However, over a year of
safety combined with over 30
neighborhood signatures proves that this
hoop is a positive asset to Sarnia and
Brits Grove. We ask council to grant a
sight specific
variant or a 60-day conditional trial
period. Let us prove that active,
healthy kids and neighborly respect can
easily coexist. Thanks for your time.
>> Thank you, councelor Keller. Councelor
Vanderber. Uh thank you through the
mayor. Um I wonder if the kids would
like to say anything. Additionally,
second of all, um one of the comments
that I have is is on the street that I
grew up on, McGee Street near not far
from Sunri. Um, we didn't have permanent
basketball nets, but I do understand uh
we we had those t those ones that tip.
Uh, but we spent a lot of time on that
street playing road hockey and and
things like that. It's it's um the
traditional Canada I I suppose that that
many of us remember. So, um, you know,
to have to have an ingground one that
won't tip, um, I I certainly hear as a a
safety precaution. And and, uh, what we
should be looking for is reasons why, in
my opinion, um, people want to hang out
in their own neighborhoods and find
their own, uh, space and and connect
with people in healthy ways.
uh we're just on the cusp, you know, the end of the World Cup and we've seen
that for the last what couple months. Um
so I I just wanted wanted to also wonder
if anybody else in your family wanted to
speak, but also just to share a little
bit of support for what you're what
you're suggesting.
>> I'm really sad that we would have to
take down our basketball net. We love
playing out there with friends and
neighbors. Please let us keep it up for
everyone. Even adults come and play.
Thank you, Grant.
>> Thank you.
>> All right. Thank you very much for your
presentation. Um you you have this
request or the only suggestion I'd make
to you if you're going to make it a
trial period. Make it at least a year.
>> Council wants to move forward on this.
>> Vanderberg, uh I just wanted to say you
worship uh they're not in the basement
playing video games. They're out in the
street. They're getting exercise.
They're meeting with their their
friends. Um, I live near Newton Park.
There's two basketball nets within a
stones throw of my house. Plus, they at
the Newton Park and the kids are in
there playing all the time. You know,
it's great exercise, great for them,
great for their friends. I don't even
think we need a It's like I agree with
the presenter. There's basketball nets
all over the city. I don't think we need
to have a year. I think let them play.
>> Thank you.
All right, Councilman
Roberts.
I'd just like to add that's a great
tactic to slow down traffic in the
neighborhood.
» Did want to point out the reason the
bylaw came in I believe was because of
complaints about McGee Street.
[laughter]
>> I just want to me mention that for the
record.
But I I have to be fair here that there
are other issues here. So this is ter
this a situation we can deal with yours
and u I look for a motion. Councelor
Burl, Council McRoberts, moving forward
with a one-year trial period. Okay. All
those in favor. That's unanimous. Thank
you so much. And thank you for coming.
>> Thank you so much.
» One more delegation which is the base
group who's coming forward.
Please go ahead.
>> Thank you for all my friends today.
[laughter]
Uh hi uh everybody, your worship council
and Sarnia city staff. I'm here today
again representing the Sarnia base uh to
review the project and ideally finalize
our collaboration. I have with me today
Ryan Bell, a project lawyer, and Ken
Mccelpine, our board president. Uh, in
case there's any questions you have for
them following the presentation. Next
slide, please.
So, in review again, in November, uh,
3.5 million was approved towards capital
cost for the SNAbased project in the
2026 municipal budget. An additional 3
million was earmarked for land purchase.
However, the current group graciously
decided to donate the entire 27 acre
parcel, which removed the necess uh
necessity for the $3 million earmarked
for land purchase. So, in May of 2026, I
returned to council to approve a fund
release schedule and reallocate the
funds that were originally earmarked for
the land purchase towards development
and permitting costs. to review. The
fund release schedule included $7,000 on
an initial release with the permission
from the MECP to grant access to the
land and the remainder of the commitment
to be released with the building permit.
With the removal of the need of the 3
million for land, we wanted the city of
Sarnia to to reallocate those funds
towards development permitting cost. To
be clear, we don't need the city of
Sarnas to go into debt for those costs
as those funding that funds would be
redirected to the city.
Um, and that's that 2.4 4 million that
was quoted to us by the city staff.
We have incorporated as a not for-p
profofit with associated bank account
officers and directors insurance,
applied for charitable status. We've
consulted with the neighborhood and made
changes to the plan based on
neighborhood consultation. Um Robert
Dale and Associates continues to work
with city staff on the site plan and
update it. Uh traffic study has
commenced. We've prepared a report for
the MECP. We've secured funding
commitments of $1 million a piece from
the Mike Weir Foundation and the
Lockwood Foundation. We're preparing a
capital campaign which we would love to
release finalizing after the
finalization of our agreement. And uh we
continue to in the meantime we continue
to pursue pursue additional provincial
and federal grants. We think the city
solicitor and general manager of
corporate services have done a
phenomenal job uh preparing the report
supplied to you on July 20th uh that
included all the provisions that you
have mentioned to date uh from yourself
council and city staff uh which include
things like city oversight within the
governance structure uh ensuring that
the funding is city approved
expenditures uh there's transparent
reporting across the whole project and
legal counsel continues to be engaged on
both sides. Next slide please.
So just to be really clear on the
corporate development structure and
overall governance structure, uh we have
project managers and operations managers
in place, construction managers,
engineering managers, civil engineers,
surveyors, architects, traffic studies,
dome specialists, landscaping,
geotechnical. We've done all of this
work behind the scenes including
creating a development team comprised of
the blue water cycling organization,
Sarnney tennis club, Sarnne football
club, Sarnney Lect and Pickleball and
Twin Bridges volleyball with the point
being to inform the programming that is
offered to all community members at the
Sarnia base to make sure that
programming best meets the needs of
people accessing programming of that
kind.
Uh above this development structure
would be the Sarna base board. Next
slide please.
And that is where we would love for the
city of Sarnia to exist. We would
welcome a member of city of Sarnia staff
or council on the Sarna base board. Next
slide, please.
What we're asking council to approve
today is to allow city staff to finalize
an agreement with the Sarnia base. This
would include the already approved fund
release schedule for city commitment for
the city commitment that was discussed
when I presented in May. That funding
would only be dispersed against approved
line items by the city. It would include
all the provisions requested by the city
staff and council that were overviewed
in the July 20th report provided to city
council. It would ensure the Sarnia base
can maintain the proposed timeline would
allow city of Sarnia to develop on
clearly to deliver on clearly identified
needs uncovered in the 2022 feasibility
study. And I want to uh impress upon you
that that need is only continuing to
grow. the heat advisories this summer
and just last week with the air quality
concerns, the need for indoor sport and
recreation infrastructure is never been
greater in our community or across
Canada to be honest. Um, this allows for
the city of Sarnney to also deliver on
their vision within their own strategic
plan at a far less lesser cost to
taxpayers than what it would be if you
were to embark on it yourselves. I want
to just note on page 13 of the city of
Sarnia's 2024 strategic plan, strategic
priorities that were outlined include
asset management, community well-being,
and economic resilience. All things
working with the Sarnney base can help
the city of Sarnia to uh deliver on
our community. Um also gains a
proincially and nationally recognized
sport and recreation community center
that improves our community wellness and
boosts our economy annually. Our
community actually risks far greater by
not finalizing our collaboration. Next
slide, please.
The current group has created generously
created a space for this to exist on a
27 acre parcel that's mid city and
easily accessible by active
transportation. We have put together a
tremendous amount of community citizens
that have collective expertise to ensure
that the SNA base is realized and we
just need the city of Sarnia to finalize
the agreement to for our collective
effort to uplift our community. I'll
leave you with this. On page 38 of the
2025 city of Sarnia economic development
master plan, three economic
opportunities to be prioritized were new
business attraction, tourism
development, and reframing Sarnia's
image.
A direct quote, over the next 10 years,
improving Sarnia's image and perception
will be critical to fostering economic
growth, attracting visitors, and growing
the population.
By collaborating, we can help city of
Sarnney to be recognized as a hub for
health and wellness and a place where
people come to engage in sport at all
levels. And this is a place for all
ages, all community members. And we're
really excited to hopefully move
forward. Thank you for your time today
and we welcome any questions.
>> Well, thank you for your presentation.
There are four key points in the staff
report.
Stretch, scope, and design. We don't
have the answers. project costing and fi
financial validation, funding certainty,
operations and long-term stability.
They're the key four points there. And
I'm not opposed to your project, but I
would like to see all those addressed
before we start sending money our way.
>> Uh thank you uh your worship. That's
exactly why we're here today. The uh
delegation today is not for the release
of funding. It's for the agreement to be
finalized. So all of the items mentioned
in the report would have to be in the
agreement in order for the funding to be
released. That's what we're asking to be
approved today. Um is for the funding
release agreement for city council to
approve city staff to finalize that
agreement including the provisions that
were mentioned in that report
>> and that would all have to come back to
council.
>> Uh that's uh city council decision.
>> Questions? Not seeing any. Thank you
very much for your presentation.
Council, well, I need we need direction
to to move forward on this.
>> Thank you very much. You can stand.
Sorry, councelor White.
>> Then I would move that we move forward
with the uh agreement.
>> You can stand down now. We're here.
>> I would move that we move forward with
the agreement with the uh the issues
addressed included in that so that we
can proceed with the next steps and and
get on with uh the next phase of this
development.
>> Councelor Vandenberg, as a as a second
or so, you would that would be the key
four bullet points. Okay. Thank you. Any
further discussion? All in favor? That's
done. Thank you. That was unanimous, by
the way. All right. Thank you. We're now
through the delegations.
We can move into the regular business.
Got a report from the underrip
committee. Councelor White, do you want
to move that
secondary?
Councelor Vanderberg. Any discussion?
Not seeing any. All those in favor?
That's passed.
Next one is to authorize which has been
standard in the past the a bylaw to
temporarily delegate powers and duties
council to the CEO with limitations.
Council
>> we're on number two council bro
moved and seconded.
All those in favor that is done. Thank
you.
Uh on to the green bin issue and moving
forward on that. Councelor McRoberts,
» would it be possible that we delay this
by one year? I understand that it's
something that's great, but one year
just for the funding like can we just
worry about what we're going to what the
next council is going to deal with
budget and this is just one more cost
that could be delayed. I'd like to make
that a motion if I could. If you
seceded,
but I also want to ask I've asked this
question many times here on this
project.
I've already put a tender. Okay. Please
speak to Mr. Jackson.
>> Uh 30 minute council. Yes, the
provincial policy statement. We are
supposed to have our program in place
January 2025. Uh we are behind that
timeline. Um but uh you know council can
direct us to delay it. We have already
awarded the processing contract and the
curbside collection contracts. Um, so if
we delay it, we would have to go back to
those uh contractors to see if we could
negotiate if there's any impact on that
delay. And so I can't uh provide that
answer here today. Um, I think it is
possible, but we would have to have
those negotiations first.
>> Read for councelor Burl.
>> The motion on that floor is to approve.
>> Is that the motion or is there any
>> I'm reading as to delay it for a year.
Is
>> I will speak against delaying it. I
think we've got the other two parts in
place. We're just going to end up having
to pay those people money for doing
nothing. Um, we have this contract in
place. There's a possibility that
we would have to
pay more next year perhaps for this even
this leg of it. So I think you know
we're to me we're too far along in this
process to back out at this point. So I
would not
approve this uh to delay it and then I
would if that fails then I would move
that we go ahead with it.
>> Thank you council Roberts. Councelor
White
>> could we ask staff to give us specifics
if there would be costs for that?
>> Uh third mayor council. So that's where
we'd have to negotiate. So, we have
entered into the agreements that the the
new contracts will be starting next
spring um that include the the organic
curbside collection. Um so, that's the
piece where we'd have to go back to
those various contractors and and see if
they'd be willing to modify that start
date or not. And so, I can't provide a a
certain answer on the financial impacts
of that here today.
>> Those directions were provided by
council. Correct.
>> Correct.
>> I'll call the question probably the best
council Mike. Sorry.
>> Uh yeah, thank you. And I'll I'll I'll
be voting against the motion as well.
It's just uh again we're we're talking
about making commitments. We are
proincially mandated to make in this
case and then
changing our mind again. Um I just I
think that's just a dangerous road to walk
down. Um number one and number two we're
delaying any savings potentially from
the other service that we provide which
is uh our waste disposal because uh a
good portion of what we're talking about
um for the green program is actually
currently being uh paid for through the
waste uh management program that we
have. So curbside pickup of waste from
one to the other uh is an offsetting
cost at the end of the day and that was
in that other contract as well. Um that
we would see some potential savings uh
by transferring some of what we're
paying for with one service to the
other. So I'm not sure it's a total
savings over the next year that that we
would be realizing here. And I think
it's time that we I don't know catch up
to Nova Scotia from 25 years ago who's
had curbside green bin service etc.
>> A question people on city council may
not know the county is giving us a
credit are they not?
>> Uh mayor council. Yes. So the count
county recently approved um that the the
waste we offset so the waste that is in
our green waste now that goes to the
landfill the amount we offset from that
we will see the savings uh that they see
from the landfill. So that's a benefit
to us.
>> Let me call the question. I'll record
the vote. All those in favor of the
question which is to delay for a year.
Councelor McRoberts, councelor
Vandenberg. Those
opposed, councelor Kelner Burrow, myself
and White.
So that failed and councelor Gillis. So
that failed. Sorry, Councelor Gillis.
It's always hard to watch on this side.
>> He was in favor. You're in favor,
councelor Gillis, of delaying for a
year.
» No, your worship. I'm not.
>> Okay. Thank you. So the vote fails. So
then I'll look for a contrary motion.
Councelor Burl.
>> Yes.
>> I'll move the recommendation.
>> Second. Councelor White.
>> Question.
>> Go ahead, please. And then councelor
Keller.
>> Uh thank you. Um what provisions are in
place um should uh for the bins to uh be
replaced if if that should be uh
necessary. Stuff happens to bins, cars
drive into them, things happen. Uh are
we only purchasing enough for the
customers that we're serving in this
case? uh or are we um do we have a a
backup supply and what's the process
then if somebody needs a bin replaced
>> uh through M council. So they come with
a 10-year warranty as part of the
initial procurement. They do deliver an
extra let's say 2% so that we have those
available if something comes up. Um and
then we will be implementing a plan for
how uh residents would deal with smaller
minor repairs. Um but there will be a
program in place for that.
>> Council man,
>> well here's the age-old question. Are
these bins recyclable or are they going
to end up in landfills?
>> Uh through May Council, I do believe the
bins are recyclable. Uh and also to note
that the resin to manufacture the bins
is from uh the local Imperial Oil site.
>> Okay,
I'll call the question off. All in
favor?
» Same as before, the same vote. Okay,
recorded. All right, thank you. That
passed.
Moving on. uh economic development
community improvement plan. You had the
hearing on this and there were some
minor adjustments. I think there was no
further feedback on it. Correct. So I'd
look for a motion to accept it.
Councelor Burl, councelor White, any
discussion? Seeing none, all those in
favor? That is done. Dealt with number
five, which was the base agreement. And
then there's some uh minor noise
exemptions being asked for. Councelor
McLoberts, Council Burl, all those in
favor.
That is done.
Uh the next one is the Wellington Street
Extension. It's a huge contract and it's
being recommended to be awarded. Council
Burl, Councelor White, all those in
favor.
Moving down. Uh this is related to um
flood mitigation in the Ferris
subdivision with a recommendation.
Councelor Burl and Councelor Kelner. All
those in favor that is done.
Next one I have a bit more difficulty
with but um
number nine is taking 300,000 from the
building faster fund which awarded us
for three years in a row exceeding the
provincial housing t uh targets and to
award it to a study for that area.
Councelor Burley, you're moving it
right. I'm not a realist. I'm a realist.
We don't really have any other options
but uh it's unfortunate.
All those in favor that's done.
Um
corporation of the uh well we've
appointed the people to the uh group
right the airport.
So is it oh we need to point Miss Provo.
» Okay. So I can take the motion uh that's
here today. It's a quite a lengthy one
and we'll insert the names of the people
I just announced out of the in camera
and also the staff appointment of Miss
Provo. So that makes sense. If I can
have someone to move and second that
Roberts, councelor White, all in favor
done.
Okay, councelor Burles. I'll record the
vote. Everyone else is in favor. Um this
next one, the um development charges,
this 100% reduction.
You've had some feedback on that.
Councelor Burl,
>> I don't move it. I think it's a good
idea.
>> Second,
» I just
>> I'll second it.
>> Okay. I want to ask Mr. Jackson, um, why
100%.
And how do we protect that money that's
supposed I mean, I'm not opposed in
principle, but 100% leaves us a bit
naked out there in the future with some
major infrastructure costs. So, how did
you arrive at 100%. Uh so through
American council so the program only
required uh municipalities to submit for
something in the range of 30 to 50%. Uh
it did encourage people to look for more
than that. Um part of our thinking on it
was the grant the intent of the grant is
to offset the lost DC revenue that a
municipality will incur. Um so whether
you apply for 30% 50% or 100% the grant
theoretically will reimburse you the
equivalent amount of money. So we
shouldn't be any worse off um if we get
the full amount of grant funding uh
regardless of which amount we applied
for. We also knew that council had
recently directed us to reduce uh the
most significant cost by 50% with no
compensating funds and so we knew there
was an interest in uh being aggressive
on the development charges. Um and so
that's why we proposed that.
>> And so for some of the people that
emailed us today, it really is 100% that
it will be totally compensated for
through the that new program. Right.
>> Yes. If they award the full amount for
the grant.
>> Going to call the question. Councelor Mc
Roberts.
>> My question to staff would be through
the juror. if when does the money come
back? So, is it on a yearly basis that funding would come back or is it
I I'm not sure if it's just one year uh
through America council. So, the program
was uh came out very quickly. There's
limited information in the program
guidelines. We wouldn't see those
details until we till we see the
transfer payment agreement which would
come within the next month. Um on an
annual basis is is common. So, that that
is a possibility.
>> But we are protected.
>> Yes.
Kell,
>> I suppose uh thanks Mayor Bradley. I I
suppose my fundamental question is
should we be prioritizing certain parts
of the city uh in terms of infill and
that sort of thing? Um uh trying to
encourage development in certain areas
as opposed to continually building out.
That would be my question to staff.
>> Uh third de council the grant require
that we apply the same reduction across
the board. we are not able to uh choose
uh specific areas to apply different
discounts to.
>> That's helpful for that clarification.
Thank you, Councelor White.
>> Yeah, thank you uh Mayor Bradley. So
again, just to clarify, this is um
essentially dollar for dollar, but what
if and if I'm not mistaken, I'd like to understand that I've got
this right. It's dollar for dollar. The
grant offsets the reduction in the DCS
um which does not put any additional
pressure on uh the general levy um also
does not create a lag in any capital
projects that were planned. In fact, if
I understand it correctly, because we
would have a steady stream that might
outpace any potential development, uh we
would actually get the money quick more
quickly and address some of these
lagging needs more quickly. Um, so
that's my first point and then I'll have
another question after. Is that correct?
>> Yeah. Uh, council that's generally
correct. Uh, I'd say one piece there is
all of the projects that are uh,
advanced here are already in the
development charges background study. So
these are projects we would be
committing to do. The only difference is
if we weren't getting the grant funding,
we would only implement those projects
if the housing was ready to go. Here
we're doing them more proactively. And
so it does mean that all of those
projects have a portion of funding the
city has to apply anyways. And so we're
just advancing those more quickly. So
there is, you know, we will use up our
contribution earlier than we necessarily
would have if we were waiting for
housing to grow, but the overall uh
amount should be the same that the city
contributes from our own funding
sources.
>> Okay. Thank you. And then in terms of uh
reporting out um again, this is more of
a general question because I think for
those of us who are on council, we
understand this process a little bit
more um uh clearly because we've we've just experienced it. But in terms
of applying for a grant um and then
create setting the parameters
uh prior to coming to council, you're
effectively taking what was a prior
mandate um using your best um uh
judgment to try and put something
together that that fulfills a direction
that we're already moving in. Uh and
then secondly, the reporting in period
is simply once it was complete, this was
the next council meeting that was
available to you to be able to prepare a
report. Um am I correct in that?
>> Uh yes, through the mayor. So uh
generally our policy is to bring uh
grant funding requests to council uh if
we can in advance of the application
deadline. Uh this program is very unique
in the quick timeline it came out uh and
the quick turnaround time for the
application. um in reviewing it. Um you
know, we did believe based on the a lot
of the recent discussion with council on
the development charges that we knew the
general direction council would uh like
to see, but uh uh the reality here was
the timeline was very tight and so it
had to advance and there's no commitment
until council gives direction uh until
we sign an agreement.
>> So thank you. And then so my follow-up
point is then if council whoop excuse me
if council turns this down uh today then
essentially the application is withdrawn
and we're back to potentially waiting
longer to implement some of these
capital infrastructure projects. Is that
correct?
>> Correct.
>> Know you'll do this but I hope now for
years we've heard from the development
industry if we didn't have development
charges for this 20% 50% or zero you see
a lot more homes in the community. So
this is a real test of this. Whatever
the day we pass this for three years,
let's see what it does to the housing
business. The housing starts in the
community. So that little editorial
there, I will call the question. All
those in favor that is done.
» We're moving into the noses of motion.
» The farm agreement. Okay. with the main
society. That should be an easy one.
Councelor Burl's moving it and councelor
White [clears throat] is seconding it.
And this this agreement will continue
now for another five years.
All those Yeah. Okay. All those in
favor. That's done. If we could move to
the noses of motion. I can't move them.
The first one is related to um the
Northern Shield pipeline. It's it's a
great announcement for the committee,
but we've got a long way to go on this.
Councelor Burl, you're moving it
back to councelor White. And I've sent
the same motion to county council. The
only difference in county council, I'll
change it a bit to ask that this be sent
out to all the municipalities in Ontario
looking for support.
Mr. Kilmer.
Uh
yeah, I I I suppose my just my my
biggest uh just question is just to clarify
within your motion just the
environmental aspects. Does that include
indigenous
uh feedback?
>> Definitely does.
>> And I was with the minister on last
Wednesday at Kelgore for an announcement
and we discussed that through the media
that the first thing he did when he came
to Sarnia last Wednesday was to call
Chief Naben and start the dialogue
there. There'll be a more formal
dialogue as we go forward, but it is
essential. It is absolutely essential
and that's what this part of the motion
was referring to. All those in favor?
That's done. That's unanimous. Uh,
council bro, you have a motion.
>> Uh, yes, your worship. uh
in light of the potential new pipeline
to Sarnia and other opportunities at the
city of Sonia work with Sarnia Lamp
economic partnership and other local,
provincial and federal agencies to
prepare a report on providing
infrastructure and related funding
necessary
for development of our industrial parks
and other lands in South Sia.
Second, councelor White,
>> I think you want to add to it, councelor
Burl or self-explanator.
>> Just uh yes, is this that there are
certainly you know this pipeline coming
is can be a great thing and but just
generally there are areas in in South
Sia that do need
some um
support in terms of the infrastructure.
And it might be time with this uh
look at that. And this is just asking
for a report. It's not a commitment to
anything. Uh it really is just asking to
look at what services might be necessary
to enhance uh development down that way
and then council of course will make a
decision at some point. But hopefully
that with uh when they because they're
talking about this uh all of this coming
through that we will be able to tap into
new provincial and federal grants that
we might not otherwise have got.
>> I believe the minister uh responsible
federally may be visiting Sarna and
that'll be one of the pitches that they
support the pipeline. So then give us
the ability in our community to get the
economic benefits. So it's certainly an
order
>> question. Yes. Question worship.
>> Go ahead.
>> Yes. Um there's been a lot of chatter
out in the community about the length of
time that this particular uh particular
um project would happen if and when it
happens. Given the fact that we have a
feasibility study uh put forward by
Premier Ford who wants to have it done
in 2026. It would appear that um a lot
of the work for some other projects uh
across provinces uh for pipelines coming
our way have basically a lot of
engineering already done and land pro uh
land purchased. So this 20 this notion
of 20 years out is ridiculous in my
humble opinion and I would think that we
would be looking more like two to four
years. Would that be a more accurate
estimation in your humble opinion?
>> I haven't heard anyone use the 20-year
number. Canada has, as I said in my
remarks with the energy minister last
week. Um, we sometimes don't get great
things done and dream big dreams. And I
would hope the federal provincial
government would do everything they can
and I think the province is really on
board to move this on parallel tracks,
do the environmental assessments, do all
the other work and uh get it done in a
very reasonable period of time. But I
can't qualify that right now. Certainly
not 20, not 10.
>> Great. Thank you.
>> I'll call the question though. Go ahead.
>> Right. Thank you. Um I I appreciate this
motion. I actually think it's it's it's
an excellent motion. Um uh it does speak
to the fact that I think some of our
stuff has been in lagging and and
knowing that in the past having spoken
to members of the economic partnership
that uh in some instances uh we may have
had a better shot at landing some of the
bigger opportunities had our
infrastructure uh been uh basically
ready uh to serve. Um, so when I see
this motion, I think about not only the
bigger projects. I think about the
secondary projects, the industries that
are supportive of of the the potential
new projects that are coming here. Uh,
but I also think about the housing stock
and I think we just addressed some of
that with the DC charges uh,
conversation. Uh, but if it's possible
to ask within this motion as well, just
to get a comment on perhaps what the um
what what housing needs may be lagging
as well. uh because again we're talking
about being able to not only um employ
the folks that already live here, but
surely we're we're looking at importing
uh a number of folks to contribute to
our economy as well and to shore that
up. So with that is going to become is
going to come a a housing crunch of
sorts. So if that's okay, if we could
add that in there, I'd appreciate that.
>> So councelor Burl, you'd move that into
the motion.
Okay, that's accepted. Thank you. All
those in favor.
All right. Moving on. Councelor Burl
minutes.
» I move that the minutes of June 22nd,
2026 regular meeting and June 22, 2026
closed meeting as printed be adopted.
>> All those in favor? Uh urgent matters. I
only have one. Councelor Bushi
unfortunately couldn't be with us today.
Uh he is now serving 50 years
proincially and locally. 50 years as his
retirement comes up. So I think we've in
order.
» Yes. I would move that we congratulate
uh Councelor Bushy on his great work in
our community
and
>> perhaps if we can find maybe even find
some kind of a an award we could print
out for him at some point.
>> Uh there is a recognition coming from
the province but it didn't arrive in
time. So that will happen and we'll find
some way to officially do that so you
can participate in that. All in favor of
that motion move us forward uh to the
consent agenda.
>> I move that items A to D listed in the
consent agenda be introduced.
» Moved seconded.
Council Keller, you had an item.
>> I move that.
>> Sorry.
>> Okay. No,
>> I think you're trying to hit the tennis
courts, aren't you? Um,
>> I move that items A to D listed in the
consent agenda as recommended or
approved by this council
>> be adopted.
>> All in favor? That is done.
>> I move that bylaws 1 to 14 as printed be
introduced and be taken as read for the
first, second, and third time and
finally passed.
>> All in favor? Before I go to
adjournment, this will be tough. Um,
this is our last official meeting unless
I have to call one for an emergency. Uh,
I just want to thank the people in this
room and councelor Gillis for the last
four years.
>> You're welcome.
>> No, for some reason this meeting just
flowed today. I just don't know why.
>> Adjournment.
>> I move that Snee City Council adjourn to
a next regular meeting to be held on
November 23rd,
2026.