[0:07] [clears throat]

[0:12] » No. >> [laughter]

[0:15] [clears throat]

[0:22] [cough and clears throat]

[0:25] [laughter]

[0:35] [clears throat]

[0:46] » Good evening everyone. It's 6:00 and it's time to

[0:50] call to order the Town of Three Rivers August 10th, 2026 regular council

[0:55] meeting. In the spirit of reconciliation, we

[0:58] acknowledge that the land upon which we gather is unceded Mi'kmaq territory.

[1:03] Epekwitk, Prince Edward Island, Mi'kma'ki is covered by the historic

[1:06] treaties of peace and friendship. We pay our respect to the indigenous Mi'kmaq

[1:10] people who have occupied this island for over 12,000 years, past, present, and

[1:15] future.

[1:19] Number two on our agenda is the is the approval of tonight's agenda.

[1:26] Um, need a mover. Moved by Councillor MacFarlane, seconded by

[1:31] uh, Councillor MacDougall. Any, um, additional comments on uh,

[1:37] tonight's agenda?

[1:40] No? Okay. Uh, all in favor?

[1:43] » Aye. >> And motion is carried.

[1:45] Uh, number three is disclosure of conflict of interest.

[1:49] Do we have anybody that is in conflict on any of the items on our agenda

[1:53] tonight?

[1:58] Okay, seeing none, we'll move ahead. Number four is adoption of the minutes.

[2:12] Uh the motion is that the minutes of the July 27th, 2026 special council meeting

[2:17] be adopted as written. That's in your package. Moved by counselor McFarland,

[2:22] seconded by counselor Spin.

[2:25] » Uh just the worship just say I have a typo on July 13th.

[2:30] » Okay. >> Uh page two of five, item six.

[2:35] Uh when we're discussing Jody McFarland, um

[2:40] second statement, she explained Jody did >> Okay.

[2:46] » Jody's a male. >> Okay.

[2:48] » And also in page four of five, 8.3,

[2:54] um in the motion um

[3:00] it's we're talking about the work alone policy.

[3:03] Be resolved that the council approve the amended working alone policy, work

[3:07] alone. >> Okay.

[3:09] » Okay. Thank you.

[3:15] » Okay, we'll make note of that. Anybody else notice anything or

[3:20] Okay, all in favor of the motion? >> I.

[3:23] » I. >> Okay, motion's carried.

[3:25] The next is the adoption of the July 27th special council meeting.

[3:32] And the motion there is Oops.

[3:40] that the minutes of the July 2020 July 27th, 2026 special council meeting be

[3:45] adopted as written and they're in your package.

[3:48] With a mover and a seconder? >> I'll move.

[3:51] » Moved by counselor Vandongen Street, by >> I'll second.

[3:55] » Okay, by Councillor McDonald. Uh any comments, any corrections or

[4:02] on [snorts] those cinnamon?

[4:07] Okay. Seeing none, not hearing none, all in

[4:11] favor? >> Aye.

[4:12] » Okay, motion is carried. Okay, we're down to number five, which

[4:16] is uh our RCMP report. Welcome.

[4:20] » Woah.

[4:26] Hope everyone had a good weekend. >> Did you guys have a busy weekend?

[4:30] » Sure, we did have a busy busy weekend, yes.

[4:32] » Did you like the phone? >> Yeah, probably.

[4:35] All right, there we go. >> Okay.

[4:37] » Hope everyone had a good weekend. >> Yeah. [laughter]

[4:40] » I hope you did. >> You?

[4:41] » Yeah, I I worked. I worked.

[4:45] » I think you're lucky to make it here tonight after our conversation the other

[4:48] day. Yeah. I really appreciate it.

[4:51] » It's all the problem. Um okay, so current summary

[4:55] persons crimes was slightly higher than both last month and last year, ending in

[4:59] the month with 34 persons, compared with 18 for last month and 27 for last year.

[5:05] Uttering threats, uh 16, indecent or harassing communication, eight, assault,

[5:11] six, represent most of these. At 55, property crime levels are were

[5:16] comparable to both last month, 48, and last year, 46.

[5:21] These are mostly mischief and theft under occurrences.

[5:24] So, 34 and 12 respectively. There were no drug enforcement

[5:29] occurrences opened in uh I should say July.

[5:34] This is consistent with both last month and last year, one and zero

[5:37] respectively. Traffic occurrences accounted for most

[5:40] of the incidences recorded in in July. Uh with 190 occurrences,

[5:46] this level is consistent with last month 178 lower than last year 270. Month over

[5:52] counts for other traffic violations and related

[5:57] duties 39 and speeding 12.

[6:06] Sorry, less less 39 less 12 accounted for much of this change. Five impaired

[6:11] driving occurrences reported with two of these were cleared by charge. There were

[6:15] no um

[6:16] dangerous operation motor vehicle incidents.

[6:19] There were 16 collisions reported consistent with both last month and last

[6:22] year with 11 and 17. One of these involved fatality.

[6:27] Overall 495 occurrences were reported with 478 of these being founded or still

[6:31] under investigation. This is higher than last month with 457

[6:37] 542 and

[6:40] lower than last year 535 522. It is also higher than the 12-month average for the

[6:45] district. 407 occurrences, 394 founded [snorts] or still under investigation.

[6:51] For [clears throat] policing initiatives during the month of July

[6:55] Kings District officers and Peace watched to 752 calls for service

[6:59] demonstrating continued commitment for public safety.

[7:01] Additionally, officers completed 13 steps on check files across the

[7:05] district. Along with a significant significant amount of proactive patrols

[7:09] in various communities. These activities demonstrate a

[7:12] commitment to road safety as well as policing to our communities.

[7:17] Members also attended seven community events in the following communities:

[7:20] Belfast, Surrey, Burnaby, and New West. These engagements are part of our our

[7:24] strategy to connect with residents beyond enforcement, fostering stronger

[7:27] relationships in more in a more social setting.

[7:31] One of the occurrences this month involved the response to a report of a

[7:34] person experiencing a mental health crisis that went missing.

[7:38] Thanks to joint efforts of our members, Um, search and rescue, drone operators,

[7:42] the individual was located safe and necessary support to address their

[7:46] mental health needs were provided.

[7:51] » [laughter] >> Good endings are always uh

[7:54] » Yeah, trying to make sure that >> Positive endings are always uh Yeah,

[7:57] [laughter] that's that's what I'm going to say. Yeah. Well.

[8:02] » So, subject any questions? That's That's the That's the report that I'll

[8:06] I'll read out for for your uh

[8:10] » Yeah. >> for for your viewing.

[8:12] » Okay, counselors, uh

[8:14] Wayne, you have a question? >> Road type suspension, what does that

[8:19] mean? Their license or whatever you did or

[8:23] take it there. >> [clears throat]

[8:26] » Uh >> [snorts]

[8:28] » That was in the uh occurrence summary. >> Yeah.

[8:32] » Uh so, we find here

[8:36] » Third one. >> Third from the bottom.

[8:44] » Second one. >> Just still trying to find it here.

[8:51] Oh, oh, you're talking about the staff. So, I thought you were I thought you

[8:54] were referring to it in the summary here. Second Oh, yeah, that was the one.

[8:57] Give me 1 second.

[9:08] Road type suspension. >> So, it would be uh suspensions that were

[9:11] issued >> Um So, yeah, someone driving with no

[9:15] valid driver's license driving while Or or while they are suspended from

[9:19] driving. So, it could be an administrative suspension where they

[9:23] could have uh no um their license could be suspended because

[9:27] they have uh un- unpaid fines and they they want to be able to get their

[9:32] license suspended their license. Uh I've I've come across it been times

[9:36] where someone has now been people sometimes lie to the police, but

[9:42] two interactions that I've had where the person had an administrative license

[9:46] suspension, and they both said they were unaware that they had

[9:49] a suspension on their license. >> And do you take the car right there?

[9:54] » Yeah, [clears throat] so what can happen is uh

[9:57] So, it depends on the the totality of the circumstance.

[10:00] Um it depends on the officer, depends on their discretion on what they do. Uh if

[10:03] the vehicle is not um the vehicle is not um

[10:10] the vehicle is roadworthy and registered, and there's someone close by

[10:15] that can come and pick up the vehicle, then we can at times use our discretion

[10:20] and if they want to call someone to come and pick them up, but they they will not

[10:23] be allowed to drive away in the vehicle. Okay. Yeah.

[10:28] » Councilor McDonald, >> Councilor McDonald, you have a question?

[10:31] » Yeah, got it. Yeah, um on the occurrence on this chart, we have

[10:36] suspicious 5.17%, and it says PBP.

[10:42] What does that stand for?

[10:47] » Under occurrences for suspicious, so that's a uh

[10:52] So, that would be uh person, vehicle, or property.

[10:57] Yeah, so that's basically what the occurrence is uh

[11:00] the occurrence type is on our system that we have. It's

[11:03] that is what uh it is listed as. So, so so when you go up the file, it's a

[11:09] suspicious person, vehicle, or property. >> Okay.

[11:12] » Yes. >> And um the other on the other side of

[11:15] that chart, I noticed like you know, 1% seatbelt seatbelt

[11:21] violation, and and you know, other traffic related 3%, and speeding

[11:26] violations 32%, but what I don't see on here anywhere is um

[11:33] use of cell phones and texting and I mean

[11:38] I sometimes pay attention to that and it's rare.

[11:42] » Mhm. >> Is there Is there [clears throat]

[11:44] Are you looking for that anymore or have you

[11:47] given up? >> Yes, so

[11:53] So, let me see here. Um

[12:02] So, if you look at So, if you look under summary offense tickets

[12:07] this paper here >> Okay.

[12:10] » Okay. Uh down uh near the

[12:15] I would say close to the middle. There's a large

[12:18] um um

[12:20] box that is larger than the rest. This section 22 291.1 sub 1 driver

[12:27] driving while holding or using handheld communication device. You would receive

[12:30] an offense for your phone calls. So, there was one somebody issued in the

[12:34] last section. >> Okay.

[12:35] » 3 of July. Um so, that's um

[12:39] So, there's one one of those issued. That is something that we're looking

[12:42] for. Um however, it's um it's one of those ones that are hard to

[12:46] catch because that people have So, back when I was younger when there was

[12:52] this wasn't a rule, you could see people driving with their hands up in the

[12:57] » Yeah. >> Now they're Now what they're doing is

[12:58] they're looking down in there. So, what really makes it hard is you can't see

[13:02] the phone. It's hard to say that they're actually using their cell phone.

[13:06] Um so, if they're going to be a stop sign being done, you can investigate,

[13:09] talk to the people, but it's really hard to uh

[13:12] to That's why I like to drive the truck that I'm driving cuz I'm usually up

[13:15] higher. I can actually see down into the vehicle. So, yeah. So, it is something

[13:20] that we look for. Um um harder to get

[13:24] As you see, we got We were able to get one for the month of July. That's it.

[13:27] Yeah. >> This month?

[13:30] » That's all right.

[13:34] » Nobody else? Thank you very much. I appreciate you

[13:37] coming tonight. So, enjoy your summer. I know you've had a busy weekend. We were

[13:40] talking earlier in the week. >> Yes.

[13:43] » You'll [snorts] have to get some time off.

[13:46] » Maybe Maybe Christmas time. >> I think our audio is not working on

[13:51] that. >> Oh, it's not.

[13:53] We'll have to check. Okay, thank you very much.

[13:56] » Thank you. Have a good week. Thank you.

[13:58] » Thanks. >> There's no sound.

[14:17] So, we'll move ahead to

[14:22] presentations and delegations. And before we begin, I'd like to highlight

[14:25] the purpose of our meetings and the roles here. We strive to uphold the

[14:29] values of Three Rivers community, innovation, and inclusion. We have a

[14:33] special town and council [clears throat] is committed to contributing to

[14:36] sustainable growth. Council meetings are essential to our

[14:39] governance process, providing transparency in decision-making.

[14:43] Elected officials uh discuss finances, events, town maintenance, design, and

[14:48] bylaws, then pass votes on proposals. As mayor, I lead the council and break tie

[14:54] votes if needed. Residents are encouraged to attend and

[14:57] participate, ensuring everyone can be part of the governance process. We value

[15:01] your input and aim to maintain a respectful and professional environment.

[15:05] Personal attacks and attacks [clears throat] and disruptions will not

[15:08] be tolerated. So, let's make these meetings a reflect reflecting of our uh

[15:13] pride in Three Rivers. Um okay, our first speaker tonight is uh

[15:18] Janice MacPherson, she has a question on our last meeting agenda, I think.

[15:25] Welcome, George.

[15:29] » Hi, good evening. Can you hear me? There's no sound.

[15:33] » Uh You can push the button.

[15:39] There. Now your button works. >> I Yeah, it was actually questions. It

[15:43] was actually plural statement. Um but they're pretty easy. So,

[15:47] um Good evening. My name's Janice MacBetham

[15:51] from Three Rivers and I have some comments and questions regarding last

[15:55] month's council meeting that I attended as there was no video or replay um going

[16:00] from my notes. Um

[16:03] So, at last month's council meeting, uh there was going to be approval to

[16:08] amend or sorry, uh the reserve fund bylaw amendment and the establishment of

[16:13] an operating reserve. And that operating reserve is for

[16:18] $430,000, which was 10% of the operational budget.

[16:23] And this was going to be set aside for unforeseen expenses with the town.

[16:27] And uh this is a substantial amount of money.

[16:31] So, my question regarding this issue is where is the money coming from?

[16:36] And what would an example be of an unforeseen expense?

[16:42] Um Second item from last council meeting,

[16:47] uh it was interesting to listen to Marie

[16:49] Worth from Georgetown. She spoke about being inconvenienced by

[16:54] having to go to the Welcome Center at 34 Water Street to pay her utility bill

[16:59] instead of the Georgetown town office due to insufficient staff.

[17:03] She noted that the Welcome Center offered no sidewalk access.

[17:08] In addition, she advised there was no signature on four out of five receipts

[17:13] that she had been given from the town of Three Rivers

[17:16] in the past few years. My first question regarding her

[17:20] statements is is the town office in Georgetown going

[17:23] to be closed as was the welcome center in Montague

[17:27] without notice because some counselors say there are low numbers

[17:32] or folks to provide service for. And then my the second part of that

[17:37] question is how many signing authorities does the town have?

[17:42] And does the town have in place a best practices document to deal with such

[17:47] things as signing authority, credit cards, reporting receipts?

[17:53] And what percentage of payments to the town are by cash or check?

[18:01] My final question actually references the CAO report as

[18:05] was online. And I noticed that while the amendments

[18:10] have been widely touted as housekeeping amendments, there are major changes that

[18:15] have been approved with the amendments. Tonight I've asked for just some

[18:19] commentary, please, from the CAO or any member of council if they could please

[18:25] comment on the change to the definition of group home.

[18:33] So, I would like that explained um

[18:38] how you see this fitting in our community, how it can, may, or will

[18:43] impact all residents in almost all residential zones.

[18:51] » Okay, that's a lot of questions. So, um if you want to pass something in so we

[18:57] can get back to you, >> [snorts]

[18:59] » um or we can uh >> Well, some things were you know, I was

[19:03] going to find out about like where is the money coming from for the

[19:06] operational reserve? That's an easy one.

[19:11] » Done? >> Okay.

[19:12] » Yeah. Yeah.

[19:16] » So we have a surplus from years gone by that

[19:23] is not right now it's sitting in the bank our bank accounts.

[19:27] Um

[19:29] Um >> And that surplus would cover that that

[19:33] $430,000? >> Yes, it would.

[19:35] And so at this point we're just it's not going to move out of the bank accounts.

[19:39] It's going to still going to generate interest. It's just going to be

[19:43] earmarked for future >> unforeseen expenses yes including legal

[19:48] fees. >> If there was if it was unforeseen and

[19:50] not budgeted for yes. >> Okay.

[19:53] Um my other question is do you have a best

[19:56] practice document for dealing with payments?

[20:00] » Oh yes, we do. If you're asking about sign authorities and how many we do.

[20:05] If you would like that we >> It's just a matter of how many people

[20:07] sign putting their names on the receipts and so on.

[20:10] » So the rece- our our receipts currently the reason why it wasn't is it just it

[20:15] says the customer's name uh

[20:19] what they're paying for utility and it says down the bottom because we have

[20:23] nine eight entities. It will have a choice of who it's for and how they

[20:28] paid. And there's not an actual spot for a signature. That will be changed and

[20:33] right now we are putting our signature down at the bottom.

[20:36] Um signing a receipt that we took money for does not require

[20:41] » [clears throat] >> uh it's different than when you're

[20:42] asking about sign authority on account. >> So anyone basically can that's in

[20:47] » As long as they're taking a taking the payment yes.

[20:49] » Okay. And then can you get me the percentage of payments that are made by

[20:52] cash versus development permit payments? >> I would have to get back to you on that.

[20:56] » Sure. I'll see that on my email. >> James, can can you address me and then I

[21:00] can address that to you. >> Oh I thought you meant for me to address

[21:02] her >> Just on the first question really.

[21:05] » I'm sorry. >> Yeah, that's okay. That's fine. Yeah.

[21:08] » My my error. Um Um

[21:10] so I guess it's just it I I just like to comment then for the definition to a

[21:14] group home to explain. >> Okay, we can do that.

[21:18] » Okay. >> Yeah, go ahead, Lee.

[21:21] » Thank you, Worship. It's quite simple. Uh we've removed the threshold for

[21:25] number of occupants within the building. So

[21:28] currently the occupancy for group home is now anyone who's living under

[21:33] supervision. Previously, it was up to four.

[21:37] Uh so the group home provision is now much stricter.

[21:41] It's simple as that. >> Um

[21:44] So so in my interpretation that I've read it wrong

[21:48] because what you've done with the group home definition is you've taken out the

[21:52] exclusion for halfway houses and homeless shelters.

[21:57] So it's actually less stringent

[22:01] and it's allowed in all residential zones. This is something that I brought

[22:05] up um during the amendment uh

[22:09] chatter. And so I think there's eight zones that

[22:13] homeless shelters are now allowed in. R1, R2, R3, multi-use, rural, rural

[22:19] residential. So my concern is a pretty valid concern

[22:23] and I don't feel that that's a housekeeping

[22:26] situation. That's the situation where you can build a $600,000 house in an R1

[22:31] zone in Mount Pleasant or Georgetown and a homeless shelter can be placed there

[22:35] because that's one of the bylaw amendments. Am I correct to say that?

[22:39] » Um Ridley, can you answer that for Janice?

[22:41] » Worship, uh that's incorrect because we've made no amendments to the

[22:45] permitted use lists with respect to group home. We've changed the definition

[22:49] of group home to make it more stringent and more restrictive. We have not

[22:53] altered where they are permitted. >> Okay.

[22:57] » With all due respect, I have a minute I I was at the meeting when Councillor Van

[23:02] Donkersgoed read the email from a Green Party executive person to delete

[23:10] the exclusion. Therefore, the group home definition now will and can apply to be

[23:17] a homeless shelter or a halfway house. That exclusion has been removed in the

[23:23] bylaw amendments. It was an very

[23:29] closed definition, and now that definition has been opened up.

[23:34] Is this part of the head housing accelerator fund?

[23:37] » I guess James if we can't agree on it, I'm not sure

[23:42] if our opinion is different than yours, I don't know where we go from here.

[23:46] Lee has Lee has given his explanation and he's a lot

[23:50] a lot more knowledgeable on this than I am, so I guess we'll just have to leave

[23:54] it at >> Perhaps could you ask the planning chair

[23:56] if she'd like to comment on that? I was at the meeting.

[23:59] » Yeah. No, I'm not going to ask the planning chair at this time.

[24:01] » Thank you. >> Um

[24:02] » So so just to confirm then, there will be no homeless shelters or halfway

[24:06] houses allowed within the town of Three Rivers? I'd

[24:09] like to get that on record. I've heard that before.

[24:12] » I don't think anybody said that. Lee

[24:17] Just just

[24:20] Sure, go ahead. >> Um

[24:22] um your worship, I would like to say that um there is no plan that I know of

[24:28] as a counselor or as my position of as chair of planning board that anybody is

[24:34] looking to open a shelter at the moment. But if somebody was to come to Three

[24:38] Rivers to look after the most vulnerable of our community, I would not be opposed

[24:43] to helping them. >> There's your answer. Thank you very

[24:46] much.

[24:50] » Thank you. Okay, our next speaker is

[24:57] One minute, please. Our next speaker is Kathy McKenzie. I'd

[25:01] ask you to come to the podium, Kathy.

[25:06] And I believe your topic is job losses.

[25:14] » Is this turned on? >> Uh no, you'll have to uh

[25:17] hit the button there.

[25:21] » Right? >> No.

[25:22] » The right one? >> The right?

[25:24] No. That's it. Yeah. Can you just state your name for our records here, Kathy,

[25:29] and where you live? >> Some of you already know I'm here. Uh my

[25:32] name is Kathy McKenzie. I was born and raised here in Montague.

[25:37] I've worked in different places in this town as well as had my own hairdressing

[25:42] business a long time ago. I moved away for a while and returned

[25:47] hopefully to retire here someday. But with all the shenanigans lately,

[25:52] I've considered moving to Alberta with my youngest daughter, Kelsey.

[25:56] I'm trying to stick it out here. I have several grandchildren in my area.

[26:01] One I have with me for the night who's four and that's why I look like I do.

[26:05] Um and they'd hate to see me leave as well

[26:08] as two other kids. Um so I was a very happy employee at the

[26:12] station uh uh uh Honestly, it was a pleasure going to

[26:17] work. Mike and Joe and here are the kind of employees [snorts]

[26:20] who treats us with the utmost respect.

[26:24] They hand out bonuses for going above and beyond. Always appreciative.

[26:30] And actually, they've become like family to me.

[26:33] They even took care of my dog when she was dying, my dog Gemma, when I had to

[26:37] go to Calgary to visit my daughter. They offered both my daughters part-time

[26:42] work at the waterfront this summer. They greet all my grandkids when they

[26:47] come to visit me and give them little jobs to do and

[26:50] and treats and I don't know. I'm standing behind it

[26:55] 100% on this whole thing. I planned on another successful season down here at

[27:01] the Waterfront. We were getting busier every season.

[27:05] Even I even got my passport for my first trip down south this winter.

[27:10] But obviously that's gone south. I also wanted to express my shock and

[27:16] disappointment at a counselor about their remark about a couple of

[27:20] jobs were lost down there. There were way more than a couple, sir.

[27:25] As far as I was taught, a couple is two.

[27:30] Maybe this person might need a math tutor.

[27:33] Acting like this is no big deal, I think was said.

[27:38] It is a big deal. Hopefully in the fall we can get some new clowns as another

[27:42] member of I believe the Waterfront Committee

[27:46] was called people on social media. New clowns for this circus. Sounds

[27:51] awesome to me. I do hope you all enjoy your trips down

[27:55] south this winter like me.

[28:01] » Thank you. Um next we have Mike and Jody and I think

[28:06] uh >> [clears throat and cough]

[28:08] » it's on social to do with social media.

[28:10] » Yes.

[28:19] All right. Good evening everyone. My name is Jody

[28:23] King. Uh I'm here this evening to speak regarding

[28:27] conduct of committee members on social media.

[28:30] Over the past several months our family, our business, and our community have

[28:34] experienced conduct that we believe falls well below the standard expected

[28:38] of individuals serving in these positions.

[28:42] The Town of Three Rivers Code of Conduct requires members of council committees

[28:46] and directors of controlled operations to uphold [clears throat] the highest

[28:49] standards of ethical behavior, treat others with respect, inspire

[28:53] public confidence, and avoid intimidation, verbal abuse, and other

[28:58] improper conduct. We have also

[29:02] observed the use of fake Facebook accounts to target us as well as other

[29:07] members of the public. In addition, we believe a committee member has engaged

[29:12] in conduct intended to intimidate and verbally abuse members of the community.

[29:18] The evidence we have seen includes [clears throat] public social

[29:21] media posts containing personal name-calling, derogatory and

[29:25] inappropriate language, statements that could be reasonably interpreted as

[29:29] threatening, and references in which the individual describes himself as a

[29:34] vigilant. >> [clears throat]

[29:37] » This matter is not about differing opinions or criticism. Healthy debate is

[29:41] part of the community. The issue is whether someone

[29:44] representing a municipal controlled corporation should engage in this type

[29:48] of public conduct while serving in a position [clears throat] of public

[29:52] trust. Public officials and board members are

[29:55] held to a higher standard because of their conduct reflects the organizations

[30:00] they represent and on the public's confidence in those organizations.

[30:05] For these reasons, I am submitting a code of conduct complaint against a

[30:10] committee member of the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation, we

[30:14] respectfully request the council appoint an independent third-party investigator

[30:19] under Section 18.11 of the code of conduct bylaw to conduct

[30:24] a fair and impartial and objective investigation into this complaint.

[30:30] No one serving in a position of public trust should be above the standards set

[30:34] for me to uphold. Thank you.

[30:39] » If you want to um >> [cough]

[30:41] » pass your [clears throat] complaint in tonight, that would be

[30:43] » Yeah. >> Yeah?

[30:44] » Who would >> it?

[30:45] » Um, you can give it to the CAO.

[30:52] Okay. >> Questions? Concerns?

[31:00] » Personally, I'm well aware of what happens on Facebook. I've had

[31:05] enough derogatory things said about me that

[31:08] I guess that's the way it goes. It's like

[31:10] » It's not on. >> It's not on, is it?

[31:13] » We got to keep it We got to keep it professional,

[31:16] right? We want what's best for the community.

[31:18] » I wish. Yeah. >> Yeah.

[31:20] » Yeah. Okay, thank you.

[31:27] Okay. Um >> [clears throat]

[31:30] [cough] >> Next, we're going to move on to um the

[31:35] mayor's report, which is in your in your package. I'll just go over some

[31:40] of the highlights. Um, baseball fields are still busy. We have fields in use in

[31:46] Cardigan, Georgetown, and Montague. Um, big soccer tournament this weekend. Lots

[31:51] of traffic, I know. I've heard some people wondering why the town was so

[31:55] busy, but that's soccer tournament is a welcome addition to the town, and I'm

[32:01] sure it makes positive impact on our economy.

[32:05] I attended several games at the Cardigan complex this year, and I was really

[32:10] impressed with the fields. We now have people there on weekends and dedicated

[32:16] staff. So, but it is a big job. We're we're not

[32:20] perfect. There is eight fields to look after.

[32:24] As we use the Montague fields now as well at the high school. So, it is a big

[32:28] job. I want to congratulate several Clippers teams, and I I don't I only

[32:32] know one of them. I'm not going to say name it, but uh is some teams that are

[32:37] doing really well and are fundraising to uh travel to off-island tournaments. So,

[32:42] that's great to see that uh ball association is um

[32:46] has teams of that caliber. It's um makes me personally very uh proud of what we

[32:51] do here in Three Rivers. Uh the Georgetown and Montague festivals both

[32:55] went well. Um I can't thank the volunteers enough. Um

[32:59] I know there there is some disappointment in the Montague parade.

[33:03] Um we you know, we noticed that there was

[33:06] not very many entries, which is a disappointment. So, I think um maybe

[33:10] we'll do a brief survey uh of what people would like to see. Do we need

[33:15] three parades? Is there something else that would

[33:17] better suit um you know, uh the Montague uh

[33:22] stuff Saturday morning in Montague rather than a parade? I know the

[33:25] Blueberry Festival parade was the same day, and that definitely has an impact

[33:29] on it. But anyway, we'll we'll see what um we'll give residents a chance to have

[33:34] a say and if they want to do things differently.

[33:37] Um I've received so much great feedback from the drone show that was part of the

[33:42] Montague Arts and Culture Festival. Um Dog owners, persons with on the autism

[33:47] spectrum, they're concerned with those concerned with the environmental

[33:51] impacts. Um and just very positive. I got an email from one parent that said

[33:57] that it was the first time his child was in um able to enjoy any kind of a light

[34:02] show like that. So, that's [clears throat] um that's

[34:04] very um encouraging. The dog park's open, getting some great pictures from

[34:09] the dog owners on how everybody's enjoying that. Um

[34:13] So, that's a great addition to our community as well.

[34:17] I was honored to attend the 2026 Council Federation uh welcome reception on July

[34:22] 21st at the Confed Centre. It was a great opportunity to uh meet with uh

[34:28] some premiers and to people from all across Canada who were here with

[34:31] [clears throat] that fingers meeting and I would I I did um

[34:36] appreciate the invitation. Um

[34:40] Um I'd like to thank the honorable Darwin Compton and the Housing and Land

[34:43] and Communities for approving the town's development bylaw. Um the amendments

[34:47] represent an important update to the town's planning framework and we will

[34:51] ensure our I will ensure our policies uh continue to respond to the needs of the

[34:55] growing community. I would also like to recognize Minister Compton for her open

[35:00] and constructive approach she brought to the process.

[35:04] The Minister was excellent to work with, maintained strong communication without

[35:08] with me and staff, and demonstrated genuine willingness to

[35:13] uh to understand the issues and work and work with us to to bring process to this

[35:18] successful conclusion. We really appreciated her responsiveness and

[35:22] collaboration. I appreciate everyone who contributed [snorts] to bring this

[35:26] important work to completion including her um deputy uh Robert Fresh.

[35:30] [clears throat] Uh the Cling Tech Park marathon took

[35:34] place in August of 19 I think it was July 19th. That's probably a typo on my

[35:39] part. There was over 500 participants there. It was a torrential downpour at

[35:43] the beginning. Um thank God for umbrellas.

[35:47] Anyway, um by the time um Brendan Kerrin and I, MLA

[35:51] Brendan Kerrin and I presented the medals it did

[35:54] it had attained down some, but that event is

[35:57] amazing. The people nothing deters them uh not even a a

[36:01] a big rainstorm. So, as always I remain accessible to residents and we do plan

[36:07] on having one more uh community conversation for the for this area for

[36:13] the month of April here probably next week. It'll be on Facebook. If anyone

[36:17] who wants to come and sit down and chat, you're welcome to do so.

[36:21] Okay, and now I'll turn it over to the CAO for um

[36:26] John's report. >> Thank you, Worship. As usual, my report

[36:31] is in the in the package and available online.

[36:35] Uh just want to echo your your comments. We're pleased to report that on July

[36:39] 30th uh Mr. Compton approved the town

[36:43] amendments of [clears throat] the development bylaws and we started

[36:45] measuring uh development applications against that

[36:49] bylaw uh as the date of as the date of signing.

[36:54] Um I'd like to recognize the work of town

[36:57] planning department throughout the review process.

[37:00] Uh preparation of the amendments both to were a significant undertaking and uh

[37:06] they did it with professional uh and technical expertise, thoughtful

[37:11] recommendations, and and it's good very good to see that move forward.

[37:16] Uh as you mentioned to the Mount Equinox Culture Festival uh went off on July

[37:21] 13th, August 2nd. Um very large crowds at the waterfront uh

[37:27] especially on uh on Saturday which is good to see despite uh some rain, so

[37:32] it's good to see that. And again, we'll do a bit of a postmortem uh with the

[37:36] committee and and look at ways that we may be continue to improve that.

[37:40] Um we also uh released our mascot during

[37:45] the uh parade. Um so you'll start seeing River at more and

[37:50] more events as we go forward. >> Thank you.

[37:54] » Okay. Okay, great. Um

[37:58] thanks, John. I'm going to move on to 7.3, which is the development permit

[38:02] report. It's in your package. Um if you hopefully everybody's had a

[38:08] minute to look at that. It's still um busy [clears throat] department.

[38:13] I don't have a count on the permits, but there's quite a few there again this

[38:17] month. Um single unit dwellings, couple of

[38:22] uh we have a cemetery uh permit this this uh

[38:26] cruise ship I think I've seen that. Um yeah, so they're planning uh

[38:33] development uh planning and development are still uh very busy, which is a good

[38:37] sign for Three Rivers. Any questions on that report or

[38:41] for staff?

[38:45] Okay. Okay.

[38:49] Uh next is our um planning board report, and I'll turn that over to Councillor

[38:57] Baxter. >> Thank you very much, Worship. Um

[39:01] before I start the um planning board report, I would like to make comments

[39:05] about a video that's been circulating recently by a resident in the community.

[39:11] Brings up a number of issues to do with planning, zoning, taxation, and

[39:14] population. I was referenced in this video in my

[39:18] role as chair of the planning board, and since I I was brought into it, I'd like

[39:22] to make a few comments. Um

[39:24] » [snorts] >> the resident will be pleased to learn

[39:26] that the 2024 development bylaw amendments have been approved by the

[39:30] province, and so the institutional zone no longer includes the phrase complete

[39:35] communities, and I know that this has created concern and a clearer wording is

[39:39] now adopted. Um one of the references in the video

[39:42] was made to only three planning board members, and questioning if this was a

[39:47] quorum. According to the Municipal Government Act, a quorum is a majority

[39:50] of all members of council or a committee or a council committee, and the Town of

[39:55] Three Rivers Planning Board has five members and a chair, so three members

[39:59] and a chair does equal a majority. And the other point to make is that while um

[40:05] the planning board makes recommendation, it is up to council to make final

[40:09] decisions. Um the question of property taxation

[40:13] within the institutional zone was raised again, and I'd like to assure residents

[40:17] of the town of Three Rivers that only a small number of properties receive a tax

[40:21] exemption for religious purposes. This is consistent with all churches when

[40:25] within the municipality, including Montague Bible Fellowship, where I am a

[40:29] member. Properties zoned institutional are

[40:33] assessed and subject to municipal property taxation, and the exemption is

[40:37] strictly limited to active places of worship. The institutional zoning

[40:41] designation itself does not automatically result in property tax

[40:45] exemption. Rather, tax exemptions are determined in accordance with applicable

[40:50] provincial legislation and assessment regulations, not by the zoning

[40:54] classification. The resident also states in the video

[40:58] that we have a population decrease of 7% and our economy is not growing. I

[41:03] checked with Stats Canada and learned that the numbers are that in 2016,

[41:08] we had a population of 7,169. In 2021, we had a population of 7,883,

[41:17] and the estimate for 2026, according to Stats Canada, is 9,610

[41:23] with an annual growth rate of 3%. The PEI government's demographic

[41:28] estimates show the town of Three Rivers saw population growth of 2.5% in 2025 to

[41:34] reach 9,322. And Southern Kings saw a population

[41:39] increase as a whole of 2.7%, and there were no communities

[41:44] year-over-year in this region with a decline.

[41:48] So, the And And also, the 2025 annual statistical review shows that the Prince

[41:53] The Prince Edward Island had the second fastest-growing provincial economy in

[41:57] the country last year with real GDP increasing by 2.8%.

[42:02] PEI PEI has exceeded the national growth in 10 of the last 11 years. So, it's

[42:08] really important that we have accurate information given out to the public.

[42:12] » [snorts] >> All right, I'd like to um move on to the

[42:15] items of the motions from planning board. So

[42:19] » 7.4.1 I think is our first one. Yeah. >> Yeah.

[42:23] Um The Town of Three Rivers Planning Board

[42:26] recommends to Council to approve the following motion.

[42:30] The demolition of the existing paramedic station and garage and the construction

[42:34] of a new 4,840 square foot facility together with the associated landscaping

[42:40] and parking at 406 McIntyre Avenue, Montague, PID 849158,

[42:47] subject to the following conditions. Condition one, the permit is valid for

[42:52] 12 months from date of issue. Two, all work must be undertake

[42:56] Sorry, undertaken in accordance with the approved plans including the use,

[43:00] location, and dimensions provided. Any proposed changes or revisions must be

[43:05] submitted to the development officer for approval.

[43:09] Three, the applicant is required to submit an updated drainage and silt

[43:12] control plan prior to the commencement of demolition works on the site.

[43:18] And four, the application form Sorry, the approved plans are the application

[43:22] form received April 24th, 2026, the site plan received April 24th, 2026,

[43:29] the front perspective elevation received April 24th, 2026, and the rear

[43:35] perspective elevation received April 24th, 2026. So moved.

[43:41] » And a seconder for that motion? >> I will.

[43:43] » Okay. >> [clears throat]

[43:45] » Uh Counselor Spin. Any uh

[43:48] discussion on the motion?

[43:51] Okay, hearing none, all in favor? >> Aye.

[43:54] » No nays, motion is carried. Okay, we'll move on to 7.4.2.

[44:02] Counselor MacEachern. >> Mhm.

[44:05] The Town of Three Rivers Planning Board recommends to council to approve the

[44:08] following motion for the mayor and council to hold a public meeting for the

[44:12] proposed rezoning of 82 Main Street, Montague, PID 193995.

[44:20] So moved. >> Okay, moved. Second of that motion.

[44:25] Uh After the Excuse me, Councillor

[44:28] McFarland, any um discussion on that motion?

[44:32] Okay. All in favor? >> Aye.

[44:34] » Aye. Yeah. We're hearing any nays. Motion is

[44:37] carried. And you know Oh, oh, sorry, Dawn New.

[44:43] » We need a decision on a date. For that public meeting to be held.

[44:46] » Oh, okay. So, we want to make the You want a decision tonight?

[44:50] » That's what we're asking. >> Okay.

[44:54] When is there suggested Do you have a suggested date?

[45:01] » Your Worship, if I can just chip in briefly. Um we need to be mindful of our

[45:07] press advert and the requirement for the clear days to pass.

[45:11] Um so, we're on the 10th today. So, we could get an advert in

[45:17] uh the 12th or the 19th. So, I'd be suggesting

[45:22] a public meeting no earlier than the 27th

[45:25] of September. Uh I know council you often favor

[45:28] Mondays, so might I suggest the 31st? >> 31st of uh September?

[45:34] » Yeah. >> Okay.

[45:35] » September There's no such date in September.

[45:37] » 30 days have September. 30. >> No, August.

[45:40] » Sorry, August. >> August. I'm sorry. That was my That was

[45:42] my confusion leads to that. So, August uh 31st.

[45:47] » Right. >> Okay. Do we need another motion for that

[45:50] one?

[45:53] Um I'd just say be it resolved that the

[45:56] mayor and council hold a public meeting for rezoning of 82 Main Street A- Main

[46:01] Street, Montague, PID 193995. on August 31st, 2026.

[46:07] » So moved. >> Moved by

[46:09] » Second. >> Councilor Spin.

[46:11] » Second. >> Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jenkins.

[46:15] Did you have a question? >> Yeah.

[46:16] » Okay. >> Um that will be in both what? The

[46:19] Guardian and the Record? For people to know.

[46:22] » We usually just put it in the graphic. Is that correct?

[46:25] » Yeah. >> Yeah.

[46:26] We usually just keep it local. >> Yeah.

[46:29] » Yeah. >> That's what you're saying. They don't

[46:31] see anything we put in, so. >> No.

[46:36] » Okay. Um we've moved and seconded.

[46:40] Any other discussion? Okay. All in favor of holding that

[46:44] meeting on the 31st? >> Aye.

[46:46] » All right. Okay. Motion is carried. Okay. So, 7.4.3.

[46:53] » Thank you. Town of Three Rivers Planning Board

[46:55] recommends to Council to approve the following motion. The application for a

[46:59] major variance of 69.5% for front yard setback to accommodate an

[47:06] exterior elevator extension for wheelchair accessibility at 67 Glen Elg

[47:11] Street, Georgetown, PID 171801. Condition one, the permit is valid for

[47:18] 12 months from the date of issue. Two, all work must be undertaken in

[47:23] accordance with the approved plans, including the use, location, and

[47:26] dimensions provided. Any proposed changes or revisions must be submitted

[47:31] to the development officer for approval. And three, the plans are the application

[47:36] form received June 25th, [clears throat and laughter] 2026,

[47:39] the site plan received June 25th, 2026, and the elevations received June 25th,

[47:46] 2026. >> So moved.

[47:49] » Seconded. >> Second.

[47:51] » Okay. Seconded by Deputy Mayor Jenkins. Uh discussion on that?

[47:57] Okay. All in favor? >> Aye.

[47:59] » Aye. >> hearing any nays, so the motion is

[48:01] carried. >> [clears throat]

[48:04] » That brings us to

[48:08] That's the end of that agenda. Um so we're going to move on to 7.5

[48:14] uh which is the financial report. It's uh in your package.

[48:19] And um >> [snorts]

[48:22] » if you have any questions, we can Yeah, Don, would you like to do a

[48:27] uh overview for council, please?

[48:30] Thank you. >> So this report will cover the first

[48:34] quarter as of June 30th. So as of June 30th, the town is tracking

[48:39] closely the budget for the first quarter of the fiscal year.

[48:43] Total revenues are approximately 1.39 million, representing the annual revenue

[48:48] budget of 26.49%.

[48:52] Total expenses are approximately 1.19 million, representing 24.78%

[48:57] of annual expense budget. This results in an operating surplus of approximately

[49:01] $199,000 as of June 30th

[49:05] compared to prorated budget surplus of approximately $111,000.

[49:10] Once we factor in capital purchases and principal loan payments, we're currently

[49:14] showing a slight current year cash flow deficit of approximately $17,000.

[49:20] This is primarily due to the timing of planned capital spending. Notably, the

[49:26] station street project taking place over the summer months.

[49:30] Overall, operating revenue and expenses continue to track well against budget

[49:34] and our financial position remains in >> [clears throat]

[49:38] » line with expectations at this point in the year.

[49:42] » Okay. >> Thank you, Don. Any questions for Don?

[49:45] » [snorts]

[49:48] » Okay, hearing none, we'll move we'll move on to the request for

[49:52] decisions.

[50:00] So, the first one is 8.1. Uh approve to amend a municipality management plan.

[50:05] So, the motion there is be it resolved that council approve the amendment to

[50:09] the town's municipality management plan. Move and a second for that.

[50:14] Moved by Councillor McComb, seconded by Councillor McDonald. Any discussion?

[50:20] All in favor? >> Aye.

[50:21] » And I have unanimous, [clears throat] so motion is carried.

[50:30] Move on to 8.2. Uh council approve first and second

[50:36] Um council approve the following motion of council approve first and second

[50:39] reading and adoption of the amended changes

[50:42] uh for the bylaw to regulate reserve funds bylaw

[50:46] 2019-07 and so

[50:51] This one is

[50:56] Sorry.

[51:02] Okay, the first reading is under review.

[51:09] » Yeah. >> You too, then.

[51:11] » Okay, be it resolved that the proposed amendment to the um to regulate funds

[51:16] bylaw 2019-07 to establish an operating reserve and

[51:21] capital reserve to be read first time. Um

[51:25] Move and a second for that. Okay, moved by Councillor uh McDonald,

[51:30] seconded by Deputy Mayor Jenkins. Um

[51:33] » It just needs to be a motion first before that. Like the first number

[51:37] there. >> So, we do need the first Okay, this is

[51:42] uh

[51:46] Okay, so the the motion is to cancel approved first and second readings and

[51:50] adopt some amended changes as written to the bylaw to regulate reserve funds

[51:55] bylaw 2017-2019-07.

[51:58] Move and a second there? Moved by Councillor McDonald, seconded

[52:03] by we'll say Deputy Mayor Jenkins. We'll [snorts] use the Okay, all in

[52:08] favor? >> Aye.

[52:09] » Okay. Um nays? No, not hearing any. Motion is

[52:13] carried. Then we move on to the readings here.

[52:18] Okay, be it resolved that the proposed amendment to the bylaw to regulate funds

[52:21] bylaw 2019-07 to establish an operating reserve and

[52:25] capital reserve be read a first time. And moved by Councillor Spin, seconded

[52:30] by Councillor McFarland. Discussion?

[52:34] All in favor? >> Aye.

[52:36] » Okay. Motion is carried.

[52:39] And on to

[52:44] Next is be it resolved that the proposed amendment to the bylaw to regulate

[52:48] reserve funds bylaw 2019-07 to establish to establish an operating

[52:54] reserve and capital reserve be approved. Moved by Councillor McFarland, seconded

[52:58] by Councillor McDonald. Any discussion?

[53:02] All in favor? >> Aye.

[53:09] » Okay. We're going to move on to

[53:16] Move on to 8.2.2.

[53:20] No, 8.3, which is Pardon?

[53:24] » 8.3. >> 8.3, yeah.

[53:27] Um so, that this motion is be it resolved that council authorize the

[53:31] development of a naming rights policy and the pursuit of prospective corporate

[53:36] partners with a target value to be determined through market assessment and

[53:40] the Uh any proposed naming rights agreement

[53:45] will be turned to council for final approval.

[53:48] » We should amend that to have games finance in there, shouldn't we?

[53:53] » No, it's >> It's over all

[53:55] It's over all over all. >> It's over all. Okay. All right.

[53:59] Okay? Uh move in a second it?

[54:02] » So moved. >> Moved by councilor Dr. Scott.

[54:06] Seconded by Dep- Deputy Mayor Jenkins. Any discussion?

[54:11] Okay, all in favor? >> All right.

[54:13] » Okay. Uh hearing no nays, motion is carried.

[54:17] 10 to 2.

[54:20] So I think that's um the end of our um

[54:24] motions for tonight and requests for decisions. We do have some

[54:28] correspondence. Um 9.1 is a copy of the correspondence that council uh

[54:34] that we have uh submitted to the Iraq Review Commission.

[54:38] Um so that is uh attached if anybody'd like to

[54:43] uh have a look at that. That's what we've

[54:45] submitted to that uh commission. And 10 is a motion to adjourn.

[54:51] » So moved. >> Okay.

[54:53] » Second. >> Uh moved by Allen and seconded by uh

[54:57] councilor Don. All in favor? >> All right.

[55:00] » Thank you, everyone. Thanks for coming tonight.

[55:10] » It's not working.

Regular Council Meeting - August 10, 2026 with Audio

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