[1:54] Thank you. Councelor Burl and Councelor
[1:56] White, you're moving the motions to go
[1:58] in camera.
[2:01] I move that Sarnia City Council mo I
[2:04] move that Sarnia City Council move into
[2:06] close session pursuant to sections 239 2
[2:11] B C E F and K of the Municipal Act to
[2:16] consider the following matters
[2:19] to receive advice that is subject to
[2:21] solicitor client privilege regarding a
[2:23] legal action commenced against the city.
[2:28] Consideration will be given to
[2:30] appointments to the joint compliance
[2:32] audit committee.
[2:34] Consideration will be given to
[2:36] appointments to the Sarna Chris Hadfield
[2:39] Airport Municipal Services Corporation
[2:42] board.
[2:43] Consideration will be given to an
[2:46] expression of interest to acquire
[2:48] city-owned land.
[2:50] Consideration will be given to an
[2:52] expression of interest to lease land at
[2:55] the airport.
[2:57] Consideration will be given to a matter
[2:59] that is the subject of litigation
[3:02] concerning contractual performance.
[3:05] Consideration will be given to advice
[3:07] that is subject to solicitor client
[3:09] privilege and negotiations with respect
[3:12] to a lease.
[3:14] Council provided direction to staff
[3:17] regarding litigation affecting laws.
[3:21] >> All those in favor, we will return at
[3:24] 1:00. Thank you everyone.
[52:13] Check one two mic
[52:31] Mike one second.
[1:02:17] That's a good go. Thank you,
[1:02:24] » Mr. Wells. I'm going to warn you right
[1:02:25] now. If you don't if you do not behave
[1:02:28] yourself,
[1:02:30] >> Don, if you don't behave yourself,
[1:02:35] >> Don, we're running a meeting right now.
[1:02:36] if you don't behave, if you don't
[1:02:38] behave yourself, you'll be ejected from
[1:02:40] this meeting.
[1:02:50] All right. Thank you. If we could move
[1:02:51] forward,
[1:02:54] I'll move the council right as report.
[1:02:57] >> I report that um we received advice
[1:03:00] subject to solicister client privilege
[1:03:01] regarding a legal action commenced
[1:03:03] against the city. The council provided
[1:03:05] direction to staff regarding
[1:03:06] appointments to a joint compliance audit audit committee
[1:03:19] and we made a num number of appointments
[1:03:22] to the new uh airport group the
[1:03:26] municipal service organization and I
[1:03:28] will say on behalf of council we've
[1:03:30] never had such a high quality of
[1:03:33] applicants so it was an extremely
[1:03:34] difficult decision to pick these
[1:03:36] positions to look to to get this
[1:03:38] operation up and running. We have
[1:03:40] appointed Jillian Shelley, Glenn
[1:03:42] Fenwick, Matthew Bertran, and Paul
[1:03:46] Busack. And there's an opening still on
[1:03:48] the legal side.
[1:03:54] Council also provided direction to staff
[1:03:55] regarding an expression of interest to
[1:03:58] acquire city own land. We provided
[1:04:01] direction to staff regarding an
[1:04:02] expression of interest to lease land at
[1:04:04] the airport.
[1:04:06] Council provided direction to staff
[1:04:07] regarding a matter that's subject to
[1:04:09] litigation concerning contract
[1:04:10] performances. Council provided direction
[1:04:11] to staff regarding the negotiations and
[1:04:13] received advice that's subject to
[1:04:15] solicitor client privilege. We respect
[1:04:16] those agreements. Council provided
[1:04:18] direction to staff regarding litigation
[1:04:20] affecting laws. And that's my report.
[1:04:23] >> I move that Sarn City Council adopt the
[1:04:26] report of the closed meeting.
[1:04:28] >> All those in favor? That is done. I
[1:04:31] acknowledge in the territory
[1:04:33] acknowledgement in the spirit of peace
[1:04:34] and friendship we honor an inher of the
[1:04:36] three fires confederacy on whose
[1:04:38] traditional territory we are gathered.
[1:04:40] The city of Sarna has resolved to
[1:04:41] implement the United Nations declaration
[1:04:43] on the rights of indigenous people. And
[1:04:46] I would ask you if you can stand to
[1:04:47] stand for O Canada and then a moment of
[1:04:49] silent reflection.
[1:04:55] Our
[1:05:03] [music and singing]
[1:05:05] home and native land
[1:05:10] true [music]
[1:05:13] love
[1:05:15] in all [music]
[1:05:16] of life
[1:05:21] with
[1:05:22] [singing] hearts we seek.
[1:05:25] Rise the true north [singing] strong and
[1:05:30] free
[1:05:32] from far and wide. Oh Canada
[1:05:37] we stand [singing]
[1:05:39] on guard for thee. [music]
[1:05:44] God [singing]
[1:05:45] keep our land [music]
[1:05:49] glorious [singing]
[1:05:52] and free.
[1:05:55] Oh Canada [music]
[1:05:59] we stand [singing]
[1:06:00] on guard
[1:06:02] for thee. [music]
[1:06:07] Oh Canada,
[1:06:11] we stand [singing]
[1:06:12] on God.
[1:06:16] [music]
[1:06:33] Thank you everyone.
[1:06:37] » Are there any declarations of conflict
[1:06:39] of interest? Councelor White.
[1:06:41] >> Uh yes. I'm going to declare a conflict
[1:06:43] on delegation number one as it's in
[1:06:45] regards to my own neighborhood.
[1:06:48] >> Thank you very much.
[1:06:52] If we if we councelor Keller
[1:06:54] >> um just I I hate to interrupt the the meeting but I do do think it's
[1:06:58] important for us to um uh recognize that
[1:07:02] today is your birthday. This is the last
[1:07:04] day before uh we get into election
[1:07:06] period and I I just want to wish you a
[1:07:08] happy birthday and and uh move forward
[1:07:10] from there. Thanks.
[1:07:11] >> Well, councelor Kellner, I cannot tell
[1:07:13] you a better place for me to celebrate
[1:07:15] my birthday than here. [laughter]
[1:07:17] >> Thank you for that. Um,
[1:07:19] >> okay. Don, I'm This is your last
[1:07:21] warning.
[1:07:22] >> It's my birthday.
[1:07:22] >> Don, this is your last warning.
[1:07:25] >> So, please sit down and let us go ahead
[1:07:27] with the public's business. If we can
[1:07:29] move into the public meeting, uh, we
[1:07:31] have a on Confederation line. Miss
[1:07:33] Grant, would you like to come forward
[1:07:34] and present
[1:07:59] Good afternoon in your worship members
[1:08:01] of council city staff and members of the
[1:08:04] public and my name is K grant I'm one of
[1:08:07] the planners here with the city one
[1:08:11] teeth brown planning consultants
[1:08:13] submitted official plan and zoning bylaw
[1:08:16] amendment applications to develop lands
[1:08:18] known municipally as 1519 and 1521
[1:08:22] Confederation Line for automative uses.
[1:08:26] The site is planned to accommodate two
[1:08:28] automative dealerships with associated
[1:08:31] office sales showroom and service areas.
[1:08:36] The official plan amendment portion will
[1:08:38] designate the lands from prestige
[1:08:40] employment to mixeduse corridor one to
[1:08:43] permit automative use only. The zoning
[1:08:47] by amendment portion will create a
[1:08:48] sightsp specific exception under the
[1:08:51] general commercial one zone to permit
[1:08:55] the proposed use. These applications
[1:08:57] were circulated for review and commence
[1:09:01] to the review and agencies and
[1:09:03] departments and publicized as per the
[1:09:07] provisions of the planning act. No
[1:09:10] concerns were raised by the review
[1:09:12] agencies and no commence were received
[1:09:14] from the public.
[1:09:17] Should the draft OPA and zoning by
[1:09:20] amendment be adopted, said plan approval
[1:09:23] will be required to permit the proposed
[1:09:25] use.
[1:09:27] Planning staff has
[1:09:29] evaluated
[1:09:31] the proposal based on all applicable
[1:09:33] land use planning policies and zoning
[1:09:36] bylaw 85 of 2002.
[1:09:39] And it is planning staff opinion that
[1:09:42] the proposal is consistent with the PPS
[1:09:45] and conforms to the Lantern County
[1:09:49] official plan and the SNI official plan.
[1:09:52] Planning staff supports the proposal and
[1:09:54] recommends for it to be approved. I
[1:09:58] understand that their planning
[1:09:59] consultants are available to answer
[1:10:02] questions that uh on the proposal.
[1:10:06] >> Thank you.
[1:10:08] bring on the planning consultants.
[1:10:12] » They're joining us virtually, I
[1:10:14] understand.
[1:10:20] » Just they're just joining now.
[1:10:22] >> Thank you.
[1:10:31] » Hello. Can you hear me?
[1:10:34] >> Mr. McGuffin and the other gentlemen.
[1:10:36] You've heard the planning presentation.
[1:10:38] It's recommending approval. Do you have
[1:10:39] anything further to add?
[1:10:41] >> Uh through you, Mayor Bradley. I'm Adam
[1:10:44] Lru, planner at Monteth Brown Planning
[1:10:46] Consultants, and I'm here with Jay
[1:10:48] McGuffin, principal planner at Monteth
[1:10:50] Brown Planning Consultants. Uh we're
[1:10:52] here on behalf of the property owner uh
[1:10:55] for the official plan amendment and
[1:10:57] zoning bylaw amendments at 1519 and 1521
[1:11:01] Confederation Line. Uh we just wanted to
[1:11:04] thank staff for their work on this
[1:11:05] application. We've reviewed the staff
[1:11:07] report and bylaws and are in agreement
[1:11:10] with the recommendations outlined within
[1:11:12] the report and we're available to answer
[1:11:14] any questions that council or the public
[1:11:16] may have regarding the application.
[1:11:18] >> Okay. I'm not seeing any questions from
[1:11:20] council
[1:11:22] have any further anything further to add
[1:11:25] and there's no one appears uh to object
[1:11:27] to the application. So with that, I will
[1:11:30] close the public portion of the meeting
[1:11:32] and I will look for a resolution from
[1:11:34] councel on the application. Councelor
[1:11:36] Vanderberg, councelor White, you're
[1:11:37] moving it and seconding it. Any further
[1:11:39] discussion? All those in favor? That is
[1:11:43] done. Thank you.
[1:11:47] Next is a public meeting related to uh
[1:11:49] Centennial Park and Solister is going to
[1:11:52] make a brief presentation and then we'll
[1:11:54] have one presentation from Donna Payet
[1:11:56] of the Sonia Humane Society.
[1:12:13] Good afternoon, your worship, members of
[1:12:15] council and city staff. Thank you for
[1:12:18] the opportunity to speak to you today.
[1:12:20] My name is Donna Payatt and I have the
[1:12:22] privilege of serving as executive
[1:12:24] director of the Sarna District Human
[1:12:26] Society.
[1:12:28] I am here to speak to you on behalf of
[1:12:30] the board of directors and the community
[1:12:31] we serve regarding the recently declared
[1:12:34] surplus lands and council's impending
[1:12:37] decision on whether those lands should
[1:12:39] be sold or retained.
[1:12:42] [clears throat]
[1:12:43] Respectfully, we believe the decision
[1:12:45] before you is about something much
[1:12:48] bigger than a parcel of land. It is
[1:12:51] about what that land makes possible.
[1:12:54] In June, council granted the Humane
[1:12:56] Society first right of refusal, and for
[1:12:59] that we are deeply and sincerely
[1:13:01] grateful. We recognize, however, that
[1:13:05] the first right of refusal is not a
[1:13:07] guarantee. We understand that council
[1:13:10] must carefully consider the long-term
[1:13:12] interests of the city and its residents
[1:13:15] before making any final decisions.
[1:13:19] Today, I want to share why this land
[1:13:21] matters so deeply, not just to our
[1:13:24] organization, but to the people and
[1:13:26] animals of your community, and why we
[1:13:28] believe preserving this opportunity
[1:13:31] aligns with a vision that has been
[1:13:33] decades in the making.
[1:13:35] The Sernian District Humane Society is
[1:13:38] much more than an animal shelter. Every
[1:13:41] day, we provide a safe refuge, care, and
[1:13:44] second chances to animals who have
[1:13:46] nowhere else to go.
[1:13:48] We reunite lost pets with anxious
[1:13:50] families. We help seniors keep beloved
[1:13:53] companions. We support people facing
[1:13:56] financial hardship who have otherwise
[1:13:58] struggled to care for their animals.
[1:14:01] We work with community partners,
[1:14:03] volunteers, foster families,
[1:14:06] veterinarians, and donors who all share
[1:14:09] a common belief that compassion
[1:14:12] strengthens a community.
[1:14:14] When think people think about the Humane
[1:14:16] Society, they often think of animals.
[1:14:19] But our work is really about people,
[1:14:20] too. Anyone who has experienced the
[1:14:23] unconditional love of a pet understands
[1:14:26] the impact animals have on mental
[1:14:29] health, emotional well-being, social
[1:14:32] connection, and their quality of life.
[1:14:36] Every successful adoption creates a
[1:14:38] family. Every animal saved eases
[1:14:41] suffering. And every pet retained in a
[1:14:44] home supports programs that prevent
[1:14:47] another crisis.
[1:14:52] » The land before you today represents an
[1:14:54] opportunity to build upon that community
[1:14:57] impact for generations.
[1:14:59] >> Excuse me, M. I fine. I hate to
[1:15:02] interrupt your uh
[1:15:03] >> That's okay,
[1:15:05] >> Mr. Wells. Mr. Wells, please.
[1:15:12] Mr. Wells, would would you please leave
[1:15:15] people alone back there or vacate the
[1:15:17] chamber?
[1:15:20] » Yeah, I'm talking to you, Don. You're
[1:15:22] disrupting the meeting.
[1:15:23] >> I will sit down.
[1:15:26] >> Please sit down and be quiet. Miss
[1:15:28] Payet, again, I apologize.
[1:15:29] >> It's okay.
[1:15:34] » Payet, I apologize. Please go ahead.
[1:15:36] >> Thank you.
[1:15:38] As our community grows and changes, so
[1:15:40] do the demands placed on animal welfare
[1:15:42] organizations. We face increasing
[1:15:44] challenges related to animal intake,
[1:15:47] housing capacity, enrichment needs,
[1:15:49] veterinary care, and public services.
[1:15:52] Additionally, the land provides room to
[1:15:54] think beyond today's needs and prepare
[1:15:56] for tomorrow's realities. It increas It
[1:15:59] creates possibilities for expanded
[1:16:02] animal care facilities, educational
[1:16:04] programs, and increased community
[1:16:06] engagement.
[1:16:08] And perhaps most importantly, the
[1:16:10] possibilities that we cannot fully
[1:16:12] realize if this opportunity is lost.
[1:16:16] Once land is sold and developed, it is
[1:16:18] gone forever.
[1:16:20] Opportunities to expand community
[1:16:22] serving infrastructure do not come
[1:16:24] around often, particularly adjacent to
[1:16:28] our existing shelter. This is a unique
[1:16:31] moment and one that may never present
[1:16:33] itself again.
[1:16:36] As council considers this decision, I
[1:16:38] would also like to remind you of a
[1:16:40] vision that was planted many years ago
[1:16:44] by a remarkable community leader in
[1:16:46] animal welfare, Marilyn her.
[1:16:49] Many of you will remember Marilyn and
[1:16:52] know or know of her contributions on
[1:16:55] behalf of those who cannot speak for
[1:16:57] themselves. When Marilyn began her work
[1:17:00] with the Humane Society, operations were
[1:17:02] conducted from a modest two- room
[1:17:04] shelter on Campbell Street. Conditions
[1:17:08] were far different than they are today.
[1:17:11] Resources were limited. Expectations
[1:17:13] were different. Yet, Marilyn saw beyond
[1:17:17] what existed. She had a vision for
[1:17:20] something better. She believed that the
[1:17:22] animals in this community deserved
[1:17:24] better. She believed that the people who
[1:17:26] cared about those animals deserve
[1:17:28] better. And she believed that the Humane
[1:17:31] Society could become a larger, more
[1:17:33] impactful community organization that
[1:17:36] anyone might have imagined at this time.
[1:17:40] Because of people like Marlin and
[1:17:42] because previous councils and community
[1:17:44] leaders were willing to look beyond
[1:17:47] immediate circumstances and invest in
[1:17:49] the future, we are where we are today.
[1:17:52] What once seemed ambitious became a
[1:17:55] reality. What once seemed distant became
[1:17:58] achievable. The current discussion about
[1:18:01] these lands is in many ways an extension
[1:18:04] of the very vision that Maryland planted
[1:18:07] years ago.
[1:18:08] Maryland planted a seed and it grew
[1:18:11] because people believed in it. Today,
[1:18:14] council has an opportunity to help
[1:18:17] ensure it continues to grow. This is not
[1:18:20] simply about acquiring additional
[1:18:21] property. It is about protecting the
[1:18:24] potential to meet future community
[1:18:26] needs. It is about ensuring that the
[1:18:29] humane society can continue evolving as
[1:18:32] circumstances change. And it is about
[1:18:34] creating capacity before crisis demands
[1:18:37] it. Most importantly, this is about
[1:18:41] stewardship.
[1:18:42] The Humane Society has been entrusted
[1:18:45] with the welfare of vulnerable animals
[1:18:48] for generations, over seven decades. We
[1:18:52] take that responsibility seriously. We
[1:18:54] know that every decision we make must be
[1:18:57] guided by fiscal responsibility,
[1:18:59] operational planning, and community
[1:19:01] benefit. If given the opportunity to
[1:19:04] secure this land, we intend to approach
[1:19:06] it with that same sense of
[1:19:08] responsibility and long-term thinking.
[1:19:11] Council is often asked to weigh
[1:19:14] competing priorities. You are asked to
[1:19:17] balance today's realities with
[1:19:19] tomorrow's possibilities.
[1:19:21] These decisions are not always easy, and
[1:19:23] we respect that. But some decisions have
[1:19:27] the potential to create benefits that
[1:19:29] last for decades, and I personally
[1:19:31] believe that this is one of those
[1:19:33] decisions.
[1:19:35] The value of this land should not be
[1:19:37] measured solely in dollars or potential
[1:19:40] sale proceeds. Its value should be
[1:19:42] measured in the community impact which
[1:19:44] it will create.
[1:19:48] Sorry. [clears throat]
[1:19:50] Future opportunity, animal welfare and
[1:19:53] the legacy that we leave for future
[1:19:55] generations.
[1:19:56] Years from now, the financial return
[1:19:58] from the land sale will be forgotten.
[1:20:02] But the impact of preserving an
[1:20:05] opportunity for a community institution
[1:20:07] to grow and serve more people and
[1:20:11] animals will continue to be seen every
[1:20:13] day in every adoption, every reunion,
[1:20:17] and every family supported and every
[1:20:20] animal that's been given a second
[1:20:22] chance.
[1:20:24] This is not about taking something away
[1:20:26] from Sarna.
[1:20:28] It is about investing in something that
[1:20:30] has been giving back to Sarnia for over
[1:20:33] 70 years. We are asking you to consider
[1:20:36] the opportunity before you not simply as
[1:20:39] a question of land but as a question of
[1:20:41] community impact. On behalf of the
[1:20:44] staff, volunteers, donors, foster
[1:20:48] families, supporters, and the countless
[1:20:50] animals who depend on us, I respectfully
[1:20:53] ask council to consider the broader
[1:20:56] community value of these lands and the
[1:20:58] role they play in helping the Sarnia
[1:21:01] District Humane Society continue its
[1:21:03] mission into the future. Let us continue
[1:21:06] building on the vision that Marilyn her
[1:21:08] began in a small two- room shelter on
[1:21:11] Camel Street. Let us nurture the seed
[1:21:13] that she planted
[1:21:15] and let us ensure that future
[1:21:17] generations inherit a humane society
[1:21:20] that is prepared, capable, and
[1:21:23] positioned to serve this community for
[1:21:25] decades to come. Thank you for your
[1:21:28] time, your consideration, and your
[1:21:30] continued support of animal welfare.
[1:21:32] Respectfully,
[1:21:33] >> thank you, Miss Pat. And again, I
[1:21:34] apologize for the interruptions there. I
[1:21:36] was really pleased you um recognized
[1:21:38] Marilyn.
[1:21:39] >> Of course. Yes. Um question is we go
[1:21:42] through this process and you've been
[1:21:44] very good working with on the process
[1:21:46] [applause]
[1:21:51] » as we move into LA later this year.
[1:21:53] What's your time frame council when
[1:21:56] council gives that approval to move
[1:21:57] forward on that land? Like we talking
[1:21:59] late this year, next year?
[1:22:01] >> Late this year if possible.
[1:22:04] >> Any questions? Uh, Councelor Vandenberg,
[1:22:06] Councelor White, Councelor Ker,
[1:22:09] >> and then Councelor Burl. Okay, go ahead,
[1:22:11] please.
[1:22:12] >> You're going to let me go first. Oh,
[1:22:14] thanks. Thanks, Councelor Vandenberg.
[1:22:15] Uh, Mayor Bradley, uh, through you, uh, the whole situation. I just want to
[1:22:23] kind of go back to the broader picture,
[1:22:25] which is you're located where you are.
[1:22:28] Your neighbors are Sandrin Cargle, uh,
[1:22:31] Patty Flarities, and so on and so forth,
[1:22:33] Centennial Park even. and uh uh there's
[1:22:37] excess land there. And our conversation
[1:22:40] is essentially that
[1:22:42] um it makes a whole lot more sense for
[1:22:46] an organization that already has really
[1:22:47] good neighbors uh to expand where they
[1:22:50] are with the support of their neighbors.
[1:22:54] uh rather than trying to find a new
[1:22:56] location and uh convince neighbors uh in new locations
[1:23:03] uh to get used to dogs barking and cats
[1:23:06] meowing and parrots doing whatever
[1:23:08] parrots do. Uh so uh I'm fundamentally
[1:23:13] just this is just a general comment that to me the pitch that you're making
[1:23:19] makes a whole lot of sense. Uh there's
[1:23:22] the uh the location also supports lots
[1:23:25] of people who are perhaps unhoused or
[1:23:29] couch surfing that depend on their pets
[1:23:32] uh to uh just provide support. You know,
[1:23:36] we all need companions on the journey.
[1:23:39] And uh I suppose my question is is this kind of stuff that I'm
[1:23:46] thinking about does that make sense in
[1:23:50] terms of moving this forward? Because
[1:23:51] you folks don't aren't just a humane
[1:23:54] society, you're also the pound service
[1:23:56] in in this in this city and like we
[1:23:59] require
[1:24:01] u just incredible serious
[1:24:05] uh support from [snorts] you. Um, the
[1:24:09] location makes sense, the neighbors make
[1:24:11] sense, and and an expansion makes sense.
[1:24:14] It
[1:24:16] >> all makes sense.
[1:24:18] [laughter] It does. It all makes sense.
[1:24:20] It does. Yes,
[1:24:21] >> that's a good answer. Uh, Council
[1:24:23] Vanderberg, Councelor White, and then
[1:24:25] Councelor Burl.
[1:24:25] >> Thank you, Horship. Um, you know, it's
[1:24:28] no secret that the Humane Society and I
[1:24:30] was a former chair and former board
[1:24:32] member for a number of years and it's no
[1:24:34] secret that we've been looking for or we
[1:24:39] they have been looking for a spot for
[1:24:41] quite a while and now now they've
[1:24:42] centered back on the spot beside their
[1:24:45] original location.
[1:24:47] your worship. My my thinking of this
[1:24:49] matter is it's it's we have these
[1:24:51] documents in front of us today saying
[1:24:53] it's a right at first of refusal and all
[1:24:54] this other stuff and we have to wait
[1:24:56] another six weeks maybe to see if
[1:24:58] anybody else uh shows up with
[1:25:02] an offer to purchase or or some
[1:25:04] expression of interest. Uh this has been
[1:25:06] going on. It's been public record for a
[1:25:08] number of years now. We everybody in the
[1:25:10] city of Sarnia and the county of Lamp
[1:25:12] probably the province of Ontario knows
[1:25:13] that they we need a new facility here. I
[1:25:15] don't know why we need to sit here and
[1:25:17] wait another six weeks to find out if
[1:25:19] anybody is expressing any interest in
[1:25:21] this property. I I think if there was
[1:25:23] any expression of interest now that
[1:25:26] would have been brought forward at some
[1:25:27] point in time and and unless somebody
[1:25:29] can tell me otherwise but I don't see
[1:25:31] anybody running up to the podium here to
[1:25:33] tell tell us that they want to buy that
[1:25:34] property. So I I my respectful
[1:25:38] submission would be in this regard your
[1:25:40] worship that uh we dropped this right of
[1:25:43] first of re get and tell the humane
[1:25:46] society that today we will start
[1:25:49] negotiating with them and so they can
[1:25:51] make that purchase of the property.
[1:25:53] Sorry
[1:25:55] [applause]
[1:25:56] I don't like being in this position but
[1:25:58] the reality is you're a public body and
[1:26:00] I believe the humane society has
[1:26:01] recognized that. Yes, we have.
[1:26:03] >> And this will take us through councelor
[1:26:04] Vandenberg with known and with there are
[1:26:06] critics of this land going to the main
[1:26:09] society. This will keep you bulletproof
[1:26:11] on any complaints the ombsman or anyone
[1:26:13] else about how we disposed of this land
[1:26:16] and that's the only reason I brought
[1:26:18] with the support of the mayor side of
[1:26:19] this clause. It'll be done in six weeks
[1:26:22] and then we can move forward. But I
[1:26:24] would just caution you if you derail it
[1:26:26] right now uh you may have ever
[1:26:28] consequences to the city and that's what
[1:26:29] we're trying to avoid.
[1:26:32] concern is your worship if is this the
[1:26:35] last council meeting we're having so
[1:26:36] it's six weeks from now what happens
[1:26:38] then
[1:26:39] >> well the CEO is mandated to move forward
[1:26:41] with the direction of council if we at
[1:26:43] that point
[1:26:46] >> and we can marry that together so we can
[1:26:48] work that out
[1:26:48] >> so that would be part of the the motion
[1:26:50] that that would proceed in six weeks
[1:26:52] whether it's so but it got approved
[1:26:54] today
[1:26:55] >> yep that's I believe within his
[1:26:56] authority
[1:26:58] councelor white councelor Burl.
[1:27:01] >> Uh, thank you. Uh, and thank you, Miss
[1:27:03] Bad. Thank you for being here. Um, I'll
[1:27:05] be honest, I was disappointed at the
[1:27:07] previous plan of moving somewhere else
[1:27:09] and now we're reverting back to was it 5
[1:27:11] years ago, six years ago, we were
[1:27:13] talking about this same location.
[1:27:14] >> Um, which I was 100% on board with and remain. So, so I'm actually excited
[1:27:20] that we're here today. And and I think
[1:27:22] what's uh the point that was just made
[1:27:24] has been uh difficult uh for a lot of
[1:27:27] folks to understand that there's
[1:27:28] actually just a regulatory process. It
[1:27:30] doesn't mean that we're not individually
[1:27:34] or collectively supportive one way or
[1:27:36] the other, but there is a legal process
[1:27:38] that we just have to follow. And I know
[1:27:39] through discussions with yourself and the board chair that you're aware of
[1:27:43] that as well. So I think it's important
[1:27:45] to acknowledge that for public sake that
[1:27:47] we're just we're checking the boxes
[1:27:49] here. We're making sure, as the mayor
[1:27:50] said, that we're bulletproof and and
[1:27:52] that we're going to find ourselves after
[1:27:53] a very long period of years. Uh,
[1:27:58] working through some difficult
[1:27:59] circumstances of which, you know, I I
[1:28:02] think are very unfortunate, but here we
[1:28:04] are today. Um, and I'm really excited
[1:28:07] about what the future holds for you. Um,
[1:28:09] and and the organization and the city as
[1:28:11] a whole. So, thank you for your
[1:28:12] perseverance and thank you for allowing
[1:28:14] us to get to this point today. Uh first
[1:28:17] off, um and could could you um uh two
[1:28:20] things. I want to just absolutely
[1:28:22] explicitly understand what your ask is
[1:28:25] today. I I think we're clear, but I want
[1:28:28] to make sure that I hear it from you
[1:28:30] directly. Um given that you've got the
[1:28:32] microphone. Um and then uh would you be
[1:28:35] able to just I think for for the sake of
[1:28:38] hope and optimism elaborate on some of
[1:28:41] the future plans that you do anticipate
[1:28:44] um employing in that particular space.
[1:28:47] What can we look forward to?
[1:28:48] >> Certainly from your worship to council
[1:28:51] Councilman White um I don't believe that
[1:28:54] there was really an ask today as much as
[1:28:56] it was. Um we just felt we've been we've
[1:28:59] tried to remain very quiet about this.
[1:29:01] We have reached out to counselors and we
[1:29:02] have had those conversations and I
[1:29:05] believe we just reached a point where we
[1:29:06] thought you know what we need to we need
[1:29:09] to to say what what we
[1:29:12] just need everyone to know [laughter]
[1:29:14] what what we think and what we feel um
[1:29:16] and to make council aware um that how
[1:29:21] important this land is to us and how
[1:29:23] important um this project is to us. Um,
[1:29:26] I will say, um, and I do want to give
[1:29:28] kudos to city staff, um, who have been
[1:29:31] in this with us for quite a few years
[1:29:33] and most specifically over the last
[1:29:35] year, um, and I will embarrass them and
[1:29:37] point them out as to Adam McDonald and
[1:29:39] to Eric Hyatt who have been extremely
[1:29:42] patient with us in meeting with us and
[1:29:44] answering a lot of questions and kind of
[1:29:46] navigating us through this. So, um,
[1:29:48] kudos to them and to the city staff.
[1:29:50] They've been great. Um, I think the
[1:29:54] biggest piece of what the shelter, the
[1:29:57] new shelter, what we envision for that
[1:29:58] new shelter is the services to the
[1:30:00] community. So, some of you do know that
[1:30:02] we do Howled um public wellness clinics
[1:30:05] um throughout the year. Um they're
[1:30:07] completely volunteer-driven and they
[1:30:10] provide wellness to to owned pets um for
[1:30:13] people who um just need a little bit of
[1:30:15] help. Um last year we serviced close to
[1:30:19] 2,000 pets. So, um, this year we've only
[1:30:23] held two and we're well over into
[1:30:28] beating that number. And it just, you
[1:30:30] know, it it shows us um how desperately
[1:30:34] needed uh our community animals um the
[1:30:38] owned animals are into needing help. and
[1:30:42] um you know looking at that new shelter
[1:30:44] and providing an affordable veterinary
[1:30:46] clinic for our community so that
[1:30:49] everyone regardless of you know where
[1:30:52] they sit on that financial scale can
[1:30:54] access that veterinary care. That's a
[1:30:56] big one for us. Um community programs
[1:30:59] where we can um enhance our uh our
[1:31:04] emergency housing services. Um that new
[1:31:08] shelter will will bring that to us.
[1:31:10] right now we're just we're so bogged
[1:31:12] down with surreners and strays and if we
[1:31:16] just had that ability to be able to
[1:31:19] provide a bigger space where we can help
[1:31:21] the community more. Um that's really
[1:31:23] what that's really what it all comes
[1:31:25] down to for this new shelter.
[1:31:27] >> Councelor Burl,
[1:31:29] >> Council Mc Roberts,
[1:31:30] >> uh excuse me. [clears throat] Thank you,
[1:31:31] worship. Uh just uh I guess a question
[1:31:34] for staff before I um have other
[1:31:38] questions, but what is the current
[1:31:40] arrangement
[1:31:42] on the existing facility
[1:31:49] » through the mayor uh with respect to the
[1:31:52] lands at least to the Sarnian District
[1:31:54] Humane Society or the lands adjacent to
[1:31:56] them?
[1:31:59] Okay. So, the city owns the land and
[1:32:03] the humane society owns the building. Is
[1:32:05] that basically it through the mayor?
[1:32:08] Yes, that is correct. With respect to
[1:32:10] the lands
[1:32:12] that the Sernian District Humane Society
[1:32:14] are situated on, the city owns the land
[1:32:16] and is under a lease um agreement with
[1:32:18] the Humane Society who owns the
[1:32:20] building. the lands subject to the um
[1:32:24] this public meeting are the lands east
[1:32:26] so adjacent to them.
[1:32:28] >> Yes, thank you. Uh yes. So I guess my
[1:32:31] basic my question is why why is the uh
[1:32:36] humane society [clears throat]
[1:32:38] interested in purchasing this land where
[1:32:41] the city has already provided the
[1:32:45] existing land really I guess it's just
[1:32:48] least like a dollar a year kind of it's
[1:32:50] basically donated land why is it that
[1:32:52] they want to now buy land as opposed to
[1:32:56] maybe working some deal with the city on
[1:32:59] leasing again or whatever
[1:33:03] >> through the worship to um Councilman
[1:33:05] Burl. Um great question. Um one that we
[1:33:08] get asked a lot um in lease agreements
[1:33:12] um and we've had a great lease agreement
[1:33:13] with the city of Sarnia for a number of
[1:33:16] years. Um and I know that lease
[1:33:18] agreement comes up I believe in 20 2030
[1:33:21] 2040. Um,
[1:33:24] a lot of it is based on our donor base
[1:33:26] and um,
[1:33:29] we, you know, we truly believe in
[1:33:30] conversations with them that, um, owned
[1:33:34] land makes more sense. If we're going to
[1:33:37] sink $10 million into a building, we
[1:33:39] want it to be sitting on own land and
[1:33:41] not lease land. Council has been great
[1:33:44] over the last 40, 50, 60, 70 years, but
[1:33:47] council in five years may look a lot
[1:33:49] differently and may have a different
[1:33:51] idea. So, you know, this protects that
[1:33:53] shelter um with us owning that land.
[1:33:58] » Thank you, Councelor McRoberts.
[1:34:01] >> Thank you to the chair. Thank you,
[1:34:03] Donna, for your talk. So, how is
[1:34:05] fundraising going right now?
[1:34:06] >> Really good.
[1:34:07] >> And that's for the building, right?
[1:34:08] >> Absolutely.
[1:34:09] >> So, I'm going to jump the gun here and
[1:34:12] say first write or refusal and it
[1:34:14] happens. Would it be unoured for us to
[1:34:17] say in a contract that we're going to
[1:34:19] give them
[1:34:20] 50 years to pay off that land as opposed
[1:34:24] to having to fund raise and come up with
[1:34:26] that immediately? I know that that's up
[1:34:28] to the staff to make this happen, but as
[1:34:30] Donna just said, councils can change.
[1:34:33] So, if we put into a contract to give
[1:34:36] them the longest possible term to pay
[1:34:38] that off cuz 10 million isn't just going
[1:34:41] to happen overnight for them to build
[1:34:42] the building to plus their permits and
[1:34:45] whatnot.
[1:34:45] >> But you're not looking for that,
[1:34:47] correct? You're not looking for a lease.
[1:34:49] >> We are not looking for a lease.
[1:34:50] >> They're looking to purchase it, right?
[1:34:52] So, that's we're estimating it's $1.4
[1:34:54] million. They've got a $10 million bill
[1:34:57] to build a building. I would I would
[1:34:59] suggest you do want to wait till the end
[1:35:00] of uh let's say eight weeks and then
[1:35:04] go from there.
[1:35:05] >> Okay,
[1:35:06] >> that makes sense. Okay,
[1:35:07] >> if I could to and you have the right to
[1:35:09] call an emergency meeting for us to be
[1:35:11] online and discuss.
[1:35:12] >> It's in my notes here that if by any
[1:35:14] chance the CEO has indicated very
[1:35:16] clearly, I'm going to ask you to change
[1:35:17] the resolution about returning to
[1:35:19] council to the CEO. But for any when any
[1:35:22] reason we thought um we needed to meet
[1:35:24] with council, I will call a special
[1:35:26] meeting at the end of the
[1:35:28] Thank you very much. Miss Nicholson, do
[1:35:31] you have anything you want to add to
[1:35:32] this?
[1:35:35] >> Please go ahead.
[1:35:37] Sorry. Amber, Miss
[1:35:40] Giggles, go ahead, please.
[1:35:42] >> Okay. Uh, yes. Thank you. Thank you,
[1:35:44] worship. Uh I don't have a question
[1:35:46] directly to Miss Payet but I I did want
[1:35:49] to ask a question of yourself and and
[1:35:52] staff because in this report it says uh
[1:35:56] we are going to have um in the EO EOI or
[1:36:02] expression of interest and have an eight
[1:36:05] each 8 week period to do so. You already
[1:36:07] stated your worship that is going to be
[1:36:10] in six weeks. Uh, I would like to ask if
[1:36:13] we can shorten that down again to four
[1:36:16] weeks. And the reason I'm saying that is
[1:36:19] because it will allow us to have a
[1:36:20] special meeting in August and get this
[1:36:22] all wrapped up. My explanation it comes
[1:36:26] back to the report again which says um
[1:36:32] any submissions uh will be non-binding
[1:36:34] and could be considered council can
[1:36:37] consider
[1:36:39] or are not obligated to take any other
[1:36:41] submissions but the preferred.
[1:36:44] So really, we're we're we're trying to satisfy the legal
[1:36:50] component, but I don't think the
[1:36:52] timelines would would interfere with
[1:36:55] that at all given the fact that this is
[1:36:58] such um a very public um transaction
[1:37:03] that we've had. There's there's massive
[1:37:06] support. Yes, there's some that that are
[1:37:08] isn't, but there's massive support, I
[1:37:09] would say, for this particular project
[1:37:12] and the um certainly the the council has
[1:37:15] certainly um indicated that they have uh
[1:37:18] very strong support for this project.
[1:37:22] And then when I look at actually the
[1:37:24] policy that we have um the purpose of
[1:37:28] the policy and I'm quoting here is um to
[1:37:33] have an accountable and equitable
[1:37:35] process in a manner consistent with the
[1:37:37] best interest of the city. I would argue
[1:37:41] that um having this whole transaction
[1:37:45] done within this council's term is in
[1:37:48] the best interest of the city because
[1:37:50] we're satisfying the needs of the city,
[1:37:53] we're satisfying the needs of this
[1:37:56] humane society who not only looks after
[1:37:58] our pound for us but also uh looks after
[1:38:01] the animal farm. So, I would ask and
[1:38:04] I'll make this as a motion coming
[1:38:06] forward if I can that we shorten that
[1:38:08] EOI process down to four weeks and then
[1:38:12] uh have call a special meeting to um to
[1:38:16] finish it off.
[1:38:17] >> Okay. I just want to remind council that
[1:38:19] you have not decided yet whether this
[1:38:21] land is going to be surplus. That's what
[1:38:22] you're doing today. You've got a choice
[1:38:25] of uh directing that we do not dispose
[1:38:28] of the land or that we move forward with
[1:38:30] the humane society. That's the question
[1:38:32] today that we decide time frames and my
[1:38:35] recommendation and the CEO said he's
[1:38:37] fine with that is to uh de delegate him
[1:38:40] to make a decision if council gives that
[1:38:42] positive direction
[1:38:45] and if I said earlier if necessary I'll
[1:38:47] call a special meeting I would hope not
[1:38:49] because I think the direction is very
[1:38:50] clear if we endorse this other motion.
[1:38:53] So with that I thank you and did you to
[1:38:56] our lawyer do you have anything further
[1:38:57] to add
[1:39:01] » is there a reason why it's eight weeks
[1:39:04] >> so uh to the mayor the
[1:39:08] because of the value of the land uh and
[1:39:10] the potential interest being it's
[1:39:12] waterfront uh public parkland um the
[1:39:15] proposal was eight weeks to allow for
[1:39:17] potential interested parties to prepare
[1:39:20] um a comprehensive proposal EOI to bring
[1:39:23] to council is just um to allow them time
[1:39:25] to prepare that. Um if council's desire
[1:39:28] is to shorten that period um we we can
[1:39:30] certainly do so. Um I would um with
[1:39:34] respect to the the four weeks um
[1:39:38] bringing back to August, I would just
[1:39:40] caution that that timeline um would be
[1:39:43] short to to prepare the report um and
[1:39:46] bring to council in in four weeks.
[1:39:48] >> Thank you very much, Miss Pette.
[1:39:49] >> Thank you. So council you have had
[1:39:51] directions in front of you. There's two
[1:39:52] directions. It's pretty obvious what the
[1:39:54] sentiment in the room is is to move the
[1:39:56] first direction uh related to declaring
[1:39:59] the soliciting expressions of interest
[1:40:02] and returning back in eight weeks and
[1:40:04] the CEO would be delegated to move
[1:40:05] forward on the
[1:40:08] comes back.
[1:40:11] >> I I so move but I'd like to make an
[1:40:13] amendment to that if I may.
[1:40:15] >> Sorry I don't even have a movement
[1:40:17] second yet. Councelor Vanderberg.
[1:40:20] Councelor Secer, Councelor Kellner. Go
[1:40:22] ahead, please. Councelor Burl and then
[1:40:24] councelor [clears throat] Sorry,
[1:40:25] Councelor Gillston. Councelor Burl.
[1:40:27] >> Yes. I'd like to make an amendment to
[1:40:28] that because uh listening to the legal
[1:40:31] uh council um had difficulty with four
[1:40:34] weeks, but I did not hear any difficulty
[1:40:37] with six weeks. So if we could uh reduce
[1:40:41] that to six weeks and uh again going
[1:40:44] back council is not obligated to um
[1:40:48] accept the highest submission. Indeed
[1:40:51] council doesn't have to accept any EOI
[1:40:54] that comes forward other than the
[1:40:56] preferred candidate. So
[1:40:58] >> I'll simply ask the mover and second if
[1:41:00] they would accept that as a friendly
[1:41:02] amendment. Accepted. Accepted. Okay.
[1:41:04] Thank you. So that doesn't need an
[1:41:05] amendment to it. Okay. Let's deal with
[1:41:07] question. All those in favor.
[1:41:10] That's unanimous. Thank you everyone.
[1:41:15] Back to C. [applause]
[1:41:20] Okay. The clerk's being the clerk which
[1:41:22] is her job.
[1:41:24] I understood the motion would come back
[1:41:26] at the end of eight weeks and the CEO
[1:41:28] would have delegated authority to move
[1:41:30] forward with the main society.
[1:41:38] That's understood. All right, moving on.
[1:41:40] We have
[1:41:42] >> I'm sorry.
[1:41:43] >> Yeah,
[1:41:44] >> six weeks. Yes.
[1:41:45] >> Okay. Can we move on to the next
[1:41:48] delegation then, please?
[1:41:51] And that is Emily Grant and Christian
[1:41:53] Eddie related to uh an issue with a
[1:41:56] basketball net.
[1:42:05] Um, can I ask permission that the boys
[1:42:07] show photos of what we're talking about
[1:42:09] as we talk about it?
[1:42:11] >> Okay, that's fine. Um, can you give them
[1:42:13] to the clerk or you're going to do it up
[1:42:15] there?
[1:42:16] >> If you'd prefer that,
[1:42:17] >> whatever is the public can see. I think
[1:42:19] that's important.
[1:42:24] » And I have um petitions that we did. So,
[1:42:27] this is over 30 signatures. And if you
[1:42:30] could present that to the clerk,
[1:42:34] » I can I can also tell you I we tried to
[1:42:37] find every which way to have you not
[1:42:38] come to council,
[1:42:40] >> but I appreciate that we could not do
[1:42:42] that. So, please tell us the story.
[1:42:44] >> Okay. Uh good afternoon. We're here to
[1:42:46] speak on behalf of the families, kids,
[1:42:48] and residents of our neighborhood
[1:42:50] regarding a notice to remove a
[1:42:51] basketball net from our boulevard
[1:42:52] located at 2425 Diane Drive. However, it
[1:42:56] is on the West Grove side. We are on a
[1:42:58] corner. We understand that this issue
[1:43:00] was sparked by a single neighbor's
[1:43:02] complaint. While we fully respect all of
[1:43:04] our neighbors, we believe ordering the
[1:43:06] removal of this net penalizes the
[1:43:08] neighborhood youth. It removes a
[1:43:09] healthy, safe, and positive outlook
[1:43:11] outlet for our children. To show you
[1:43:14] just how much our neighborhood values
[1:43:16] this space, we are proud to present a
[1:43:18] petition to today with over 30
[1:43:19] signatures from residents in our
[1:43:21] neighborhood. And those are all from
[1:43:23] separate homes, taxpayers. These are the
[1:43:26] homeowners who live near the net, who
[1:43:28] hear the games, and who see the kids
[1:43:30] every day. By an overwhelming majority,
[1:43:32] the taxpayers in our street want this
[1:43:33] basketball net to stay. As my boys and I
[1:43:36] knocked on doors this past weekend, we
[1:43:38] were so heartened by the response from
[1:43:40] our neighbors who offered to come to
[1:43:42] today's meeting with signs, told us how
[1:43:44] much they love watching the kids play,
[1:43:46] and felt genuinely confused that anyone
[1:43:48] would want the net removed. Our
[1:43:51] neighborhood is already actively
[1:43:52] committed to safety. We have installed
[1:43:54] slow down signs as is shown in the
[1:43:56] photos to alert drivers and to ensure
[1:43:59] our streets remain safe for our
[1:44:00] children. We have also purchased
[1:44:02] portable slowdown turtles that go on the
[1:44:05] street when the net is being used. Also
[1:44:06] in the photos, our Boulevard basketball
[1:44:09] net is more than just the metal that
[1:44:10] it's made of. It is a community hub. It
[1:44:12] is a place where local kids disconnect
[1:44:14] from screens, get fresh air, learn about
[1:44:17] teamwork, sharing, and sportsmanship.
[1:44:19] In a world where we constantly worry
[1:44:21] about youth mental health and screen
[1:44:23] time, this hoop provides an accessible
[1:44:25] solution right outside our doors. Our
[1:44:27] kids have become friends with neighbors
[1:44:29] who they might not otherwise interact
[1:44:30] with. Children of all ages play together
[1:44:32] and everyone is welcome. This community
[1:44:35] building is priceless. Upon a quick
[1:44:37] drive through our ne our immediate
[1:44:39] neighborhood within a few blocks, we
[1:44:41] have identified over 10 portable
[1:44:43] basketball nets that are on boulevards
[1:44:45] or directly on city streets. Again, some
[1:44:47] of those photos are are available there.
[1:44:50] We do not wish to complain about these
[1:44:51] nets and we absolutely want them to stay
[1:44:53] where they are. However, our inground
[1:44:55] basketball net offers more safety
[1:44:57] because it eliminates the tipping
[1:44:58] hazards associated with portable bases.
[1:45:01] Well, portable hoops rely on weighted
[1:45:03] bases that can shift, crack, or leak
[1:45:05] over time. Cemented poles provide rigid
[1:45:07] stability capable of withstanding severe
[1:45:09] wind and aggressive gameplay. And I do
[1:45:12] believe that there are hundreds of these
[1:45:14] portable nets on boulevards throughout
[1:45:15] the city of Sarnia. Um, Brightites Grove
[1:45:17] alone, I think there are more than 50.
[1:45:21] Um, we understand that the city has
[1:45:23] bylaws regarding boulevard encro
[1:45:25] encroachment. However, over a year of
[1:45:27] safety combined with over 30
[1:45:28] neighborhood signatures proves that this
[1:45:30] hoop is a positive asset to Sarnia and
[1:45:32] Brits Grove. We ask council to grant a
[1:45:34] sight specific
[1:45:37] variant or a 60-day conditional trial
[1:45:39] period. Let us prove that active,
[1:45:41] healthy kids and neighborly respect can
[1:45:43] easily coexist. Thanks for your time.
[1:45:46] >> Thank you, councelor Keller. Councelor
[1:45:48] Vanderber. Uh thank you through the
[1:45:50] mayor. Um I wonder if the kids would
[1:45:54] like to say anything. Additionally,
[1:45:56] second of all, um one of the comments
[1:45:59] that I have is is on the street that I
[1:46:02] grew up on, McGee Street near not far
[1:46:04] from Sunri. Um, we didn't have permanent
[1:46:07] basketball nets, but I do understand uh
[1:46:10] we we had those t those ones that tip.
[1:46:13] Uh, but we spent a lot of time on that
[1:46:15] street playing road hockey and and
[1:46:18] things like that. It's it's um the
[1:46:21] traditional Canada I I suppose that that
[1:46:23] many of us remember. So, um, you know,
[1:46:27] to have to have an ingground one that
[1:46:30] won't tip, um, I I certainly hear as a a
[1:46:34] safety precaution. And and, uh, what we
[1:46:38] should be looking for is reasons why, in
[1:46:41] my opinion, um, people want to hang out
[1:46:45] in their own neighborhoods and find
[1:46:47] their own, uh, space and and connect
[1:46:50] with people in healthy ways.
[1:46:52] uh we're just on the cusp, you know, the end of the World Cup and we've seen
[1:46:56] that for the last what couple months. Um
[1:46:59] so I I just wanted wanted to also wonder
[1:47:02] if anybody else in your family wanted to
[1:47:04] speak, but also just to share a little
[1:47:06] bit of support for what you're what
[1:47:10] you're suggesting.
[1:47:11] >> I'm really sad that we would have to
[1:47:14] take down our basketball net. We love
[1:47:16] playing out there with friends and
[1:47:18] neighbors. Please let us keep it up for
[1:47:21] everyone. Even adults come and play.
[1:47:24] Thank you, Grant.
[1:47:25] >> Thank you.
[1:47:27] >> All right. Thank you very much for your
[1:47:29] presentation. Um you you have this
[1:47:31] request or the only suggestion I'd make
[1:47:32] to you if you're going to make it a
[1:47:33] trial period. Make it at least a year.
[1:47:37] >> Council wants to move forward on this.
[1:47:40] >> Vanderberg, uh I just wanted to say you
[1:47:41] worship uh they're not in the basement
[1:47:43] playing video games. They're out in the
[1:47:45] street. They're getting exercise.
[1:47:46] They're meeting with their their
[1:47:48] friends. Um, I live near Newton Park.
[1:47:50] There's two basketball nets within a
[1:47:53] stones throw of my house. Plus, they at
[1:47:55] the Newton Park and the kids are in
[1:47:57] there playing all the time. You know,
[1:47:59] it's great exercise, great for them,
[1:48:01] great for their friends. I don't even
[1:48:02] think we need a It's like I agree with
[1:48:05] the presenter. There's basketball nets
[1:48:07] all over the city. I don't think we need
[1:48:08] to have a year. I think let them play.
[1:48:12] >> Thank you.
[1:48:14] All right, Councilman
[1:48:15] Roberts.
[1:48:17] I'd just like to add that's a great
[1:48:18] tactic to slow down traffic in the
[1:48:20] neighborhood.
[1:48:24] » Did want to point out the reason the
[1:48:25] bylaw came in I believe was because of
[1:48:27] complaints about McGee Street.
[1:48:29] [laughter]
[1:48:31] >> I just want to me mention that for the
[1:48:32] record.
[1:48:35] But I I have to be fair here that there
[1:48:37] are other issues here. So this is ter
[1:48:39] this a situation we can deal with yours
[1:48:40] and u I look for a motion. Councelor
[1:48:43] Burl, Council McRoberts, moving forward
[1:48:45] with a one-year trial period. Okay. All
[1:48:49] those in favor. That's unanimous. Thank
[1:48:52] you so much. And thank you for coming.
[1:48:54] >> Thank you so much.
[1:49:02] » One more delegation which is the base
[1:49:03] group who's coming forward.
[1:49:29] Please go ahead.
[1:49:29] >> Thank you for all my friends today.
[1:49:32] [laughter]
[1:49:33] Uh hi uh everybody, your worship council
[1:49:36] and Sarnia city staff. I'm here today
[1:49:38] again representing the Sarnia base uh to
[1:49:41] review the project and ideally finalize
[1:49:44] our collaboration. I have with me today
[1:49:46] Ryan Bell, a project lawyer, and Ken
[1:49:48] Mccelpine, our board president. Uh, in
[1:49:52] case there's any questions you have for
[1:49:53] them following the presentation. Next
[1:49:55] slide, please.
[1:49:58] So, in review again, in November, uh,
[1:50:01] 3.5 million was approved towards capital
[1:50:03] cost for the SNAbased project in the
[1:50:06] 2026 municipal budget. An additional 3
[1:50:08] million was earmarked for land purchase.
[1:50:10] However, the current group graciously
[1:50:12] decided to donate the entire 27 acre
[1:50:14] parcel, which removed the necess uh
[1:50:17] necessity for the $3 million earmarked
[1:50:18] for land purchase. So, in May of 2026, I
[1:50:21] returned to council to approve a fund
[1:50:24] release schedule and reallocate the
[1:50:25] funds that were originally earmarked for
[1:50:27] the land purchase towards development
[1:50:29] and permitting costs. to review. The
[1:50:31] fund release schedule included $7,000 on
[1:50:34] an initial release with the permission
[1:50:35] from the MECP to grant access to the
[1:50:38] land and the remainder of the commitment
[1:50:39] to be released with the building permit.
[1:50:42] With the removal of the need of the 3
[1:50:43] million for land, we wanted the city of
[1:50:45] Sarnia to to reallocate those funds
[1:50:48] towards development permitting cost. To
[1:50:49] be clear, we don't need the city of
[1:50:51] Sarnas to go into debt for those costs
[1:50:54] as those funding that funds would be
[1:50:56] redirected to the city.
[1:50:59] Um, and that's that 2.4 4 million that
[1:51:01] was quoted to us by the city staff.
[1:51:04] We have incorporated as a not for-p
[1:51:05] profofit with associated bank account
[1:51:07] officers and directors insurance,
[1:51:09] applied for charitable status. We've
[1:51:11] consulted with the neighborhood and made
[1:51:12] changes to the plan based on
[1:51:14] neighborhood consultation. Um Robert
[1:51:16] Dale and Associates continues to work
[1:51:18] with city staff on the site plan and
[1:51:20] update it. Uh traffic study has
[1:51:22] commenced. We've prepared a report for
[1:51:24] the MECP. We've secured funding
[1:51:26] commitments of $1 million a piece from
[1:51:27] the Mike Weir Foundation and the
[1:51:29] Lockwood Foundation. We're preparing a
[1:51:31] capital campaign which we would love to
[1:51:33] release finalizing after the
[1:51:34] finalization of our agreement. And uh we
[1:51:38] continue to in the meantime we continue
[1:51:39] to pursue pursue additional provincial
[1:51:41] and federal grants. We think the city
[1:51:44] solicitor and general manager of
[1:51:46] corporate services have done a
[1:51:48] phenomenal job uh preparing the report
[1:51:50] supplied to you on July 20th uh that
[1:51:53] included all the provisions that you
[1:51:55] have mentioned to date uh from yourself
[1:51:57] council and city staff uh which include
[1:52:00] things like city oversight within the
[1:52:01] governance structure uh ensuring that
[1:52:03] the funding is city approved
[1:52:05] expenditures uh there's transparent
[1:52:07] reporting across the whole project and
[1:52:09] legal counsel continues to be engaged on
[1:52:10] both sides. Next slide please.
[1:52:15] So just to be really clear on the
[1:52:18] corporate development structure and
[1:52:19] overall governance structure, uh we have
[1:52:22] project managers and operations managers
[1:52:24] in place, construction managers,
[1:52:26] engineering managers, civil engineers,
[1:52:28] surveyors, architects, traffic studies,
[1:52:31] dome specialists, landscaping,
[1:52:32] geotechnical. We've done all of this
[1:52:34] work behind the scenes including
[1:52:36] creating a development team comprised of
[1:52:38] the blue water cycling organization,
[1:52:40] Sarnney tennis club, Sarnne football
[1:52:42] club, Sarnney Lect and Pickleball and
[1:52:43] Twin Bridges volleyball with the point
[1:52:45] being to inform the programming that is
[1:52:47] offered to all community members at the
[1:52:49] Sarnia base to make sure that
[1:52:51] programming best meets the needs of
[1:52:53] people accessing programming of that
[1:52:55] kind.
[1:52:56] Uh above this development structure
[1:52:59] would be the Sarna base board. Next
[1:53:01] slide please.
[1:53:03] And that is where we would love for the
[1:53:04] city of Sarnia to exist. We would
[1:53:06] welcome a member of city of Sarnia staff
[1:53:08] or council on the Sarna base board. Next
[1:53:12] slide, please.
[1:53:16] What we're asking council to approve
[1:53:18] today is to allow city staff to finalize
[1:53:20] an agreement with the Sarnia base. This
[1:53:22] would include the already approved fund
[1:53:24] release schedule for city commitment for
[1:53:26] the city commitment that was discussed
[1:53:28] when I presented in May. That funding
[1:53:31] would only be dispersed against approved
[1:53:32] line items by the city. It would include
[1:53:35] all the provisions requested by the city
[1:53:37] staff and council that were overviewed
[1:53:38] in the July 20th report provided to city
[1:53:41] council. It would ensure the Sarnia base
[1:53:43] can maintain the proposed timeline would
[1:53:46] allow city of Sarnia to develop on
[1:53:47] clearly to deliver on clearly identified
[1:53:50] needs uncovered in the 2022 feasibility
[1:53:53] study. And I want to uh impress upon you
[1:53:56] that that need is only continuing to
[1:53:58] grow. the heat advisories this summer
[1:54:00] and just last week with the air quality
[1:54:02] concerns, the need for indoor sport and
[1:54:05] recreation infrastructure is never been
[1:54:07] greater in our community or across
[1:54:09] Canada to be honest. Um, this allows for
[1:54:13] the city of Sarnney to also deliver on
[1:54:14] their vision within their own strategic
[1:54:16] plan at a far less lesser cost to
[1:54:18] taxpayers than what it would be if you
[1:54:20] were to embark on it yourselves. I want
[1:54:23] to just note on page 13 of the city of
[1:54:25] Sarnia's 2024 strategic plan, strategic
[1:54:28] priorities that were outlined include
[1:54:29] asset management, community well-being,
[1:54:32] and economic resilience. All things
[1:54:35] working with the Sarnney base can help
[1:54:37] the city of Sarnia to uh deliver on
[1:54:41] our community. Um also gains a
[1:54:44] proincially and nationally recognized
[1:54:45] sport and recreation community center
[1:54:47] that improves our community wellness and
[1:54:49] boosts our economy annually. Our
[1:54:52] community actually risks far greater by
[1:54:54] not finalizing our collaboration. Next
[1:54:56] slide, please.
[1:54:59] The current group has created generously
[1:55:02] created a space for this to exist on a
[1:55:04] 27 acre parcel that's mid city and
[1:55:06] easily accessible by active
[1:55:07] transportation. We have put together a
[1:55:10] tremendous amount of community citizens
[1:55:12] that have collective expertise to ensure
[1:55:14] that the SNA base is realized and we
[1:55:17] just need the city of Sarnia to finalize
[1:55:19] the agreement to for our collective
[1:55:21] effort to uplift our community. I'll
[1:55:23] leave you with this. On page 38 of the
[1:55:26] 2025 city of Sarnia economic development
[1:55:29] master plan, three economic
[1:55:31] opportunities to be prioritized were new
[1:55:34] business attraction, tourism
[1:55:36] development, and reframing Sarnia's
[1:55:38] image.
[1:55:40] A direct quote, over the next 10 years,
[1:55:43] improving Sarnia's image and perception
[1:55:45] will be critical to fostering economic
[1:55:47] growth, attracting visitors, and growing
[1:55:49] the population.
[1:55:51] By collaborating, we can help city of
[1:55:54] Sarnney to be recognized as a hub for
[1:55:56] health and wellness and a place where
[1:55:58] people come to engage in sport at all
[1:56:01] levels. And this is a place for all
[1:56:03] ages, all community members. And we're
[1:56:06] really excited to hopefully move
[1:56:07] forward. Thank you for your time today
[1:56:09] and we welcome any questions.
[1:56:11] >> Well, thank you for your presentation.
[1:56:13] There are four key points in the staff
[1:56:15] report.
[1:56:17] Stretch, scope, and design. We don't
[1:56:18] have the answers. project costing and fi
[1:56:20] financial validation, funding certainty,
[1:56:23] operations and long-term stability.
[1:56:25] They're the key four points there. And
[1:56:27] I'm not opposed to your project, but I
[1:56:29] would like to see all those addressed
[1:56:30] before we start sending money our way.
[1:56:34] >> Uh thank you uh your worship. That's
[1:56:37] exactly why we're here today. The uh
[1:56:39] delegation today is not for the release
[1:56:41] of funding. It's for the agreement to be
[1:56:43] finalized. So all of the items mentioned
[1:56:46] in the report would have to be in the
[1:56:47] agreement in order for the funding to be
[1:56:49] released. That's what we're asking to be
[1:56:51] approved today. Um is for the funding
[1:56:53] release agreement for city council to
[1:56:56] approve city staff to finalize that
[1:56:58] agreement including the provisions that
[1:57:00] were mentioned in that report
[1:57:01] >> and that would all have to come back to
[1:57:03] council.
[1:57:04] >> Uh that's uh city council decision.
[1:57:08] >> Questions? Not seeing any. Thank you
[1:57:10] very much for your presentation.
[1:57:12] Council, well, I need we need direction
[1:57:15] to to move forward on this.
[1:57:18] >> Thank you very much. You can stand.
[1:57:19] Sorry, councelor White.
[1:57:20] >> Then I would move that we move forward
[1:57:22] with the uh agreement.
[1:57:23] >> You can stand down now. We're here.
[1:57:25] >> I would move that we move forward with
[1:57:26] the agreement with the uh the issues
[1:57:29] addressed included in that so that we
[1:57:31] can proceed with the next steps and and
[1:57:33] get on with uh the next phase of this
[1:57:35] development.
[1:57:35] >> Councelor Vandenberg, as a as a second
[1:57:37] or so, you would that would be the key
[1:57:38] four bullet points. Okay. Thank you. Any
[1:57:41] further discussion? All in favor? That's
[1:57:45] done. Thank you. That was unanimous, by
[1:57:47] the way. All right. Thank you. We're now
[1:57:49] through the delegations.
[1:57:52] We can move into the regular business.
[1:57:55] Got a report from the underrip
[1:57:57] committee. Councelor White, do you want
[1:57:58] to move that
[1:58:01] secondary?
[1:58:03] Councelor Vanderberg. Any discussion?
[1:58:07] Not seeing any. All those in favor?
[1:58:10] That's passed.
[1:58:12] Next one is to authorize which has been
[1:58:15] standard in the past the a bylaw to
[1:58:17] temporarily delegate powers and duties
[1:58:18] council to the CEO with limitations.
[1:58:22] Council
[1:58:23] >> we're on number two council bro
[1:58:26] moved and seconded.
[1:58:28] All those in favor that is done. Thank
[1:58:31] you.
[1:58:33] Uh on to the green bin issue and moving
[1:58:37] forward on that. Councelor McRoberts,
[1:58:41] » would it be possible that we delay this
[1:58:43] by one year? I understand that it's
[1:58:46] something that's great, but one year
[1:58:48] just for the funding like can we just
[1:58:52] worry about what we're going to what the
[1:58:53] next council is going to deal with
[1:58:54] budget and this is just one more cost
[1:58:57] that could be delayed. I'd like to make
[1:59:00] that a motion if I could. If you
[1:59:02] seceded,
[1:59:04] but I also want to ask I've asked this
[1:59:06] question many times here on this
[1:59:08] project.
[1:59:10] I've already put a tender. Okay. Please
[1:59:13] speak to Mr. Jackson.
[1:59:14] >> Uh 30 minute council. Yes, the
[1:59:16] provincial policy statement. We are
[1:59:17] supposed to have our program in place
[1:59:19] January 2025. Uh we are behind that
[1:59:21] timeline. Um but uh you know council can
[1:59:24] direct us to delay it. We have already
[1:59:25] awarded the processing contract and the
[1:59:27] curbside collection contracts. Um, so if
[1:59:29] we delay it, we would have to go back to
[1:59:31] those uh contractors to see if we could
[1:59:33] negotiate if there's any impact on that
[1:59:35] delay. And so I can't uh provide that
[1:59:37] answer here today. Um, I think it is
[1:59:40] possible, but we would have to have
[1:59:41] those negotiations first.
[1:59:45] >> Read for councelor Burl.
[1:59:47] >> The motion on that floor is to approve.
[1:59:50] >> Is that the motion or is there any
[1:59:52] >> I'm reading as to delay it for a year.
[1:59:55] Is
[1:59:56] >> I will speak against delaying it. I
[1:59:58] think we've got the other two parts in
[2:00:01] place. We're just going to end up having
[2:00:04] to pay those people money for doing
[2:00:05] nothing. Um, we have this contract in
[2:00:09] place. There's a possibility that
[2:00:13] we would have to
[2:00:16] pay more next year perhaps for this even
[2:00:19] this leg of it. So I think you know
[2:00:22] we're to me we're too far along in this
[2:00:26] process to back out at this point. So I
[2:00:29] would not
[2:00:31] approve this uh to delay it and then I
[2:00:34] would if that fails then I would move
[2:00:37] that we go ahead with it.
[2:00:38] >> Thank you council Roberts. Councelor
[2:00:40] White
[2:00:41] >> could we ask staff to give us specifics
[2:00:43] if there would be costs for that?
[2:00:47] >> Uh third mayor council. So that's where
[2:00:48] we'd have to negotiate. So, we have
[2:00:50] entered into the agreements that the the
[2:00:51] new contracts will be starting next
[2:00:53] spring um that include the the organic
[2:00:55] curbside collection. Um so, that's the
[2:00:57] piece where we'd have to go back to
[2:00:58] those various contractors and and see if
[2:01:00] they'd be willing to modify that start
[2:01:02] date or not. And so, I can't provide a a
[2:01:04] certain answer on the financial impacts
[2:01:05] of that here today.
[2:01:07] >> Those directions were provided by
[2:01:08] council. Correct.
[2:01:09] >> Correct.
[2:01:10] >> I'll call the question probably the best
[2:01:12] council Mike. Sorry.
[2:01:13] >> Uh yeah, thank you. And I'll I'll I'll
[2:01:15] be voting against the motion as well.
[2:01:17] It's just uh again we're we're talking
[2:01:19] about making commitments. We are
[2:01:22] proincially mandated to make in this
[2:01:23] case and then
[2:01:26] changing our mind again. Um I just I
[2:01:29] think that's just a dangerous road to walk
[2:01:32] down. Um number one and number two we're
[2:01:35] delaying any savings potentially from
[2:01:38] the other service that we provide which
[2:01:41] is uh our waste disposal because uh a
[2:01:44] good portion of what we're talking about
[2:01:46] um for the green program is actually
[2:01:49] currently being uh paid for through the
[2:01:52] waste uh management program that we
[2:01:54] have. So curbside pickup of waste from
[2:01:56] one to the other uh is an offsetting
[2:01:59] cost at the end of the day and that was
[2:02:01] in that other contract as well. Um that
[2:02:03] we would see some potential savings uh
[2:02:06] by transferring some of what we're
[2:02:08] paying for with one service to the
[2:02:10] other. So I'm not sure it's a total
[2:02:12] savings over the next year that that we
[2:02:14] would be realizing here. And I think
[2:02:16] it's time that we I don't know catch up
[2:02:18] to Nova Scotia from 25 years ago who's
[2:02:22] had curbside green bin service etc.
[2:02:26] >> A question people on city council may
[2:02:29] not know the county is giving us a
[2:02:31] credit are they not?
[2:02:32] >> Uh mayor council. Yes. So the count
[2:02:34] county recently approved um that the the
[2:02:37] waste we offset so the waste that is in
[2:02:39] our green waste now that goes to the
[2:02:41] landfill the amount we offset from that
[2:02:44] we will see the savings uh that they see
[2:02:46] from the landfill. So that's a benefit
[2:02:47] to us.
[2:02:48] >> Let me call the question. I'll record
[2:02:49] the vote. All those in favor of the
[2:02:51] question which is to delay for a year.
[2:02:54] Councelor McRoberts, councelor
[2:02:55] Vandenberg. Those
[2:02:58] opposed, councelor Kelner Burrow, myself
[2:03:01] and White.
[2:03:03] So that failed and councelor Gillis. So
[2:03:05] that failed. Sorry, Councelor Gillis.
[2:03:07] It's always hard to watch on this side.
[2:03:11] >> He was in favor. You're in favor,
[2:03:13] councelor Gillis, of delaying for a
[2:03:15] year.
[2:03:19] » No, your worship. I'm not.
[2:03:21] >> Okay. Thank you. So the vote fails. So
[2:03:24] then I'll look for a contrary motion.
[2:03:25] Councelor Burl.
[2:03:27] >> Yes.
[2:03:28] >> I'll move the recommendation.
[2:03:30] >> Second. Councelor White.
[2:03:31] >> Question.
[2:03:32] >> Go ahead, please. And then councelor
[2:03:33] Keller.
[2:03:33] >> Uh thank you. Um what provisions are in
[2:03:36] place um should uh for the bins to uh be
[2:03:41] replaced if if that should be uh
[2:03:43] necessary. Stuff happens to bins, cars
[2:03:47] drive into them, things happen. Uh are
[2:03:50] we only purchasing enough for the
[2:03:52] customers that we're serving in this
[2:03:54] case? uh or are we um do we have a a
[2:03:57] backup supply and what's the process
[2:03:59] then if somebody needs a bin replaced
[2:04:01] >> uh through M council. So they come with
[2:04:03] a 10-year warranty as part of the
[2:04:04] initial procurement. They do deliver an
[2:04:06] extra let's say 2% so that we have those
[2:04:08] available if something comes up. Um and
[2:04:10] then we will be implementing a plan for
[2:04:12] how uh residents would deal with smaller
[2:04:14] minor repairs. Um but there will be a
[2:04:16] program in place for that.
[2:04:17] >> Council man,
[2:04:19] >> well here's the age-old question. Are
[2:04:21] these bins recyclable or are they going
[2:04:23] to end up in landfills?
[2:04:26] >> Uh through May Council, I do believe the
[2:04:27] bins are recyclable. Uh and also to note
[2:04:29] that the resin to manufacture the bins
[2:04:31] is from uh the local Imperial Oil site.
[2:04:35] >> Okay,
[2:04:38] I'll call the question off. All in
[2:04:41] favor?
[2:04:44] » Same as before, the same vote. Okay,
[2:04:46] recorded. All right, thank you. That
[2:04:47] passed.
[2:04:49] Moving on. uh economic development
[2:04:52] community improvement plan. You had the
[2:04:53] hearing on this and there were some
[2:04:55] minor adjustments. I think there was no
[2:04:57] further feedback on it. Correct. So I'd
[2:04:59] look for a motion to accept it.
[2:05:01] Councelor Burl, councelor White, any
[2:05:04] discussion? Seeing none, all those in
[2:05:06] favor? That is done. Dealt with number
[2:05:10] five, which was the base agreement. And
[2:05:12] then there's some uh minor noise
[2:05:15] exemptions being asked for. Councelor
[2:05:17] McLoberts, Council Burl, all those in
[2:05:20] favor.
[2:05:22] That is done.
[2:05:24] Uh the next one is the Wellington Street
[2:05:26] Extension. It's a huge contract and it's
[2:05:29] being recommended to be awarded. Council
[2:05:31] Burl, Councelor White, all those in
[2:05:33] favor.
[2:05:35] Moving down. Uh this is related to um
[2:05:39] flood mitigation in the Ferris
[2:05:40] subdivision with a recommendation.
[2:05:43] Councelor Burl and Councelor Kelner. All
[2:05:46] those in favor that is done.
[2:05:52] Next one I have a bit more difficulty
[2:05:53] with but um
[2:05:56] number nine is taking 300,000 from the
[2:05:58] building faster fund which awarded us
[2:06:00] for three years in a row exceeding the
[2:06:01] provincial housing t uh targets and to
[2:06:05] award it to a study for that area.
[2:06:08] Councelor Burley, you're moving it
[2:06:11] right. I'm not a realist. I'm a realist.
[2:06:14] We don't really have any other options
[2:06:15] but uh it's unfortunate.
[2:06:18] All those in favor that's done.
[2:06:21] Um
[2:06:25] corporation of the uh well we've
[2:06:27] appointed the people to the uh group
[2:06:29] right the airport.
[2:06:32] So is it oh we need to point Miss Provo.
[2:06:38] » Okay. So I can take the motion uh that's
[2:06:41] here today. It's a quite a lengthy one
[2:06:43] and we'll insert the names of the people
[2:06:45] I just announced out of the in camera
[2:06:48] and also the staff appointment of Miss
[2:06:50] Provo. So that makes sense. If I can
[2:06:52] have someone to move and second that
[2:06:54] Roberts, councelor White, all in favor
[2:06:57] done.
[2:07:00] Okay, councelor Burles. I'll record the
[2:07:02] vote. Everyone else is in favor. Um this
[2:07:05] next one, the um development charges,
[2:07:08] this 100% reduction.
[2:07:11] You've had some feedback on that.
[2:07:12] Councelor Burl,
[2:07:14] >> I don't move it. I think it's a good
[2:07:15] idea.
[2:07:16] >> Second,
[2:07:20] » I just
[2:07:21] >> I'll second it.
[2:07:22] >> Okay. I want to ask Mr. Jackson, um, why
[2:07:25] 100%.
[2:07:28] And how do we protect that money that's
[2:07:30] supposed I mean, I'm not opposed in
[2:07:32] principle, but 100% leaves us a bit
[2:07:35] naked out there in the future with some
[2:07:37] major infrastructure costs. So, how did
[2:07:39] you arrive at 100%. Uh so through
[2:07:41] American council so the program only
[2:07:42] required uh municipalities to submit for
[2:07:44] something in the range of 30 to 50%. Uh
[2:07:46] it did encourage people to look for more
[2:07:49] than that. Um part of our thinking on it
[2:07:51] was the grant the intent of the grant is
[2:07:53] to offset the lost DC revenue that a
[2:07:55] municipality will incur. Um so whether
[2:07:57] you apply for 30% 50% or 100% the grant
[2:08:00] theoretically will reimburse you the
[2:08:02] equivalent amount of money. So we
[2:08:03] shouldn't be any worse off um if we get
[2:08:06] the full amount of grant funding uh
[2:08:07] regardless of which amount we applied
[2:08:09] for. We also knew that council had
[2:08:10] recently directed us to reduce uh the
[2:08:12] most significant cost by 50% with no
[2:08:14] compensating funds and so we knew there
[2:08:16] was an interest in uh being aggressive
[2:08:17] on the development charges. Um and so
[2:08:19] that's why we proposed that.
[2:08:20] >> And so for some of the people that
[2:08:22] emailed us today, it really is 100% that
[2:08:25] it will be totally compensated for
[2:08:26] through the that new program. Right.
[2:08:28] >> Yes. If they award the full amount for
[2:08:30] the grant.
[2:08:32] >> Going to call the question. Councelor Mc
[2:08:33] Roberts.
[2:08:35] >> My question to staff would be through
[2:08:37] the juror. if when does the money come
[2:08:40] back? So, is it on a yearly basis that funding would come back or is it
[2:08:46] I I'm not sure if it's just one year uh
[2:08:49] through America council. So, the program
[2:08:50] was uh came out very quickly. There's
[2:08:52] limited information in the program
[2:08:53] guidelines. We wouldn't see those
[2:08:54] details until we till we see the
[2:08:56] transfer payment agreement which would
[2:08:57] come within the next month. Um on an
[2:08:59] annual basis is is common. So, that that
[2:09:01] is a possibility.
[2:09:04] >> But we are protected.
[2:09:06] >> Yes.
[2:09:07] Kell,
[2:09:09] >> I suppose uh thanks Mayor Bradley. I I
[2:09:12] suppose my fundamental question is
[2:09:14] should we be prioritizing certain parts
[2:09:16] of the city uh in terms of infill and
[2:09:19] that sort of thing? Um uh trying to
[2:09:23] encourage development in certain areas
[2:09:26] as opposed to continually building out.
[2:09:29] That would be my question to staff.
[2:09:32] >> Uh third de council the grant require
[2:09:33] that we apply the same reduction across
[2:09:35] the board. we are not able to uh choose
[2:09:37] uh specific areas to apply different
[2:09:39] discounts to.
[2:09:40] >> That's helpful for that clarification.
[2:09:42] Thank you, Councelor White.
[2:09:43] >> Yeah, thank you uh Mayor Bradley. So
[2:09:45] again, just to clarify, this is um
[2:09:48] essentially dollar for dollar, but what
[2:09:50] if and if I'm not mistaken, I'd like to understand that I've got
[2:09:54] this right. It's dollar for dollar. The
[2:09:57] grant offsets the reduction in the DCS
[2:10:01] um which does not put any additional
[2:10:03] pressure on uh the general levy um also
[2:10:07] does not create a lag in any capital
[2:10:10] projects that were planned. In fact, if
[2:10:12] I understand it correctly, because we
[2:10:14] would have a steady stream that might
[2:10:16] outpace any potential development, uh we
[2:10:19] would actually get the money quick more
[2:10:21] quickly and address some of these
[2:10:23] lagging needs more quickly. Um, so
[2:10:26] that's my first point and then I'll have
[2:10:27] another question after. Is that correct?
[2:10:29] >> Yeah. Uh, council that's generally
[2:10:31] correct. Uh, I'd say one piece there is
[2:10:33] all of the projects that are uh,
[2:10:35] advanced here are already in the
[2:10:36] development charges background study. So
[2:10:38] these are projects we would be
[2:10:39] committing to do. The only difference is
[2:10:41] if we weren't getting the grant funding,
[2:10:43] we would only implement those projects
[2:10:44] if the housing was ready to go. Here
[2:10:46] we're doing them more proactively. And
[2:10:48] so it does mean that all of those
[2:10:50] projects have a portion of funding the
[2:10:51] city has to apply anyways. And so we're
[2:10:53] just advancing those more quickly. So
[2:10:54] there is, you know, we will use up our
[2:10:56] contribution earlier than we necessarily
[2:10:58] would have if we were waiting for
[2:11:00] housing to grow, but the overall uh
[2:11:02] amount should be the same that the city
[2:11:03] contributes from our own funding
[2:11:04] sources.
[2:11:05] >> Okay. Thank you. And then in terms of uh
[2:11:07] reporting out um again, this is more of
[2:11:11] a general question because I think for
[2:11:12] those of us who are on council, we
[2:11:14] understand this process a little bit
[2:11:16] more um uh clearly because we've we've just experienced it. But in terms
[2:11:22] of applying for a grant um and then
[2:11:25] create setting the parameters
[2:11:28] uh prior to coming to council, you're
[2:11:30] effectively taking what was a prior
[2:11:33] mandate um using your best um uh
[2:11:38] judgment to try and put something
[2:11:40] together that that fulfills a direction
[2:11:42] that we're already moving in. Uh and
[2:11:46] then secondly, the reporting in period
[2:11:48] is simply once it was complete, this was
[2:11:51] the next council meeting that was
[2:11:53] available to you to be able to prepare a
[2:11:55] report. Um am I correct in that?
[2:11:58] >> Uh yes, through the mayor. So uh
[2:12:00] generally our policy is to bring uh
[2:12:02] grant funding requests to council uh if
[2:12:05] we can in advance of the application
[2:12:06] deadline. Uh this program is very unique
[2:12:08] in the quick timeline it came out uh and
[2:12:10] the quick turnaround time for the
[2:12:12] application. um in reviewing it. Um you
[2:12:14] know, we did believe based on the a lot
[2:12:16] of the recent discussion with council on
[2:12:17] the development charges that we knew the
[2:12:19] general direction council would uh like
[2:12:21] to see, but uh uh the reality here was
[2:12:23] the timeline was very tight and so it
[2:12:25] had to advance and there's no commitment
[2:12:27] until council gives direction uh until
[2:12:28] we sign an agreement.
[2:12:30] >> So thank you. And then so my follow-up
[2:12:32] point is then if council whoop excuse me
[2:12:34] if council turns this down uh today then
[2:12:37] essentially the application is withdrawn
[2:12:39] and we're back to potentially waiting
[2:12:42] longer to implement some of these
[2:12:44] capital infrastructure projects. Is that
[2:12:46] correct?
[2:12:46] >> Correct.
[2:12:48] >> Know you'll do this but I hope now for
[2:12:50] years we've heard from the development
[2:12:51] industry if we didn't have development
[2:12:53] charges for this 20% 50% or zero you see
[2:12:57] a lot more homes in the community. So
[2:12:59] this is a real test of this. Whatever
[2:13:02] the day we pass this for three years,
[2:13:05] let's see what it does to the housing
[2:13:06] business. The housing starts in the
[2:13:08] community. So that little editorial
[2:13:10] there, I will call the question. All
[2:13:12] those in favor that is done.
[2:13:20] » We're moving into the noses of motion.
[2:13:27] » The farm agreement. Okay. with the main
[2:13:29] society. That should be an easy one.
[2:13:30] Councelor Burl's moving it and councelor
[2:13:33] White [clears throat] is seconding it.
[2:13:35] And this this agreement will continue
[2:13:37] now for another five years.
[2:13:40] All those Yeah. Okay. All those in
[2:13:43] favor. That's done. If we could move to
[2:13:45] the noses of motion. I can't move them.
[2:13:48] The first one is related to um the
[2:13:51] Northern Shield pipeline. It's it's a
[2:13:54] great announcement for the committee,
[2:13:55] but we've got a long way to go on this.
[2:13:56] Councelor Burl, you're moving it
[2:13:59] back to councelor White. And I've sent
[2:14:00] the same motion to county council. The
[2:14:02] only difference in county council, I'll
[2:14:04] change it a bit to ask that this be sent
[2:14:05] out to all the municipalities in Ontario
[2:14:08] looking for support.
[2:14:10] Mr. Kilmer.
[2:14:12] Uh
[2:14:13] yeah, I I I suppose my just my my
[2:14:16] biggest uh just question is just to clarify
[2:14:22] within your motion just the
[2:14:24] environmental aspects. Does that include
[2:14:26] indigenous
[2:14:28] uh feedback?
[2:14:30] >> Definitely does.
[2:14:32] >> And I was with the minister on last
[2:14:34] Wednesday at Kelgore for an announcement
[2:14:36] and we discussed that through the media
[2:14:38] that the first thing he did when he came
[2:14:40] to Sarnia last Wednesday was to call
[2:14:42] Chief Naben and start the dialogue
[2:14:44] there. There'll be a more formal
[2:14:45] dialogue as we go forward, but it is
[2:14:47] essential. It is absolutely essential
[2:14:48] and that's what this part of the motion
[2:14:50] was referring to. All those in favor?
[2:14:54] That's done. That's unanimous. Uh,
[2:14:55] council bro, you have a motion.
[2:14:58] >> Uh, yes, your worship. uh
[2:15:02] in light of the potential new pipeline
[2:15:04] to Sarnia and other opportunities at the
[2:15:07] city of Sonia work with Sarnia Lamp
[2:15:09] economic partnership and other local,
[2:15:12] provincial and federal agencies to
[2:15:15] prepare a report on providing
[2:15:17] infrastructure and related funding
[2:15:19] necessary
[2:15:21] for development of our industrial parks
[2:15:23] and other lands in South Sia.
[2:15:27] Second, councelor White,
[2:15:29] >> I think you want to add to it, councelor
[2:15:33] Burl or self-explanator.
[2:15:34] >> Just uh yes, is this that there are
[2:15:37] certainly you know this pipeline coming
[2:15:40] is can be a great thing and but just
[2:15:43] generally there are areas in in South
[2:15:45] Sia that do need
[2:15:48] some um
[2:15:50] support in terms of the infrastructure.
[2:15:54] And it might be time with this uh
[2:15:57] look at that. And this is just asking
[2:15:59] for a report. It's not a commitment to
[2:16:01] anything. Uh it really is just asking to
[2:16:04] look at what services might be necessary
[2:16:07] to enhance uh development down that way
[2:16:11] and then council of course will make a
[2:16:13] decision at some point. But hopefully
[2:16:16] that with uh when they because they're
[2:16:18] talking about this uh all of this coming
[2:16:22] through that we will be able to tap into
[2:16:25] new provincial and federal grants that
[2:16:28] we might not otherwise have got.
[2:16:31] >> I believe the minister uh responsible
[2:16:33] federally may be visiting Sarna and
[2:16:35] that'll be one of the pitches that they
[2:16:37] support the pipeline. So then give us
[2:16:40] the ability in our community to get the
[2:16:42] economic benefits. So it's certainly an
[2:16:44] order
[2:16:44] >> question. Yes. Question worship.
[2:16:47] >> Go ahead.
[2:16:48] >> Yes. Um there's been a lot of chatter
[2:16:51] out in the community about the length of
[2:16:53] time that this particular uh particular
[2:16:56] um project would happen if and when it
[2:16:58] happens. Given the fact that we have a
[2:17:00] feasibility study uh put forward by
[2:17:03] Premier Ford who wants to have it done
[2:17:05] in 2026. It would appear that um a lot
[2:17:08] of the work for some other projects uh
[2:17:13] across provinces uh for pipelines coming
[2:17:16] our way have basically a lot of
[2:17:18] engineering already done and land pro uh
[2:17:21] land purchased. So this 20 this notion
[2:17:25] of 20 years out is ridiculous in my
[2:17:28] humble opinion and I would think that we
[2:17:31] would be looking more like two to four
[2:17:33] years. Would that be a more accurate
[2:17:35] estimation in your humble opinion?
[2:17:39] >> I haven't heard anyone use the 20-year
[2:17:41] number. Canada has, as I said in my
[2:17:43] remarks with the energy minister last
[2:17:44] week. Um, we sometimes don't get great
[2:17:48] things done and dream big dreams. And I
[2:17:51] would hope the federal provincial
[2:17:52] government would do everything they can
[2:17:53] and I think the province is really on
[2:17:55] board to move this on parallel tracks,
[2:17:57] do the environmental assessments, do all
[2:17:58] the other work and uh get it done in a
[2:18:01] very reasonable period of time. But I
[2:18:03] can't qualify that right now. Certainly
[2:18:05] not 20, not 10.
[2:18:07] >> Great. Thank you.
[2:18:08] >> I'll call the question though. Go ahead.
[2:18:10] >> Right. Thank you. Um I I appreciate this
[2:18:13] motion. I actually think it's it's it's
[2:18:14] an excellent motion. Um uh it does speak
[2:18:18] to the fact that I think some of our
[2:18:19] stuff has been in lagging and and
[2:18:22] knowing that in the past having spoken
[2:18:24] to members of the economic partnership
[2:18:27] that uh in some instances uh we may have
[2:18:30] had a better shot at landing some of the
[2:18:32] bigger opportunities had our
[2:18:34] infrastructure uh been uh basically
[2:18:36] ready uh to serve. Um, so when I see
[2:18:40] this motion, I think about not only the
[2:18:42] bigger projects. I think about the
[2:18:44] secondary projects, the industries that
[2:18:46] are supportive of of the the potential
[2:18:48] new projects that are coming here. Uh,
[2:18:50] but I also think about the housing stock
[2:18:52] and I think we just addressed some of
[2:18:53] that with the DC charges uh,
[2:18:56] conversation. Uh, but if it's possible
[2:18:59] to ask within this motion as well, just
[2:19:01] to get a comment on perhaps what the um
[2:19:04] what what housing needs may be lagging
[2:19:07] as well. uh because again we're talking
[2:19:09] about being able to not only um employ
[2:19:14] the folks that already live here, but
[2:19:16] surely we're we're looking at importing
[2:19:18] uh a number of folks to contribute to
[2:19:20] our economy as well and to shore that
[2:19:22] up. So with that is going to become is
[2:19:24] going to come a a housing crunch of
[2:19:26] sorts. So if that's okay, if we could
[2:19:28] add that in there, I'd appreciate that.
[2:19:30] >> So councelor Burl, you'd move that into
[2:19:31] the motion.
[2:19:36] Okay, that's accepted. Thank you. All
[2:19:38] those in favor.
[2:19:39] All right. Moving on. Councelor Burl
[2:19:43] minutes.
[2:19:50] » I move that the minutes of June 22nd,
[2:19:54] 2026 regular meeting and June 22, 2026
[2:20:00] closed meeting as printed be adopted.
[2:20:02] >> All those in favor? Uh urgent matters. I
[2:20:07] only have one. Councelor Bushi
[2:20:08] unfortunately couldn't be with us today.
[2:20:10] Uh he is now serving 50 years
[2:20:13] proincially and locally. 50 years as his
[2:20:16] retirement comes up. So I think we've in
[2:20:18] order.
[2:20:22] » Yes. I would move that we congratulate
[2:20:25] uh Councelor Bushy on his great work in
[2:20:29] our community
[2:20:31] and
[2:20:33] >> perhaps if we can find maybe even find
[2:20:35] some kind of a an award we could print
[2:20:37] out for him at some point.
[2:20:40] >> Uh there is a recognition coming from
[2:20:42] the province but it didn't arrive in
[2:20:44] time. So that will happen and we'll find
[2:20:47] some way to officially do that so you
[2:20:49] can participate in that. All in favor of
[2:20:51] that motion move us forward uh to the
[2:20:55] consent agenda.
[2:20:58] >> I move that items A to D listed in the
[2:21:01] consent agenda be introduced.
[2:21:06] » Moved seconded.
[2:21:10] Council Keller, you had an item.
[2:21:12] >> I move that.
[2:21:12] >> Sorry.
[2:21:14] >> Okay. No,
[2:21:15] >> I think you're trying to hit the tennis
[2:21:17] courts, aren't you? Um,
[2:21:18] >> I move that items A to D listed in the
[2:21:21] consent agenda as recommended or
[2:21:23] approved by this council
[2:21:25] >> be adopted.
[2:21:25] >> All in favor? That is done.
[2:21:29] >> I move that bylaws 1 to 14 as printed be
[2:21:32] introduced and be taken as read for the
[2:21:35] first, second, and third time and
[2:21:38] finally passed.
[2:21:39] >> All in favor? Before I go to
[2:21:40] adjournment, this will be tough. Um,
[2:21:42] this is our last official meeting unless
[2:21:44] I have to call one for an emergency. Uh,
[2:21:46] I just want to thank the people in this
[2:21:47] room and councelor Gillis for the last
[2:21:49] four years.
[2:21:52] >> You're welcome.
[2:21:55] >> No, for some reason this meeting just
[2:21:56] flowed today. I just don't know why.
[2:21:58] >> Adjournment.
[2:21:59] >> I move that Snee City Council adjourn to
[2:22:02] a next regular meeting to be held on
[2:22:05] November 23rd,
[2:22:08] 2026.