1 00:02:30,661 --> 00:02:35,766 Good evening everyone. Welcome to everyone in the chambers. It's 2 00:02:35,766 --> 00:02:39,954 good to see a good crowd here this evening. I 3 00:02:39,994 --> 00:02:42,754 would like to call this Council meeting of the Town 4 00:02:42,775 --> 00:02:46,914 of Lincoln Council of July the 27th, 2026 to order. 5 00:02:48,078 --> 00:02:50,777 And I would ask, if you are able to please 6 00:02:50,958 --> 00:02:52,777 stand for the National Animal. 7 00:03:10,542 --> 00:03:16,925 True. Patrio. Come. 8 00:03:24,879 --> 00:03:33,736 La. Croix. Des. Plus brillants. 9 00:03:34,653 --> 00:03:35,112 Exploi. 10 00:03:56,076 --> 00:04:00,889 O. We. Stand on. God. 11 00:04:06,884 --> 00:04:09,508 Thank you. We have the right people. Here this evening. 12 00:04:09,700 --> 00:04:16,411 Thank you so much. I would like to begin by 13 00:04:16,432 --> 00:04:20,423 reading a safety notice. In the event of an emergency 14 00:04:21,004 --> 00:04:24,263 please evacuate Council Chambers to the nearest exit through the 15 00:04:24,364 --> 00:04:29,558 Chamber of Doors. Obey all instructions given. And assistance if 16 00:04:29,579 --> 00:04:33,235 it's required, please see the clerk to my right. She'll 17 00:04:33,275 --> 00:04:36,115 be out there once you've evacuated the building, please gather 18 00:04:36,296 --> 00:04:40,688 in the front parking lot outside of Town Hall. Now 19 00:04:40,949 --> 00:04:45,088 please ensure you place your cell phone on silent or 20 00:04:45,128 --> 00:04:49,069 turn it off. The Town of Lincoln Council meetings are 21 00:04:49,410 --> 00:04:53,598 posted on our YouTube channel. Closed captioning is available on 22 00:04:53,779 --> 00:04:57,598 all our videos by selecting the closed captioning button on 23 00:04:57,598 --> 00:05:03,576 the bottom right of the video. The Town of Lincoln, 24 00:05:03,576 --> 00:05:06,456 being part of the Niagara region is situated on treaty 25 00:05:06,557 --> 00:05:10,260 land. This land is steeped in the rich history of 26 00:05:10,281 --> 00:05:14,260 the First Nations, such as how to Wanderonk, the Hoden 27 00:05:14,281 --> 00:05:18,740 of Shone, Diana Schnabe, including the Mississaugas of the Credit 28 00:05:18,921 --> 00:05:23,481 First Nation. There are many First Nations, mati an inuit 29 00:05:23,521 --> 00:05:26,601 people from across Turtle Island that live and work in 30 00:05:26,622 --> 00:05:31,079 Niagara today. The Regional Municipality of Niagara and the Town 31 00:05:31,119 --> 00:05:35,079 of Lincoln stand with all Indigenous people past and present 32 00:05:35,740 --> 00:05:38,599 in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which 33 00:05:38,639 --> 00:05:45,177 we live. All members of Council are in attendance. And 34 00:05:45,217 --> 00:05:48,814 we have staff and attendance this evening. We also have 35 00:05:48,995 --> 00:05:52,814 representatives from the Lincoln soapbox Derby and the Lincoln Garden 36 00:05:52,814 --> 00:06:00,452 Club. And regional councillor foster is an attendance. Item 5 37 00:06:00,553 --> 00:06:04,741 is confirmation of agenda. Due to the recent flooding that 38 00:06:04,842 --> 00:06:07,701 occurred and in light of the comments from the CAO 39 00:06:07,882 --> 00:06:10,661 and members of council on this matter, I would like 40 00:06:10,701 --> 00:06:15,621 to move Council remarks to item seven on the agenda. 41 00:06:15,621 --> 00:06:19,941 Immediately before announcements by members to allow council the opportunity 42 00:06:19,981 --> 00:06:23,554 to discuss this issue at that time. I'll now ask 43 00:06:23,655 --> 00:06:27,973 for a show of hands. That is unanimous, thank you. 44 00:06:30,164 --> 00:06:36,680 Declarations of interest. Are there any declarations of interest. I 45 00:06:36,680 --> 00:06:40,808 see none. We will now consider the matter of recent 46 00:06:40,848 --> 00:06:46,283 flooding. That has occurred. And the CAO will provide some 47 00:06:46,384 --> 00:06:50,203 comments. Mr. C. Hale. Thank you, Madam Mayor. And following 48 00:06:50,243 --> 00:06:52,923 my comments, I am going to ask Director Graham to 49 00:06:52,963 --> 00:06:56,763 provide a little bit of an operational update for you 50 00:06:56,763 --> 00:06:59,163 as well. But this is one of those times where 51 00:07:00,144 --> 00:07:02,923 I'm not happy to be addressing Council. I wish I 52 00:07:02,944 --> 00:07:06,523 didn't have to speak on this particular. Item, but we 53 00:07:06,544 --> 00:07:10,210 are here. And so I will provide some comments. Staff 54 00:07:10,250 --> 00:07:13,330 meant today specifically to discuss what happened. We had been 55 00:07:13,330 --> 00:07:17,250 meeting over the weekend and following the storm up to 56 00:07:17,271 --> 00:07:21,890 and including that evening. And to review really the flooding 57 00:07:21,890 --> 00:07:25,490 event itself. But what happens next? What can we do 58 00:07:25,530 --> 00:07:27,410 next? I know I've discussed this with a number of 59 00:07:27,911 --> 00:07:31,970 members of council most recently as today. And I think 60 00:07:32,551 --> 00:07:34,210 you've heard me say a few times you've heard us 61 00:07:34,231 --> 00:07:39,790 say that this was one of those extraordinary storms. And 62 00:07:39,790 --> 00:07:45,117 generally our infrastructure performed relatively well. I say that, but 63 00:07:45,117 --> 00:07:47,937 to the resident who experienced significant flooding and there were 64 00:07:47,937 --> 00:07:50,817 many of them. That really doesn't make a difference that 65 00:07:50,857 --> 00:07:54,737 it performed well and that this was greater than 100 66 00:07:54,918 --> 00:07:57,537 - year type storms that were receiving. And so I 67 00:07:57,558 --> 00:08:00,417 say that really to say it doesn't really matter that 68 00:08:00,678 --> 00:08:03,721 our infrastructure performed well. At the end of the day, 69 00:08:03,721 --> 00:08:07,881 we need to understand where we had issues. There were 70 00:08:07,881 --> 00:08:10,121 areas with some of these micro bursts that didn't get 71 00:08:10,161 --> 00:08:13,201 hit that typically get hit. I think about Hickson. I 72 00:08:13,201 --> 00:08:16,041 think about other locations that during the storm we drove 73 00:08:16,382 --> 00:08:19,081 to. And there was actually very little rain. We need 74 00:08:19,121 --> 00:08:23,321 to understand the how this happened. And ultimately really the 75 00:08:23,422 --> 00:08:26,681 why so that we can figure out what happens next. 76 00:08:26,782 --> 00:08:29,081 You've heard us or you've seen us, whether it be 77 00:08:29,121 --> 00:08:32,601 social media or specifically reaching out to residents to gather 78 00:08:32,622 --> 00:08:36,121 information from those that were affected. Some have proactively already 79 00:08:36,222 --> 00:08:39,941 reached out. Some were going to be reaching out. And 80 00:08:39,941 --> 00:08:43,801 we really need to understand from everyone whether the flooding 81 00:08:43,801 --> 00:08:48,201 came through floor drains, whether it was their sump systems, 82 00:08:48,201 --> 00:08:52,121 the window wells, we had a lot of overland flow, 83 00:08:52,121 --> 00:08:54,601 or really if there were some other sources. And I 84 00:08:54,601 --> 00:08:56,121 think what we want to do with that is make 85 00:08:56,121 --> 00:08:58,761 sure that we're mapping that information to see what some 86 00:08:58,761 --> 00:09:00,761 of the patterns and what were some of the key 87 00:09:00,801 --> 00:09:03,161 issues. I think intuitively we know where some of those 88 00:09:03,502 --> 00:09:05,781 in Beamsville were. I heard from a number of you 89 00:09:05,781 --> 00:09:08,490 that were out that evening. Next, we're going to be 90 00:09:08,490 --> 00:09:12,970 working with our engineering consultant and primarily Niagara region to 91 00:09:13,010 --> 00:09:16,490 look at the storm and to really model how our 92 00:09:16,530 --> 00:09:19,850 systems perform. We're going to try to recreate it in 93 00:09:19,890 --> 00:09:24,010 a modelling format. Um, so that we can determine how 94 00:09:24,050 --> 00:09:28,250 we reduce it in the future. Importantly, and I think 95 00:09:28,250 --> 00:09:30,490 you've heard us talk about some of the regional infrastructure 96 00:09:30,671 --> 00:09:34,810 improvements that we're looking at on Ontario Street and in 97 00:09:34,850 --> 00:09:37,050 and around on Terio Street. Um, I think we're going 98 00:09:37,050 --> 00:09:42,330 to have to identify whether those need to be accelerated. 99 00:09:42,330 --> 00:09:47,130 Whether some of those, um, improvements, some of those projects, 100 00:09:47,130 --> 00:09:49,690 uh, would have led to reduced flooding in those particular 101 00:09:49,791 --> 00:09:52,970 areas and specifically I'm talking about the Ontario Street Pumping 102 00:09:52,970 --> 00:09:56,650 Station and the sanitary trunk main that really runs down 103 00:09:56,690 --> 00:10:00,650 from the tracks down towards the pumping station, which ends 104 00:10:00,671 --> 00:10:03,370 near Lake Ontario. And so at the end of the 105 00:10:03,370 --> 00:10:06,490 day, bottom line here is, yes, it was a massive 106 00:10:06,591 --> 00:10:08,490 storm. A lot of water in a short period of 107 00:10:08,511 --> 00:10:11,610 time. Um, but we need to make sure that if 108 00:10:11,650 --> 00:10:14,810 infrastructure needs to be accelerated, right now those works are 109 00:10:14,831 --> 00:10:18,435 scheduled for 2030. Um, if those works, do need to 110 00:10:18,435 --> 00:10:21,955 be accelerated, whether they're hours or the regions. We need 111 00:10:21,955 --> 00:10:23,875 to push to make that happen. And I do see 112 00:10:24,136 --> 00:10:27,155 Councillor Foster nodding. Um, but I think this is one 113 00:10:27,155 --> 00:10:29,235 of those things that in short order, we're going to 114 00:10:30,616 --> 00:10:33,395 determine what needs to get done. How it needs to 115 00:10:33,416 --> 00:10:36,115 get done. And if the region needs to come to 116 00:10:36,115 --> 00:10:38,595 the table, we'll be having those conversations. I've reached out 117 00:10:38,696 --> 00:10:42,755 to Deputy CAO surgy as well as Ron Trip today, 118 00:10:42,755 --> 00:10:45,155 uh, and I echoed similar comments as I'm making this 119 00:10:45,155 --> 00:10:48,206 evening. So. Turn it over to maybe director Graham if 120 00:10:48,206 --> 00:10:50,526 he's got some high level comments. He wants that. And 121 00:10:50,526 --> 00:10:57,134 then of course the members of Council. Director Graham. Through 122 00:10:57,134 --> 00:11:01,294 you, Madam Mayor. And to just build off what Mr. 123 00:11:01,475 --> 00:11:06,814 CAO had said, we really did receive an unprecedented amount 124 00:11:06,814 --> 00:11:12,894 of rainfall. Um, Beansville got hit the worst. Beensville North. 125 00:11:12,894 --> 00:11:17,374 We had about, uh, 110 millimeters of rain in 100 126 00:11:17,414 --> 00:11:22,369 minutes. And just for some context, that exceeds 100 year 127 00:11:22,409 --> 00:11:26,129 design storm that a lot of the infrastructure is designed 128 00:11:26,150 --> 00:11:29,729 for in turns in terms of its maximum service level. 129 00:11:29,729 --> 00:11:34,369 So that's why residents may have seen various stormwater management 130 00:11:34,710 --> 00:11:38,529 ponds, uh, where they may have been overflowing because that's 131 00:11:39,270 --> 00:11:42,909 the design service level that, uh, they've been, you know, 132 00:11:42,950 --> 00:11:45,729 built and designed to, to accommodate to 100 year storms. 133 00:11:45,729 --> 00:11:49,649 So we did see a lot of flooding across the 134 00:11:49,689 --> 00:11:53,249 community that probably a lot of people haven't seen before, 135 00:11:53,249 --> 00:11:55,889 just given the degree of this magnitude of this storm. 136 00:11:56,801 --> 00:12:00,460 Um, as Mr. CAO said, um, in terms of next 137 00:12:00,460 --> 00:12:07,900 steps, we are mapping, um, out every flooding report we 138 00:12:07,940 --> 00:12:11,500 receive from residents, various types of flooding. So we're mapping 139 00:12:11,500 --> 00:12:14,300 them out. We're going to be assessing them in much 140 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:17,740 greater detail to try and learn what may have happened 141 00:12:17,841 --> 00:12:20,680 in some of those areas. We'll be working with, uh, 142 00:12:20,721 --> 00:12:24,540 our engineering consultants to also help as model some of 143 00:12:24,540 --> 00:12:28,220 the systems. Um, we have a lot of data from 144 00:12:28,260 --> 00:12:30,220 the rainfall that we can use to kind of help 145 00:12:30,721 --> 00:12:33,500 create, you know, what happened and see what we can 146 00:12:33,521 --> 00:12:36,622 learn from that. Uh, in terms of how things performed 147 00:12:37,523 --> 00:12:40,302 and identify, uh, what else can be done in the 148 00:12:40,302 --> 00:12:43,982 future to improve those situations. And we're going to be 149 00:12:43,982 --> 00:12:47,102 working very closely with our partners at the NAGA region, 150 00:12:47,102 --> 00:12:53,072 uh, as we go through this, this review. Thank you 151 00:12:53,093 --> 00:12:56,829 very much, Director Graham. Do you have anything else to 152 00:12:56,829 --> 00:13:01,425 add Mr. CAO. All right. Well, we'll open up the 153 00:13:01,686 --> 00:13:05,985 floor now to councillors. And, um, you can just go 154 00:13:06,006 --> 00:13:08,685 into the cues. You normally would, if you have, uh, 155 00:13:09,366 --> 00:13:19,110 any comments to make on this. Well, I would be 156 00:13:19,110 --> 00:13:22,870 very disappointed since you asked me, thank you very much 157 00:13:23,611 --> 00:13:33,332 Council Russell. You go ahead. We're good. Yep. Yep. Yep. 158 00:13:33,372 --> 00:13:37,114 Yep. That's the work. He's on. Thanks, Madam Mayor. Um, 159 00:13:37,535 --> 00:13:41,434 through you two staff, again, very much appreciate the opportunity 160 00:13:41,535 --> 00:13:45,194 to speak on this, uh, obviously, uh, again, being one 161 00:13:45,194 --> 00:13:49,674 of the ward one residents, we received probably the most, 162 00:13:49,674 --> 00:13:52,394 um, concerns raised in our area. I know I had, 163 00:13:52,394 --> 00:13:54,794 as of today, 99 homes, uh, that reached out to 164 00:13:54,834 --> 00:13:57,674 me directly about flooding concerns. Again, and it was all 165 00:13:57,714 --> 00:14:01,754 three. It was, um, again, sewer backup. There was overland. 166 00:14:01,754 --> 00:14:04,714 And then there was just, uh, some pump overflow. So, 167 00:14:04,714 --> 00:14:08,634 um, there is again, the wide variety across lower or 168 00:14:08,674 --> 00:14:11,434 northern ward one. I think what everybody just really wants 169 00:14:11,434 --> 00:14:13,754 to know is again, what is that plan going forward? 170 00:14:13,754 --> 00:14:16,514 So again, I talked to Councillor Bernie earlier today. I 171 00:14:16,514 --> 00:14:19,834 guess there is a motion coming forward in Grimsby. Should 172 00:14:19,834 --> 00:14:22,714 we bring forward a motion just to direct staff on 173 00:14:23,615 --> 00:14:26,794 the specifics of a report to come back? Or is 174 00:14:26,834 --> 00:14:29,634 staff already taken out on their side to, again, to 175 00:14:29,634 --> 00:14:34,354 your point about the external engineering firm coming in. Is 176 00:14:34,354 --> 00:14:37,914 that enough, um, to give you, uh, the direction on 177 00:14:38,015 --> 00:14:40,474 what to bring back to either this council or future 178 00:14:40,514 --> 00:14:45,994 council on, again, mitigation, um, again, problem solving. And just 179 00:14:46,034 --> 00:14:48,794 again, overall, what happened? Is that, uh, is that where 180 00:14:48,794 --> 00:14:53,486 we are right now? Mr. C. Hulk. Through you, Madam 181 00:14:53,486 --> 00:14:56,046 Mayor, did the council. I mean, Councillor, you know, motions 182 00:14:56,046 --> 00:14:58,846 are always something that council can look at providing us. 183 00:14:58,846 --> 00:15:00,506 I would tell you the severity of the issue, the 184 00:15:00,506 --> 00:15:03,246 amount of residents that were impacted by it. This is 185 00:15:03,267 --> 00:15:05,946 the top on our list in terms of priority. And 186 00:15:05,946 --> 00:15:09,086 so, um, I think, you know, you echoing that council 187 00:15:09,126 --> 00:15:11,246 echoing that this evening, I think is sufficient in terms 188 00:15:11,246 --> 00:15:13,726 of what staff's doing. We've already started to take action 189 00:15:14,307 --> 00:15:16,926 on a number of those. We can definitely determine what 190 00:15:16,947 --> 00:15:19,966 is the best way to make sure that that's communicated, 191 00:15:19,966 --> 00:15:22,046 both externally as well as internally so that members of 192 00:15:22,227 --> 00:15:25,086 council over the summer are kept up to speed and 193 00:15:25,086 --> 00:15:26,926 up to date in terms of what's happening. But I 194 00:15:26,926 --> 00:15:31,406 don't think the bigger issue right now than this. Today, 195 00:15:31,406 --> 00:15:33,966 probably about an hour or so, go receive a flood 196 00:15:34,006 --> 00:15:38,186 warning from NPCA now that covers the broader catchment. And 197 00:15:38,186 --> 00:15:40,526 so we were immediately, I think talking to one another 198 00:15:40,707 --> 00:15:43,246 in terms of just what other preventative measures can we 199 00:15:43,246 --> 00:15:47,006 do, what sort of communication externally needs to happen on 200 00:15:47,046 --> 00:15:49,686 that. And just to make sure that we're ready. So 201 00:15:50,067 --> 00:15:52,286 I don't think we need a formal motion. Definitely we're 202 00:15:52,286 --> 00:15:54,926 in Council's hands. Should you want that? But this is 203 00:15:54,966 --> 00:15:57,006 on the top of our list. PONNERTON Thank you for 204 00:15:57,046 --> 00:16:01,086 that. Um, second question, Madam Mayor. Again, talking to Councillor 205 00:16:01,126 --> 00:16:04,366 Micolik earlier today as well. Um, and just again, as 206 00:16:04,406 --> 00:16:09,406 far as again, terminology for disaster. Is there any metrics 207 00:16:09,446 --> 00:16:12,206 that we have either in our bylaws or our policies 208 00:16:12,787 --> 00:16:15,726 that would label something a disaster that may allow us 209 00:16:15,766 --> 00:16:18,526 to seek, um, funding from other levels of government to 210 00:16:18,547 --> 00:16:21,406 assist residents through situations like this. Again, I think if 211 00:16:21,406 --> 00:16:25,086 we're looking at 200, 300 homes potentially that were impacted 212 00:16:25,126 --> 00:16:26,766 by this. I don't know if that qualifies or if 213 00:16:26,766 --> 00:16:30,126 we even have that sort of thing in our policies, 214 00:16:30,126 --> 00:16:37,418 uh, that we could leverage. PON. Why don't I start 215 00:16:37,418 --> 00:16:41,738 that question councillor and either Dave Charlotte or Matt who 216 00:16:41,778 --> 00:16:46,458 have worked on these types of applications in the past. 217 00:16:46,458 --> 00:16:48,938 We tried the last time we had storms, uh, that 218 00:16:48,938 --> 00:16:51,298 really impacted a number of residents to look at, is 219 00:16:51,298 --> 00:16:54,378 there some provincial disaster relief funding that we could tap 220 00:16:54,399 --> 00:16:57,098 into and there wasn't. Uh, we don't have anything per 221 00:16:57,119 --> 00:17:00,538 se in our respective policies that would address this typically 222 00:17:00,538 --> 00:17:03,578 when we've had sex storms where we've had erosion or 223 00:17:03,578 --> 00:17:07,178 we've had significant land damage. We've been successful on two 224 00:17:07,218 --> 00:17:10,138 occasions actually to the tune of about three million dollars 225 00:17:10,399 --> 00:17:13,578 collectively in terms of what the province provided. Uh, I 226 00:17:13,578 --> 00:17:16,778 have reached out and spoken with, uh, the CAOs of 227 00:17:17,359 --> 00:17:20,778 St. Catherine's, uh, as well as the CAO up in 228 00:17:20,818 --> 00:17:24,198 West Lincoln and in Grimsby in terms of, you know, 229 00:17:24,319 --> 00:17:26,218 is there an opportunity to do something here? We did 230 00:17:26,239 --> 00:17:27,978 reach out to the region waiting for a bit more 231 00:17:28,159 --> 00:17:31,578 information on that. I don't believe it meets the threshold, 232 00:17:31,578 --> 00:17:34,618 um, but definitely, uh, should again, again, should, should counsel 233 00:17:34,719 --> 00:17:37,898 one, uh, provide us some direction even this evening to 234 00:17:37,898 --> 00:17:41,418 seek that out more formally. We can definitely, um, get 235 00:17:41,458 --> 00:17:44,058 you a more formal response from the provincial government on 236 00:17:44,058 --> 00:17:46,458 that. MONOC. Okay. And then just one follow up, Madam 237 00:17:46,458 --> 00:17:50,538 Mayor, three of you. Again, would there be any strength 238 00:17:51,359 --> 00:17:53,898 or to advocate at AMO for this type of thing? 239 00:17:53,898 --> 00:17:56,378 To again, either make it, again, it may be a 240 00:17:56,378 --> 00:18:00,218 more localized disaster funding model that could be tapped into 241 00:18:00,719 --> 00:18:03,178 to such things like this. Um, that again, I'm sure 242 00:18:03,359 --> 00:18:08,058 multiple municipalities across the province could probably utilise, especially again, 243 00:18:08,058 --> 00:18:10,598 as climate change starts to, again, alter some of the 244 00:18:10,639 --> 00:18:13,158 weather patterns that we've got. Is that something that, uh, 245 00:18:13,359 --> 00:18:17,736 you would suggest maybe that occurs at AMO. Through you, 246 00:18:17,736 --> 00:18:19,896 Madam Mayor, to the councillor. Absolutely. I think we can 247 00:18:19,896 --> 00:18:22,856 ask we're meeting with the ministry municipal affairs and housing. 248 00:18:22,856 --> 00:18:24,776 We can definitely add this to the list of items 249 00:18:24,816 --> 00:18:27,336 that we can have a discussion with them on. I 250 00:18:27,376 --> 00:18:29,896 agree with you. I think the threshold that is currently 251 00:18:29,997 --> 00:18:32,776 in place at the provincial government is one that is 252 00:18:32,816 --> 00:18:36,336 sometimes, um, difficult to reach or difficult to hit. It 253 00:18:36,336 --> 00:18:38,516 is when you have large scale emergencies and it was 254 00:18:38,516 --> 00:18:42,936 designed for things like tornadoes, things that are massive kind 255 00:18:42,976 --> 00:18:47,736 of climactic, um, interruptions or disruptions to communities, uh, and 256 00:18:47,736 --> 00:18:49,816 I think something like this as we start to experience 257 00:18:49,917 --> 00:18:53,976 more isolated showers and micro bursts and things like this 258 00:18:54,016 --> 00:18:56,776 that are happening, you know, in no way can we 259 00:18:56,776 --> 00:18:59,736 create infrastructure. That is of the size and scope or 260 00:18:59,736 --> 00:19:01,256 at least it would be cost prohibitive to do so 261 00:19:01,357 --> 00:19:04,136 that would be able to accommodate this amount of water. 262 00:19:04,136 --> 00:19:06,056 But when we do have issues like this, we need 263 00:19:06,056 --> 00:19:09,656 to be able to tap into funding, uh, versus people 264 00:19:09,757 --> 00:19:12,456 simply just going to their home insurance companies, which I 265 00:19:12,496 --> 00:19:15,256 know I've heard some of the challenges with that as 266 00:19:15,256 --> 00:19:17,656 well. So definitely something we can add to our ammo 267 00:19:17,837 --> 00:19:21,016 delegation list and make sure that we bring that forward. 268 00:19:21,357 --> 00:19:24,919 Okay. Thank you, Mr. Sioux. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Councillor 269 00:19:24,940 --> 00:19:25,719 Brunet, please go ahead. 270 00:19:42,620 --> 00:19:50,048 We'll move you up. In the queue. Yeah. Uh. Councillor 271 00:19:50,069 --> 00:19:52,368 Patrieva, put yourself back on, put it on and I'll 272 00:19:52,408 --> 00:19:56,039 move you up. I'll just. Move him up. I. Think 273 00:19:56,039 --> 00:19:59,692 you were next. Yep. He was. And now. We'll just 274 00:19:59,692 --> 00:20:06,343 go here. Okay. Great. Go ahead. Thank you, Madam Mayor, 275 00:20:06,343 --> 00:20:12,103 through you. Um, appreciate the opportunity to be discussing this. 276 00:20:12,103 --> 00:20:14,423 You know, obviously there's a number of families that are 277 00:20:14,444 --> 00:20:17,303 having to deal with this. And, um, I do appreciate 278 00:20:17,644 --> 00:20:20,023 the public works team and how quickly they got out 279 00:20:20,023 --> 00:20:22,197 there to talk to some of these families. That, you 280 00:20:22,197 --> 00:20:24,377 know, in some areas, uh, I spoke to a family 281 00:20:24,478 --> 00:20:27,097 today. They've been living on Green Lane since they bought 282 00:20:27,198 --> 00:20:29,837 since they purchased or built their house actually. It was 283 00:20:29,838 --> 00:20:34,117 farmland in 1979 and they built the house and, uh, 284 00:20:34,117 --> 00:20:37,877 have never had any flooding until last Monday. So, um, 285 00:20:38,398 --> 00:20:40,617 it's pretty tumultuous for some of these people to have 286 00:20:40,657 --> 00:20:43,817 to deal with it. They don't understand, um, you know, 287 00:20:43,817 --> 00:20:45,577 how the insurance work. They don't know what a claim 288 00:20:46,158 --> 00:20:49,897 involves. So I really appreciate the fact that, um, we've 289 00:20:49,937 --> 00:20:53,257 made a great effort to get out there, um, but 290 00:20:53,358 --> 00:20:56,457 my question through you, Madam Mayor, to either the CA 291 00:20:56,497 --> 00:21:00,697 or to the director or maybe just Mr. Deani is, 292 00:21:00,697 --> 00:21:05,577 um, you know, as we move forward, um, and director 293 00:21:05,598 --> 00:21:09,173 Graham kind of touched on it. Um, we have made 294 00:21:09,674 --> 00:21:13,573 some huge investments in our infrastructure. And I heard comments 295 00:21:13,674 --> 00:21:17,573 about the cherry heights'storm retention pond. I heard comments about 296 00:21:17,594 --> 00:21:19,893 the storm retention pawn at the corner of Bartlett in 297 00:21:19,933 --> 00:21:23,653 Green Lane. And normally those ponds are bone dry and, 298 00:21:23,653 --> 00:21:25,333 you know, last Tuesday, they were full to the brink. 299 00:21:26,438 --> 00:21:29,857 In reality, those, that means they're working to their full 300 00:21:29,897 --> 00:21:33,537 capacity and they're working as designed. But through you, Madam 301 00:21:33,577 --> 00:21:36,257 Mayor, to whoever wants to handle it, um, how do 302 00:21:36,257 --> 00:21:39,537 we get that communication out that, you know, the infrastructure 303 00:21:39,577 --> 00:21:42,897 that we've done on Lincoln Avenue is actually working that 304 00:21:42,897 --> 00:21:47,057 when someone sees, um, that rainwater going over the sidewalk, 305 00:21:47,057 --> 00:21:48,337 on the curb and down the middle of the road 306 00:21:48,438 --> 00:21:52,577 to the, to the culvert and to the, um, area 307 00:21:52,617 --> 00:21:54,977 by good earth, that that is by design. That's where 308 00:21:54,977 --> 00:21:57,137 we want to take the water. We want it to 309 00:21:57,137 --> 00:21:59,297 flow down there so it doesn't go east, west into 310 00:21:59,318 --> 00:22:02,797 somebody's basement. So how do we communicate that? So, you 311 00:22:02,797 --> 00:22:07,769 know, residents really understand in parallel. Uh, it doesn't, it 312 00:22:07,790 --> 00:22:10,729 doesn't ease the pain. It doesn't help, um, the stress 313 00:22:10,729 --> 00:22:14,009 of, of having to bring a contractor in and redo 314 00:22:14,049 --> 00:22:18,656 your house. But, um, in parallel. I think communication is 315 00:22:18,696 --> 00:22:21,216 really important. And education. And I'm just wondering, how do 316 00:22:21,216 --> 00:22:23,596 we get that? How do we get out that, uh, 317 00:22:23,797 --> 00:22:27,395 to the, to the general population. Mr. Sayo, would you 318 00:22:27,496 --> 00:22:30,116 hear. Three, Madam Mayor. Absolutely. And I think it's a 319 00:22:30,116 --> 00:22:32,196 good question, Council. I think we've started a little bit 320 00:22:32,236 --> 00:22:34,836 of that, but to your point, uh, is it reaching 321 00:22:35,017 --> 00:22:37,876 everyone that it needs to reach to? Not everyone's going 322 00:22:37,916 --> 00:22:41,716 to local media. Not everyone is going to our website 323 00:22:42,057 --> 00:22:44,116 or other social media channels. So I think some of 324 00:22:44,116 --> 00:22:48,116 it is really taking that old fashion approach and individually 325 00:22:48,457 --> 00:22:50,836 doing what we've started to doing. I know I've started 326 00:22:50,876 --> 00:22:53,956 doing reaching out to individuals one by one. And I 327 00:22:53,956 --> 00:22:57,236 think carrying some of that message forward, um, because you're 328 00:22:57,236 --> 00:22:59,876 right again, people are in the crux of dealing with 329 00:22:59,977 --> 00:23:03,076 an emergency in their own homes, uh, they're not logging 330 00:23:03,177 --> 00:23:05,956 on to a website to look for information or they're 331 00:23:05,956 --> 00:23:09,076 not necessarily reading their local paper. And so I think, 332 00:23:09,076 --> 00:23:10,756 uh, again, some of that's going to be just the 333 00:23:10,796 --> 00:23:14,276 individual outreach that we do. But, um, I know Dave 334 00:23:14,377 --> 00:23:16,676 and a number of his staff, uh, did work late 335 00:23:16,716 --> 00:23:20,116 and have continued to work late talking to residents specifically. 336 00:23:20,116 --> 00:23:22,116 And I think all of you are messengers in that 337 00:23:22,137 --> 00:23:24,036 as well, in terms of being able to share that 338 00:23:24,137 --> 00:23:26,756 information. So if we need to equip you as well, 339 00:23:26,756 --> 00:23:28,436 we will do that. But I don't know if anyone 340 00:23:28,476 --> 00:23:35,109 else on the team maybe wants to add something. Mr. 341 00:23:35,290 --> 00:23:39,396 Dianni, do you have any comments. Thank you, madam Mayor. 342 00:23:39,396 --> 00:23:40,836 And through you to the Councillor, just to sort of 343 00:23:40,836 --> 00:23:43,876 dovetail on what the CO indicated, uh, I think our 344 00:23:43,897 --> 00:23:46,916 communication approach over the last little bit, councillor has really 345 00:23:46,916 --> 00:23:50,036 been focused on, uh, providing obviously some empathy and understanding 346 00:23:50,076 --> 00:23:53,716 in terms of what our residents have experienced last week, 347 00:23:53,716 --> 00:23:56,596 showcasing what we're trying to do to prevent this moving 348 00:23:56,636 --> 00:23:59,316 forward, similar to the comments that the CO made in 349 00:23:59,316 --> 00:24:01,476 regards to our public work staff and they're working with 350 00:24:01,516 --> 00:24:03,716 the region. But I think in terms of next steps, 351 00:24:03,716 --> 00:24:06,276 that could be something that we will definitely look at. 352 00:24:06,276 --> 00:24:08,196 I know as a CO indicator, we had some conversations 353 00:24:08,297 --> 00:24:10,836 this morning. The communication staff in terms of how we 354 00:24:10,876 --> 00:24:12,916 can get some more messaging out there, uh, and I 355 00:24:12,916 --> 00:24:15,076 think, uh, we'll take to heart what you just said. 356 00:24:15,076 --> 00:24:20,650 So thank you. Thank you very much. Council Renee. If 357 00:24:20,671 --> 00:24:23,290 I could just follow with another question. I know that, 358 00:24:23,290 --> 00:24:27,930 um, I know Councillor Russell indicated that, um, from his 359 00:24:27,930 --> 00:24:31,130 perspective, the calls that he's getting as award one councillor 360 00:24:31,151 --> 00:24:34,810 that Beanfield was hit hard. And we agree with that. 361 00:24:34,810 --> 00:24:38,330 But we've also, we've also been aware of a district 362 00:24:38,511 --> 00:24:41,130 in Vineland and Tolman Drive. And they experience quite a 363 00:24:41,130 --> 00:24:45,758 bit of flooding. So I'm wondering, um. I'm wondering what 364 00:24:45,798 --> 00:24:49,678 the thoughts are on that specifically. I know we've had, 365 00:24:49,678 --> 00:24:51,838 you know, we've had that on our radar. We've been 366 00:24:51,878 --> 00:24:54,398 hearing it at ward meetings. We've been hearing it at, 367 00:24:54,398 --> 00:25:00,168 uh, the Moses Rittenhouse open houses. And some of those 368 00:25:00,189 --> 00:25:04,248 residents have been looking for some assistants. So I'm just 369 00:25:04,269 --> 00:25:07,848 wondering if through Madam Mayor, the CEO could speak to 370 00:25:07,888 --> 00:25:14,417 that specifically. POND. To the Councillor. I think your right 371 00:25:14,457 --> 00:25:17,217 councillor. Tollman is one of those, um, areas in our 372 00:25:17,257 --> 00:25:20,657 community and Vineland. That is the hardest hit and has 373 00:25:20,657 --> 00:25:22,497 been the hardest hit. And I think you've heard me 374 00:25:22,598 --> 00:25:25,937 say on a number of occasions. If I'm prioritizing capital 375 00:25:25,977 --> 00:25:28,657 investments over the next number of years, Tollman's probably on 376 00:25:28,657 --> 00:25:30,257 the top of the list in terms of what needs 377 00:25:30,297 --> 00:25:32,897 to get done. Uh, some of that work is conditional 378 00:25:32,897 --> 00:25:34,977 on the region. Uh, but I think we need to 379 00:25:34,977 --> 00:25:36,897 look at what can be phased, what we can do 380 00:25:37,478 --> 00:25:40,257 in advance of the regional work. And I think every 381 00:25:40,297 --> 00:25:42,817 time we have issues like this, the region does need 382 00:25:42,817 --> 00:25:45,217 to be brought up to speed. No different than what 383 00:25:45,217 --> 00:25:48,097 we're going to do on Ontario Street. And the pumping 384 00:25:48,097 --> 00:25:51,217 station in terms of 2030. Again, knowing that everyone's got 385 00:25:51,318 --> 00:25:54,897 an infrastructure deficit in infrastructure shortfall. And we have limited 386 00:25:54,998 --> 00:25:58,097 amounts of money. But to me, Tollman Drive remains the 387 00:25:58,097 --> 00:26:01,537 top priority that we need to start advocating for and 388 00:26:01,537 --> 00:26:05,137 prioritize when we look at capital works into 2027 and 389 00:26:05,177 --> 00:26:10,949 beyond. PONO PO Thank you, Madam Mayor. Thank you, Councillor. 390 00:26:10,949 --> 00:26:17,249 Councillor Pechiriva, please go ahead. Yeah. Thank you, your worship. 391 00:26:17,430 --> 00:26:19,489 Um, and I'm going to kind of go down the 392 00:26:19,489 --> 00:26:24,537 same tact as Council Brene and Councillor Russell. I'm going 393 00:26:24,537 --> 00:26:27,817 to start off first with AMO. Um, we had some, 394 00:26:27,817 --> 00:26:31,017 uh, success a few years ago when we advocated about 395 00:26:31,118 --> 00:26:34,697 the change of the state of emergency. When it dealt 396 00:26:34,737 --> 00:26:38,837 with social issues like mental health, addiction and homelessness. And 397 00:26:38,837 --> 00:26:41,257 I think this is a great opportunity to come and 398 00:26:41,257 --> 00:26:46,277 say, you know, as not only we experience it, but 399 00:26:46,318 --> 00:26:48,537 other areas of the province, be it an ice storm 400 00:26:49,278 --> 00:26:55,017 or flooding or fire. These things are here and now. 401 00:26:55,017 --> 00:26:59,097 And we can say that, you know, they're reaching thresholds 402 00:26:59,097 --> 00:27:01,657 of 100 year storms, but when they happen every couple 403 00:27:01,697 --> 00:27:05,017 of years, that someone's reality. So I think it's, I 404 00:27:05,017 --> 00:27:07,977 think it's very important that that becomes top of the 405 00:27:07,977 --> 00:27:13,417 list for our ammo delegations. Um, secondly, with respect to 406 00:27:13,598 --> 00:27:19,657 communication, um, I think we need to maybe take a 407 00:27:19,657 --> 00:27:23,527 little bit of a pivot. Um, to try to separate 408 00:27:24,028 --> 00:27:27,527 the three causes, right? So we've got overland flow. We've 409 00:27:27,527 --> 00:27:33,607 got sewer backup. And then we've got, um, like streams, 410 00:27:33,607 --> 00:27:38,765 creeks. And they're three distinctive possibilities. So whether we maybe 411 00:27:38,866 --> 00:27:43,885 use an insert because it's, it's still hot on the 412 00:27:43,906 --> 00:27:48,649 press. The Council priorities. And I know it's all printed, 413 00:27:48,649 --> 00:27:52,409 but a little insert in there on, okay, this is 414 00:27:52,409 --> 00:27:57,609 what she can do to combat yourself against, um, sewage 415 00:27:57,649 --> 00:28:00,809 backup, right? Backflow prevention. And maybe we develop a little 416 00:28:00,910 --> 00:28:05,609 program with, with, um, some money going back. Um, with 417 00:28:05,609 --> 00:28:10,267 respect to overland flow, you know. Keep your swales clear. 418 00:28:10,267 --> 00:28:12,427 Don't put a shed in it. Don't put a raised 419 00:28:12,427 --> 00:28:16,267 garden bed in it. And things like that, like, much 420 00:28:16,267 --> 00:28:19,367 like when the fires have hit out west, you've got 421 00:28:19,367 --> 00:28:21,467 a fireproof your home. So you don't have these shrubs 422 00:28:21,467 --> 00:28:24,987 that are flammable close to the home. And do a 423 00:28:25,168 --> 00:28:31,135 whole, um, uh. Communication. Program around that on arming our 424 00:28:31,175 --> 00:28:33,695 residents with what they can do and then how we 425 00:28:33,695 --> 00:28:35,935 can help them to get there. And I think the 426 00:28:35,975 --> 00:28:39,215 third one and the most important from, from my standpoint, 427 00:28:39,716 --> 00:28:43,215 having stood out there and watched the water rushing down, 428 00:28:43,215 --> 00:28:46,735 uh, the creek beside lencos. And then through the brand 429 00:28:46,756 --> 00:28:50,415 new box culvert and around it like Council Bernet said, 430 00:28:50,415 --> 00:28:52,335 it went down Lincoln Avenue. It went down the curb. 431 00:28:52,626 --> 00:28:55,325 That's where we wanted to go. But people don't know 432 00:28:55,346 --> 00:29:01,429 that the, the creeks are their responsibility. To keep them 433 00:29:01,450 --> 00:29:06,229 clear. So whether we, we maybe adopt them as a 434 00:29:06,229 --> 00:29:09,749 municipal drains or some oversight or work with Councillor Foster 435 00:29:09,930 --> 00:29:13,109 and the conservation authority to develop some type of program 436 00:29:13,290 --> 00:29:17,909 to educate and help the residents keep these things clear. 437 00:29:18,801 --> 00:29:21,980 Because it only becomes top of mind when something like 438 00:29:22,020 --> 00:29:25,580 this happens. Like there was a resident on Green Lane 439 00:29:26,241 --> 00:29:29,180 that had flooding overland flooding. And you could see the 440 00:29:29,441 --> 00:29:32,620 brown water right up to the back. So this poor 441 00:29:32,721 --> 00:29:36,540 gal got hit from the back from the stream overflowing 442 00:29:36,721 --> 00:29:39,162 and then got hit from the front. From the water 443 00:29:39,343 --> 00:29:41,562 rushing down Green Lane because she was in the dip. 444 00:29:43,266 --> 00:29:47,405 And, um, you know, she's looking after a brother who's 445 00:29:47,405 --> 00:29:49,085 ill in the house. She had six inches of water 446 00:29:49,746 --> 00:29:52,445 in the basement. So you can't call her because her 447 00:29:52,485 --> 00:29:57,641 modems cooked. And then she had another four steps down 448 00:29:58,622 --> 00:30:04,500 to like a sub basement. That freezers and chests. And 449 00:30:04,500 --> 00:30:08,107 it was heartbreaking to see it. And, you know, she 450 00:30:08,147 --> 00:30:12,187 couldn't try to contact the insurance and things like that. 451 00:30:12,187 --> 00:30:16,747 And I know we've all been diligent to on posting 452 00:30:16,747 --> 00:30:19,307 things, but, you know, we had the map come out. 453 00:30:19,307 --> 00:30:21,147 And I think Council Russell posted. And I was about 454 00:30:21,147 --> 00:30:23,627 to post. And then it starts, well, where is, where 455 00:30:23,667 --> 00:30:26,827 am I? Why am I not there? So what kind 456 00:30:26,827 --> 00:30:30,427 of does more bad than good if we can kind 457 00:30:30,427 --> 00:30:33,387 of regroup on all this and, and get some messaging 458 00:30:33,488 --> 00:30:35,307 out? Cause it's, it's up to us to control the 459 00:30:35,347 --> 00:30:38,107 narrative. That's the thing that really bothered me that, you 460 00:30:38,107 --> 00:30:42,607 know, the infrastructure's not, not working. And we've spent money 461 00:30:42,647 --> 00:30:45,727 on parks and trails and not looked after this. Well, 462 00:30:45,748 --> 00:30:50,832 that's not true. Right. So just need to be a 463 00:30:50,832 --> 00:30:53,712 little more diligent now in the messaging. I think we've 464 00:30:53,712 --> 00:30:57,152 got through the compassionate part. And that's still got to 465 00:30:57,152 --> 00:30:58,752 be there. And it's still always going to be there. 466 00:30:59,177 --> 00:31:01,956 But, you know, how can we help and what can 467 00:31:01,956 --> 00:31:10,909 we do. To prevent it. Through you, Madamer, all good 468 00:31:11,010 --> 00:31:14,509 points, Councillor, and all things that, um, are in progress, 469 00:31:14,509 --> 00:31:17,309 both in terms of the community newsletter, as well as 470 00:31:17,410 --> 00:31:20,109 a number of other things. So, um, every, everyone from 471 00:31:20,149 --> 00:31:24,429 our climate, uh, environmental coordinator to operation staff are working 472 00:31:24,610 --> 00:31:26,909 on providing some of those updates. I think you provided 473 00:31:26,949 --> 00:31:29,629 some good suggestions in terms of other things that we 474 00:31:29,629 --> 00:31:32,849 can be doing more proactively. I think, you know, I 475 00:31:32,849 --> 00:31:35,149 can tell you we probably had, um, a little under 476 00:31:35,250 --> 00:31:40,029 two dozen people. You know, following the storm, um, uptake 477 00:31:40,610 --> 00:31:44,029 the backflow preventer program and the grants that we have, 478 00:31:44,029 --> 00:31:46,669 uh, for residents on that. And I think, um, the 479 00:31:46,709 --> 00:31:48,669 more people that are aware of that program and the 480 00:31:48,669 --> 00:31:51,949 funding available, uh, for each individual home that wants to 481 00:31:51,949 --> 00:31:54,569 put in that backflow preventer, I think the better. Uh, 482 00:31:54,569 --> 00:31:56,589 and so we have talked about if we're over prescribed 483 00:31:56,629 --> 00:31:58,109 how we're going to address that. And I think we've 484 00:31:58,109 --> 00:32:01,389 got a plan in terms of, uh, the conversations that 485 00:32:01,429 --> 00:32:04,989 director tunicatis, Graham and I have had recently knowing that, 486 00:32:04,989 --> 00:32:07,949 uh, already we had had over 20 people subscribed to 487 00:32:07,949 --> 00:32:09,549 that. So a number of ways I think we're going 488 00:32:09,549 --> 00:32:11,229 to try to get the information out. And so I 489 00:32:11,229 --> 00:32:14,629 appreciate your comments. And, and that's terrific. And two, I 490 00:32:14,629 --> 00:32:16,909 just want to highlight the fact too that that staff 491 00:32:17,090 --> 00:32:19,869 was out there during the storm. I mean, there was, 492 00:32:19,869 --> 00:32:21,629 uh, you know, the fire truck at the corner of 493 00:32:21,650 --> 00:32:25,389 Green Lane pumping. Mr. Neubauer was up at King Street 494 00:32:25,410 --> 00:32:29,549 and Lincoln Avenue and was witnessing the water rushing firsthand. 495 00:32:31,494 --> 00:32:36,013 And that, you know, people that have put in, you 496 00:32:36,013 --> 00:32:40,113 know, contact information that, uh, staff is doing everything they 497 00:32:40,153 --> 00:32:43,793 can to reach out. And then those circumstances too, when, 498 00:32:43,793 --> 00:32:46,033 you know, their telephone line isn't working that they'll make 499 00:32:46,073 --> 00:32:49,086 every effort to go and knock on the door. And, 500 00:32:49,086 --> 00:32:51,846 you know, go with a compassionate year and that. So 501 00:32:52,067 --> 00:33:01,435 thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. Uh, through 502 00:33:01,475 --> 00:33:04,955 you to our CEO. Yeah. Thank you, Councillor Russell for 503 00:33:04,976 --> 00:33:11,806 bringing it up. Disaster conversation when I spoke to you 504 00:33:12,227 --> 00:33:15,166 earlier today. I did consider this to be a disaster 505 00:33:15,507 --> 00:33:21,006 similar to any disaster where there's excessive water. With sewage, 506 00:33:21,187 --> 00:33:24,206 I can't even imagine the scope of that disaster is 507 00:33:24,246 --> 00:33:27,806 I've not experienced that one. Um, thank you Council Brunet 508 00:33:27,846 --> 00:33:31,686 for bringing up the vine land issues and Tolman. I 509 00:33:31,686 --> 00:33:34,206 think the more of us that recognise that area is 510 00:33:34,206 --> 00:33:37,566 being a problem area. The stronger the argument would be 511 00:33:37,827 --> 00:33:41,006 for the region to and ourselves to step up and 512 00:33:41,027 --> 00:33:47,006 take this, um, matter seriously in the future. Um, with 513 00:33:47,046 --> 00:33:52,569 regards to. This, we're always hearing about, unprecedented storm. These 514 00:33:52,569 --> 00:33:56,089 unprecedented storms seem to be happening quite frequently. And I'm 515 00:33:56,089 --> 00:33:59,574 going to ask our director of planning. What sort of 516 00:33:59,574 --> 00:34:06,419 data. Our engineers using when it comes to stormwater, sewer 517 00:34:06,419 --> 00:34:10,581 water management. Uh, how outdated is this? Is this, um, 518 00:34:11,342 --> 00:34:14,041 are the specs or the stats from 90 years ago 519 00:34:14,622 --> 00:34:17,961 that this is happening almost on a regular basis to 520 00:34:17,982 --> 00:34:23,892 the point where residents can't get insurance anymore. Does this 521 00:34:25,833 --> 00:34:30,132 do these specifications or acceptances need to be reviewed and 522 00:34:30,132 --> 00:34:36,860 updated? I've asked this before. Mr. Brooder. Yeah, thanks. Through 523 00:34:36,860 --> 00:34:39,888 you, Madam Mayor. Yeah, it's a good question. I mean, 524 00:34:39,888 --> 00:34:44,448 when we look at designs of new developments and new 525 00:34:44,448 --> 00:34:46,928 development, when I say new developments, that can range from, 526 00:34:46,928 --> 00:34:48,688 you know, a new house being built and a drainage 527 00:34:48,728 --> 00:34:52,448 plan associated with that to a larger subdivision. Um, there 528 00:34:52,629 --> 00:34:55,808 are design standards that need to be, you know, undertaken 529 00:34:55,989 --> 00:34:58,768 and fulfilled specifically. I don't want to go too far 530 00:34:58,808 --> 00:35:02,848 into the technical details, but, you know, we look at, 531 00:35:02,848 --> 00:35:05,088 or the design engineers look at, okay, what's happening on 532 00:35:05,128 --> 00:35:08,208 the site before the development happens. Usually there's already some 533 00:35:08,248 --> 00:35:11,728 type of drainage pattern water coming in, leaving the site. 534 00:35:11,728 --> 00:35:15,488 Um, that's supposed to be kind of maintained or, or 535 00:35:15,509 --> 00:35:19,168 held capacity and flow ice so that what happens after 536 00:35:19,189 --> 00:35:22,528 the development, um, water leaving the site is the same 537 00:35:22,528 --> 00:35:25,328 as it was before. And the means of doing so. 538 00:35:25,328 --> 00:35:28,848 I heard stormwater management ponds, um, sometimes there's underground storage 539 00:35:28,869 --> 00:35:31,888 tanks. Sometimes there's upsized pipes under the ground to kind 540 00:35:31,888 --> 00:35:34,288 of hold that water and discharge it slowly. So you 541 00:35:34,288 --> 00:35:36,768 can match the pre - development levels. What the issue 542 00:35:36,789 --> 00:35:40,848 is, is all these design parameters are associated with what 543 00:35:40,848 --> 00:35:43,008 we call in the industry a hundred year storm on 544 00:35:43,008 --> 00:35:45,808 the max side of things in terms of capacity. Well, 545 00:35:45,808 --> 00:35:48,448 I think, you know, we can all acknowledge, um, that 546 00:35:48,869 --> 00:35:51,248 those are happening a lot more frequently than every hundred 547 00:35:51,288 --> 00:35:55,408 years these days, um, because of a variety of factors. 548 00:35:55,408 --> 00:36:00,368 Um, the hundred year design is something that is industry 549 00:36:00,549 --> 00:36:03,328 - wide at the moment. You're right. It's been industry 550 00:36:03,328 --> 00:36:05,568 - wide for quite some time now. It's something the 551 00:36:05,608 --> 00:36:08,448 industry is looking at in the context of climate change 552 00:36:08,629 --> 00:36:12,368 and adaptation. But, you know, there haven't been new standards 553 00:36:12,469 --> 00:36:14,728 developed yet. I think it's a little bit, it's a 554 00:36:14,728 --> 00:36:18,368 very big undertaking because it applies very broadly. I'm not 555 00:36:18,408 --> 00:36:21,228 sure what the implications are from an insurance perspective, but 556 00:36:21,228 --> 00:36:25,088 that's what I can tell you is that, um, those 557 00:36:25,128 --> 00:36:27,088 particular standards have been in place for quite some time 558 00:36:27,349 --> 00:36:30,188 and they are being looked at because the recognition. You 559 00:36:30,188 --> 00:36:32,688 take that storm. We got, you know, probably even a 560 00:36:32,688 --> 00:36:34,688 little better than a hundred year design storm in like 561 00:36:34,728 --> 00:36:37,088 an hour and a half. So, you know, these are 562 00:36:37,088 --> 00:36:38,448 the types of things that need to be looked at 563 00:36:38,869 --> 00:36:42,051 because of the, uh, increased frequency of these events. Appreciate 564 00:36:42,072 --> 00:36:45,891 that answer. I think it's not so climate change. I 565 00:36:45,891 --> 00:36:47,891 think it's an adaptation. I think we need to adapt 566 00:36:48,072 --> 00:36:53,811 ourselves to expect these sorts of, uh, instances to occur 567 00:36:53,912 --> 00:36:56,931 more often. You live in Florida. You don't have a 568 00:36:56,952 --> 00:36:59,051 basement. I don't even know if I would want to 569 00:36:59,192 --> 00:37:01,091 basement if I was living in an area that would 570 00:37:01,131 --> 00:37:05,811 have flooding, especially this sort, you know, is frequently is 571 00:37:05,811 --> 00:37:10,611 what I'm hearing. Um, another question I have is to 572 00:37:10,611 --> 00:37:14,371 ourselves and to our CAO, like with respect to the 573 00:37:14,552 --> 00:37:18,371 timeline of reviewing this with the region. And this sort 574 00:37:18,371 --> 00:37:21,811 of thing. There's developments, new developments that are going to 575 00:37:21,912 --> 00:37:28,371 be asking more of our existing or current infrastructure. Do 576 00:37:28,632 --> 00:37:31,651 we, do we just keep going with all of that? 577 00:37:31,651 --> 00:37:34,211 Like, um, do we put a pause on that? Do 578 00:37:34,392 --> 00:37:37,331 we wait and look at this before we move forward 579 00:37:37,432 --> 00:37:44,531 with future parking lots, future, um, condominium, future, anything. 580 00:37:51,900 --> 00:37:56,541 Through humanity, the councillor. Anytime we have a new development, 581 00:37:56,541 --> 00:38:00,141 uh, small or large and direct or brooder can definitely 582 00:38:00,242 --> 00:38:04,221 chime in. In those particular cases, we're doing those types 583 00:38:04,261 --> 00:38:07,501 of studies and modelling to determine, does the addition of 584 00:38:08,482 --> 00:38:12,221 eight new homes, 10 new homes, uh, 50 new condos 585 00:38:13,362 --> 00:38:15,901 impact our water systems. Maybe to go back to the 586 00:38:16,082 --> 00:38:18,301 100 year storm, 100 year storm doesn't mean it's necessarily 587 00:38:18,402 --> 00:38:20,941 going to occur one in 100 years. What it means 588 00:38:20,941 --> 00:38:24,141 is that historically there was a one percent chance of 589 00:38:24,141 --> 00:38:27,581 that storm occurring to that severity. And so I think 590 00:38:27,581 --> 00:38:29,821 we could all, or we would all determine when we 591 00:38:29,821 --> 00:38:34,061 look at, you know, rainfall statistics, that it's based on 592 00:38:34,882 --> 00:38:38,301 PAST observations, not future observations. And I think what we're 593 00:38:38,341 --> 00:38:41,501 seeing more now, uh, is the fact that how do 594 00:38:41,501 --> 00:38:44,461 our other systems work that support it? I've said it 595 00:38:44,461 --> 00:38:48,141 before and I think Councillor Brunet hit this particular point. 596 00:38:48,141 --> 00:38:50,861 Uh, it is inconceivable to think that we could build 597 00:38:51,122 --> 00:38:54,381 every pipe or culvert or pumping station, um, to handle 598 00:38:55,122 --> 00:38:58,781 every possible storm. The costs would be enormous. And that's 599 00:38:58,821 --> 00:39:02,541 just not how municipalities, um, you know, look at kind 600 00:39:02,541 --> 00:39:04,701 of modern flood resilience. I think what we need to 601 00:39:04,701 --> 00:39:07,341 do is determine are all our systems working well together 602 00:39:07,682 --> 00:39:11,981 is the overland flowing is the influention that we're looking 603 00:39:12,021 --> 00:39:17,341 at addressed. Our stormwater management PON's acceptable. And so I 604 00:39:17,842 --> 00:39:19,981 use that example to talk to you about now moving 605 00:39:20,002 --> 00:39:22,301 forward. What do we do with developments that are coming 606 00:39:23,122 --> 00:39:26,727 towards us are coming online. I think we need to 607 00:39:26,868 --> 00:39:29,807 continue to update and look at whatever town and regional 608 00:39:29,847 --> 00:39:34,527 improvements can reduce that particular impact. But I don't know 609 00:39:34,567 --> 00:39:38,447 if director brooder may have, you know, something to add. 610 00:39:38,447 --> 00:39:39,807 I think he may be able to chime in in 611 00:39:39,807 --> 00:39:42,767 terms of how we look at individual projects, uh, our 612 00:39:42,767 --> 00:39:46,527 individual homes, but adding a few homes, you know, isn't 613 00:39:46,548 --> 00:39:48,527 necessarily what's going to impact the system. We need to 614 00:39:48,527 --> 00:39:51,402 look at it at a much more macro level. PONO 615 00:39:51,503 --> 00:39:56,645 Mr. Brooder. Thank you, Mayor Easton. Um, yeah, I think 616 00:39:56,906 --> 00:40:00,005 another thing to consider, I agree, you know, we definitely 617 00:40:00,106 --> 00:40:03,205 have to exercise a high level of diligence when it 618 00:40:03,205 --> 00:40:05,605 comes to new developments, which we are. Um, we're trying 619 00:40:05,605 --> 00:40:08,165 to look at larger catchment areas too. When we get 620 00:40:08,205 --> 00:40:11,285 a development application, not just that specific property trying to 621 00:40:11,285 --> 00:40:13,765 figure out the overall drainage patterns in the area and 622 00:40:13,765 --> 00:40:15,125 go from there. But one thing I did want to 623 00:40:15,125 --> 00:40:17,605 highlight an additional point that I think might get lost 624 00:40:17,605 --> 00:40:19,685 in this is I know we're talking about new development 625 00:40:19,866 --> 00:40:22,725 and the extra contributions in terms of the impacts of 626 00:40:22,765 --> 00:40:25,365 the overall drainage system, but also I would add a 627 00:40:25,365 --> 00:40:28,085 lot of these design standards requiring this control on site 628 00:40:28,125 --> 00:40:30,725 for new development for some of the existing and longstanding 629 00:40:30,746 --> 00:40:32,725 land uses that are already there and have been there 630 00:40:32,765 --> 00:40:35,285 for years. That wasn't there. So I think that's a 631 00:40:35,306 --> 00:40:37,385 whole other factor that goes into this. Some of the 632 00:40:37,385 --> 00:40:41,905 existing properties, developments that have happened. I don't know, you 633 00:40:41,905 --> 00:40:44,405 know, decades ago that are there now. Um, I would 634 00:40:44,506 --> 00:40:47,125 contend with you that even though, yes, we're seeing the 635 00:40:47,125 --> 00:40:50,085 severity of storms happen more often than perhaps they used 636 00:40:50,085 --> 00:40:52,565 to. I would also say though that the standards, although 637 00:40:52,565 --> 00:40:55,045 we talked about may need to be updated, they're still 638 00:40:55,045 --> 00:40:57,205 more stringent than they were when a lot of other 639 00:40:57,306 --> 00:40:59,605 developments went in years ago. So I think that's an 640 00:40:59,626 --> 00:41:02,645 important point too when you're considering kind of existing land 641 00:41:02,645 --> 00:41:04,885 uses already there to new development. And it's just a 642 00:41:04,885 --> 00:41:09,689 little bit of a clarification I wanted to make. I 643 00:41:09,689 --> 00:41:11,369 appreciate that. I just, you know, when we talk about 644 00:41:11,390 --> 00:41:13,689 the future and we talk about, you know, this and 645 00:41:13,689 --> 00:41:16,569 that, that's part of the adaptation or that's part of 646 00:41:16,569 --> 00:41:19,529 the, uh, the new norm that I think we all 647 00:41:19,569 --> 00:41:22,089 need to look at, not just arm municipality, but any 648 00:41:22,190 --> 00:41:27,849 municipality that, uh, sees a dark rain cloud, um, so 649 00:41:28,030 --> 00:41:30,089 those are my comments. And the other thing is just 650 00:41:30,089 --> 00:41:32,889 like, you know, there's even in Jordan itself, there was 651 00:41:32,889 --> 00:41:34,709 a, there was, there was an individual that, you know, 652 00:41:35,630 --> 00:41:38,249 he got flooded out because the surface water on a, 653 00:41:38,289 --> 00:41:43,677 on a quite a pretty recent, um. Parking lot that 654 00:41:43,717 --> 00:41:46,397 was constructed, you know, saying that this has never happened 655 00:41:46,418 --> 00:41:52,524 before, this and that. And it's just, it's tough. To. 656 00:41:53,646 --> 00:41:58,505 Knock on this person's door, knowing what they're experiencing. And, 657 00:41:58,505 --> 00:42:02,105 you know, having the answer, well, everything, everything meets standards. 658 00:42:02,978 --> 00:42:05,797 Well, some people are going to disagree with that. So 659 00:42:05,797 --> 00:42:08,317 that's, that's why I'm bringing these sorts of questions up 660 00:42:09,138 --> 00:42:17,988 at this time. Thank you. Councillor Renema. Thank you, Madam 661 00:42:17,988 --> 00:42:21,908 Mayor. Uh, so my question is about, I have attended 662 00:42:21,948 --> 00:42:24,708 on your behalf and with you, um, some great lakes, 663 00:42:24,708 --> 00:42:29,408 St. Lawrence, um, cities initiatives, um, conference and some, um, 664 00:42:30,169 --> 00:42:33,727 uh, some other events. And obviously, uh, one of the 665 00:42:33,727 --> 00:42:36,467 things that's talked about is water and how to control 666 00:42:36,648 --> 00:42:40,547 water. Um, I think the, you know, if you look 667 00:42:40,547 --> 00:42:43,987 back over the last 10 years, Canada wide, the crazy 668 00:42:44,328 --> 00:42:48,687 sort of flooding events, really intense flooding events. So, um, 669 00:42:48,968 --> 00:42:51,587 I'm wondering if there's any wisdom advice on a precedent 670 00:42:52,008 --> 00:42:57,027 that that group can provide. But my question is, Councillor 671 00:42:57,067 --> 00:43:02,387 Miklick brought up insurance and Councillor Russell brought up AMO. 672 00:43:02,387 --> 00:43:05,187 So I'm wondering if that's something that we can look 673 00:43:05,227 --> 00:43:08,787 at discussing at AMO with the Ministry of Finance about, 674 00:43:08,787 --> 00:43:13,009 you know, asking what that looks like. Canada - wide 675 00:43:13,030 --> 00:43:15,089 and locally and how people are being affected by the 676 00:43:15,110 --> 00:43:18,609 flooding and getting ahead of it and seeing if they're 677 00:43:18,609 --> 00:43:21,249 anticipating any issues. And if the ministry can do to 678 00:43:21,270 --> 00:43:24,529 assist. Because if you can't get insurance, that's tough. Mr. 679 00:43:24,710 --> 00:43:26,529 CAO, would you have anything that you could add now. 680 00:43:30,159 --> 00:43:32,698 Three, Madam Mayor, to Council Regime. I think when we 681 00:43:32,698 --> 00:43:34,938 look at the work that the Great Lakes in St. 682 00:43:34,978 --> 00:43:39,338 Lawrence cities initiative, uh, is doing, I mean, they are 683 00:43:39,338 --> 00:43:40,938 doing a lot of work, as you will know, being 684 00:43:41,359 --> 00:43:45,138 our rep on there around municipal climate adaptation. Some of 685 00:43:45,138 --> 00:43:49,978 the infrastructure vulnerability issues. And specifically, uh, the watershed based 686 00:43:51,439 --> 00:43:55,338 stormwater management. I think continuing to advocate and bringing some 687 00:43:55,338 --> 00:43:58,058 of those voices to the table when we're at AMO. 688 00:43:58,058 --> 00:44:00,218 I think it's going to be critical. Um, as we 689 00:44:00,218 --> 00:44:02,618 move forward. And so I think, you know, we take 690 00:44:02,618 --> 00:44:04,938 that comment, councillor, I think in addition to the other 691 00:44:05,039 --> 00:44:07,258 comments, this evening. I think we need to be looking 692 00:44:07,359 --> 00:44:10,698 at those particular issues and looking at the whole watershed 693 00:44:12,079 --> 00:44:15,178 in particular, as well as some of the vulnerability assessments 694 00:44:15,218 --> 00:44:18,778 that I know the Great Lakes in St. Lawrence cities 695 00:44:18,799 --> 00:44:24,419 initiative is encouraging us to undertake with them. PONO Thank 696 00:44:24,419 --> 00:44:29,988 you. Thank you very much, Councillor. And, um, maybe we 697 00:44:30,009 --> 00:44:35,548 could just give regional Councillor Foster a little heads up 698 00:44:36,089 --> 00:44:38,308 so that he could make a few comments regarding the 699 00:44:38,329 --> 00:44:41,188 NPCA on some of these matters when you present your 700 00:44:41,289 --> 00:44:46,315 report tonight. If there's an. Okay, we move on now 701 00:44:46,336 --> 00:44:50,315 to Councillor Reimer. Go ahead, Councillor. Thank you, Madam Mayor. 702 00:44:50,741 --> 00:44:54,560 Uh, a couple of questions. Um, first, maybe to Director 703 00:44:54,661 --> 00:44:58,080 Brooder, um, I think it's important that we are investigation 704 00:44:58,181 --> 00:45:00,920 determines the actual cause of some of these things. I 705 00:45:00,920 --> 00:45:02,800 know people who have, who have been affected by it 706 00:45:03,381 --> 00:45:05,120 aren't really going to care. But I think as far 707 00:45:05,120 --> 00:45:10,080 as a determining, um, sometish happened already. And it's hard 708 00:45:10,120 --> 00:45:13,561 to understand, but, but drainage, overland drainage. That's almost impossible 709 00:45:13,822 --> 00:45:15,721 to gauge that for a hundred year storm. Right. So 710 00:45:15,721 --> 00:45:18,521 if it's overland, we still need to know about it. 711 00:45:18,521 --> 00:45:20,601 But I think the important thing is, and I'll ask 712 00:45:20,702 --> 00:45:23,801 Director Bruder this, uh, the sewage backup. Was it not 713 00:45:23,822 --> 00:45:26,441 discussed at higher levels or is it not part of 714 00:45:26,441 --> 00:45:30,121 the building code already that some newer builds or possibly 715 00:45:30,142 --> 00:45:33,880 will have those as part of the building code. And 716 00:45:33,880 --> 00:45:39,739 their sewers and new houses or not. Sewage backup. Yeah. 717 00:45:39,760 --> 00:45:43,339 Sanitary sewage backup. Dr. Bruder, sorry. Didn't explain. Yeah. Our 718 00:45:43,440 --> 00:45:45,499 senators sewage would have the backplow for vendor as part 719 00:45:45,499 --> 00:45:50,142 of the building code. PONOSIN, that's correct. Councillor, they would 720 00:45:50,142 --> 00:45:51,982 with the newer buildings. Yes. They'd be subject to the 721 00:45:52,003 --> 00:45:55,981 newer building code requirements, which require that. Okay. To touch 722 00:45:55,981 --> 00:45:58,701 on maybe something as a follow - up May Reese 723 00:45:58,701 --> 00:46:01,581 and just something that Councillor Pachiva, maybe some, some type 724 00:46:01,581 --> 00:46:03,901 of program we could offer, you know, we've done that 725 00:46:03,922 --> 00:46:07,181 in the past with other things. Um, to help those 726 00:46:07,221 --> 00:46:09,581 who don't have that requirement. Any idea what time of 727 00:46:09,602 --> 00:46:12,201 year that or what the year that became in, uh, 728 00:46:12,402 --> 00:46:16,301 Councillor Root or Councillor Hooter. Director Rooter. What year did 729 00:46:16,301 --> 00:46:18,301 that come in the Ontario building code just so people, 730 00:46:18,322 --> 00:46:20,301 people would know when their house was built that they 731 00:46:20,301 --> 00:46:25,408 have that protection in there. Through you, Mary said. And 732 00:46:25,408 --> 00:46:27,748 I'm not exactly sure. Councillor, when that would have come 733 00:46:27,748 --> 00:46:28,948 in, it'd be, it would have been in place for 734 00:46:28,948 --> 00:46:30,948 a little while now though. Like I upwards of a 735 00:46:30,948 --> 00:46:32,708 decade for sure that it would have been. I think 736 00:46:32,708 --> 00:46:34,228 it's 10 years, but I wasn't sure the exact year. 737 00:46:34,268 --> 00:46:36,904 Yeah. Around there. Okay. So thank you for that. I 738 00:46:36,904 --> 00:46:40,344 just wanted to thank also staff for, um, there are 739 00:46:40,344 --> 00:46:42,264 attentiveness on that day. I was in contact with director 740 00:46:42,285 --> 00:46:43,784 agreement a couple of times on that day. And he 741 00:46:43,784 --> 00:46:46,344 responded to a couple of instances. One, he knew about 742 00:46:46,445 --> 00:46:48,264 already. But the other one he was, he was right 743 00:46:48,304 --> 00:46:51,624 on top of it. And since staff out to, to 744 00:46:51,645 --> 00:46:54,024 act. So that was, uh, that was good to see. 745 00:46:54,064 --> 00:46:59,704 Um, I'm glad to hear we have a, an engineering 746 00:46:59,965 --> 00:47:04,584 firm looking at these, again, going back to the causes, 747 00:47:04,584 --> 00:47:07,064 um, and I would hope that they're not only looking 748 00:47:07,165 --> 00:47:11,144 at the causes, but also some solutions. Um, and I 749 00:47:11,144 --> 00:47:14,664 can't help but thinking we, we struggle, um, these last 750 00:47:14,664 --> 00:47:17,704 two occurrences happened. One happened in 2025 and early April 751 00:47:17,965 --> 00:47:21,064 and the last one in July. And we struggle getting 752 00:47:21,165 --> 00:47:25,339 water off the escarpment basically to the lake. Right? Except 753 00:47:25,379 --> 00:47:28,299 we have King Street, John Street, Green Lane, the CN 754 00:47:28,339 --> 00:47:30,379 tracks and the QW on the way. That's, that's all 755 00:47:30,379 --> 00:47:32,219 it's in the way. And then we, and now we're 756 00:47:32,259 --> 00:47:35,819 talking with the NAGA irrigation initiative project. And we're going 757 00:47:35,819 --> 00:47:37,579 to pump it all back up again for the farmers. 758 00:47:38,274 --> 00:47:41,453 So it just seems, I hope there's some outside the 759 00:47:41,493 --> 00:47:44,413 box thinking that, that we could somehow coordinate those two 760 00:47:44,453 --> 00:47:46,173 retention PONs are there for a purpose. And they do 761 00:47:46,213 --> 00:47:49,373 function very well. Maybe we expand some of those to 762 00:47:49,373 --> 00:47:52,253 help some of our, you know, there is a, it 763 00:47:52,253 --> 00:47:54,413 won't help every situation, but I think it will, it 764 00:47:54,434 --> 00:47:57,613 will lead to a, uh, a positive effect, especially in 765 00:47:57,653 --> 00:47:59,133 some of our trouble areas. If we could combine some 766 00:47:59,133 --> 00:48:02,813 of those, um, and suggest that to the engineering firm, 767 00:48:02,813 --> 00:48:05,773 that would be great. And one of the questions Mayor 768 00:48:05,773 --> 00:48:09,693 Eason, if I may, to David, uh, David Graham, with 769 00:48:09,693 --> 00:48:13,773 our infiltration and INI program, which has gone extremely well 770 00:48:14,194 --> 00:48:17,373 in other municipalities are copying, um, I can't help but 771 00:48:17,394 --> 00:48:19,613 think some areas would have been worse off than they 772 00:48:19,653 --> 00:48:23,933 were. Um, does it help? We've talked about advocating at 773 00:48:23,954 --> 00:48:28,213 AMO. Does that, uh, our program? Does that help us 774 00:48:28,434 --> 00:48:31,373 or hinder us if we were to ask for money, 775 00:48:31,373 --> 00:48:35,373 um, through infrastructure rehab program or something like that. Trying 776 00:48:35,373 --> 00:48:37,533 to think of another way, another way to the money. 777 00:48:38,178 --> 00:48:43,906 Um, the work, do you think, director Graham. Director Graham. 778 00:48:45,683 --> 00:48:48,382 Three, Madam Mayor to the Councillor. Uh, I think that's 779 00:48:48,563 --> 00:48:52,302 a great idea. Um, I think what it demonstrate that 780 00:48:52,483 --> 00:48:55,022 we're doing what we can. We're trying to be proactive 781 00:48:55,843 --> 00:49:01,782 in mitigating flooding with our, uh, INI reduction program. I 782 00:49:01,782 --> 00:49:04,702 think council has done a lot of good work with 783 00:49:04,883 --> 00:49:08,301 investing in that. Um, I know when we do our 784 00:49:08,341 --> 00:49:11,581 modelling assessment of the storm, the flooding would have been 785 00:49:11,621 --> 00:49:14,701 a lot worse if we wouldn't have done the INI 786 00:49:14,741 --> 00:49:17,421 work that we've been doing over the last, uh, number 787 00:49:17,461 --> 00:49:20,781 of years to help remove excess flow from the sewers. 788 00:49:20,781 --> 00:49:23,741 So I think that's important to note. But, um, yeah, 789 00:49:23,741 --> 00:49:25,961 I think it would be viewed councillor as, you know, 790 00:49:26,082 --> 00:49:30,758 we're doing what we can to help. When you're making 791 00:49:30,798 --> 00:49:37,940 that ask. Thank you, Director Graham. And. I think in 792 00:49:37,980 --> 00:49:40,180 our messaging too as well, I think some people misunderstand 793 00:49:40,761 --> 00:49:44,660 that backup situation. We talk about infiltration, but I don't 794 00:49:44,660 --> 00:49:46,980 think they put two and two together. That stormwater is 795 00:49:47,081 --> 00:49:49,540 in our sanitary sewage. That's why that happens. It's not 796 00:49:49,721 --> 00:49:52,340 everybody uses the washroom more. Right. Like there's, there's a, 797 00:49:52,340 --> 00:49:54,980 there's a reason why. And that's, that helps. There's lots 798 00:49:55,001 --> 00:49:57,380 of reasons why that happens. It shouldn't be. There should 799 00:49:57,380 --> 00:49:59,780 be zero issues with your standard territory sewer when the 800 00:49:59,780 --> 00:50:01,940 reigning, right? It just doesn't, that's not the way things 801 00:50:01,980 --> 00:50:04,020 work. But I think in our messaging somehow we could 802 00:50:04,020 --> 00:50:06,500 get creative and kind of encourage people not to put 803 00:50:06,540 --> 00:50:08,540 some pumps in the sanitary sewer and those kind of 804 00:50:08,540 --> 00:50:12,020 things. Like that's all those add up. Right. So downspouts, 805 00:50:12,020 --> 00:50:14,100 all that kind of stuff. So thank you very much, 806 00:50:14,121 --> 00:50:21,605 Marrison. P Councillor and Deputy Mayor, and Councillor Timmer is 807 00:50:21,626 --> 00:50:25,288 your next. Thank you very much, Maryston. So when you're 808 00:50:25,328 --> 00:50:26,888 at the bottom of the queue, most of my questions 809 00:50:26,928 --> 00:50:30,488 have been answered. And, um, I'm, I'm really happy that 810 00:50:30,589 --> 00:50:33,288 we're having this discussion because there was a lot of 811 00:50:33,629 --> 00:50:35,828 misinformation. And I think we're kind of clearing a lot 812 00:50:35,828 --> 00:50:40,968 of that up here tonight. And, um, the, um, the 813 00:50:40,968 --> 00:50:43,848 points of Tolman Drive being added to the priority list 814 00:50:43,888 --> 00:50:47,448 for 2027 budget is, is really a good thing. That's 815 00:50:47,448 --> 00:50:50,888 coming out of a terrible situation. Um, you know, I 816 00:50:50,909 --> 00:50:52,888 had family and friends as well that were affected by 817 00:50:52,909 --> 00:50:57,128 the flooding. It's, it's one of those things that we 818 00:50:57,149 --> 00:51:00,808 didn't predict. And, um, hopefully through the review, we'll learn 819 00:51:01,949 --> 00:51:04,968 if the areas that we can correct. And we can, 820 00:51:04,968 --> 00:51:08,248 um, make some changes moving forward. Um, I think communication 821 00:51:08,429 --> 00:51:10,968 is key though. And I think it's been a very 822 00:51:10,968 --> 00:51:14,328 good discussion tonight. So I don't have any further questions. 823 00:51:14,328 --> 00:51:16,728 Uh, AMO, the delegation of AMO makes a lot of 824 00:51:16,768 --> 00:51:21,608 sense. Perhaps the kind of disaster relief funding available that 825 00:51:21,648 --> 00:51:24,068 we could apply for. I'm not sure on that. But 826 00:51:24,189 --> 00:51:27,688 I'll leave that up to our staff. And, uh, that's 827 00:51:27,688 --> 00:51:29,928 it. That's my comments for tonight. Thank you, Mayor Easton. 828 00:51:30,888 --> 00:51:33,747 Thank you very much. Thank you, Councillor Timmers. And Councillor 829 00:51:33,787 --> 00:51:37,327 Russell and Councillor Patriva. I'm looking for a unique, not 830 00:51:37,327 --> 00:51:40,787 never heard before this evening. And, uh, one shot each. 831 00:51:41,603 --> 00:51:46,142 Okay. Go ahead, Councillor Russell. Pressure's on. Thanks, Madam Mayor. 832 00:51:46,163 --> 00:51:50,222 Three of you to staff. Again, kind of touching on 833 00:51:50,323 --> 00:51:53,162 what Councillor Pachiriva and Council Bernet had mentioned earlier, but 834 00:51:53,162 --> 00:51:55,342 not to the same degree. Um, there are a number 835 00:51:55,342 --> 00:51:58,702 of hotspots that we are well known throughout the Town 836 00:51:58,723 --> 00:52:02,222 Town of the Drive. Golden Horseshoe estates, um, again, some 837 00:52:02,222 --> 00:52:03,822 of the areas along John, some of the areas along 838 00:52:03,923 --> 00:52:06,942 Green Lane along both creeks. Is there a way to 839 00:52:07,203 --> 00:52:11,182 prioritize, um, some of the staff work to make sure 840 00:52:11,203 --> 00:52:14,062 that, again, the ditching, things that we can take care 841 00:52:14,062 --> 00:52:17,982 of ourselves without any external funding, or acetical contractors, that 842 00:52:17,982 --> 00:52:20,762 we can prioritize that in the next little while, um, 843 00:52:20,963 --> 00:52:23,822 again, if it's ditching, if it's creek maintenance and removing 844 00:52:23,843 --> 00:52:26,862 trees, uh, some of that debris, I know director graham 845 00:52:26,902 --> 00:52:29,662 has already done that again on again a number of 846 00:52:29,662 --> 00:52:31,582 occasions that we've reached out. But is there something that 847 00:52:31,582 --> 00:52:33,742 we could do on a more grand scale to try 848 00:52:33,843 --> 00:52:36,862 to make sure and mitigate this as much as possible? 849 00:52:36,862 --> 00:52:41,662 Or is there any service in, again, requesting additional funds 850 00:52:41,683 --> 00:52:44,622 for external contractors to come in and start doing some 851 00:52:44,622 --> 00:52:49,342 of that ditching along some of those either North Sorth 852 00:52:49,603 --> 00:52:52,122 corridors where we are getting a lot of funneling, um, 853 00:52:52,163 --> 00:52:53,742 and at some of the pinch points where we are 854 00:52:53,742 --> 00:52:56,702 seeing some of that overland pooling. Is there any, any 855 00:52:56,803 --> 00:52:59,342 thoughts to that whether or not we should focus or 856 00:52:59,342 --> 00:53:02,636 prioritize that. Go ahead, Mr. C. Dale. The amount of 857 00:53:02,636 --> 00:53:05,736 mayor to the councillor. Councillor, I think you're, you know, 858 00:53:06,897 --> 00:53:09,676 in a lot of ways echoing the conversation, uh, Dave 859 00:53:09,697 --> 00:53:12,716 Frank Buffalino and I had earlier today. We are prioritizing 860 00:53:12,737 --> 00:53:14,956 those areas now in light of just the most recent 861 00:53:15,697 --> 00:53:17,996 flood watch that we received. There are things that we're 862 00:53:17,996 --> 00:53:20,396 going to be doing. I see Dave nodding. And so 863 00:53:20,497 --> 00:53:22,556 I would suggest to you, um, we're going to be 864 00:53:22,596 --> 00:53:26,956 prioritizing those areas. And I think looking at, um, putting 865 00:53:26,996 --> 00:53:29,176 our resources where they need to be right now, uh, 866 00:53:29,176 --> 00:53:31,036 for the foreseeable future till we can get some of 867 00:53:31,036 --> 00:53:33,408 this work done. Okay. And just one quick follow up. 868 00:53:33,408 --> 00:53:34,928 Is that something we can do in - house or 869 00:53:34,928 --> 00:53:38,666 do we need any external assistance. Through you, Madam Mayor, 870 00:53:38,666 --> 00:53:40,346 to the Councillor. I see Dave nodding. I think most 871 00:53:40,346 --> 00:53:41,706 of it can be done in - house if we 872 00:53:41,706 --> 00:53:44,906 do. We'll be sure to update Council and probably go 873 00:53:44,946 --> 00:53:47,466 out and seek those external resources or go to some 874 00:53:47,506 --> 00:53:50,586 more municipal partners. But I'm comfortable to say I think 875 00:53:50,586 --> 00:53:52,106 we can do most of that in - house. Okay. 876 00:53:52,146 --> 00:53:56,346 Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Councillor Pachiriva, go ahead, 877 00:53:56,346 --> 00:53:59,446 please. Thank you, worship. And, um, you know, I was 878 00:53:59,487 --> 00:54:04,586 perusing the, um, the ammo program. And lo and behold, 879 00:54:05,247 --> 00:54:11,946 on Sunday at one o'clock, uh, ministry of the environment, 880 00:54:11,946 --> 00:54:17,666 practicing leadership in a flooding, a municipal exercise workshop. So 881 00:54:18,047 --> 00:54:20,986 in a realistic flooding exercise and workshop municipal leaders and 882 00:54:20,986 --> 00:54:25,466 staff will navigate escalating impacts on critical infrastructure, public safety, 883 00:54:25,466 --> 00:54:29,146 municipal services and community recovery while working through the decisions 884 00:54:29,407 --> 00:54:33,786 leader's face during a flooding event. Participants will experience how 885 00:54:33,786 --> 00:54:39,066 municipal exercise is encouraged discussing mutual aid, prioritizing resources and 886 00:54:39,066 --> 00:54:43,146 collaborating with provincial and community partners, participants will also get 887 00:54:43,186 --> 00:54:46,666 hands - on experience working with the provincial supports available 888 00:54:46,687 --> 00:54:51,306 to municipalities before, during, and after an emergency. So I 889 00:54:51,306 --> 00:54:56,906 think that if, um, if director Deanny can arrange that, 890 00:54:56,906 --> 00:55:00,906 um, session for us, the, I'm drawing a blank on 891 00:55:00,946 --> 00:55:04,913 what we call them. Delegation. Delegation, thank you, Anna. Uh, 892 00:55:06,374 --> 00:55:11,473 Councillor Murray, that it's, it's, you know what, it's right 893 00:55:11,473 --> 00:55:14,626 there. It's set on a T for us. So. Let's 894 00:55:14,647 --> 00:55:17,106 make it happen. And I plan to get there to 895 00:55:17,127 --> 00:55:20,950 attend this. So I'll take copious notes. Very good. Thank 896 00:55:20,950 --> 00:55:23,510 you, your worship. Thank you very much. Did you have 897 00:55:23,510 --> 00:55:25,830 anything more to say? I know through you, Madame Mayor. 898 00:55:25,830 --> 00:55:27,630 I just know Paul's making notes. So I think he 899 00:55:27,630 --> 00:55:30,230 heard the Councillor Loud and Claire. Very good. I'm glad 900 00:55:30,331 --> 00:55:36,183 everybody's on the ball here. So, um, interesting. I have 901 00:55:36,183 --> 00:55:41,583 a couple of comments. Besides some possible, um, input from 902 00:55:42,004 --> 00:55:45,743 NPCA. Although I'm sure the staff have already been talking 903 00:55:45,844 --> 00:55:50,303 with them. But the, um, I'll be very interested to 904 00:55:50,303 --> 00:55:55,423 know whether or not the emergency team at the ministry 905 00:55:55,924 --> 00:55:59,863 that it's really, I think it's a year and a 906 00:55:59,863 --> 00:56:02,303 half or, I don't think it's quite two years old. 907 00:56:03,400 --> 00:56:06,179 So I don't know what the state of all their 908 00:56:06,219 --> 00:56:11,699 policies is. Councillor Pechiriva, you brought this up. So we, 909 00:56:11,699 --> 00:56:17,379 um, we could speak with Kathy McGrath about that. And, 910 00:56:17,379 --> 00:56:22,099 um, if there's, um, if there's an opportunity for us 911 00:56:22,099 --> 00:56:24,959 to have a side meeting, not necessarily a delegation, but 912 00:56:25,400 --> 00:56:28,739 a side meeting with one of the key staffers from 913 00:56:29,320 --> 00:56:38,287 that ministry that might be helpful as well. Yeah. I'm 914 00:56:38,327 --> 00:56:40,607 happy to hear the comments about the I and I 915 00:56:40,647 --> 00:56:43,947 reduction because we've spent a great deal on that. But 916 00:56:43,947 --> 00:56:47,247 once again, it comes back to communication. How well do 917 00:56:47,287 --> 00:56:49,247 people understand it? It kind of makes your shake your 918 00:56:49,247 --> 00:56:54,047 head when the roof leaders going into the sewers. And 919 00:56:54,047 --> 00:56:56,927 then you end up at the backup. So that's, that's 920 00:56:56,927 --> 00:57:00,287 a little bit of a mystery. But again, this is 921 00:57:00,388 --> 00:57:03,087 new. There's a lot of things about this that are 922 00:57:03,348 --> 00:57:05,867 new. This was a great discussion. Thank you, Councillors, for 923 00:57:05,867 --> 00:57:10,927 bringing forward all of your suggestions ideas. And, uh, further 924 00:57:11,668 --> 00:57:16,127 and detailed discussions about what was actually going on during 925 00:57:16,148 --> 00:57:21,570 the night of the 21st. All right. We'll move on 926 00:57:21,751 --> 00:57:25,610 now to number eight, which is announcements by members. We 927 00:57:25,610 --> 00:57:27,810 seem to have been doing an awful lot of attending 928 00:57:27,831 --> 00:57:31,650 of this that. And the other thing you are limited 929 00:57:31,690 --> 00:57:36,130 to three items. And let's start the queue. 930 00:57:41,680 --> 00:57:48,309 Okay. I don't see anything. Oh, we do. Councillor Mickelo, 931 00:57:48,309 --> 00:57:50,449 go ahead. Thank you very much. I thought it was 932 00:57:50,570 --> 00:57:54,069 worthy noting that, uh, we attended several members of council 933 00:57:54,330 --> 00:57:58,789 attended the, uh, the designation of the old oak tree 934 00:57:59,290 --> 00:58:03,829 and Victoria Avenue celebrating the, um, anniversary of the old 935 00:58:03,850 --> 00:58:11,242 oak barn. Yeah. 400 year old tree. I never thought 936 00:58:11,343 --> 00:58:15,802 we would dedicate her. I never thought we designate a 937 00:58:15,903 --> 00:58:20,442 tree, you know, as a, as a, as a municipal 938 00:58:20,482 --> 00:58:22,842 leader, but, uh, it was a, it was a well 939 00:58:22,863 --> 00:58:27,562 attended celebration. I thought, uh, everyone did an excellent job. 940 00:58:27,583 --> 00:58:30,762 There's cupcakes for everyone while we were at it. It 941 00:58:30,802 --> 00:58:33,482 was, uh, it was a beautiful day. So I just, 942 00:58:33,482 --> 00:58:35,482 uh, wanted to make sure that that didn't skate through 943 00:58:35,983 --> 00:58:43,372 without a comment. Quite right Council Brunet. Thank you, Madam 944 00:58:43,372 --> 00:58:47,052 Mayor. Very quickly, um, I was pleased to, uh, to 945 00:58:47,092 --> 00:58:51,372 travel down to the Niagara Parks power plant last Thursday, 946 00:58:51,372 --> 00:58:55,212 July 23rd as a board member for NAGA Peninsula Energy. 947 00:58:55,212 --> 00:58:58,252 Uh, there was a funding announcement that, um, staff had 948 00:58:58,252 --> 00:59:01,292 been working on this application for probably 18 to 24 949 00:59:01,332 --> 00:59:05,532 months. And, uh, we were successful in receiving 2. 7 950 00:59:05,553 --> 00:59:09,852 million dollars to support the modernization of our electrical distribution 951 00:59:10,113 --> 00:59:15,535 system across Niagara. Why is this important? Well, we've been 952 00:59:15,535 --> 00:59:19,135 having a lot of power outages. And there has been 953 00:59:19,135 --> 00:59:23,275 a lot of discussion about, um, Niagara Penitential Energies, um, 954 00:59:23,876 --> 00:59:27,909 investment. Um, Councillor Timmers and I both sit on the 955 00:59:27,909 --> 00:59:31,429 board. We've been along with you, Madam Mayor recently up 956 00:59:31,469 --> 00:59:36,069 to the Spring Creek Transformer station where they're investing 38 957 00:59:36,109 --> 00:59:39,589 million dollars up there to ensure that, uh, we meet 958 00:59:39,629 --> 00:59:44,309 the requirements for power. Uh, this doesn't, um, this doesn't 959 00:59:44,349 --> 00:59:48,529 mean that we're not taking these power outages seriously. Uh, 960 00:59:48,529 --> 00:59:51,989 we are, because the businesses and there are residents that 961 00:59:52,090 --> 00:59:55,349 have been impacted by the outages that have been occurring. 962 00:59:55,349 --> 00:59:58,389 And as we talk about flooding, uh, power outages seem 963 00:59:58,389 --> 01:00:00,789 to be happening on more frequent basis as well. So 964 01:00:01,210 --> 01:00:03,269 I thought it was important to, uh, to point out 965 01:00:03,290 --> 01:00:06,709 that, uh, we were successful in receiving 2. 7 million 966 01:00:06,890 --> 01:00:11,829 dollars from the federal government, um, MP Chris Biddle was 967 01:00:11,829 --> 01:00:15,969 on hand to bring information from, uh, from that, uh, 968 01:00:16,490 --> 01:00:20,789 that funding stream, uh, and Niger Penitential Energy is contributing 969 01:00:21,130 --> 01:00:28,069 an additional 3. 5 million dollar. So thank you, Madam 970 01:00:28,069 --> 01:00:31,269 Mayor. Thank you very much. And, uh, that's a very 971 01:00:31,309 --> 01:00:37,669 important. Very important comment, uh, very important area that more 972 01:00:37,669 --> 01:00:44,842 and more people are talking about Councillor Timurs. There we 973 01:00:44,842 --> 01:00:47,242 go. Thank you, Marison. Um, I just wanted to add 974 01:00:47,242 --> 01:00:51,302 a little bit, um, about the grand oak tree. You 975 01:00:51,302 --> 01:00:53,302 know, I've been on the heritage committee since I was 976 01:00:53,343 --> 01:00:56,602 elected to council and Councillor Brenier sits on that with 977 01:00:56,703 --> 01:01:00,682 me as well. And for about 10 years, I think 978 01:01:00,703 --> 01:01:03,482 people got tired of me talking about the grand oak 979 01:01:03,522 --> 01:01:07,322 tree. And we finally were able to designate that tree. 980 01:01:07,322 --> 01:01:09,482 And I just wanted to make the comment that it's 981 01:01:09,522 --> 01:01:12,042 the first tree in the town of Lincoln to be 982 01:01:12,082 --> 01:01:16,762 designated. So it's pretty special. And, um, it's designated through 983 01:01:16,762 --> 01:01:21,802 the Ontario heritage act. So it will always be protected. 984 01:01:21,802 --> 01:01:23,882 And the history and the beauty of that tree is 985 01:01:24,143 --> 01:01:28,202 just phenomenal. So if there hasn't seen the grand oak, 986 01:01:28,202 --> 01:01:29,642 you definitely need to go down there and take a 987 01:01:29,642 --> 01:01:32,842 picture of it. But I was so unhappy that I 988 01:01:32,882 --> 01:01:35,882 had to miss it. I was travelling at that time. 989 01:01:35,882 --> 01:01:38,282 So I missed it after 10 years. And I want 990 01:01:38,282 --> 01:01:42,602 to thank Monica Colquier, our staff who really, um, did 991 01:01:42,602 --> 01:01:45,402 a lot of the heavy lifting and helped to make 992 01:01:45,983 --> 01:01:48,842 this happen. So anyway, thank you for allowing me to 993 01:01:48,842 --> 01:01:54,287 make those comments, Mary soon. Thank you very much. Now 994 01:01:55,828 --> 01:01:58,047 we move on to item number nine, and that is 995 01:01:58,948 --> 01:02:05,152 proclamations. We have no proclamations this evening. Idem 10 is 996 01:02:05,152 --> 01:02:09,792 recognition and achievements. And our first item for recognition and 997 01:02:09,832 --> 01:02:14,272 achievements is the recognition of the Town of Lincoln sponsorship 998 01:02:14,293 --> 01:02:19,232 of the Lincoln Soapox Derby. And we have Gourd Gary, 999 01:02:19,232 --> 01:02:24,192 Lion Gorry, Lion Kenseuthward in attendance. Gentlemen, please come forward. 1000 01:02:24,192 --> 01:02:26,432 If you have a few words that you'd like to 1001 01:02:26,432 --> 01:02:36,079 say. Thank you, your 1002 01:02:36,079 --> 01:02:40,719 worship. Members of Council, Administration. Uh, our presentation is going 1003 01:02:40,719 --> 01:02:42,319 to be much shorter than it has been in the 1004 01:02:42,319 --> 01:02:45,039 past. As you know, your worship, it's been about two 1005 01:02:45,079 --> 01:02:50,239 and a half hours. Each presentation previously. Anyway, um. I 1006 01:02:50,239 --> 01:02:52,799 think there was some wine involved in it, too. Could 1007 01:02:52,799 --> 01:02:56,399 have been, could have been. Um, we, uh, we want 1008 01:02:56,399 --> 01:03:01,119 to thank the Town of Lincoln for its participation with 1009 01:03:01,540 --> 01:03:04,559 the soapbox Derby. This is our, um, this was our 1010 01:03:04,900 --> 01:03:06,799 ninth year this year. We had a couple of years 1011 01:03:06,900 --> 01:03:12,639 out with COVID, of course. It went off splendidly well 1012 01:03:12,660 --> 01:03:17,199 this year. We had no accents whatsoever. We added one, 1013 01:03:17,199 --> 01:03:22,854 one element this year. Uh, to the Derby. And that 1014 01:03:22,854 --> 01:03:25,494 is a PIT crew and racer day. And we do 1015 01:03:25,494 --> 01:03:29,014 that two weeks prior to the soapbox Derby. On PIT 1016 01:03:29,014 --> 01:03:30,774 crew and racer day, we tear all of the cars 1017 01:03:30,795 --> 01:03:33,014 down. We make sure all of the steering linkages are 1018 01:03:33,035 --> 01:03:35,494 correct. We make sure that the, uh, the brakes are 1019 01:03:35,515 --> 01:03:38,134 working. That the pads are, are there. We seem to 1020 01:03:38,174 --> 01:03:41,654 be going through many more brake pads now than we 1021 01:03:41,675 --> 01:03:43,574 ever did in the past. And the reason for that 1022 01:03:43,595 --> 01:03:48,614 is really simple. We seem to have much smaller children. 1023 01:03:48,614 --> 01:03:50,774 And as you know, we wait the cars up so 1024 01:03:50,814 --> 01:03:54,614 that they are 200 pounds. The car, the driver and 1025 01:03:54,614 --> 01:03:57,974 additional weights. We have made the decision that we're going 1026 01:03:57,974 --> 01:04:01,974 to bring that back to 175 pounds, uh, this coming 1027 01:04:02,014 --> 01:04:04,934 year. Simply so that we don't have to add so 1028 01:04:04,934 --> 01:04:07,494 many weights and it'll keep the brake pads a little 1029 01:04:07,494 --> 01:04:10,134 bit longer. We can get through an entire Derby day 1030 01:04:10,174 --> 01:04:13,734 with the, uh, with the brake pads intact. So with 1031 01:04:13,774 --> 01:04:19,334 that, just a couple of things. I said that the 1032 01:04:19,595 --> 01:04:23,334 Derby went off splendidly well. One of the things for 1033 01:04:23,355 --> 01:04:26,854 me that was the greatest aspect of the Derby this 1034 01:04:26,854 --> 01:04:29,814 year is that I had my partner in the, in 1035 01:04:29,854 --> 01:04:33,894 the Derby in full functioning mode this year. Um, most 1036 01:04:33,934 --> 01:04:38,534 of you or many of you will recognise that Ken 1037 01:04:38,574 --> 01:04:42,274 was suffering from Guy and Bari syndrome last year. And 1038 01:04:42,274 --> 01:04:44,934 if you don't know what that is, take a look. 1039 01:04:44,934 --> 01:04:48,774 It's debilitating. He's way ahead of schedule. And I'm, I'm 1040 01:04:48,814 --> 01:04:53,814 so very thankful for that. Can starts the, uh, the 1041 01:04:53,835 --> 01:04:58,534 races. We have a new announcer on that now. He's 1042 01:04:58,534 --> 01:05:01,734 a police officer. So that kind of keeps everything sorted 1043 01:05:01,734 --> 01:05:06,294 out. And, um, and Evan does, or Kevin does a 1044 01:05:06,395 --> 01:05:10,214 tremendous job with that. Um, Ken's wife, Jennifer, my wife 1045 01:05:10,475 --> 01:05:15,894 Colleen, uh, do the, uh, the scoring for every race. 1046 01:05:15,894 --> 01:05:23,116 And to give you an idea of how. Tightly contested 1047 01:05:24,257 --> 01:05:30,706 the soapbox Derby is. The difference between. Number one racer 1048 01:05:30,967 --> 01:05:34,706 and number two racer, Ken, this year was just about 1049 01:05:34,706 --> 01:05:40,402 one third of a second. On two heats, one third 1050 01:05:40,442 --> 01:05:43,742 of a second on two heats. So they, they, uh, 1051 01:05:44,023 --> 01:05:47,042 the kids, um, they're into it. There's no question about 1052 01:05:47,063 --> 01:05:50,082 that. We'd like to see every member of Council at 1053 01:05:50,122 --> 01:05:52,082 the Derby. We had, uh, we had four members of 1054 01:05:52,343 --> 01:05:55,682 council. Your worship, you were excused this year, of course. 1055 01:05:55,682 --> 01:05:57,922 You had that tree come through the roof and all 1056 01:05:57,922 --> 01:06:00,482 that good stuff. Uh, we'd like to see some administrative 1057 01:06:00,482 --> 01:06:05,042 people there too. And, um, and, uh, those of you 1058 01:06:05,223 --> 01:06:07,442 in the gallery, come take a look at the soapbox 1059 01:06:07,482 --> 01:06:09,955 Derby. It's a whole bunch of fun. Right, Tony? So 1060 01:06:10,376 --> 01:06:13,715 with that, we have, uh, we have some presentation that 1061 01:06:13,715 --> 01:06:16,675 we would like to make. And we have some gifts. 1062 01:06:16,675 --> 01:06:20,275 So your worship, if you would come forward for just 1063 01:06:20,275 --> 01:06:25,976 a moment, that's that one there. Yeah. That's the wine. 1064 01:06:32,395 --> 01:06:37,783 Get a hand. On this. So. Here, do you put 1065 01:06:37,884 --> 01:06:45,304 the. Photographer here. So on behalf of the Lincoln Soapox 1066 01:06:45,405 --> 01:06:48,024 Sturm Association, we want to thank you for your dedication 1067 01:06:48,285 --> 01:06:52,184 and support to the soapbox Derby the last, uh, since 1068 01:06:52,184 --> 01:06:55,224 the beginning. And we look forward to the town being 1069 01:06:55,805 --> 01:06:58,984 our title sponsored in the future as well. Thank you 1070 01:06:58,984 --> 01:07:08,050 very much. And we have a souvenir t - shirt 1071 01:07:08,071 --> 01:07:15,821 for you. Thank. You. Guaranteed to fit. Maybe. And we 1072 01:07:15,922 --> 01:07:18,221 have a, uh, we have a t - shirt for 1073 01:07:18,722 --> 01:07:21,421 all members of council as well. They all the same 1074 01:07:21,461 --> 01:07:31,296 size? No, perfect. They're all sized accordingly, I think. Thank 1075 01:07:31,296 --> 01:07:34,343 you all. Thanks very. Much. 1076 01:08:34,934 --> 01:08:37,553 I can't tell you. I mean, many people in this 1077 01:08:37,574 --> 01:08:42,273 room have volunteered for many, many, um, special events over 1078 01:08:42,313 --> 01:08:43,953 the years. So you know how much work it is. 1079 01:08:44,768 --> 01:08:47,507 To start something from the ground up. And let me 1080 01:08:47,507 --> 01:08:51,387 tell you, they've done a great job. So it's a 1081 01:08:51,387 --> 01:08:56,267 wonderful opportunity for youth. And, um, they do have some 1082 01:08:56,288 --> 01:09:00,567 big racers. And the first couple of years, Ken and 1083 01:09:00,567 --> 01:09:04,107 I can I, but, uh, Gordon, I used to race 1084 01:09:04,107 --> 01:09:06,407 each other, but I swear he let me win. But 1085 01:09:06,407 --> 01:09:08,827 it was kind of fun. I'd never done anything like 1086 01:09:08,867 --> 01:09:16,509 that before. Okay. Um. Thank you very much, Deputy Mayor. 1087 01:09:18,659 --> 01:09:22,158 The next item on the agenda is the Mayor's Metal 1088 01:09:22,198 --> 01:09:27,367 Recipients. And, um, we have, um. We have, we're doing 1089 01:09:27,367 --> 01:09:30,247 these in a number of different ways. Tonight, we actually 1090 01:09:30,428 --> 01:09:33,847 have, um, the garden club here, represented it from the 1091 01:09:34,028 --> 01:09:37,956 garden club, Lincoln Garden Club. But we also will be 1092 01:09:37,956 --> 01:09:42,996 going out and visiting people where they work and visiting 1093 01:09:43,036 --> 01:09:49,316 people, um, on their farms, uh, to recognise the contributions 1094 01:09:49,356 --> 01:09:52,676 that they make to our community. So not everybody's coming 1095 01:09:52,697 --> 01:09:58,862 into the chambers. However, tonight we have Angela Collixto from 1096 01:09:59,123 --> 01:10:03,022 the, uh, Lincoln Garden Club in attendance to receive this 1097 01:10:03,763 --> 01:10:07,654 award on behalf of the garden club. The Lincoln Garden 1098 01:10:07,654 --> 01:10:12,054 Club is a registered nonprofit organisation and there are part 1099 01:10:12,054 --> 01:10:17,452 of district nine of the Ontario horticultural association. They've been 1100 01:10:17,793 --> 01:10:21,932 in town since the 1990s, the early 90s. And even 1101 01:10:21,932 --> 01:10:26,092 though they shy from standing in the spotlight, they've been 1102 01:10:26,132 --> 01:10:29,692 keeping the tome beautiful for many years as well as 1103 01:10:29,732 --> 01:10:33,262 inspiring new generations of gardeners. The club has made up 1104 01:10:33,283 --> 01:10:38,142 of passionate gardeners, very knowledgeable people and volunteers who care 1105 01:10:38,182 --> 01:10:41,902 about the community and they provide educational opportunities for young 1106 01:10:41,902 --> 01:10:47,902 people. And they selectively choose spots around the town that 1107 01:10:47,942 --> 01:10:53,949 they beautify. The club sponsors scholarships at Niger College and 1108 01:10:53,989 --> 01:10:58,509 the Niger Park School of Horticulture. And in 1992, they 1109 01:10:58,690 --> 01:11:04,870 donated. A greenhouse to the Beamsville District Secondary School and 1110 01:11:04,870 --> 01:11:10,212 sponsored a scholarship for horticultural student each year. They donate 1111 01:11:10,393 --> 01:11:13,732 plants left over from an annual plant sale, which is 1112 01:11:13,772 --> 01:11:16,932 held each May. Now just imagine what it must be 1113 01:11:16,972 --> 01:11:20,212 like to be a small group of people who do 1114 01:11:20,393 --> 01:11:24,492 things like donating a greenhouse. How would you do that? 1115 01:11:24,913 --> 01:11:27,452 This is not a small thing. And it is so 1116 01:11:27,492 --> 01:11:32,092 important to our community, which is so embedded in agriculture. 1117 01:11:33,117 --> 01:11:37,816 And to sponsor a scholarship really remarkable initiatives and quite 1118 01:11:37,816 --> 01:11:43,253 dedicated community members for sure. They have planted and maintained 1119 01:11:43,274 --> 01:11:48,939 gardens across the area. Including balls falls conservation centre, as 1120 01:11:48,939 --> 01:11:53,020 well as here at Town Hall. They also maintain a 1121 01:11:53,060 --> 01:11:56,940 garden at the experimental farm on the Vineline Research Innovation 1122 01:11:56,980 --> 01:12:01,126 Centre site. And we're instrumental in the Millennium Forest Project 1123 01:12:01,467 --> 01:12:05,677 at that site. They are also a valued partner with 1124 01:12:05,717 --> 01:12:08,397 the Town of Lincoln for the Lincoln and Bloom Garden 1125 01:12:08,578 --> 01:12:13,083 Recognition Program. Angela, it's so great to have you here 1126 01:12:13,104 --> 01:12:15,163 with us tonight. If you would come forward. 1127 01:12:35,850 --> 01:12:40,843 Just go. Right in here. I actually just want to 1128 01:12:40,883 --> 01:12:46,683 thank the Town Blincon for the recognition that we're getting 1129 01:12:47,264 --> 01:12:49,803 tonight. And that I'm speaking for on behalf of the 1130 01:12:49,904 --> 01:12:53,563 Lincoln Garden Club, an horticultural society. And I also want 1131 01:12:53,603 --> 01:12:56,523 to thank the ton of Lincoln for being one of 1132 01:12:56,523 --> 01:13:00,282 our partners in crime. Uh, for the projects that we 1133 01:13:00,282 --> 01:13:04,442 have undertaken. I would like to invite all of you 1134 01:13:04,943 --> 01:13:08,762 to see the Millennium Forest, which is one of our, 1135 01:13:08,762 --> 01:13:14,202 um, flagship projects. And unlike the other speaker, you have 1136 01:13:14,303 --> 01:13:17,242 to wait until the next soap Derby. This time you 1137 01:13:17,242 --> 01:13:19,722 can just go to the Millennium Forest anytime you want 1138 01:13:21,263 --> 01:13:27,402 and enjoy the 135 or 137 trees now, uh, and 1139 01:13:27,442 --> 01:13:30,282 I think there are no two or probably the only 1140 01:13:30,282 --> 01:13:35,482 two trees that have, uh, you know, in other words, 1141 01:13:35,522 --> 01:13:38,202 what I'm saying is there are no two trees available 1142 01:13:39,503 --> 01:13:42,682 that are the same in the forest except for probably 1143 01:13:42,943 --> 01:13:47,322 a couple, uh, but having said that, thank you again. 1144 01:13:47,322 --> 01:13:50,202 And I'm delighted to receive this and it will filter 1145 01:13:50,202 --> 01:13:52,146 down to our members. PONO POUTONO. 1146 01:15:09,380 --> 01:15:11,999 Is just reminding me that they don't just plant flowers 1147 01:15:12,420 --> 01:15:15,279 and select and plan gardens, which they did here all 1148 01:15:15,319 --> 01:15:19,199 across the front of the town hall. But they also 1149 01:15:19,460 --> 01:15:24,506 designed the signage that went up. Because they, um, they 1150 01:15:24,687 --> 01:15:27,386 wanted to make sure that as time went by, that 1151 01:15:27,386 --> 01:15:30,761 people understood how these things were dealt with. Can I 1152 01:15:30,761 --> 01:15:33,554 just add. One sometime for not to say. That the. 1153 01:15:33,733 --> 01:15:43,512 Town. Going. On right now. And everyone 1154 01:15:43,533 --> 01:15:48,952 is invited to send pictures. To the town you're entitled 1155 01:15:48,992 --> 01:15:52,303 to send at least 10 per person. And at the 1156 01:15:52,303 --> 01:15:55,823 end of the program or the event, like maybe around 1157 01:15:56,564 --> 01:16:00,863 end of August, we will have a random draw for. 1158 01:16:01,063 --> 01:16:07,434 Crisis. And. Everyone that's submitted pictures. Are invited to. A 1159 01:16:07,615 --> 01:16:11,478 town picnic. On climbing. Centre. At the early part. Of 1160 01:16:11,478 --> 01:16:17,669 September. Right? Yeah. So please, please send your pictures. Thank 1161 01:16:17,669 --> 01:16:21,907 you very much. Thank you, Angela. So there you're all 1162 01:16:21,947 --> 01:16:31,020 inspired. Pictures and food. Very good. All right. Um. We'll 1163 01:16:31,020 --> 01:16:36,060 move on now to item number 11, which is delegations 1164 01:16:36,081 --> 01:16:40,060 and presentations. And I'd like to invite regional councillor Rob 1165 01:16:40,081 --> 01:16:45,578 Foster to come forward to the podium. And I must 1166 01:16:45,578 --> 01:16:52,058 say that, um, since regional, uh, councillor Foster has been 1167 01:16:52,159 --> 01:16:57,018 our regional representative. He has missed very, very, very few 1168 01:16:57,058 --> 01:17:00,658 meetings. He is here at almost every Council meetings. So 1169 01:17:00,658 --> 01:17:03,498 thank you very much for having such a good attendance 1170 01:17:03,679 --> 01:17:08,630 record. Rob. Thank you, Mayor Easton. And, uh, so I'll 1171 01:17:08,670 --> 01:17:10,630 put a timer on because I have about a 20 1172 01:17:10,651 --> 01:17:19,245 minute thing tonight. So. First off, just from the earlier 1173 01:17:19,506 --> 01:17:25,885 conversations, I wanted to say on behalf of chair foster, 1174 01:17:25,885 --> 01:17:29,405 um, they were very happy with the heritage committee designating, 1175 01:17:29,405 --> 01:17:32,605 uh, the grand oak as well. Um, I'm very, very 1176 01:17:32,645 --> 01:17:36,925 proud of the fact that my son, um, stepped up, 1177 01:17:36,925 --> 01:17:40,045 um, into that particular role. It really fits well with 1178 01:17:40,066 --> 01:17:43,725 his educational background. And a lot of the work that, 1179 01:17:43,725 --> 01:17:45,965 uh, that he's done for the town and for the 1180 01:17:46,005 --> 01:17:49,165 NPCA in the past. So anyway, that was a great 1181 01:17:49,205 --> 01:17:52,298 event. Um. I want to talk a little bit about, 1182 01:17:52,298 --> 01:17:55,338 um, the discussion around water. Um, that you guys had 1183 01:17:55,338 --> 01:17:58,298 earlier. So, um, I wanted to start with the I 1184 01:17:58,298 --> 01:18:01,418 and I program and, uh, I think, um, you brought 1185 01:18:01,418 --> 01:18:03,978 it up Councillor Reimer. I don't know if you did 1186 01:18:04,018 --> 01:18:09,018 as well. Councillor Patrieva, but the, um, Mayor Easton and 1187 01:18:09,039 --> 01:18:11,578 I, uh, spent a lot of time saving that program 1188 01:18:11,759 --> 01:18:14,218 at the region. Um, that was one of the ones 1189 01:18:14,258 --> 01:18:17,178 that was on the chopping block about a year and 1190 01:18:17,178 --> 01:18:19,958 a half ago as we were going into budget. And 1191 01:18:19,999 --> 01:18:24,378 so ourselves along with the mayor of Fortiri, did a 1192 01:18:24,378 --> 01:18:26,298 lot of work on that to make sure that the 1193 01:18:26,319 --> 01:18:30,138 INI program continued on. And just for the sake of 1194 01:18:30,138 --> 01:18:33,738 the audience, the eye and I program really is taking 1195 01:18:33,759 --> 01:18:37,258 a look at downspouts that are going into the sewer 1196 01:18:37,258 --> 01:18:40,538 systems that shouldn't be going into it. Um, the leakage 1197 01:18:40,538 --> 01:18:43,338 that's going on within all of our programs within the 1198 01:18:43,378 --> 01:18:48,334 thing. And. I give the town of Lincoln full credit 1199 01:18:48,595 --> 01:18:50,894 and I look back to my days on Town Council 1200 01:18:50,894 --> 01:18:53,614 as well for making that a priority to make sure 1201 01:18:53,715 --> 01:18:58,954 that we have a solid water system. The event itself, 1202 01:18:58,954 --> 01:19:03,594 um, I was sitting at home, um, listening to the 1203 01:19:04,095 --> 01:19:09,034 rain literally pounding, um, on the roof. Um, my neighbourhood 1204 01:19:09,074 --> 01:19:12,234 was really quite lucky. Um, we didn't really have much. 1205 01:19:12,234 --> 01:19:14,634 I don't think there was, there was much overture in 1206 01:19:14,655 --> 01:19:19,274 your area too, Adam. But, um, it was interesting because 1207 01:19:19,615 --> 01:19:23,434 everything worked as designed, um, through the back of our 1208 01:19:23,455 --> 01:19:27,674 area, um, so much rain came down, um, the flooding 1209 01:19:27,674 --> 01:19:31,194 came up in the back of my property. But then 1210 01:19:31,295 --> 01:19:34,394 it drained away within like about three hours. So, so 1211 01:19:34,495 --> 01:19:37,274 everything worked in that area the way that it was 1212 01:19:37,295 --> 01:19:41,674 supposed to, which was, which was terrific, um, as I'm 1213 01:19:41,674 --> 01:19:43,834 watching it. And I'm like, oh, okay. Well, sooner or 1214 01:19:43,834 --> 01:19:46,474 later, uh, it may raise my neighbour, a couple of 1215 01:19:46,474 --> 01:19:49,674 neighbours had, uh, water issues in their homes because the 1216 01:19:49,695 --> 01:19:51,994 rain pounded on their homes and ways that had never 1217 01:19:51,994 --> 01:19:55,834 been pounded on before, um, and so they had leakage 1218 01:19:55,834 --> 01:19:59,514 coming through spots that, um, our houses were all built 1219 01:19:59,615 --> 01:20:02,874 in 1988. So there was places that just need to 1220 01:20:02,874 --> 01:20:04,474 repair. So now they're going to have to take a 1221 01:20:04,474 --> 01:20:10,524 look at it with their homes. Um. The day of 1222 01:20:10,785 --> 01:20:14,924 flooding, I was in discussion with regional staff, uh, from 1223 01:20:15,105 --> 01:20:17,804 about an hour and a half after once I realised 1224 01:20:18,225 --> 01:20:21,864 what had been going on with it. Um, and, uh, 1225 01:20:21,864 --> 01:20:25,324 I talked to Phil Lambert down at, uh, the region 1226 01:20:26,225 --> 01:20:32,030 who's responsible for, um, the wastewater management in particular. And 1227 01:20:32,211 --> 01:20:35,630 it was overwhelming. And it wasn't just in beamsville and 1228 01:20:35,630 --> 01:20:38,830 it wasn't just in violin. It was in St. Catharines. 1229 01:20:38,830 --> 01:20:41,950 They had, uh, they had flooding. They had grimsby as 1230 01:20:41,950 --> 01:20:47,390 well. Um, opposite side of the peninsula, by the way, 1231 01:20:47,390 --> 01:20:49,630 there was nothing. There was, there was practically nothing hit 1232 01:20:49,651 --> 01:20:54,990 there. So really bizarre, um, storm to say the least, 1233 01:20:54,990 --> 01:20:56,730 um, as I put this back up so I can 1234 01:20:56,730 --> 01:21:00,907 read it. I didn't know you guys were going to 1235 01:21:00,907 --> 01:21:06,756 talk about this tonight. So sorry. Garbage collection councillors, a 1236 01:21:06,756 --> 01:21:09,476 few of you reached out to me on the garbage 1237 01:21:09,497 --> 01:21:13,296 collection. Um, I got in touch with Mr. Copoulos. Um, 1238 01:21:13,577 --> 01:21:16,836 he was already, um, well down the road with staff 1239 01:21:16,937 --> 01:21:20,036 at the region to, uh, look at doing some extra 1240 01:21:20,137 --> 01:21:23,236 work. Uh, I know there's some disappointment with some people 1241 01:21:23,577 --> 01:21:26,836 in town about, uh, some extra garbage collection not being 1242 01:21:26,876 --> 01:21:31,476 done in their area. But, um, what did get put 1243 01:21:31,577 --> 01:21:34,596 in place is no additional costs that's coming into play 1244 01:21:34,636 --> 01:21:39,476 for us. So I believe staff from the town and 1245 01:21:39,516 --> 01:21:42,116 the region talked about it. And so the worst hit 1246 01:21:42,156 --> 01:21:46,036 areas were the ones that, um, that the extra garbage 1247 01:21:46,057 --> 01:21:49,716 pickup was doing. So, um, so that piece of the 1248 01:21:49,716 --> 01:21:54,974 puzzle. I like some of the comments earlier about, um, 1249 01:21:56,375 --> 01:22:03,874 communication. Both the NPCA, which issued the flood warnings once 1250 01:22:03,874 --> 01:22:08,014 they realised what was going on. Um, and also, um, 1251 01:22:09,415 --> 01:22:12,034 the, uh, the region and the town. I thought the 1252 01:22:12,135 --> 01:22:14,994 town actually was able to get out good communication when 1253 01:22:15,034 --> 01:22:17,954 it was all said and done. Boy, the social media 1254 01:22:18,135 --> 01:22:21,394 stuff that went on that was just false and wrong. 1255 01:22:21,394 --> 01:22:24,274 So, um, for goodness sakes, if you're going to be 1256 01:22:24,274 --> 01:22:27,474 going and trying to figure out what's happening, be very 1257 01:22:27,575 --> 01:22:31,554 cautious of where you're getting information from, uh, particularly social 1258 01:22:31,594 --> 01:22:36,274 media. Conjecture is not fact. So, um, I think we 1259 01:22:36,314 --> 01:22:41,254 should keep that in mind. PONO. Just the last thing 1260 01:22:41,294 --> 01:22:44,374 on this for you. So the NPCA Mary Easton brought 1261 01:22:44,395 --> 01:22:48,295 it up. So. We all have to remind ourselves a 1262 01:22:48,295 --> 01:22:51,575 little bit. The province of Ontario has made significant changes 1263 01:22:51,575 --> 01:22:56,774 to the way planning works. Um, and most of the 1264 01:22:56,975 --> 01:22:59,434 onus on planning has come back onto the shoulders of 1265 01:22:59,855 --> 01:23:03,674 lower area municipalities. We saw that happen. The region is 1266 01:23:03,714 --> 01:23:05,514 right out of, uh, the game when it comes to 1267 01:23:05,535 --> 01:23:08,554 zoning and when it comes to planning. There is an 1268 01:23:08,554 --> 01:23:13,034 official plan at the region, but that is taken care 1269 01:23:13,074 --> 01:23:16,954 of by this local area municipality. So you guys are 1270 01:23:16,954 --> 01:23:19,114 the ones that make the enforcement things. When it comes 1271 01:23:19,114 --> 01:23:23,194 to environmental things within the community, that also comes into 1272 01:23:23,215 --> 01:23:25,274 play. You have to be aware of that when you're 1273 01:23:25,274 --> 01:23:29,354 looking at any of the subdivisions that are being built, 1274 01:23:29,354 --> 01:23:31,434 your staff, that's one of the very first things that 1275 01:23:31,474 --> 01:23:33,434 they go through and deal with is they're looking at 1276 01:23:33,474 --> 01:23:38,294 these things. Um, the NPCA is a commenting agency. And 1277 01:23:38,294 --> 01:23:41,194 so when it comes to various areas that are going 1278 01:23:41,375 --> 01:23:44,474 into play, I do like the idea. I think it 1279 01:23:44,514 --> 01:23:47,674 was Councillor Patriva said, you know, maybe getting the NPCA 1280 01:23:47,775 --> 01:23:50,874 involved with, with understanding how to make sure we have 1281 01:23:51,535 --> 01:23:55,114 our ditches done properly, all this other type of stuff. 1282 01:23:55,114 --> 01:23:56,474 Not a problem. And in fact, I think they would 1283 01:23:56,514 --> 01:23:59,794 be, uh, I know for a fact, they would be 1284 01:23:59,794 --> 01:24:02,474 quite happy to have those discussions to come in and 1285 01:24:02,514 --> 01:24:06,994 through. Um. But there's not much you can do when 1286 01:24:06,994 --> 01:24:09,394 you have four and a half inches of rain in 1287 01:24:09,394 --> 01:24:12,754 an hour and a half. And I think, um, everybody 1288 01:24:12,855 --> 01:24:15,554 just has to sometimes take a step back and realise 1289 01:24:16,055 --> 01:24:19,714 this stuff happens. Um, anyway, those are my comments on 1290 01:24:19,754 --> 01:24:25,074 that, Mary Easton, for that. Thank you very much, Councillor, 1291 01:24:25,074 --> 01:24:27,874 for taking that off the cough. I appreciate it. Yeah. 1292 01:24:27,874 --> 01:24:30,651 Um. So I got some really boring stuff to talk 1293 01:24:30,691 --> 01:24:36,651 about. Um, DC, uh, once again, um, so the region 1294 01:24:36,672 --> 01:24:43,211 is in the middle of doing the DC bylaw review. 1295 01:24:43,211 --> 01:24:45,771 I'm part of that committee, but we haven't met yet. 1296 01:24:45,771 --> 01:24:48,968 We did meet as a council back. Was it about 1297 01:24:49,008 --> 01:24:52,384 a month ago, Mayor Easton, I believe. And the whole 1298 01:24:52,384 --> 01:24:54,744 idea is that it has to be upgraded based on 1299 01:24:55,525 --> 01:24:57,904 all of the new things that are actually coming into 1300 01:24:57,925 --> 01:25:01,264 play with development charges. Um, all of us are going 1301 01:25:01,264 --> 01:25:04,304 to be talking to all of these ministries when we 1302 01:25:04,304 --> 01:25:08,144 get to Ottawa for the AMO conference on what a 1303 01:25:08,144 --> 01:25:10,544 lot of these things really mean and how they come 1304 01:25:10,584 --> 01:25:13,584 into play. There's supposed to be a new DC charge 1305 01:25:13,605 --> 01:25:16,944 bylaw in place by October of this year for Niagara. 1306 01:25:16,944 --> 01:25:19,744 Um, I do not see us meeting that, uh, that 1307 01:25:19,784 --> 01:25:24,016 timeline. Um, but. We shall see. Um, work has to 1308 01:25:24,016 --> 01:25:28,044 be done with that. Um, I put on to my 1309 01:25:28,084 --> 01:25:32,844 notes. Just to let you know that, um, DCs are 1310 01:25:32,844 --> 01:25:36,444 going to play a pretty important part of the South 1311 01:25:37,185 --> 01:25:41,404 Niagara wastewater treatment plant. The first phase, which is worth 1312 01:25:41,444 --> 01:25:43,804 about 35 million or something like that at this point 1313 01:25:43,905 --> 01:25:46,764 in time. That's going to be 90 percent DCs that 1314 01:25:46,764 --> 01:25:50,284 are coming into play with that. That's the engineering. That's 1315 01:25:50,385 --> 01:25:53,884 the full design that's coming into play. And that's well 1316 01:25:53,884 --> 01:25:55,964 on the road, by the way, as well. But the 1317 01:25:56,004 --> 01:26:00,902 funding package is going to come from DCs. We're going 1318 01:26:00,902 --> 01:26:04,902 to have the new dollar figure coming forward to us. 1319 01:26:04,902 --> 01:26:06,982 And I, what did I say when I first started 1320 01:26:07,163 --> 01:26:10,342 talking about this with everyone, uh, they came in with 1321 01:26:10,603 --> 01:26:14,102 320 million originally. And I said, it's going to be 1322 01:26:14,843 --> 01:26:17,062 well more than a half a billion before this is 1323 01:26:17,062 --> 01:26:20,182 all said and done. Well, once again, I was right. 1324 01:26:20,182 --> 01:26:24,262 Um, uh, 509 million is the latest figure that we're 1325 01:26:24,262 --> 01:26:27,622 looking at. I still am a strong believer that it's 1326 01:26:27,622 --> 01:26:30,342 going to hit about 600 million before it's all said 1327 01:26:30,382 --> 01:26:33,142 and done. This is a significant investment that's being done 1328 01:26:33,483 --> 01:26:38,422 in Niagara. So, um, anyway, that's, that's on the go. 1329 01:26:38,422 --> 01:26:41,118 Um. The couple of things that are coming up, uh, 1330 01:26:42,199 --> 01:26:45,838 what is today, today's Monday. Coming up Thursday night, um, 1331 01:26:47,159 --> 01:26:52,098 so nobody's ever happy with DCs, by the way. There's 1332 01:26:52,439 --> 01:26:54,978 a, and I have a false hit on my statement 1333 01:26:55,159 --> 01:26:58,258 here. So you can stroke off Niagara Falls and say 1334 01:26:58,439 --> 01:27:03,698 St. Catherine's. But we had a request coming back because 1335 01:27:03,698 --> 01:27:07,758 of a new hotel being built in St. Catharines. And 1336 01:27:07,879 --> 01:27:10,578 they feel they shouldn't have to pay DCs because it's 1337 01:27:10,578 --> 01:27:14,018 the first new hotel in 50 years. Well, okay. So 1338 01:27:14,359 --> 01:27:18,658 now regional counsel has to make a decision on it. 1339 01:27:18,658 --> 01:27:22,338 Um, the city of St. Catharines is willing to give 1340 01:27:22,338 --> 01:27:25,538 up the DC money. Um, through the programs that are 1341 01:27:25,538 --> 01:27:28,498 there. But, um, we've exhausted the funds for this year 1342 01:27:28,599 --> 01:27:32,238 already. Um, on the DC side of things. So, um, 1343 01:27:32,279 --> 01:27:35,618 and that was part of our cost saving piece of 1344 01:27:35,618 --> 01:27:37,858 the puzzle that we did through our budget process this 1345 01:27:37,858 --> 01:27:41,378 year. Um, being aware that they should be, um, they 1346 01:27:41,399 --> 01:27:46,828 should be, uh, capped. Um, the business in well and 1347 01:27:47,169 --> 01:27:54,188 that has funds that they're requesting an incredibly interesting business. 1348 01:27:54,188 --> 01:27:58,388 But again, it's been capped out. So we're going to 1349 01:27:58,388 --> 01:28:00,508 have to have a long discussion Thursday night. I'll be 1350 01:28:00,508 --> 01:28:03,548 quite fascinated to see how that shakes out. I'm going 1351 01:28:03,548 --> 01:28:07,468 to be interested to see how, uh, differing areas of, 1352 01:28:07,468 --> 01:28:11,148 uh, of Niagara vote on this particular issue Thursday night. 1353 01:28:11,148 --> 01:28:17,875 So. That's it for me tonight. Thank you very much, 1354 01:28:18,056 --> 01:28:23,627 Councillor. And councillors. We do have two questions. So I'll 1355 01:28:23,627 --> 01:28:27,299 go ahead Councillor Murray. Thank you very much, Mayor Easton. 1356 01:28:27,320 --> 01:28:31,379 Three through you to Councillor Foster. Thanks for the good 1357 01:28:31,379 --> 01:28:33,939 information on the DCs. I wanted to get a little 1358 01:28:33,939 --> 01:28:36,019 bit more clarity if I could on the last note 1359 01:28:36,059 --> 01:28:39,599 that you had the deferral of the DCs. So, um, 1360 01:28:39,599 --> 01:28:42,259 when you say that the funds are not available with 1361 01:28:42,440 --> 01:28:44,499 maxed out use, my understanding of that. So please do 1362 01:28:44,520 --> 01:28:46,659 correct me if I'm wrong is that the region said 1363 01:28:46,840 --> 01:28:51,059 we will defer or are removed X number of dollars 1364 01:28:51,320 --> 01:28:54,819 of DC funds for this fiscal year. And that has 1365 01:28:54,859 --> 01:28:59,988 been maxed out. Is that what you're saying? So. We 1366 01:29:00,089 --> 01:29:03,908 had a pretty significant budget year that came into play. 1367 01:29:04,678 --> 01:29:07,457 And by the way, whoever is going to be the 1368 01:29:07,497 --> 01:29:10,817 next mayor of this municipality, whoever it is that's going 1369 01:29:10,817 --> 01:29:14,497 on, this is going to be the big issue that's 1370 01:29:14,497 --> 01:29:17,937 going on at the region is how to go and 1371 01:29:18,038 --> 01:29:21,697 actually deal with these pieces of the puzzle. Like DC 1372 01:29:21,718 --> 01:29:24,577 charges like the tax instrumental grants that are coming into 1373 01:29:24,598 --> 01:29:27,976 play. To be perfectly frank, we can't afford it. Okay. 1374 01:29:28,397 --> 01:29:31,576 Um, we do not have the taxation base across the 1375 01:29:31,597 --> 01:29:35,496 board to handle this. Um, so the problem for us 1376 01:29:35,517 --> 01:29:39,896 is going to be what should or shouldn't be being 1377 01:29:39,997 --> 01:29:42,976 a part of this. We made a decision back, I 1378 01:29:42,976 --> 01:29:45,176 think it was Mayor Easton about four years ago where 1379 01:29:45,216 --> 01:29:48,056 we said, no, we're going to be shifting to affordable 1380 01:29:48,077 --> 01:29:50,216 housing and we're going to be shifting to a variety 1381 01:29:50,237 --> 01:29:53,816 of things. And we had a council that overrode the 1382 01:29:53,856 --> 01:29:56,416 whole thing. They basically said, nope, nope, we're going to 1383 01:29:56,416 --> 01:29:59,376 continue with the way that we're doing it. Much to 1384 01:29:59,376 --> 01:30:03,096 our votes being the opposite. Um, but they, they continued 1385 01:30:03,117 --> 01:30:05,656 on with the, with the process of handing out money 1386 01:30:05,757 --> 01:30:08,456 the way they are. The, the problem is, is that 1387 01:30:08,496 --> 01:30:11,736 it makes up a significant portion of the regional budget 1388 01:30:11,736 --> 01:30:17,016 now. And it's not going away. It is continuing on, 1389 01:30:17,016 --> 01:30:19,096 I would say a trajectory that looks kind of like 1390 01:30:19,597 --> 01:30:24,616 a lunar takeoff type of thing. Okay. So, um, so 1391 01:30:26,637 --> 01:30:35,336 they're in asking for a DC grant. It's a deferral. 1392 01:30:35,336 --> 01:30:39,816 They've got coming into play, but also, um, you know, 1393 01:30:39,816 --> 01:30:42,056 these things they're looking at actually not wanting to pay 1394 01:30:43,117 --> 01:30:50,216 DC's in certain situations. And unfortunately, you know, maybe two 1395 01:30:50,256 --> 01:30:52,736 years ago, it would have been a slam dunk. It 1396 01:30:52,736 --> 01:30:54,376 would not have even been thought about as it was 1397 01:30:54,376 --> 01:30:58,056 going through. But we had to put a cap in 1398 01:30:58,096 --> 01:31:01,816 place for this week. Cannot continue spending the way that 1399 01:31:01,816 --> 01:31:04,296 we have been spending on this much to the chagrin 1400 01:31:04,336 --> 01:31:09,667 of some of the municipalities here in Niagara. Thank you 1401 01:31:09,707 --> 01:31:12,867 very much for that. So, so then, um, I just 1402 01:31:12,907 --> 01:31:16,147 see that as an enormous challenge, luckily not my challenge 1403 01:31:16,187 --> 01:31:18,387 to solve as I'm not on regional counsel. But, but 1404 01:31:18,427 --> 01:31:24,227 this idea that some, some, um, new developments, businesses are 1405 01:31:24,227 --> 01:31:27,487 otherwise two years ago didn't have to pay DCs. And 1406 01:31:27,487 --> 01:31:30,867 now that's, we don't have a, uh, a comparability of 1407 01:31:33,288 --> 01:31:36,147 relief. So remember with these grants, this is not a 1408 01:31:36,147 --> 01:31:39,587 matter of not paying DCs. It's you and I as 1409 01:31:39,587 --> 01:31:43,667 taxpayers are paying the DC value that comes into play. 1410 01:31:43,667 --> 01:31:46,147 There's nothing to do with, with them, you know, sort 1411 01:31:46,147 --> 01:31:48,227 of being able to walk away. It's the businesses that 1412 01:31:48,248 --> 01:31:51,667 are getting the break. They're getting a grant. Okay. And 1413 01:31:51,688 --> 01:31:55,427 that's coming directly out of yours and my taxpayers money 1414 01:31:55,467 --> 01:31:59,427 that's going into the region. Okay. Is it fair? I 1415 01:31:59,448 --> 01:32:02,907 actually think it's grossly unfair that's coming into play. Is 1416 01:32:02,907 --> 01:32:05,107 it needed? Well, you know, it depends who you talk 1417 01:32:05,147 --> 01:32:08,867 to. You know, um, there's maybe a lot of good 1418 01:32:08,888 --> 01:32:12,763 economic develop reasons for going and doing this stuff. But 1419 01:32:12,803 --> 01:32:14,283 this is the type of thing that we have to 1420 01:32:14,464 --> 01:32:18,203 balance every day as politicians. You guys have to do 1421 01:32:18,304 --> 01:32:21,243 it. I've watched your council the last eight years as 1422 01:32:21,243 --> 01:32:23,883 the Regional Councillor. And I've admired the way that you 1423 01:32:23,904 --> 01:32:26,603 guys have approached a lot of these issues. You've taken 1424 01:32:26,624 --> 01:32:31,243 a look at balancing the economic development aspects of things, 1425 01:32:31,243 --> 01:32:34,363 but also making sure that it's, you know, affordable for 1426 01:32:34,384 --> 01:32:38,443 taxpayers. Boy, it's a real fine line that you have 1427 01:32:38,443 --> 01:32:40,843 to go through and deal with this stuff. It's the 1428 01:32:40,843 --> 01:32:44,203 exact same thing at the region. Um, we've had to. 1429 01:32:44,203 --> 01:32:48,923 And by the way, and I will, because nobody else 1430 01:32:49,024 --> 01:32:50,523 would do it. I'm going to pat myself on the 1431 01:32:50,563 --> 01:32:54,283 back because, um, I will tell you at the region, 1432 01:32:54,283 --> 01:32:57,643 we have had some incredibly good tax years from the 1433 01:32:58,064 --> 01:33:02,683 regional department's point of view. We have put through taxation 1434 01:33:02,723 --> 01:33:07,569 that is not unreasonable. Um, uh, I would suggest you 1435 01:33:07,910 --> 01:33:12,209 there may be certain aspects of Niagara region that we'll 1436 01:33:12,249 --> 01:33:15,469 call it maybe policing. That has certainly caused a lot 1437 01:33:15,469 --> 01:33:20,040 of grief. Um, in the taxation area. So. But it's 1438 01:33:20,080 --> 01:33:21,960 a matter of balancing all this stuff. This is what 1439 01:33:21,960 --> 01:33:24,920 we do. This is why we get elected as people 1440 01:33:24,960 --> 01:33:27,880 on these things. And by the way, you know, like 1441 01:33:27,880 --> 01:33:30,680 I'm really quite sad that, um, the regional councillor position 1442 01:33:30,941 --> 01:33:36,280 is going away. In the last, I'm sorry I'm wandering 1443 01:33:36,280 --> 01:33:39,720 away from your question, but, um, in the last two 1444 01:33:39,741 --> 01:33:44,200 weeks, um, I have taken so many calls on so 1445 01:33:44,200 --> 01:33:50,592 many issues. Within the municipality, the pieces that flow over 1446 01:33:50,613 --> 01:33:53,532 into the NPCA, all these other types of things. And 1447 01:33:53,532 --> 01:33:58,032 it's like there's certainly is an awful lot of things 1448 01:33:59,013 --> 01:34:03,693 that regional councillors do do. Thank you very much, Councillor. 1449 01:34:03,693 --> 01:34:10,935 Thank you, Mayor said. Councillor Pachiri vote. Please stick to 1450 01:34:10,975 --> 01:34:18,312 the report. Thank you. Your swan song. 1451 01:34:29,300 --> 01:34:34,319 Okay. Very good. Um, so following along in the standard, 1452 01:34:34,660 --> 01:34:38,559 the first one about the hotel in St. Catherine's. That's 1453 01:34:38,559 --> 01:34:42,139 a deferral. So they're willing to pay the DCs, but 1454 01:34:42,180 --> 01:34:47,100 just defer the payment. Is it for. Because I never 1455 01:34:47,361 --> 01:34:49,180 read, like, is it for five years? Is it 10 1456 01:34:49,180 --> 01:34:51,180 years? And then how does that over, how does that 1457 01:34:51,361 --> 01:34:57,707 affect, um, the situation. So knowing that they're coming, I'm 1458 01:34:57,747 --> 01:34:59,447 not too sure about the business and well on, but 1459 01:35:00,368 --> 01:35:04,187 yeah, just, just curious from your standpoint. PONO, I would 1460 01:35:04,187 --> 01:35:06,827 suggest you that both of them really are not happy 1461 01:35:06,867 --> 01:35:11,707 about paying DC. So that's what the crux of the 1462 01:35:11,707 --> 01:35:14,747 matter is. So we're going to have a fascinating meeting 1463 01:35:14,848 --> 01:35:17,947 this upcoming Thursday night talking about that. So. Because like 1464 01:35:19,328 --> 01:35:22,427 sometimes regional council can be pretty exciting. So I might 1465 01:35:22,427 --> 01:35:25,707 tune in Thursday night. And like you say, um, the 1466 01:35:25,707 --> 01:35:28,347 shortfalls picked up by you and I, and the people 1467 01:35:28,387 --> 01:35:32,873 in the room. Yep. Absolutely. Okay. Thank you. Thank you 1468 01:35:32,913 --> 01:35:41,393 very much. And Councillor Mickeluck, you're next. Thank you through 1469 01:35:41,494 --> 01:35:46,273 you two Councillor Prosser. So, um, with respect to that 1470 01:35:46,614 --> 01:35:53,153 wastewater treatment plant. And yeah, 360 million that revokes you 1471 01:35:53,153 --> 01:35:57,873 mentioned. And then now it's 508. We're thereabouts. And you're 1472 01:35:57,913 --> 01:36:00,273 saying that it's probably going to end up being 600 1473 01:36:00,313 --> 01:36:06,365 million. You mentioned something about DC's funding a certain amount. 1474 01:36:06,558 --> 01:36:09,177 But what is that formula look like? Who's paying for 1475 01:36:09,217 --> 01:36:19,058 this wastewater treatment plan. They're getting a significant, uh, 1476 01:36:20,619 --> 01:36:24,918 they're given a significant expectation, you know, come tax time. 1477 01:36:24,918 --> 01:36:30,605 Who's paying for this, uh, treatment plan. Well, I would, 1478 01:36:30,605 --> 01:36:34,845 I would start by saying I'm not the absolute master 1479 01:36:35,826 --> 01:36:39,005 at this whole financial wizardry that goes on in and 1480 01:36:39,005 --> 01:36:42,685 around DCs. And how municipalities make use of them as 1481 01:36:42,685 --> 01:36:45,500 they move into the future. But the reality is, is 1482 01:36:45,540 --> 01:36:51,020 that, and the thinking process is, um, developers and development 1483 01:36:51,441 --> 01:36:55,997 pays for development. That's what we have followed along. And 1484 01:36:55,997 --> 01:36:58,337 that's one of the, one of the pieces is DCs 1485 01:36:58,337 --> 01:37:00,965 that come into play with that. And so we know 1486 01:37:01,005 --> 01:37:04,805 that there's going to be literally thousands of homes built 1487 01:37:05,146 --> 01:37:08,965 and thorled. And in Niagara on the lake and in 1488 01:37:08,986 --> 01:37:12,645 the edge of St. Catherine's and in Niagara Falls that 1489 01:37:12,645 --> 01:37:15,185 are going to be coming into play where DCs are 1490 01:37:15,185 --> 01:37:17,845 going to be coming into play with those, uh, those 1491 01:37:17,885 --> 01:37:25,445 places being built. And so there's sometimes, um, again, perhaps 1492 01:37:25,626 --> 01:37:28,305 maybe Mr. Kirkopoulos can explain it better than me. But 1493 01:37:28,305 --> 01:37:33,365 sometimes there's, um, situations where essentially you're borrowing from the 1494 01:37:33,365 --> 01:37:36,405 future to go and make all of these things work. 1495 01:37:36,405 --> 01:37:40,385 So, um, so that, that piece of the puzzle, um, 1496 01:37:40,666 --> 01:37:44,325 is well laid out. Um, and by the way, that 1497 01:37:45,226 --> 01:37:49,725 South Niagara wastewater treatment plant has to be built. It 1498 01:37:49,725 --> 01:37:53,125 has to be built for the whole development process that's 1499 01:37:53,125 --> 01:37:57,605 going on within that part of Niagara. So, um, I'm 1500 01:37:57,605 --> 01:37:59,685 sorry. I don't know if I answered your question, Mike, 1501 01:37:59,685 --> 01:38:05,112 but, um, no, it's just, it's, it's a. We're almost 1502 01:38:05,112 --> 01:38:09,112 talking like a 200 dollar, 200 million dollar difference from 1503 01:38:09,112 --> 01:38:14,232 what we originally, um, were expecting. And we had not 1504 01:38:14,232 --> 01:38:17,912 even really there yet. So I think though, and if 1505 01:38:17,912 --> 01:38:19,672 I, if I can jump in over top, you just 1506 01:38:19,672 --> 01:38:22,792 for a second, you know, the, the, the 320 million 1507 01:38:23,133 --> 01:38:29,272 that, we started with was, what was that 2029 when 1508 01:38:29,272 --> 01:38:31,818 that came into play. So there was this little thing 1509 01:38:31,858 --> 01:38:34,138 called COVID came into play. And, you know, the cost 1510 01:38:34,178 --> 01:38:36,378 of everything has gone up. And we take a look 1511 01:38:36,378 --> 01:38:40,138 at this now from, from all of our own buying 1512 01:38:40,479 --> 01:38:42,938 and handling point of view, the cost of everything have 1513 01:38:42,938 --> 01:38:46,778 gone up dramatically. So it doesn't surprise me that it's 1514 01:38:46,818 --> 01:38:49,738 hitting that. And it wouldn't surprise me if it goes 1515 01:38:49,738 --> 01:38:53,738 higher. Um, I think that's just the reality of, of, 1516 01:38:53,738 --> 01:38:58,028 uh, today's construction environments. You know, I'm just trying to 1517 01:38:58,529 --> 01:39:02,603 make sure there's a benefit to the existing taxpayers. Through 1518 01:39:02,643 --> 01:39:06,823 all of this. That's what I'm searching for. Through you 1519 01:39:07,344 --> 01:39:12,203 Mayor, another question and it dances around the NPCA discussion. 1520 01:39:12,203 --> 01:39:15,083 And, you know, I've talked on the side with Councillor 1521 01:39:15,123 --> 01:39:20,666 Reimer or Deputy Mayor Reimer for a minute. What role 1522 01:39:20,687 --> 01:39:25,866 does the NPCA have with respect to private properties, their 1523 01:39:25,866 --> 01:39:31,575 ditches, their watersheds, their maintenance. You know, they're, they're importance. 1524 01:39:31,575 --> 01:39:36,158 They're impact to getting that water to Lake Ontario. I 1525 01:39:36,158 --> 01:39:43,258 know that the NPCA has governing authority over development. And 1526 01:39:43,258 --> 01:39:45,838 I don't know. Uh, you're shaking your head. Yeah. So 1527 01:39:46,099 --> 01:39:48,318 do they have any influence? Do they have any strength 1528 01:39:49,459 --> 01:39:51,758 in when we ourselves as a municipality or looking at 1529 01:39:51,779 --> 01:39:53,838 this sort of thing trying to get the water to 1530 01:39:53,878 --> 01:40:02,696 Lake Ontario. Could the NPCA influence or. 1531 01:40:05,832 --> 01:40:09,891 So the Niagara Peninsula conservation authority like all conservation authorities 1532 01:40:10,712 --> 01:40:16,291 are there for the conservation protection and, you know, understanding 1533 01:40:16,952 --> 01:40:19,891 the water that's coming into play? I mean, we're involved 1534 01:40:19,912 --> 01:40:25,331 with, uh, with the lakeshore, um, uh, NPCA has been 1535 01:40:25,512 --> 01:40:29,091 an actor participant in the group that Mary Easton is 1536 01:40:29,091 --> 01:40:33,731 involved with, you know, making sure that, um, all of 1537 01:40:33,731 --> 01:40:37,091 these water courses are known and understood and are functioning 1538 01:40:37,192 --> 01:40:42,355 properly. But they don't do everything. Okay. Like, um, you're 1539 01:40:42,355 --> 01:40:44,595 getting into an area that's kind of interesting. Once you 1540 01:40:44,595 --> 01:40:49,155 start talking about drains, um, within a municipality. Drains have 1541 01:40:49,176 --> 01:40:52,675 a certain context that comes into play and how they 1542 01:40:52,696 --> 01:40:55,875 behave and how the municipality has to deal with that. 1543 01:40:55,976 --> 01:41:01,295 Private landowners have going through their particular properties. You know, 1544 01:41:01,295 --> 01:41:03,475 we don't have a bunch of people at the NPCA 1545 01:41:03,496 --> 01:41:06,755 that are going out and going to private landowners and 1546 01:41:06,755 --> 01:41:09,955 saying, you know, you shall dig your ditch out here 1547 01:41:10,136 --> 01:41:12,915 because otherwise it's not working property. That's not the way 1548 01:41:12,936 --> 01:41:17,475 that any of that stuff works. Um, we do the 1549 01:41:17,475 --> 01:41:19,635 NPCA does a lot of mapping. They do an awful 1550 01:41:19,635 --> 01:41:23,795 lot of understanding of what the environmental protection areas are. 1551 01:41:23,795 --> 01:41:27,875 They make sure that the municipality anytime Matin is team, 1552 01:41:27,875 --> 01:41:31,475 um, require assistance on the planning side of things and 1553 01:41:31,496 --> 01:41:33,635 how water is going to run. And the courses and 1554 01:41:33,635 --> 01:41:37,395 stuff like that, the NPCA is a commenting agency and 1555 01:41:37,395 --> 01:41:41,155 all those things. But, um, that's, that's pretty much as 1556 01:41:41,155 --> 01:41:44,115 far as it goes, Mike. So just follow up to 1557 01:41:44,115 --> 01:41:48,915 that. Perhaps should that be part of the NPCA's role 1558 01:41:49,256 --> 01:41:54,621 moving forward in the future. To work on those sorts 1559 01:41:54,621 --> 01:42:01,001 of things. And two, look at. And two. Address these 1560 01:42:01,041 --> 01:42:06,581 sorts of things. Interesting idea. I can tell you, and 1561 01:42:06,581 --> 01:42:09,001 I know Mayor Easton knows, um, we're going through this 1562 01:42:09,582 --> 01:42:14,361 with the conservation authority. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is 1563 01:42:14,382 --> 01:42:21,881 being amalgamated into the Western Lake Ontario region conservation authority. 1564 01:42:21,881 --> 01:42:25,561 Um, I happened to be one of the members of 1565 01:42:25,561 --> 01:42:29,141 the transition team that's coming into play with that. Um, 1566 01:42:29,502 --> 01:42:32,201 as is the CAO, Leilani Li Yates, who you guys 1567 01:42:32,201 --> 01:42:35,361 have had here a few times, Top Notch CAO, I 1568 01:42:35,361 --> 01:42:38,281 might add, uh, but we're working with Hamilton. We're working 1569 01:42:38,281 --> 01:42:41,081 with Hallton when we're working with the credit Valley to 1570 01:42:41,121 --> 01:42:45,161 go and put together what this new conservation area, conservation 1571 01:42:45,182 --> 01:42:48,197 association area is going to look like. Um, the problem 1572 01:42:48,698 --> 01:42:51,157 is really pushing things on the planning side of things. 1573 01:42:51,157 --> 01:42:55,717 Okay. Like that's, I think that's their fundamental bottom line. 1574 01:42:55,717 --> 01:42:57,317 This is what we want to do. We want to 1575 01:42:57,317 --> 01:42:59,877 make sure we have consistent planning. We want to make 1576 01:42:59,877 --> 01:43:02,837 sure that the conservation area is there to back up 1577 01:43:02,858 --> 01:43:05,397 what it is that's going on in that particular area. 1578 01:43:05,397 --> 01:43:08,797 So not a bad idea. I like that. That'd be 1579 01:43:09,258 --> 01:43:11,237 an idea I would take along. So thank you. If 1580 01:43:11,237 --> 01:43:13,797 you could, just because like when we talk planning that 1581 01:43:13,797 --> 01:43:17,957 we're talking in this case existing, uh, down the, you 1582 01:43:17,957 --> 01:43:20,757 know, down the stream sort of stuff, but, uh, up 1583 01:43:20,778 --> 01:43:22,997 the stream has to rely on making sure that down 1584 01:43:22,997 --> 01:43:25,957 the stream works. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Thank 1585 01:43:25,957 --> 01:43:31,159 you very much. Councillor Reimer. You're the last speaker. Go 1586 01:43:31,159 --> 01:43:35,195 ahead. Thank you, Mayor Sin. Um, thanks Rob for being 1587 01:43:35,195 --> 01:43:38,011 here again tonight. Just with regards to our, we talked 1588 01:43:38,011 --> 01:43:40,091 about the last time you hear our favourite discussion is 1589 01:43:40,131 --> 01:43:46,251 wastewater treatment plant. Is that any portion of that qualify 1590 01:43:46,291 --> 01:43:50,611 for provincial funding through Hughes funding or is there, is 1591 01:43:50,611 --> 01:43:54,891 there something else through the bill and escapes me? Maybe 1592 01:43:54,891 --> 01:43:57,371 director brooder members which one it does because the bills 1593 01:43:57,472 --> 01:44:01,076 come out. But for building homes faster. Is there something 1594 01:44:01,097 --> 01:44:04,596 where that applies to? And just, is it, is it 1595 01:44:04,596 --> 01:44:06,596 better for the reason to do it or does it 1596 01:44:06,636 --> 01:44:09,876 demissalies play? Like where does that line, you know, where's 1597 01:44:09,876 --> 01:44:11,876 that line come? We talked a little bit about on 1598 01:44:11,876 --> 01:44:15,716 a practical level where it's infrastructure start. But for funding, 1599 01:44:15,756 --> 01:44:19,316 can they also apply for their peace, uh, through you, 1600 01:44:19,316 --> 01:44:24,426 Mary's. So actually that's a great question because it kind 1601 01:44:24,426 --> 01:44:27,706 of circles off the whole evening. Thank you. Um, it 1602 01:44:27,706 --> 01:44:30,426 goes back to the original discussion boat flooding and all 1603 01:44:30,426 --> 01:44:33,923 this type of stuff. Region's responsible for the trunk lines 1604 01:44:33,923 --> 01:44:37,683 that are coming into play. So when everything is exiting 1605 01:44:37,723 --> 01:44:40,563 out of the town system, that's being fired off to 1606 01:44:40,603 --> 01:44:45,123 the wastewater treatment plants. The water system, um, the region 1607 01:44:45,163 --> 01:44:48,563 provides water up to the connection with the, with the 1608 01:44:48,664 --> 01:44:51,283 local air municipality to go and do all that type 1609 01:44:51,304 --> 01:44:57,603 of stuff. So, um, your question on, uh, sorry, with 1610 01:44:57,603 --> 01:45:01,283 the, I took right off top. Yeah. Sorry. With the 1611 01:45:01,624 --> 01:45:03,203 funding. Is it does it qualify for any of the 1612 01:45:03,704 --> 01:45:06,803 provincial bills that they put down. They usually attach a 1613 01:45:06,843 --> 01:45:10,117 funding model or opportunity with it. Of course it does. 1614 01:45:10,538 --> 01:45:15,057 Like this, it's something that should ideally be funded. The 1615 01:45:15,098 --> 01:45:19,797 problem is, is that, um, there is so much infrastructure 1616 01:45:20,058 --> 01:45:24,677 deficit in the province of Ontario. It's, we're seeing some 1617 01:45:24,677 --> 01:45:27,557 of these programs they're putting out. And it seems to 1618 01:45:27,597 --> 01:45:33,877 be going into certain parcels, um, we haven't seen any 1619 01:45:33,898 --> 01:45:38,117 yet towards the wastewater treatment plant. But the region has 1620 01:45:38,117 --> 01:45:40,997 been doing a good job, um, and the local municipalities 1621 01:45:41,037 --> 01:45:43,472 have been doing a good job. Of doing the advocacy 1622 01:45:43,573 --> 01:45:48,872 with this, um, with the province. So, um, personally, I 1623 01:45:49,173 --> 01:45:51,872 foresee good news coming along here at some point in 1624 01:45:51,912 --> 01:45:54,112 time. But it's likely going to have to be other 1625 01:45:54,773 --> 01:45:57,792 government funding that's really going to go and do that. 1626 01:45:57,792 --> 01:46:00,832 So, okay. All right. Thanks Council Frost. Thank you, Marison. 1627 01:46:01,093 --> 01:46:06,752 We could say councillor that, uh, the DC, the program, 1628 01:46:06,752 --> 01:46:09,792 the phase one program, that it is a form. Because 1629 01:46:09,792 --> 01:46:12,752 if I recall, within the last year, there have been 1630 01:46:12,792 --> 01:46:16,383 many petitions to the province. And there has been no 1631 01:46:16,804 --> 01:46:22,463 package that they get actually advertised as suitable and applicable 1632 01:46:22,644 --> 01:46:29,951 for the wastewater treatment plant. However, the DC funding for 1633 01:46:29,991 --> 01:46:33,551 the phase one is one that we're all contributing to. 1634 01:46:34,818 --> 01:46:38,637 Because as you recall, we didn't select a particular project 1635 01:46:39,058 --> 01:46:41,757 because of the way we had done our business differently. 1636 01:46:41,757 --> 01:46:45,437 And we had received a great deal of provincial funding 1637 01:46:45,778 --> 01:46:54,643 and federal funding. So however, we are participants in the 1638 01:46:55,784 --> 01:46:59,923 South Niagara Wastewater treatment plan to the level of 90 1639 01:46:59,963 --> 01:47:04,803 percent with remaining temper cell That's for the region as 1640 01:47:04,824 --> 01:47:09,353 a whole. So there, but it's, um, it's not a 1641 01:47:09,374 --> 01:47:12,313 package that people have been going around selling. In fact, 1642 01:47:12,974 --> 01:47:16,852 that basket has been quite empty of money. I think 1643 01:47:16,852 --> 01:47:18,852 it was just nothing. Thank you, thank you very much 1644 01:47:20,313 --> 01:47:24,372 Councillor Foster. And thank you again for your commitment to 1645 01:47:24,393 --> 01:47:29,092 this council and for the excellent work that you've been 1646 01:47:29,132 --> 01:47:32,292 doing at the region, how you've applied yourself to things 1647 01:47:32,393 --> 01:47:34,132 that matter to length. Well, thank you very much, Mayor 1648 01:47:34,153 --> 01:47:36,612 Easton. I do appreciate that. And I got to tell 1649 01:47:36,612 --> 01:47:39,812 you one of the highlights of being the regional councillor 1650 01:47:39,913 --> 01:47:42,452 is coming and talking to you guys. So it really 1651 01:47:42,452 --> 01:47:48,182 shows how boring my life really is. Thanks, guys. All 1652 01:47:48,182 --> 01:47:53,331 right. Thank you, Rob. So there'll be no for the 1653 01:47:53,331 --> 01:47:56,531 discussion. I have a motion moved by Councillor Pachiriva, seconded 1654 01:47:56,571 --> 01:47:59,731 by Councillor Reimer. The Council receive and file for information 1655 01:48:00,152 --> 01:48:04,051 the following delegation regional Councillor Foster and Madam Clerk. Would 1656 01:48:04,051 --> 01:48:06,621 you please open the vote. Thanks, Madam Mayor. And the 1657 01:48:06,621 --> 01:48:09,916 vote's open. Yes. 1658 01:48:16,801 --> 01:48:20,968 I'll close that boat. And that carries, thank you. The 1659 01:48:21,008 --> 01:48:23,608 motion is carried and we move on to item number 1660 01:48:23,869 --> 01:48:27,208 12. Um, items for just consideration. There are none this 1661 01:48:27,208 --> 01:48:30,547 evening. And we move on now to the motion to 1662 01:48:30,568 --> 01:48:34,467 approve previous Council minutes, considering the Council Minutes of July 1663 01:48:35,128 --> 01:48:42,011 6th, 2026, to members of Council have any questions. They're 1664 01:48:42,051 --> 01:48:44,971 being none. I have a motion moved by Councillor Reimer, 1665 01:48:44,971 --> 01:48:48,091 seconded by Councillor Murray. The Council approved the minutes of 1666 01:48:48,091 --> 01:48:51,611 the following meetings with Council Council Minutes of July 6, 1667 01:48:51,651 --> 01:48:56,483 2026. Madam Clerk, would you please open the vote. PONOTA's 1668 01:48:56,483 --> 01:49:05,407 Open? PONO. I'll close that vote. That carries. The motion 1669 01:49:05,748 --> 01:49:08,927 is carried. We move on now to recommendations from standing 1670 01:49:08,948 --> 01:49:12,127 committees and consider the following committee of the whole minutes 1671 01:49:12,228 --> 01:49:16,127 of July 13, 2026. Do members of Council have any 1672 01:49:16,148 --> 01:49:22,478 questions. PONOTONO. Seeing none, I have a motion move by 1673 01:49:22,579 --> 01:49:26,078 Councillor Russell, seconded by Councillor Brene that Council approved the 1674 01:49:26,179 --> 01:49:30,318 following recommendations from standing committees, Committee of the whole minutes 1675 01:49:30,318 --> 01:49:34,078 of July 13, 2026. Madam Clerk, would you please open 1676 01:49:34,099 --> 01:49:36,295 the vote. PONTON. 1677 01:49:44,949 --> 01:49:48,628 Close it and that carries. Thank you. That motion is 1678 01:49:48,628 --> 01:49:52,228 carried and we move on to item number 15, which 1679 01:49:52,228 --> 01:49:56,708 is notice of motion. And we are now considering notice 1680 01:49:56,748 --> 01:50:00,628 of motion brought forward by Councillor Pachiriva, seconded by Councillor 1681 01:50:00,668 --> 01:50:04,548 Timmers that was introduced at the last meeting and will 1682 01:50:04,548 --> 01:50:10,264 be brought forward this evening for consideration. Councillor Pachiriva, would 1683 01:50:10,264 --> 01:50:18,214 you please provide comments. Thanks for worship. Um, Councillor Timmers 1684 01:50:18,254 --> 01:50:20,854 and I are pleased to bring this motion forward because 1685 01:50:20,854 --> 01:50:23,094 we believe Affordable Housing is one of the most important 1686 01:50:23,355 --> 01:50:27,566 issues facing our community today. As the municipality, we may 1687 01:50:27,566 --> 01:50:29,726 not have all the answers, but we do have an 1688 01:50:29,726 --> 01:50:32,968 opportunity to be part of the solution. The motion does 1689 01:50:33,008 --> 01:50:35,928 not approve a housing project tonight and set it as 1690 01:50:35,928 --> 01:50:38,168 staff to explore whether a portion of the form of 1691 01:50:38,168 --> 01:50:43,048 BDSS precinct could support a nonprofit Affordable Housing Development as 1692 01:50:43,088 --> 01:50:46,728 part of the broader master planning process. Any future proposal 1693 01:50:46,728 --> 01:50:50,488 would still come back to council following technical analysis, community 1694 01:50:50,528 --> 01:50:54,968 engagement, and partnershipsions. And I just wanted to dispel to 1695 01:50:54,989 --> 01:50:58,088 something out there, uh, in the community. Again, it's about 1696 01:50:58,109 --> 01:51:00,845 controlling the narrative. The town of Lincoln is not building 1697 01:51:01,026 --> 01:51:04,365 a building. They're not being landlords. They're not operating a 1698 01:51:04,405 --> 01:51:09,165 building. What is happening is, um, the motion is the 1699 01:51:09,266 --> 01:51:12,525 biggest impediment to building one of these is the land. 1700 01:51:13,085 --> 01:51:17,152 And that's what we have. So a third party like 1701 01:51:17,173 --> 01:51:21,632 indwell, the YWCA, Bethlehem Housing, they will build an operator 1702 01:51:22,293 --> 01:51:26,832 or in pork Colbert where it's port cares. And they 1703 01:51:26,872 --> 01:51:33,570 built an operated, the facility. The former BDSS property. Is 1704 01:51:33,831 --> 01:51:38,264 a unique community asset. And we have a responsibility consider 1705 01:51:38,685 --> 01:51:41,304 how can best serve Lincoln, not just today, but for 1706 01:51:41,325 --> 01:51:47,544 future generations. Exploring affordable housing alongside recreation, community services, and 1707 01:51:47,645 --> 01:51:51,304 other community needs is a thoughtful and responsible step forward. 1708 01:51:53,099 --> 01:51:58,410 Um. I look forward to hearing my colleagues thoughts. And 1709 01:51:58,410 --> 01:52:02,498 I hope you'll support this motion. Thank you, worship. Thank 1710 01:52:02,498 --> 01:52:07,698 you very much, Councillors. And I will read the motion. 1711 01:52:09,349 --> 01:52:12,288 Whereas some of the most important work undertaken by local 1712 01:52:12,309 --> 01:52:16,668 government is creating the conditions for people to thrive. And 1713 01:52:16,668 --> 01:52:20,688 that begins with ensuring residents have access to a safe, 1714 01:52:20,728 --> 01:52:24,827 stable, and affordable place to call home. And whereas access 1715 01:52:24,867 --> 01:52:28,267 to Affordable Housing remains a significant and growing need in 1716 01:52:28,267 --> 01:52:32,594 the town of Lincoln and throughout Niagara. And as fundamental 1717 01:52:32,775 --> 01:52:38,612 to supporting a healthy, inclusive and economically resilient community. And 1718 01:52:38,873 --> 01:52:43,252 whereas increasing the supply, diversity and affordability of housing, is 1719 01:52:43,273 --> 01:52:46,692 a strategic priority of the province of Ontario and the 1720 01:52:46,793 --> 01:52:51,172 Town of Lincoln. With municipalities playing a critical role in 1721 01:52:51,273 --> 01:52:56,612 facilitating housing opportunities through planning, partnerships, and the strategic use 1722 01:52:56,633 --> 01:53:03,589 of municipal assets. And whereas innovative partnerships, strategic use of 1723 01:53:03,930 --> 01:53:08,949 surplus municipal lands and a shared commitment between governments, community 1724 01:53:09,130 --> 01:53:13,269 organisations, and housing providers can help address one of the 1725 01:53:13,269 --> 01:53:19,349 most pressing challenges facing communities today. And whereas the former 1726 01:53:19,690 --> 01:53:25,429 Beamsville District secondary school, BDSS site, represents a unique municipal 1727 01:53:25,530 --> 01:53:29,089 asset with the potential to support a mixed - use 1728 01:53:29,089 --> 01:53:35,749 community hub that responds to identified community priorities, including recreation, 1729 01:53:35,930 --> 01:53:41,481 community services, and Affordable Housing. And whereas the successful delivery 1730 01:53:41,521 --> 01:53:45,561 of Affordable Housing will require a strong partnerships with non 1731 01:53:45,582 --> 01:53:50,041 - profit housing providers, senior levels of government, and the 1732 01:53:50,062 --> 01:53:55,081 broader community, together with appropriate funding opportunities and a development 1733 01:53:55,102 --> 01:54:00,618 model that ensures long - term financial sustainability. And whereas 1734 01:54:00,719 --> 01:54:06,458 staff have commenced preliminary analysis and discussions, including mapping out 1735 01:54:06,879 --> 01:54:11,658 and expression of interest, EOI, regarding the feasibility of incorporating 1736 01:54:12,159 --> 01:54:15,738 affordable housing as part of the long - term redevelopment 1737 01:54:15,759 --> 01:54:23,699 of the BDSS site. Now, therefore it resolved that Council 1738 01:54:23,880 --> 01:54:28,019 affirm its commitment to advancing Affordable Housing Opportunities within the 1739 01:54:28,120 --> 01:54:32,339 Town of Lincoln by directing staff to reserve and evaluate 1740 01:54:33,080 --> 01:54:36,899 a suitable portion of the BDSS precinct for a potential 1741 01:54:37,160 --> 01:54:42,819 non - profit Affordable Housing Development, including exploring innovative partnerships 1742 01:54:42,859 --> 01:54:46,979 with non - profit housing providers, senior levels of government 1743 01:54:47,160 --> 01:54:52,419 and community partners with the location, size, development model, funding 1744 01:54:52,440 --> 01:54:56,979 opportunities, and partnership arrangements to be determined through the master 1745 01:54:57,080 --> 01:55:04,614 planning expression of interest process. Technical analysis, community engagement, and 1746 01:55:04,614 --> 01:55:10,637 future council consideration and approval. I will allow, ask our 1747 01:55:12,178 --> 01:55:16,217 clerk to open the boat. Oh, we have a big 1748 01:55:16,338 --> 01:55:20,428 board here. All right, we're going to start. You have 1749 01:55:20,449 --> 01:55:25,757 something for the DSA Councillor Pechirita. Nothing for you. Okay. 1750 01:55:26,418 --> 01:55:30,625 Councillor Renejema, go ahead. Oh, thank you. Thank you, Madam 1751 01:55:30,625 --> 01:55:36,065 Chair. So I'm reading, so I know that we talked, 1752 01:55:36,065 --> 01:55:37,745 I think it was July 13th or something like that 1753 01:55:38,566 --> 01:55:43,025 about, um, or is earlier June, in June, about the 1754 01:55:43,065 --> 01:55:46,865 next step is that we will be releasing an EOI, 1755 01:55:46,865 --> 01:55:49,345 an expression of interest out to the community. Um, that's 1756 01:55:49,366 --> 01:55:54,692 referred to in this motion. Um, so I'm thinking the 1757 01:55:54,713 --> 01:55:57,649 intent. And correct me if I'm wrong, is to make 1758 01:55:57,649 --> 01:56:01,889 sure that in that ELI, there is very clear direction 1759 01:56:01,889 --> 01:56:05,089 that a portion of this property is going to be, 1760 01:56:05,089 --> 01:56:15,086 um, focus on affordable housing. Um, I'm wondering what. Is 1761 01:56:15,126 --> 01:56:17,406 going to come out of this motion at this point 1762 01:56:17,827 --> 01:56:21,886 though, because, um, I was hearing that, um, staff is 1763 01:56:21,886 --> 01:56:25,486 just going to evaluate a suitable portion of, uh, evaluate 1764 01:56:25,907 --> 01:56:30,686 the BDSS precinct to find a suitable portion of land 1765 01:56:30,707 --> 01:56:33,259 for Affordable housing. But then I see the word. To 1766 01:56:33,259 --> 01:56:37,259 reserve and evaluate. So is, are we just asking staff 1767 01:56:37,299 --> 01:56:40,619 to evaluate the property for a suitable portion of land 1768 01:56:40,640 --> 01:56:44,539 to be designated for Affordable housing? Are we asking them 1769 01:56:44,539 --> 01:56:47,419 to reserve it and designate it for it? So as 1770 01:56:47,459 --> 01:56:49,179 the decision going to be made before the EOI goes 1771 01:56:49,219 --> 01:56:52,099 out, um, what portion of the property is going to 1772 01:56:52,099 --> 01:56:54,459 be used for Affordable Housing? Or is it just going 1773 01:56:54,459 --> 01:56:57,019 to be sort of a suggestion? We'd evaluated this is 1774 01:56:57,019 --> 01:57:01,399 what we're thinking. And are we thinking this. Out of 1775 01:57:01,399 --> 01:57:06,407 this motion will happen this term. That makes sense. Yes. 1776 01:57:06,588 --> 01:57:11,315 We'll start with CAO Crocopolis. Go ahead. Through you, Madam 1777 01:57:11,315 --> 01:57:13,075 Mayor, to the Councillor, maybe I'll answer the last question 1778 01:57:13,576 --> 01:57:16,995 first, Councillor. I don't see anything happening this term. This 1779 01:57:16,995 --> 01:57:19,715 potentially is the last council meeting. And that's why I 1780 01:57:19,715 --> 01:57:21,715 think this is before you. So I don't see anything 1781 01:57:21,896 --> 01:57:26,355 necessarily happening this term. We are working on the parameters 1782 01:57:26,856 --> 01:57:30,515 and generally what EOI will look like. I think when 1783 01:57:30,515 --> 01:57:32,515 we present it to Council a few months back, we 1784 01:57:32,536 --> 01:57:36,175 talked about that EOI going out later this year, uh, 1785 01:57:36,296 --> 01:57:38,835 early next year, but really allowing the new council an 1786 01:57:38,875 --> 01:57:42,115 opportunity to look at what's in that expression of interest 1787 01:57:42,536 --> 01:57:44,755 and to have a chance to weigh into it. In 1788 01:57:44,755 --> 01:57:47,555 terms of your question, uh, we aren't saying this amount 1789 01:57:47,595 --> 01:57:52,675 of land needs to be designated for Affordable Housing. What 1790 01:57:52,675 --> 01:57:55,635 we're saying is affordable housing will make up one of 1791 01:57:56,456 --> 01:57:58,755 the things that we want to see in that broader 1792 01:57:58,776 --> 01:58:00,675 precinct. And so I think in a lot of ways 1793 01:58:01,016 --> 01:58:05,075 this motion, uh, reaffirms what council said, what staff said 1794 01:58:05,075 --> 01:58:08,115 that evening when we presented that presentation. And that is 1795 01:58:08,136 --> 01:58:12,875 a Neoy will include for all intents and purposes. A 1796 01:58:12,875 --> 01:58:16,836 reference to Affordable Housing. Uh, there is existing. Affordable housing 1797 01:58:16,876 --> 01:58:20,160 in that broader precinct already. This is a look at 1798 01:58:20,821 --> 01:58:25,040 potentially expanding, not necessarily that one in particular, as I 1799 01:58:25,040 --> 01:58:27,480 know there is some confusion in the community based on 1800 01:58:27,480 --> 01:58:30,840 the emails I received today, but rather looking at, is 1801 01:58:30,840 --> 01:58:34,400 there an opportunity for us to build something in that 1802 01:58:34,440 --> 01:58:38,160 particular site. And we've always said the skin in the 1803 01:58:38,160 --> 01:58:40,160 game for lack of a better word that the municipality 1804 01:58:40,200 --> 01:58:44,880 has, uh, is land now in that broader precinct. PORRO. 1805 01:58:44,880 --> 01:58:46,480 So I'm happy to hear that because that was one 1806 01:58:46,480 --> 01:58:48,240 of the questions I had when we talked about EOI 1807 01:58:48,341 --> 01:58:50,000 at the last meeting, you know, how are we going 1808 01:58:50,000 --> 01:58:51,760 to shape it so that's clear that that's one of 1809 01:58:51,760 --> 01:58:54,320 our priorities. So if that's the intent of this, then 1810 01:58:54,341 --> 01:58:58,920 I support it. Thank you. So I just want to 1811 01:58:59,061 --> 01:59:05,100 clarify something. Mr. CAO, would you define this as, um, 1812 01:59:05,701 --> 01:59:15,095 simply intent. Or something much stronger than that. Through amount 1813 01:59:15,095 --> 01:59:17,415 of mayor, I think it's, it's both. I think it's 1814 01:59:17,415 --> 01:59:20,455 the intent. You know, an EOI needs to go out 1815 01:59:20,556 --> 01:59:22,935 and we need to evaluate what comes back in that 1816 01:59:22,956 --> 01:59:25,255 expression of interest. I think I said that evening on 1817 01:59:25,836 --> 01:59:28,215 a number of occasions that I don't want to presuppose 1818 01:59:28,255 --> 01:59:31,975 what the size is. I don't want to presuppose the 1819 01:59:32,076 --> 01:59:36,215 type of, um, funding model, uh, the type of provider 1820 01:59:36,255 --> 01:59:38,215 who will look at that particular site. I think the 1821 01:59:38,255 --> 01:59:42,695 number of different options we can look at. But the, 1822 01:59:42,735 --> 01:59:45,095 you know, its intent in directing staff, I think to 1823 01:59:45,095 --> 01:59:48,695 very fulsomely look at this and incorporated into the EOI. 1824 01:59:49,506 --> 01:59:51,965 Obviously that's coming back to council. Council will have the 1825 01:59:51,965 --> 01:59:54,925 final decision. So I, you know, I think I want 1826 01:59:54,925 --> 01:59:57,805 to put a finite point on that. Ultimately council will 1827 01:59:57,805 --> 02:00:01,325 decide. But yes, in our expression of interest, we will 1828 02:00:01,325 --> 02:00:06,261 include affordable housing. Okay. Very good. Thank you. Councillor Brune, 1829 02:00:06,261 --> 02:00:10,253 go ahead. Uh, thank you, Madam Mayor. Through you, first 1830 02:00:10,293 --> 02:00:12,733 of all, I wanted to thank Councillor Pachiriba and Councillor 1831 02:00:12,773 --> 02:00:15,693 Timmers for bringing this motion forward. Uh, the number of 1832 02:00:15,733 --> 02:00:18,953 us around the horseshoe that have sat on the, um, 1833 02:00:20,114 --> 02:00:23,853 in different iterations of the housing committee, I think going 1834 02:00:23,853 --> 02:00:29,487 back to 2017. So it's been a long time in 1835 02:00:29,487 --> 02:00:32,207 the process and I want to thank all the individuals 1836 02:00:32,247 --> 02:00:33,967 that are in the room and those that aren't in 1837 02:00:34,007 --> 02:00:38,207 the room that are waiving the flag for affordable housing, 1838 02:00:38,207 --> 02:00:42,937 um, throughout the community. Um, so through you, Madam Mayor. 1839 02:00:44,139 --> 02:00:49,238 Councillor Pachiriva, um, spoke to one of the things that 1840 02:00:49,259 --> 02:00:52,998 I wanted clarification on, uh, because I think there are 1841 02:00:53,038 --> 02:00:55,718 a number of people, uh, within the community that are 1842 02:00:55,758 --> 02:00:58,278 talking about the fact that the town should not be 1843 02:00:58,299 --> 02:01:02,758 building or operating affordable housing. So, um, suffice it to 1844 02:01:02,779 --> 02:01:06,678 say, uh, Mr. CAO that we are seeking operators and 1845 02:01:06,779 --> 02:01:08,818 partners and we are not builders and we are not 1846 02:01:08,859 --> 02:01:13,047 operators. Thank you, Madam Mayor, to the Councillor. That is 1847 02:01:13,047 --> 02:01:18,008 correct. Council. So through you, Madam Mayor, I just was 1848 02:01:18,008 --> 02:01:21,208 looking to see if the CAO or, or possibly Mr. 1849 02:01:21,248 --> 02:01:24,674 Brooder could clarify just one thing. You know, we have 1850 02:01:24,714 --> 02:01:28,034 heard since word got out that we purchased the land 1851 02:01:28,055 --> 02:01:32,034 from the DSBN, you know, that the town has financial 1852 02:01:32,055 --> 02:01:35,554 obligations. The land did not come free. Um, I think 1853 02:01:35,735 --> 02:01:39,154 we paid, I believe, 2. 85 million dollars or somewhere 1854 02:01:39,154 --> 02:01:42,114 in that vicinity. And we have an operating, uh, we 1855 02:01:42,154 --> 02:01:44,514 have a loan, which I believe has a five year 1856 02:01:44,514 --> 02:01:47,314 term. So we do have a commitment and we have, 1857 02:01:47,314 --> 02:01:49,874 um, you know, we have debt that we need to 1858 02:01:49,975 --> 02:01:53,394 repay. So through your metama, I'm just wondering if the 1859 02:01:53,434 --> 02:01:57,294 CAO, and I don't want this to interfere with, you 1860 02:01:57,294 --> 02:01:59,534 know, this motion in any way, shape or form. But 1861 02:01:59,534 --> 02:02:03,714 for clarity purposes, um, you know, there are a number 1862 02:02:03,714 --> 02:02:06,034 of objectives that we're trying to do here. We're trying 1863 02:02:06,034 --> 02:02:10,514 to, uh, ensure that, you know, the BDS as precinct, 1864 02:02:10,514 --> 02:02:13,154 uh, will, will be a site that we can make 1865 02:02:13,194 --> 02:02:16,674 sure serves the community for the long term. And it's 1866 02:02:16,674 --> 02:02:21,074 sustainable. Um, but there are people out there saying, you 1867 02:02:21,074 --> 02:02:24,834 know, when will the debt be identified and when will 1868 02:02:24,874 --> 02:02:28,514 the debt be repaid? So I'm wondering if either the 1869 02:02:28,554 --> 02:02:32,334 CO or, um, Mr. Brooder can speak to, you know, 1870 02:02:32,455 --> 02:02:36,434 whether these objectives, you know, can be working in parallel 1871 02:02:37,575 --> 02:02:42,194 or just how, um, the town of Lincoln, uh, will 1872 02:02:42,194 --> 02:02:47,752 be looking at this process moving forward. Mr. Kirkopoulos. Do 1873 02:02:47,752 --> 02:02:50,003 you, Madam Mayor, did the councillor. And I was asked 1874 02:02:50,003 --> 02:02:52,643 this question earlier today, Councillor, and my answer is the 1875 02:02:52,643 --> 02:02:56,323 same. Really, it's a concurrent train as I look at 1876 02:02:56,323 --> 02:03:00,083 it. Or two concurrent trains. They're not mutually exclusive. We 1877 02:03:00,264 --> 02:03:02,643 realise we've got a five year window in the time 1878 02:03:02,643 --> 02:03:06,723 on that five year window is progressing. We have a 1879 02:03:06,824 --> 02:03:12,483 2. 85 million dollar. It's a larger loan through IO, 1880 02:03:12,483 --> 02:03:15,523 of which we've used the 2. 85 plus some legal 1881 02:03:15,624 --> 02:03:18,643 fees. Uh, our priority is to pay that back. That 1882 02:03:18,643 --> 02:03:22,643 doesn't mean we can't be looking at a small portion. 1883 02:03:22,643 --> 02:03:25,123 Either of that site or the broader precinct. You hear 1884 02:03:25,123 --> 02:03:28,363 me using the word precinct because in that precinct, we 1885 02:03:28,363 --> 02:03:31,523 own other lands besides BDSS. And there are other vacant 1886 02:03:31,523 --> 02:03:33,843 lands. And so I don't think we should presuppose it's 1887 02:03:33,843 --> 02:03:36,243 just that site. We may want to look at what 1888 02:03:36,243 --> 02:03:39,523 the broader precinct and determine where and if something makes 1889 02:03:39,544 --> 02:03:43,123 sense in that particular area. So to answer your question, 1890 02:03:43,123 --> 02:03:46,643 those aren't mutually exclusive. We will continue to look and 1891 02:03:46,683 --> 02:03:49,843 ensure that our obligation to pay back, uh, that floating 1892 02:03:49,864 --> 02:03:53,683 loan through infrastructure on terrio. And for everyone that doesn't 1893 02:03:53,723 --> 02:03:59,203 know infrastructure, Ontario is not necessarily like your typical bank. 1894 02:03:59,203 --> 02:04:01,203 It's run by the, or it is an arm's length 1895 02:04:02,744 --> 02:04:05,203 kind of offshoot of the province of Ontario. And so 1896 02:04:05,243 --> 02:04:07,763 the rates at which we borrow money, uh, how those 1897 02:04:07,864 --> 02:04:10,163 are structured are very different. But I owe as the 1898 02:04:10,163 --> 02:04:12,403 lender of the money to us. We have a five 1899 02:04:12,504 --> 02:04:15,683 year window to pay it back. And that remains paramount. 1900 02:04:15,683 --> 02:04:18,683 And our number one priority. At the same time, we 1901 02:04:18,683 --> 02:04:22,243 need to look at the obligations. We have the commitments 1902 02:04:22,283 --> 02:04:25,283 to the community to build affordable housing. There's some opportunities 1903 02:04:25,304 --> 02:04:28,483 now with the federal government and the province of Ontario 1904 02:04:28,584 --> 02:04:31,763 to tap into particular funding. Um, we are doing a 1905 02:04:31,763 --> 02:04:35,523 lot of, you know, I would say work and analysis 1906 02:04:35,624 --> 02:04:38,383 right now to determine what type of provider, what's the 1907 02:04:38,383 --> 02:04:43,523 model look like talking to existing providers, both in Niagara 1908 02:04:43,523 --> 02:04:46,723 and outside of Niagara that have done this existing contractors 1909 02:04:46,824 --> 02:04:49,743 and trying to learn and ascertain what we do. And 1910 02:04:49,743 --> 02:04:53,163 so those aren't again, mutually exclusive. You know, that is 1911 02:04:53,163 --> 02:04:55,763 seem to be a confusing point out there for some 1912 02:04:55,763 --> 02:04:58,403 people that we need to do one versus the other. 1913 02:04:58,403 --> 02:05:00,883 That isn't the case. One will take a lot longer. 1914 02:05:00,883 --> 02:05:03,363 And we will look at, you know, parsing off that 1915 02:05:03,464 --> 02:05:05,523 site to pay back the, you know, the money that 1916 02:05:05,563 --> 02:05:13,536 we owe prior to the five year window. I do 1917 02:05:13,536 --> 02:05:15,536 see Director Bruder with his hand up. So he may 1918 02:05:15,576 --> 02:05:18,507 want to chime in. Go ahead, Mr. Brooder. Thank you, 1919 02:05:18,528 --> 02:05:20,627 Mayor Eason, through you to the Councillor. I just, I 1920 02:05:20,688 --> 02:05:23,387 wanted to just point out one other thing. Um, you 1921 02:05:23,387 --> 02:05:25,707 notice in the motion, we don't have any specific model 1922 02:05:25,707 --> 02:05:30,587 or any specific parameters necessarily affordable housing opportunities can take 1923 02:05:31,088 --> 02:05:34,267 very different shapes and forms a wide variety of them. 1924 02:05:34,267 --> 02:05:36,107 Um, when you take that in the context of the 1925 02:05:36,288 --> 02:05:39,867 available, um, vacant land there, we're talking about the vacant 1926 02:05:39,888 --> 02:05:43,227 piece alone probably around seven acres or so on those 1927 02:05:43,248 --> 02:05:45,947 lands. So I think really it presents, as our CIO 1928 02:05:45,987 --> 02:05:48,387 stated an opportunity to look at these things concurrently, I 1929 02:05:48,387 --> 02:05:51,067 don't think it's, it's one or the other, obviously priority 1930 02:05:51,107 --> 02:05:54,027 is dealing with the dead peace. But that doesn't presuppose 1931 02:05:54,067 --> 02:05:57,867 an opportunity still to manage to create an opportunity or 1932 02:05:57,907 --> 02:06:00,827 fit in an affordable housing project that we find viable. 1933 02:06:00,827 --> 02:06:04,549 So. Just want to clarify that point. Thank you very 1934 02:06:04,589 --> 02:06:09,858 much. Yeah. Just, just in, in wrapping up, you know, 1935 02:06:09,858 --> 02:06:13,378 I realise, you know, the complete transparency tonight. There's no 1936 02:06:13,418 --> 02:06:17,058 decision being made. The decision will be made by the 1937 02:06:17,159 --> 02:06:20,658 next council in the next term. Um, but I think 1938 02:06:20,658 --> 02:06:25,298 this is an important step. Um, and, uh, I hope 1939 02:06:25,338 --> 02:06:28,738 that the two proponents of this motion will be asking 1940 02:06:28,759 --> 02:06:31,778 for a recorded vote. I think it's important that we 1941 02:06:31,879 --> 02:06:34,178 note that, uh, and I will be supporting this. Thank 1942 02:06:34,218 --> 02:06:43,601 you, Madam Mayor. Moving on now to Councillor Mikkelik. Thank 1943 02:06:43,601 --> 02:06:49,921 you very much. Um, through you to staff through you 1944 02:06:49,961 --> 02:06:53,638 two, uh, Councillor Pachiriva. What I'm looking at their where 1945 02:06:53,659 --> 02:06:58,178 as is, um, as Councillor Brunet mentioned, like, you know, 1946 02:06:58,219 --> 02:07:02,358 I've sat on this, um, board as well. This committee 1947 02:07:02,358 --> 02:07:05,874 as well. Once upon a time and back then, we 1948 02:07:05,895 --> 02:07:09,474 looked at a number of properties that we had owned 1949 02:07:09,575 --> 02:07:13,874 at the time. These were, we were looking at surplus 1950 02:07:13,895 --> 02:07:18,345 lands. That's where can we do something like that? You 1951 02:07:18,345 --> 02:07:20,105 know, what sort of thing? So when I'm looking at 1952 02:07:20,145 --> 02:07:23,705 this where as and strategic use of surplus municipal lands, 1953 02:07:23,705 --> 02:07:26,985 I feel like the use of the word surplus in 1954 02:07:26,985 --> 02:07:33,650 this instance is devaluing the land that we acquired. It 1955 02:07:33,650 --> 02:07:36,610 was never surplus. It was purchased. So I'm just wondering 1956 02:07:37,351 --> 02:07:41,010 if that use of the word surplus should be in 1957 02:07:41,010 --> 02:07:46,370 this whereas. Because typically whereas is our standard whereas is 1958 02:07:46,391 --> 02:07:49,250 where in this case, uh, the use of the word 1959 02:07:49,431 --> 02:07:54,543 surplus, which this land was wired. And paid for with 1960 02:07:54,884 --> 02:07:55,103 debt. 1961 02:08:10,536 --> 02:08:15,979 Back. End. Okay. Thank you. Um, through you, your worship 1962 02:08:16,019 --> 02:08:19,339 to Councillor Mickluck. The reason why surpluses is in there 1963 02:08:19,360 --> 02:08:21,979 is because when, uh, Council Timers and I first brought 1964 02:08:21,979 --> 02:08:27,559 this motion forward back last year, it was looking, um, 1965 02:08:27,600 --> 02:08:31,583 we were looking at the BDSS site specifically. And then 1966 02:08:32,164 --> 02:08:36,383 from listening to council, they said, look at the precinct. 1967 02:08:36,756 --> 02:08:40,735 So the precinct is everything from the Lincoln Centre around 1968 02:08:41,076 --> 02:08:44,710 to Bombery Park. So some of those lands are in 1969 02:08:44,710 --> 02:08:48,550 essence surplus. That's why that word is in there. And 1970 02:08:50,971 --> 02:08:53,830 around context, I don't want to get into a discussion 1971 02:08:53,931 --> 02:08:58,390 where we go around and round and around and wordsmith. 1972 02:08:58,390 --> 02:09:00,710 I think if the intent is there and we were, 1973 02:09:00,750 --> 02:09:03,190 we worked with staff Councillor Timbers and I to be 1974 02:09:03,190 --> 02:09:06,630 really strategic on this to have it open - ended. 1975 02:09:06,630 --> 02:09:10,397 So that's why that word's there. So it's not devaluing 1976 02:09:11,058 --> 02:09:15,732 the school property itself. But it's going from corner to 1977 02:09:15,772 --> 02:09:23,432 corner. PONO. I'm going to ask Mr. Kropo is to 1978 02:09:23,472 --> 02:09:25,912 comment on this as well. Go ahead. I threw you, 1979 02:09:25,912 --> 02:09:29,192 Madam Mayor. And thanks for the opportunity, Councillor, or Madam 1980 02:09:29,192 --> 02:09:32,707 Mayor. And to you, councillor. Just a point of clarification. 1981 02:09:32,728 --> 02:09:35,267 The process that we undertake in order to sell land 1982 02:09:35,368 --> 02:09:38,307 or transfer land is something that we refer to as 1983 02:09:38,648 --> 02:09:41,187 declaring it surplus so that we can then sell that 1984 02:09:41,208 --> 02:09:44,787 particular land. So it's not necessarily anything with respect to 1985 02:09:44,888 --> 02:09:47,727 devaluing the land or how the land was acquired. But 1986 02:09:47,727 --> 02:09:52,147 rather a way that municipalities under the municipal act are 1987 02:09:52,187 --> 02:09:55,907 able to consider the sale or transfer of municipal land. 1988 02:09:55,907 --> 02:09:58,387 So it needs to be declared surplus. And then we 1989 02:09:58,488 --> 02:10:01,587 are able to transfer that. So, uh, I don't want 1990 02:10:01,627 --> 02:10:03,747 you to think that in any way this devalues the 1991 02:10:03,787 --> 02:10:08,067 land or somehow, um, looks at the land, uh, any 1992 02:10:08,067 --> 02:10:10,467 less than it is, uh, and at the end of 1993 02:10:10,467 --> 02:10:13,427 the day, um, puts us in a negative position. It's 1994 02:10:13,427 --> 02:10:19,420 just the municipal act wording that is required. By my 1995 02:10:19,420 --> 02:10:21,700 mind. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you for that clarification. I 1996 02:10:21,700 --> 02:10:24,940 just, I just remember back in the day we were, 1997 02:10:24,980 --> 02:10:28,060 we were like excited. We were hoping we were one 1998 02:10:28,060 --> 02:10:29,420 of the pillars. It was one of the reasons why 1999 02:10:29,521 --> 02:10:34,847 we acquired that, uh, BDSS site, you know. And we 2000 02:10:34,868 --> 02:10:38,367 had surplus land, but we couldn't find any surplus land 2001 02:10:38,407 --> 02:10:42,127 suitable at that time. Another question I have through you, 2002 02:10:42,127 --> 02:10:47,247 um, either Councillor Patriva or our CAO is in the 2003 02:10:47,268 --> 02:10:50,927 where eyes, in the final whereas staff have commenced preliminary 2004 02:10:51,668 --> 02:10:56,687 analysis and discussions, including mapping out expressions of interest regarding 2005 02:10:56,868 --> 02:11:00,927 the feasibility of incorporating affordable housing. Where are we with 2006 02:11:00,967 --> 02:11:05,007 this? We've, we've owned the property for a year and 2007 02:11:05,007 --> 02:11:08,047 a half now, um, we've known that we were going 2008 02:11:08,047 --> 02:11:11,167 to acquire the property for a year prior to that. 2009 02:11:12,936 --> 02:11:18,355 We were taking a run at acquiring prior to having 2010 02:11:19,576 --> 02:11:24,614 the memorandum of understanding MOU. For probably, you know, we 2011 02:11:24,654 --> 02:11:26,534 were talking about a kicking the can for two years 2012 02:11:26,555 --> 02:11:31,018 prior to that. Where are we realistically with this, um, 2013 02:11:31,299 --> 02:11:34,478 mapping out of an expression of interest. When can we 2014 02:11:34,478 --> 02:11:40,281 actually expect this. Go ahead, Mr. C. A. POULO. Through 2015 02:11:40,281 --> 02:11:42,281 you, Madam Mayor, to the Councillor, I'll start and turn 2016 02:11:42,281 --> 02:11:44,441 it over to Matt. And I know, um, you know, 2017 02:11:44,622 --> 02:11:47,721 Matt's been working on the various planning items and the 2018 02:11:47,761 --> 02:11:50,361 specifics in terms of some of the modelling and identifying 2019 02:11:51,422 --> 02:11:53,701 the site and what that site would look like. Um, 2020 02:11:53,701 --> 02:11:56,361 but a lot of that analysis is just that councillor, 2021 02:11:56,361 --> 02:11:58,601 uh, we are looking at the site. You're right. We've 2022 02:11:58,641 --> 02:12:02,921 had the site since January of 2025 in our hands. 2023 02:12:02,921 --> 02:12:05,241 Um, there were a number of processes that the school 2024 02:12:05,281 --> 02:12:07,401 board needed to go to. We've been doing a lot 2025 02:12:07,401 --> 02:12:09,641 of engagement since then. I'm not going to rehash the 2026 02:12:09,662 --> 02:12:15,001 presentation from two months ago as it relates to BDSS. 2027 02:12:15,001 --> 02:12:16,901 And, you know, the broader precinct and some of our 2028 02:12:16,901 --> 02:12:20,281 actions other than to say, uh, that we are working 2029 02:12:20,302 --> 02:12:22,441 on that EOI. And it will be ready probably the 2030 02:12:22,441 --> 02:12:25,161 first thing that the new council will look at the 2031 02:12:25,161 --> 02:12:27,161 minute you're sworn in, uh, and we have a few 2032 02:12:27,342 --> 02:12:28,981 dates in front of you. That'll be one of the 2033 02:12:28,981 --> 02:12:31,561 first things that we bring forward. Uh, but I'll turn 2034 02:12:31,601 --> 02:12:34,361 to Director Brewer on more of the specifics or the 2035 02:12:34,401 --> 02:12:40,730 mechanics of that EOI. PONO Mr. Berter. Through Mayor East 2036 02:12:40,730 --> 02:12:43,850 into the Councillor. Yeah. Just in addition to what our 2037 02:12:43,890 --> 02:12:45,890 CAO just said, um, we've also had some kind of 2038 02:12:46,591 --> 02:12:51,050 some important kind of foundational discussions with, uh, Niger Regional 2039 02:12:51,090 --> 02:12:54,970 Housing. They've been involved in other kind of opportunities structures 2040 02:12:54,970 --> 02:12:58,930 of agreements and whatnot, um, with other providers, I think 2041 02:12:58,930 --> 02:13:00,970 of something like port cares and trying to model after 2042 02:13:00,991 --> 02:13:03,530 something like that. So we've had these preliminary discussions already 2043 02:13:03,871 --> 02:13:05,850 to understand how it works. There's a lot of moving 2044 02:13:05,951 --> 02:13:09,130 parts, especially as you heard earlier. We're not, we're not 2045 02:13:09,151 --> 02:13:12,490 landlords here. Our role is mostly the land. So then 2046 02:13:12,490 --> 02:13:14,330 you have to figure out, okay, you have to have 2047 02:13:14,370 --> 02:13:18,330 a contractor. You've got to have an operator and so 2048 02:13:18,330 --> 02:13:19,930 on and so on. And we've had discussions with all 2049 02:13:19,970 --> 02:13:23,850 of these. Um, with the purpose of ensuring that the 2050 02:13:23,871 --> 02:13:26,330 information we get from those is what we can show 2051 02:13:26,511 --> 02:13:28,770 in the EOI that we bring back to council. So 2052 02:13:28,770 --> 02:13:33,210 we've had many of those discussions. They're productive. There is, 2053 02:13:33,210 --> 02:13:35,210 there's a lot of good partners and staff working at 2054 02:13:35,231 --> 02:13:37,370 Niger Regional Housing. We've been in contact with them on 2055 02:13:37,471 --> 02:13:40,470 and off, um, for quite a while now. So, um, 2056 02:13:40,911 --> 02:13:43,050 as our CAO said, we expect to come back early 2057 02:13:43,090 --> 02:13:48,197 in the new term. PONO. Thank you very much. And 2058 02:13:48,197 --> 02:13:52,597 then finally my third question. I don't think any of 2059 02:13:52,637 --> 02:13:57,877 them have been pretty pointed. But, um, when we talk 2060 02:13:57,898 --> 02:14:03,797 about, um, searching for a, you know, acquiring a proper 2061 02:14:04,458 --> 02:14:09,397 suitable sort of partner with all of this, how are 2062 02:14:09,397 --> 02:14:12,917 we going to determine what makes what looks like a 2063 02:14:12,917 --> 02:14:15,637 good partner? What sort of matrix are we going to 2064 02:14:15,658 --> 02:14:19,171 do? Who's going to make that decision. Let me try 2065 02:14:19,211 --> 02:14:22,531 to ask 15 questions in one. But like how, how 2066 02:14:22,552 --> 02:14:25,811 are we going to, how are we going to determine 2067 02:14:26,632 --> 02:14:32,118 like differentiate a tire kicker, a dreamer and endure. Who's 2068 02:14:32,118 --> 02:14:35,238 going to make these sorts of challenging decisions when we're 2069 02:14:35,238 --> 02:14:38,638 talking about municipal land that has a value to, it 2070 02:14:38,638 --> 02:14:42,826 has a cost to it moving down the road. It's 2071 02:14:42,826 --> 02:14:44,906 just a matter of you've been dreaming on this for 2072 02:14:45,007 --> 02:14:50,104 a while. A little bigger warship and through you to 2073 02:14:50,104 --> 02:14:53,544 the councillor. You know, when we look at structuring the 2074 02:14:53,584 --> 02:14:56,504 EOI moving forward, I think, you know, there's, that's the 2075 02:14:56,605 --> 02:14:58,824 important piece. It's going to have to be the evaluation 2076 02:14:59,005 --> 02:15:02,424 criteria. There's probably going to be, you know, a scoring 2077 02:15:02,424 --> 02:15:04,184 system, a waiting system. It's going to be based on 2078 02:15:04,205 --> 02:15:08,584 maybe experience of service providers and contractors that apply. Maybe 2079 02:15:08,584 --> 02:15:10,344 it's going to be based on a performa that they're 2080 02:15:10,384 --> 02:15:13,384 able to provide in support of their application. It's all 2081 02:15:13,384 --> 02:15:16,344 about the quality of the application and demonstrating that there's 2082 02:15:16,344 --> 02:15:18,724 an ability not just to undertake the initial works, but 2083 02:15:18,724 --> 02:15:21,524 also see the project through from start to finish. Um, 2084 02:15:21,725 --> 02:15:25,864 as for who's making those decisions, uh, I think there 2085 02:15:25,904 --> 02:15:28,584 probably needs to be a little bit more discussion there. 2086 02:15:28,584 --> 02:15:31,464 Um, haven't quite mapped out exactly what that looks like 2087 02:15:31,565 --> 02:15:33,704 yet. But again, it's going to be something when we 2088 02:15:33,805 --> 02:15:36,584 have an EOI completed that council is going to see. 2089 02:15:36,584 --> 02:15:39,304 And they're going to be obviously involved in that decision 2090 02:15:39,344 --> 02:15:41,544 as well before we go forward with it. But again, 2091 02:15:41,805 --> 02:15:45,064 that EOI, in my opinion, anyway, will include some structure 2092 02:15:45,165 --> 02:15:48,104 and some scoring criteria and waiting as it pertains to 2093 02:15:48,285 --> 02:15:51,144 affordable housing. So we can evaluate a provider based on 2094 02:15:51,144 --> 02:15:58,932 their track record. Um, and previous experience. PON. Thank you. 2095 02:15:58,932 --> 02:16:00,612 And appreciate that answer. I think that's going to be 2096 02:16:00,713 --> 02:16:02,772 a significant piece to this. I think that's going to 2097 02:16:02,793 --> 02:16:07,332 be extremely important to get anything over the finish line 2098 02:16:07,593 --> 02:16:11,632 or even anything to the starting lines. So, and, you 2099 02:16:11,632 --> 02:16:14,132 know, with, it's looking like this is going to be 2100 02:16:14,132 --> 02:16:16,612 at least three, four months from now. And then maybe 2101 02:16:16,652 --> 02:16:20,048 another. So I'm not, I'm not, I'm not, you know, 2102 02:16:21,049 --> 02:16:23,828 I'm not getting ready myself if I get reelected for 2103 02:16:23,868 --> 02:16:26,388 any sort of ribbon cuttings too soon. So I want 2104 02:16:26,388 --> 02:16:29,668 to make sure everybody here is patient with this that 2105 02:16:29,668 --> 02:16:33,108 it doesn't happen that quickly. The fact that we're even 2106 02:16:33,108 --> 02:16:38,370 here, I think is pretty remarkable. Thank you. Thank you 2107 02:16:38,391 --> 02:16:42,930 very much, Councillor. I'd like to hear from the CAO. 2108 02:16:43,031 --> 02:16:44,930 Do you matter Mayor to the Councillor? I mean, one 2109 02:16:44,930 --> 02:16:47,250 of the things I just want to echo is that, 2110 02:16:47,250 --> 02:16:51,330 um, council ultimately will be making a decision. We did 2111 02:16:51,330 --> 02:16:54,930 talk about bringing the UI back sharing that with council, 2112 02:16:54,930 --> 02:16:57,970 uh, in the term in terms of who often assesses 2113 02:16:58,231 --> 02:17:00,610 matrices. I mean, usually that's a staff team that we 2114 02:17:00,610 --> 02:17:04,690 put together as well as external, uh, expertise or external 2115 02:17:05,671 --> 02:17:11,170 consultants, uh, external, um, individuals, contractors, whatever it may be. 2116 02:17:11,210 --> 02:17:13,970 I know we've met with a few. Some is recently 2117 02:17:14,311 --> 02:17:16,830 as this week. Um, if I look at, you know, 2118 02:17:17,111 --> 02:17:21,570 affordable housing projects and feasibility assessment matrices, uh, I have 2119 02:17:21,570 --> 02:17:24,210 one from the region, uh, that I've just pulled up 2120 02:17:24,311 --> 02:17:26,290 in front of me. And, you know, just to give 2121 02:17:26,290 --> 02:17:28,930 you an idea of assessment areas that we look at, 2122 02:17:28,930 --> 02:17:34,774 things like affordability and community benefit, financial feasibility. Municipal, financial 2123 02:17:34,875 --> 02:17:40,934 impact, planning and site feasibility, deliverability and readiness, infrastructure and 2124 02:17:40,974 --> 02:17:45,014 servicing long - term affordability and developer capacity and risk. 2125 02:17:45,014 --> 02:17:47,494 So I want to put your mind at ease councillor, 2126 02:17:47,494 --> 02:17:50,134 or at least reassure members of council who may be 2127 02:17:50,715 --> 02:17:53,014 having a similar thoughts, that the number of things that 2128 02:17:53,054 --> 02:17:56,214 would go into that, um, and then this suggested weights 2129 02:17:56,214 --> 02:17:57,814 that we have with each of those in order to 2130 02:17:57,814 --> 02:18:01,094 make that particular assessment. So, um, we will be in 2131 02:18:01,094 --> 02:18:03,174 front of you again, as I said, uh, with more 2132 02:18:03,214 --> 02:18:05,254 information as we move forward. But this is a key 2133 02:18:05,275 --> 02:18:12,592 step in moving, um, an affordability housing project forward. Thank 2134 02:18:12,592 --> 02:18:15,792 you very much, Mr. Grakopoulos. We'll move on now to 2135 02:18:16,133 --> 02:18:19,712 Councillor Murray. Go ahead, Councillor. Thank you very much, Mayor 2136 02:18:19,712 --> 02:18:26,032 Easton. Through you to potentially, um, our, our, our colleague 2137 02:18:26,213 --> 02:18:28,912 who has moved this motion or perhaps to our CAO. 2138 02:18:30,452 --> 02:18:34,031 I think that the issue of Affordable housing is important. 2139 02:18:34,031 --> 02:18:36,111 I think nobody in this room doesn't believe that that's 2140 02:18:36,111 --> 02:18:38,671 true. And I think we all believe that the availability 2141 02:18:38,711 --> 02:18:41,871 of all levels of housing in our community is what 2142 02:18:42,052 --> 02:18:47,471 creates a whole vibrant and healthy community. However, everybody else 2143 02:18:47,492 --> 02:18:51,471 in this room also knows that our municipal revenue systems, 2144 02:18:51,471 --> 02:18:54,191 as in property tax levy, are not designed to fund 2145 02:18:54,212 --> 02:18:56,511 projects like this. Now I recognise that we're not talking 2146 02:18:56,551 --> 02:19:00,591 about funding a project. However, this is a regional provincial 2147 02:19:01,012 --> 02:19:04,831 and even federal mandate. And they have revenue streams that 2148 02:19:04,932 --> 02:19:07,951 are not tied directly to property values that are better 2149 02:19:07,972 --> 02:19:11,391 suited for funding a project like this. So then what 2150 02:19:11,412 --> 02:19:15,231 can we as municipality do? It's in this motion in 2151 02:19:15,231 --> 02:19:18,991 that, um, we can promote affordable housing by removing barriers 2152 02:19:19,572 --> 02:19:23,311 by working to develop partnerships by providing opportunities and by 2153 02:19:23,351 --> 02:19:26,111 advocating to other levels of government, which we have already 2154 02:19:26,212 --> 02:19:29,951 done and which we have already committed to continue doing. 2155 02:19:29,991 --> 02:19:33,231 So everybody at this table has already said on more 2156 02:19:33,271 --> 02:19:36,511 than one occasion that the BDSS precinct is our best 2157 02:19:36,852 --> 02:19:40,011 and brightest opportunity for Affordable Housing in our Town. And 2158 02:19:40,011 --> 02:19:42,591 that if we miss this opportunity, we have made a 2159 02:19:42,591 --> 02:19:45,071 big mistake. We've all said that. That's not news to 2160 02:19:45,071 --> 02:19:49,391 any of us. So staff have already initiated tasks like 2161 02:19:49,431 --> 02:19:53,231 talking with potential partners. Affordable housing has consistently been a 2162 02:19:53,231 --> 02:19:55,231 part of our conversations around what's going to happen with 2163 02:19:55,271 --> 02:20:00,991 this site. An EOI regarding a feasibility has already commenced. 2164 02:20:00,991 --> 02:20:04,351 That's, that's in this, that's in this motion. So then 2165 02:20:04,391 --> 02:20:06,351 I have two points, two questions that I'd like to 2166 02:20:06,351 --> 02:20:08,751 ask. First of all, is I'm not sure that I 2167 02:20:08,772 --> 02:20:14,031 understand why now, why this? And by that I mean, 2168 02:20:14,031 --> 02:20:16,271 we're already doing everything that this motion is asking for. 2169 02:20:16,271 --> 02:20:18,951 We have committed. We are, we are moving forward. We 2170 02:20:18,951 --> 02:20:22,351 have talked with partners. We are already committed to advocating 2171 02:20:22,532 --> 02:20:24,431 at other levels of government. So everything that you're asking 2172 02:20:24,532 --> 02:20:28,111 us to do in this motion has already been initiated. 2173 02:20:28,111 --> 02:20:31,814 So I don't understand. What this motion creates or achieves 2174 02:20:32,075 --> 02:20:35,414 that isn't already in place. And then the second piece, 2175 02:20:35,414 --> 02:20:38,034 which is maybe a second question or part of the 2176 02:20:38,034 --> 02:20:42,934 same is we have to recognise that although this is 2177 02:20:42,974 --> 02:20:45,574 our land, land has a cost. And there's an opportunity 2178 02:20:45,915 --> 02:20:48,854 cost for using this land for affordable housing instead of 2179 02:20:48,955 --> 02:20:51,894 for another project. And that's fine. I think it's important 2180 02:20:52,715 --> 02:20:55,174 that that's where we're using our funding for. But how 2181 02:20:55,174 --> 02:20:58,134 do we anticipate offsetting that cost so that it's not 2182 02:20:58,315 --> 02:21:01,894 downloaded onto the municipal taxpayer because we've already said our 2183 02:21:01,915 --> 02:21:05,251 system isn't designed to do that. Okay. I'm going to 2184 02:21:05,552 --> 02:21:09,771 start with the CAO because there's policy issues here that 2185 02:21:09,811 --> 02:21:13,771 we should clarify. And then if it's necessary, we'll see 2186 02:21:13,792 --> 02:21:18,742 what, um, the mover and seconder have to say. Go 2187 02:21:18,742 --> 02:21:22,382 ahead. Through you, Madam Mayor. And I'm probably going to 2188 02:21:22,923 --> 02:21:26,902 push it back to Councillor Pachiriva because from everything you've 2189 02:21:26,902 --> 02:21:28,822 said, you're absolutely correct. We've begun a lot of that 2190 02:21:28,923 --> 02:21:34,670 work. Uh, emotion and the political nature of motions. And 2191 02:21:34,691 --> 02:21:37,630 what we've seen around this table on numerous occasions where 2192 02:21:37,630 --> 02:21:40,750 Council wants to actually draw a line in the sand 2193 02:21:40,931 --> 02:21:44,270 and put something forward is something that you all do. 2194 02:21:44,270 --> 02:21:46,270 Uh, we take that direction and we move forward on 2195 02:21:46,310 --> 02:21:51,070 it. But you're absolutely correct, Councillor, that, um, we are 2196 02:21:51,070 --> 02:21:52,990 beginning a lot of that feasibility work. Do I need 2197 02:21:52,990 --> 02:21:55,870 direction to do feasibility work? No. But oftentimes you direct 2198 02:21:55,891 --> 02:21:57,150 me to do a lot of things. I don't need 2199 02:21:57,190 --> 02:21:59,950 direction for, uh, but you do it because I think 2200 02:21:59,971 --> 02:22:04,190 Council wants to put a finite marker forward and you 2201 02:22:04,230 --> 02:22:05,950 want to show that you have a level of commitment 2202 02:22:05,990 --> 02:22:09,150 towards something. And so I think the nature of this 2203 02:22:09,190 --> 02:22:13,630 type of conversation, the importance of it. Sometimes the diametrically 2204 02:22:13,651 --> 02:22:16,510 opposed views that we often find with projects that are 2205 02:22:16,510 --> 02:22:18,910 a little more contentious. It means Council wants to be 2206 02:22:18,950 --> 02:22:22,030 taking some of these steps. There are certain things legislatively 2207 02:22:22,211 --> 02:22:25,790 as the mayor said that Council will have to have 2208 02:22:25,891 --> 02:22:28,030 a say in in terms of when we start looking 2209 02:22:28,051 --> 02:22:32,110 at, uh, the disposition of land, the declaration of land 2210 02:22:32,150 --> 02:22:36,350 being surplus, how much land, um, what sort of rebates 2211 02:22:36,531 --> 02:22:40,590 potentially we get into with affordable housing providers. And by 2212 02:22:40,630 --> 02:22:43,950 rebates, I mean, you know, the town becomes a conduit 2213 02:22:43,990 --> 02:22:47,470 between the region that actually provides the funding and a 2214 02:22:47,510 --> 02:22:50,590 particular builder in order to do that. There's 25 year 2215 02:22:50,630 --> 02:22:52,590 agreements that need to be in place and so forth 2216 02:22:53,331 --> 02:22:55,550 that often happens. So it's not money coming from the 2217 02:22:55,651 --> 02:22:59,470 town per se, but it is regional services, regional supports. 2218 02:22:59,470 --> 02:23:03,870 Um, if we're out there advocating publicly, uh, sometimes having 2219 02:23:03,910 --> 02:23:06,890 direction from council is an important piece of that. Uh, 2220 02:23:06,890 --> 02:23:08,750 so that we're not just out there talking about a 2221 02:23:08,771 --> 02:23:12,110 particular project without that council backing. But I'll look to 2222 02:23:12,131 --> 02:23:15,310 Councillor PACHARIVA if he wants that. Why he feels the 2223 02:23:15,331 --> 02:23:18,670 motion is needed now. Notwithstanding, we're doing the work already. 2224 02:23:21,612 --> 02:23:24,631 Go ahead, Councillor Patrick. Yeah. Thanks to worship. And I 2225 02:23:24,631 --> 02:23:27,431 think first and foremost, it closes the loop on the 2226 02:23:27,612 --> 02:23:31,191 first notice of motion. Councillor Timmers and I brought May 2227 02:23:31,692 --> 02:23:38,071 26, 2025. That night council was not comfortable because our 2228 02:23:38,092 --> 02:23:42,997 CAO and our Director of Planning weren't here. So like 2229 02:23:43,037 --> 02:23:49,142 the CAO said work is driven by motion. And we 2230 02:23:49,182 --> 02:23:52,342 thought it's important that it comes back. Uh, there's been 2231 02:23:53,163 --> 02:23:57,462 groundswell in the community of Affordable Housing Lincoln of the 2232 02:23:57,502 --> 02:24:02,182 work of our housing select committee. It provides validation to 2233 02:24:02,283 --> 02:24:06,502 the work of not only this term, but when Council 2234 02:24:06,523 --> 02:24:10,502 Bernet and Councillor Mickeluck and Council Rinchamora on there going 2235 02:24:10,502 --> 02:24:15,062 back to 2017, right? It's some momentum and momentum is 2236 02:24:15,062 --> 02:24:19,222 now growing. And the time to close all this and 2237 02:24:19,262 --> 02:24:23,936 make it formal. Is now. And your second point about 2238 02:24:24,437 --> 02:24:29,316 opportunity cost. I'm the biggest, and that's why we included 2239 02:24:29,577 --> 02:24:32,196 precinct. That was the big thing that came out of 2240 02:24:32,236 --> 02:24:35,796 that night was the word precinct. Don't tie your hands 2241 02:24:35,836 --> 02:24:39,236 on the BDSS site. Allow it to go from the 2242 02:24:39,577 --> 02:24:43,636 Lincoln Centre around to Bombery Park. I'm the biggest blue 2243 02:24:43,657 --> 02:24:48,774 sky are in the world. I can dream in technicolor. 2244 02:24:48,774 --> 02:24:52,214 And what I potentially would love to see is something 2245 02:24:52,555 --> 02:24:58,454 similar to the Legion in Portugalzi. So maybe it's the, 2246 02:24:58,454 --> 02:25:04,454 um, senior centre on central that's redone because it's getting, 2247 02:25:04,454 --> 02:25:06,934 you know, that it needs work. And the housing goes 2248 02:25:06,974 --> 02:25:12,642 on top. So then your opportunity cost is zero. Because 2249 02:25:12,682 --> 02:25:15,442 it's not using up any land. So that's, that's why 2250 02:25:15,463 --> 02:25:18,162 this is so open - ended. And that's why maybe 2251 02:25:18,823 --> 02:25:22,562 these, these expressions of interest hopefully will shake some trees 2252 02:25:23,623 --> 02:25:27,602 and have someone come with something thought - provoking that 2253 02:25:27,863 --> 02:25:31,530 may be can solve two or three issues. So Councillor, 2254 02:25:31,791 --> 02:25:37,520 that's why now, and that's the opportunity cost. So thank 2255 02:25:37,520 --> 02:25:43,200 you. Thank you, Wish. Thank you. Mr. Kirkopoulis has a 2256 02:25:43,301 --> 02:25:47,080 response. And then Councillor Murray still has the floor. So 2257 02:25:47,080 --> 02:25:48,960 we'll be going back to her. Through you, Madam Mayor 2258 02:25:48,960 --> 02:25:51,760 and I apologise, Councillor. I didn't answer your opportunity, cost 2259 02:25:51,760 --> 02:25:54,240 question. I just focused on the first part of that. 2260 02:25:54,901 --> 02:25:56,400 You know, I'm not going to pretend otherwise that there 2261 02:25:56,440 --> 02:25:59,040 is in value and an opportunity cost to land that 2262 02:25:59,040 --> 02:26:02,000 could be sold at fire market value. And we know 2263 02:26:02,000 --> 02:26:06,960 what potentially fair market value looks like in there. Obviously, 2264 02:26:06,960 --> 02:26:10,560 um, reducing that cost or eliminating it completely for affordable 2265 02:26:10,600 --> 02:26:13,360 housing does have a cost to it. But I think 2266 02:26:13,360 --> 02:26:16,400 the question is what creates the long - term value 2267 02:26:16,440 --> 02:26:19,520 for the community. And oftentimes, uh, just in a conversation 2268 02:26:19,541 --> 02:26:22,640 this morning, uh, with someone who's in this particular realm 2269 02:26:22,661 --> 02:26:25,760 who does a lot of the construction, you know, you 2270 02:26:25,760 --> 02:26:27,560 need to look, we do a lot of things, as 2271 02:26:27,560 --> 02:26:29,740 you've heard me say on a number of occasions, uh, 2272 02:26:29,861 --> 02:26:33,520 that don't necessarily either break even or generate the most 2273 02:26:34,501 --> 02:26:38,720 revenue for what we do. I couldn't operate ice rinks 2274 02:26:38,821 --> 02:26:41,120 and arenas at what it costs me to recoup the 2275 02:26:41,160 --> 02:26:43,680 dollars that it costs on a per hour basis. I'd 2276 02:26:43,680 --> 02:26:46,560 have this room more full than it is tonight if 2277 02:26:46,560 --> 02:26:49,440 I wanted to increase them and recoup the dollars similarly 2278 02:26:49,480 --> 02:26:52,160 for libraries and a number of other services. Now some 2279 02:26:52,160 --> 02:26:53,920 people will not and say, well, yeah, those have been 2280 02:26:53,920 --> 02:26:56,960 around a long time and they're the traditional services municipalities 2281 02:26:58,341 --> 02:27:01,440 provide, but 300 and change to operate an hour of 2282 02:27:01,480 --> 02:27:04,960 ice versus the 175 I charge. You start seeing how 2283 02:27:05,381 --> 02:27:07,920 there's definitely a discrepancy in that. So I think the 2284 02:27:07,941 --> 02:27:10,320 question council needs to look at is how do we 2285 02:27:10,320 --> 02:27:12,880 create long - term value in the community? And sometimes 2286 02:27:12,880 --> 02:27:16,560 we have to put these types of value propositions forward 2287 02:27:16,821 --> 02:27:19,200 and how these types of value conversations. So that's how 2288 02:27:19,301 --> 02:27:21,920 I'd answer. I think that, um, that opportunity cost question. 2289 02:27:25,560 --> 02:27:28,579 Murray, you're a floor. Thank you. Um, I appreciate those 2290 02:27:28,680 --> 02:27:31,939 answers. I appreciate the fulsomeness of the thought that's gone 2291 02:27:31,960 --> 02:27:35,219 into this motion as well as the work over the 2292 02:27:35,219 --> 02:27:37,379 last three years or two and a half years after 2293 02:27:38,200 --> 02:27:40,179 we first of all discuss purchasing it. And then after 2294 02:27:40,219 --> 02:27:43,939 purchasing, I would also just want to suggest to Councillor 2295 02:27:43,979 --> 02:27:46,339 Pachirima that the previous motion that was considered before this 2296 02:27:46,440 --> 02:27:48,579 was, was quite a bit different than this motion as 2297 02:27:48,579 --> 02:27:51,839 well. So I just want to clarify too that, um, 2298 02:27:52,200 --> 02:27:54,179 one of the reasons I feel like that motion didn't 2299 02:27:54,219 --> 02:27:56,899 move forward was perhaps because it hadn't evolved as much 2300 02:27:56,939 --> 02:28:00,639 as this one had. Um, and, and then also, um, 2301 02:28:01,240 --> 02:28:04,019 you know, the idea of it costs to create a 2302 02:28:04,040 --> 02:28:08,399 community service and that we all need to support, um, 2303 02:28:08,840 --> 02:28:11,699 the better societal good. I'm on board with that. I 2304 02:28:11,720 --> 02:28:13,219 agree with it. But I think we just need to 2305 02:28:13,259 --> 02:28:17,139 be really cognizant and aware of what we have, what 2306 02:28:17,179 --> 02:28:20,639 we are agreeing to pay for. And that's fine. And 2307 02:28:20,760 --> 02:28:23,539 it's, it's good. Um, but, but let's go into it 2308 02:28:23,579 --> 02:28:26,259 with our eyes wide open. That's just pretty much where 2309 02:28:26,299 --> 02:28:28,339 I, where I wanted to go with that. Thank you. 2310 02:28:28,861 --> 02:28:32,040 Okay. Thank you very much Council Murray. And I would 2311 02:28:32,040 --> 02:28:39,560 add to that, that unfortunately we can look, um, many 2312 02:28:39,581 --> 02:28:44,996 municipalities in Niagara and find real data. On how much 2313 02:28:45,017 --> 02:28:52,036 it is costing them to survive through encampments. And they 2314 02:28:52,217 --> 02:28:56,836 can certainly identify the costs. And they are overwhelming. Our 2315 02:28:56,876 --> 02:29:00,596 opportunity costs would be gone out to the window in 2316 02:29:00,596 --> 02:29:03,762 no time. And those are real numbers that are out 2317 02:29:03,802 --> 02:29:08,299 there well documented. So thank you for your question. Councillor 2318 02:29:08,339 --> 02:29:12,247 Russell. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Very quickly, um, again, I 2319 02:29:12,247 --> 02:29:15,487 like the open endedness of this motion. Um, again, I 2320 02:29:15,487 --> 02:29:17,287 think it does, uh, again, give us a lot of 2321 02:29:17,308 --> 02:29:21,027 flexibility. Again, at least the next term does when, uh, 2322 02:29:21,308 --> 02:29:25,127 they make, uh, that decision. My only question is again, 2323 02:29:25,167 --> 02:29:29,047 when it comes to the reservation point, um, to the 2324 02:29:29,047 --> 02:29:31,927 RCAO, do you think that when we get to that 2325 02:29:31,927 --> 02:29:35,127 point of making the reservation and actually starting to think 2326 02:29:35,127 --> 02:29:37,367 about the land itself, are we going to put a 2327 02:29:37,548 --> 02:29:41,847 timeline on that, uh, use of land so that the 2328 02:29:41,948 --> 02:29:44,327 end date. At least just to try to keep a 2329 02:29:44,327 --> 02:29:47,287 book in so that whoever those interested parties are, they 2330 02:29:47,287 --> 02:29:49,367 have a date to work towards instead of just having 2331 02:29:49,468 --> 02:29:54,887 like a vacant piece of land until, um, again, for 2332 02:29:54,908 --> 02:29:57,047 years to come, uh, while people are trying to work 2333 02:29:57,087 --> 02:30:00,167 on the math, uh, and making sure that the model 2334 02:30:00,188 --> 02:30:02,327 does work is they're going to be an end date 2335 02:30:02,588 --> 02:30:04,727 that Council can reevaluate whether or not it is actually 2336 02:30:05,148 --> 02:30:08,567 a viable, um, opportunity. Or if it's just, uh, we 2337 02:30:08,607 --> 02:30:10,247 need to reconsider how that land gets used in the 2338 02:30:10,247 --> 02:30:13,983 future. Do you, Madam Mayor, to the Councillor. I think 2339 02:30:13,983 --> 02:30:17,663 we need to have, um, parameters and goalposts at Councillor. 2340 02:30:17,663 --> 02:30:19,103 I don't think we can have moving goal post or 2341 02:30:19,103 --> 02:30:21,103 no goal posts at all. I think it's important that 2342 02:30:21,143 --> 02:30:25,343 we have that, um, and I think, uh, it's important. 2343 02:30:25,343 --> 02:30:27,903 And what I heard today again, meeting with someone who's 2344 02:30:27,903 --> 02:30:29,903 in this particular realm and who does this type of 2345 02:30:29,924 --> 02:30:33,183 work is that sometimes it's the municipality causing the whole 2346 02:30:33,204 --> 02:30:35,583 dog, not necessarily the private sector that's looking to do 2347 02:30:35,623 --> 02:30:39,023 something. So I think where we can, um, the municipality 2348 02:30:39,063 --> 02:30:40,783 needs to get out of the way. Um, once our 2349 02:30:40,823 --> 02:30:43,883 portion is done, but absolutely we need to have, um, 2350 02:30:44,644 --> 02:30:47,823 goalposts and timeline set on, on either end of this 2351 02:30:47,863 --> 02:30:50,543 to ensure that the work gets done, uh, because with 2352 02:30:50,644 --> 02:30:53,663 all work, uh, like this, uh, and we're talking about 2353 02:30:53,844 --> 02:30:58,123 value and property values, um, time is sometimes money. Uh, 2354 02:30:58,123 --> 02:31:00,663 and the value of property often changes as well. So 2355 02:31:00,663 --> 02:31:02,303 we do need to have some posts so that we 2356 02:31:02,303 --> 02:31:05,103 can start to do the necessary financial planning that we 2357 02:31:05,103 --> 02:31:10,413 have to have. Okay. Thank you. Good, thank you very 2358 02:31:10,413 --> 02:31:14,363 much. And next is Councillor Timmers. Go ahead. Thank you, 2359 02:31:14,363 --> 02:31:19,151 Mary Stin. Wow. I'm going to keep it really brief. 2360 02:31:19,151 --> 02:31:21,551 So, you know, good discussion tonight. This has been a 2361 02:31:21,551 --> 02:31:25,001 long time coming. I've been on the, um, housing select 2362 02:31:25,041 --> 02:31:29,321 committee. And prior to all the different committees we had 2363 02:31:29,361 --> 02:31:32,601 around this topic since the beginning. It's been a long 2364 02:31:32,702 --> 02:31:36,661 haul. And we've known all along what we need. The 2365 02:31:36,661 --> 02:31:39,881 one thing, the most important thing is an X on 2366 02:31:39,881 --> 02:31:43,321 that map. We need a spot. We need the land. 2367 02:31:43,321 --> 02:31:46,681 So this is what we're looking for. A formal commitment 2368 02:31:46,782 --> 02:31:51,401 with this motion. It's a good motion. I appreciate everyone's, 2369 02:31:51,401 --> 02:31:54,641 um, work on this over the years. I want to 2370 02:31:54,641 --> 02:31:57,881 thank the, um, housing select committee members that are here 2371 02:31:57,902 --> 02:32:03,321 tonight. Some are online. Also, um, Affordable Housing Lincoln who 2372 02:32:03,361 --> 02:32:06,841 started to come to our meetings and really, really did 2373 02:32:06,881 --> 02:32:09,641 some great advocacy out in the community. And it shows 2374 02:32:09,742 --> 02:32:12,361 by the number of people that are here tonight that 2375 02:32:12,361 --> 02:32:15,241 they support it. So I will be supporting this motion 2376 02:32:15,582 --> 02:32:18,201 and I would like to, um, call for a recorded 2377 02:32:18,241 --> 02:32:21,001 vote when that happens. Thank you very much. Thank you 2378 02:32:21,262 --> 02:32:25,981 everyone for being here tonight. Thank you Councillor Timmers and 2379 02:32:26,002 --> 02:32:30,809 Deputy Mayor Reimer, Chair Turn. Thank you Mayor Houston. Thank 2380 02:32:30,849 --> 02:32:33,529 you to Councillor Patrice. Even Councillor Timurus for bringing this 2381 02:32:33,550 --> 02:32:37,049 motion forward. It is thorough and it's complete. And I 2382 02:32:37,049 --> 02:32:43,085 support it. Um. Our purchase of BDSS has never been 2383 02:32:43,186 --> 02:32:45,885 about being a landlords or builders. I don't remember. It's 2384 02:32:45,885 --> 02:32:47,325 ever talking about that and are bringing it up in 2385 02:32:47,365 --> 02:32:51,645 discussion. It's always been about taking control, showing leadership and 2386 02:32:51,666 --> 02:32:56,381 exploring opportunities for a piece of property. Uh, like BDSS. 2387 02:32:56,381 --> 02:32:58,061 This is something that's going to shape and affect our 2388 02:32:58,082 --> 02:33:03,581 downtown beamsville for generations. Um, and so many decisions we 2389 02:33:03,621 --> 02:33:06,461 make, I think we forget. It's not about the residents, 2390 02:33:06,461 --> 02:33:09,086 not only about the residents of today. But 30 years, 2391 02:33:09,126 --> 02:33:11,286 40 years from now. In 20 years, they're going to 2392 02:33:11,286 --> 02:33:13,166 look back and say, you bought this piece of property 2393 02:33:13,206 --> 02:33:15,636 for what. It's the same as the discussion we have 2394 02:33:15,636 --> 02:33:19,933 with Councillor Foster, both the prices going up. That cost 2395 02:33:19,954 --> 02:33:22,173 of that property that we purchased to do all these 2396 02:33:22,213 --> 02:33:25,373 things or these opportunities, the potential to all these things, 2397 02:33:25,373 --> 02:33:27,933 I think is minimal. Um, I do have one question 2398 02:33:28,514 --> 02:33:30,013 and I'm not sure if it's too early to ask 2399 02:33:30,034 --> 02:33:34,903 this in relationship to this motion. Um, two director brooder. 2400 02:33:36,781 --> 02:33:39,720 It's a two early to talk about a secondary plan. 2401 02:33:39,720 --> 02:33:42,772 Is that something that we need to. Work alongside of 2402 02:33:42,772 --> 02:33:44,932 this? Not asking at all this to be part of 2403 02:33:44,932 --> 02:33:47,172 the motion. That's not my point. But just maybe throwing 2404 02:33:47,172 --> 02:33:48,612 it out there. Do we not need that in order 2405 02:33:48,652 --> 02:33:52,212 to have other, you know, like the, like commenting and 2406 02:33:52,252 --> 02:33:54,732 things like other input on this type of thing? Or 2407 02:33:54,732 --> 02:33:56,612 is that, or is that too early for that type 2408 02:33:56,652 --> 02:34:00,936 of conversation through you, Mayor Easton. Go ahead, Mr. Brooder. 2409 02:34:02,396 --> 02:34:04,615 Thank you, Mayor East. And through you to the Councillor, 2410 02:34:04,615 --> 02:34:07,255 I don't think it's too early to bring it up. 2411 02:34:07,255 --> 02:34:08,455 But the way I see it is I think that 2412 02:34:08,556 --> 02:34:10,855 the next step and, you know, that's what we kind 2413 02:34:10,855 --> 02:34:13,415 of outlined in our previous presentation. I think we have 2414 02:34:13,415 --> 02:34:16,535 to go the eel route first. And the reason I 2415 02:34:16,575 --> 02:34:18,535 say that is I think we have to establish from 2416 02:34:18,636 --> 02:34:21,335 a broad level. Um, you know, what do we really 2417 02:34:21,356 --> 02:34:24,135 want to see out of this particular site? Obviously one 2418 02:34:24,135 --> 02:34:25,495 of the things we want to see is what's being 2419 02:34:25,495 --> 02:34:27,735 talked about a little bit tonight. I think from there, 2420 02:34:27,775 --> 02:34:30,935 then you go into working once you've got maybe an 2421 02:34:31,036 --> 02:34:33,575 organisation or maybe a group of organisations that you're going 2422 02:34:33,575 --> 02:34:35,255 to be working with on the site or what have 2423 02:34:35,255 --> 02:34:37,255 you. Then from there, you can kind of work hand 2424 02:34:37,295 --> 02:34:39,495 in hand to make sure you develop a policy framework 2425 02:34:39,495 --> 02:34:43,015 that works. Obviously with public consultation being a key component, 2426 02:34:43,015 --> 02:34:45,555 I think of the second, it's a different situation, but 2427 02:34:45,555 --> 02:34:48,275 the secondary plan we did for prudims, for example, you 2428 02:34:48,275 --> 02:34:50,855 know, we worked very closely with the developer team to 2429 02:34:50,895 --> 02:34:53,815 try to come up with something that was a suitable 2430 02:34:53,855 --> 02:34:56,695 for, you know, public benefit and for members of the 2431 02:34:56,735 --> 02:35:00,295 community, but also in line with, uh, what was realistic 2432 02:35:00,335 --> 02:35:02,295 for the site according to the developer. So I could 2433 02:35:02,295 --> 02:35:06,852 see a similar process here. And a follow up, if 2434 02:35:06,852 --> 02:35:10,092 I may, Mayor said, and, and Matt, just along those 2435 02:35:10,113 --> 02:35:12,812 same lines then, once, let's say this EOI looking had 2436 02:35:12,812 --> 02:35:16,332 the UI is finished and completed. And we have with 2437 02:35:16,332 --> 02:35:18,972 the, with the land use then, you know, like as 2438 02:35:18,972 --> 02:35:23,561 far as. Practical areas of what we're going to use 2439 02:35:24,222 --> 02:35:26,841 or potentially use the piece of property for, then that 2440 02:35:26,841 --> 02:35:30,121 would incorporate into our secondary plan. Does that make sense? 2441 02:35:30,121 --> 02:35:33,645 Or is that along the. Mr. Bruder? Yeah. Um, Drew 2442 02:35:33,685 --> 02:35:36,205 Mayor Easton. Yeah. Generally speaking, I think that's correct. Obviously 2443 02:35:36,205 --> 02:35:38,925 when you get into that developing the actual land use 2444 02:35:38,965 --> 02:35:40,845 policies that tie in with the EOI. Yeah. There's going 2445 02:35:40,845 --> 02:35:43,645 to be some further refinement. You know, what happens or 2446 02:35:43,645 --> 02:35:45,445 what submitted at the AOI stage? Is that going to 2447 02:35:45,445 --> 02:35:48,285 be the final product? Maybe not completely, but it informs 2448 02:35:48,325 --> 02:35:50,445 the next step, which is a little bit more detailed 2449 02:35:50,706 --> 02:35:53,245 oriented when it comes to a secondary plan or a 2450 02:35:53,245 --> 02:35:56,205 master plan or something like that for the site. Okay. 2451 02:35:56,205 --> 02:35:58,812 Thank you, Dr. Reeder. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you very 2452 02:35:58,852 --> 02:36:03,532 much. There's no other speakers. I have a question of 2453 02:36:04,193 --> 02:36:07,612 the CAO. This has to do with speak up Lincoln 2454 02:36:09,393 --> 02:36:13,052 on a number of occasions tonight. There were, I think, 2455 02:36:13,073 --> 02:36:18,492 very laudable efforts by Council to ensure and yourself to 2456 02:36:18,513 --> 02:36:24,412 ensure that there's accurate information. Could we post, or maybe 2457 02:36:24,412 --> 02:36:27,372 we have, I didn't check in the last few days. 2458 02:36:27,372 --> 02:36:33,852 Could we post accurate information on speak up Lincoln in 2459 02:36:33,873 --> 02:36:37,372 regard to the way these questions are being asked in 2460 02:36:37,372 --> 02:36:41,372 some of the suppositions that are being made? Where do 2461 02:36:41,372 --> 02:36:43,992 we stand with that? I think we need some, uh, 2462 02:36:44,113 --> 02:36:51,405 we need a consistent communication access for the public. Mr. 2463 02:36:51,426 --> 02:36:54,485 C. A. PO. To you, Madam Mayor. Um, yeah, I 2464 02:36:54,485 --> 02:36:56,205 think the simple answer is yes. I think we can 2465 02:36:56,226 --> 02:37:00,605 find a, it may be simpler way. Um, and maybe 2466 02:37:00,605 --> 02:37:02,365 it's not just speak up Lincoln in terms of how 2467 02:37:02,405 --> 02:37:04,765 we communicate this to make sure that some of those 2468 02:37:04,866 --> 02:37:09,485 clarifications are made and captured appropriately. So. Okay. All right. 2469 02:37:09,525 --> 02:37:14,365 And I'm just, I'm assuming that that would include providing, 2470 02:37:14,365 --> 02:37:18,845 uh, relevant correspondence to the select committee so that they 2471 02:37:18,845 --> 02:37:22,534 have that consistent information as well. Okay. Well, thank you 2472 02:37:22,534 --> 02:37:28,514 very much councillors. Great questions and good discussion. And, um, 2473 02:37:28,555 --> 02:37:31,974 I'm very, very pleased to see this motion coming forward. 2474 02:37:31,974 --> 02:37:34,534 So the motion has been read. Madam Clerk, I would 2475 02:37:34,574 --> 02:37:36,854 ask you, uh, open the vote. And it has been 2476 02:37:36,955 --> 02:37:41,541 requested to be recorded. P. That's been noted. And that 2477 02:37:41,541 --> 02:37:50,677 will show up. Thank you. And I will. Open the 2478 02:37:50,858 --> 02:37:59,910 vote. Yes. 2479 02:38:02,180 --> 02:38:05,961 I will close that boat. And you will see on 2480 02:38:06,001 --> 02:38:09,081 the screen that that, uh, carries unanimously and that will 2481 02:38:09,081 --> 02:38:12,153 be noted in the minutes. Thank you. Thank you very 2482 02:38:12,193 --> 02:38:16,073 much, Madam Clerk. The next item on the agenda is 2483 02:38:16,094 --> 02:38:20,073 the reports of municipal officers. And I have Mayor's report 2484 02:38:20,094 --> 02:38:25,636 to present this evening. And, um, I would begin by 2485 02:38:28,377 --> 02:38:32,036 saying, good evening to everyone who is listening or is 2486 02:38:32,076 --> 02:38:39,353 in the gallery. I'm sorry. Um, as I begin my 2487 02:38:39,694 --> 02:38:43,273 Mayor's report this evening, I first want to congratulate all 2488 02:38:43,313 --> 02:38:47,513 of the students across Lincoln who have completed another school 2489 02:38:47,614 --> 02:38:52,454 year. And especially those who celebrated a graduation. It is 2490 02:38:52,875 --> 02:38:56,673 an exciting time in your lives. With new opportunities ahead 2491 02:38:57,414 --> 02:39:00,990 and probably a little uncertainty as well. We wish each 2492 02:39:01,030 --> 02:39:04,330 of you every success in whatever path you choose. And 2493 02:39:04,371 --> 02:39:07,630 wherever that path may take you. I also want to 2494 02:39:07,651 --> 02:39:12,590 acknowledge our teacher's school staff and families. These milestones don't 2495 02:39:12,851 --> 02:39:16,010 happen with photograph deal of support along the way. And 2496 02:39:16,051 --> 02:39:19,310 thank you for everything you do for the young people 2497 02:39:19,571 --> 02:39:26,833 of Lincoln. The July 21st storm was discussed in some 2498 02:39:26,854 --> 02:39:33,247 detailed this evening. However, I want to also put on 2499 02:39:33,428 --> 02:39:37,327 record that this was an extraordinary amount of rain and 2500 02:39:37,327 --> 02:39:40,127 wind in a very short period of time. And different 2501 02:39:40,127 --> 02:39:44,670 parts of our community experienced it in different ways. For 2502 02:39:44,670 --> 02:39:48,030 some families, the impacts were significant, including the flooding of 2503 02:39:48,070 --> 02:39:51,790 homes and properties. And I know how upsetting and stressful 2504 02:39:52,131 --> 02:39:55,763 that can be. To everyone who has affected, please know 2505 02:39:55,803 --> 02:39:58,403 that you have been very much on the minds of 2506 02:39:59,064 --> 02:40:05,285 all staff, all councillors. And we want to, and we 2507 02:40:05,285 --> 02:40:09,125 hope that as the days go by, and you're provided 2508 02:40:09,866 --> 02:40:13,045 and access the support that's available, that it eases your 2509 02:40:13,146 --> 02:40:17,654 minds as well. I want to sincerely thank our town 2510 02:40:17,675 --> 02:40:23,314 staff, fire department and the Nigeria region, emergency responders, and 2511 02:40:23,314 --> 02:40:26,774 everyone who worked through difficult conditions to respond to calls 2512 02:40:27,355 --> 02:40:33,014 flooded roads overwhelmed systems and residents who needed help. There 2513 02:40:33,035 --> 02:40:36,366 will always be lessons from events like this. We will 2514 02:40:36,707 --> 02:40:41,966 continue to look at our infrastructure, how our systems performed, 2515 02:40:41,966 --> 02:40:45,246 what we can reasonably do to make Lincoln more resilient 2516 02:40:45,587 --> 02:40:50,446 as these extreme weather events become something communities everywhere are 2517 02:40:50,446 --> 02:40:54,766 dealing with more frequently. So please continue to report your 2518 02:40:54,787 --> 02:40:59,166 individual circumstances and make use of the information and supports 2519 02:40:59,427 --> 02:41:03,488 that have been made available. I think, as you've all 2520 02:41:03,488 --> 02:41:09,168 heard tonight, all of Council was heavily involved and certainly 2521 02:41:09,189 --> 02:41:14,622 many, many of the staff. On October the 26th, we 2522 02:41:14,643 --> 02:41:20,222 will be having our next municipal election. And the clerks 2523 02:41:20,243 --> 02:41:23,262 department has been very busy preparing the systems that will 2524 02:41:23,262 --> 02:41:26,462 be needed to ensure that everyone who is eligible to 2525 02:41:26,502 --> 02:41:31,682 vote has that opportunity. The nomination period open may one, 2526 02:41:31,682 --> 02:41:34,562 and we are beginning to see candidates come forward from 2527 02:41:34,583 --> 02:41:38,002 mayor and the six Councillor Positions. And I'm very happy 2528 02:41:38,023 --> 02:41:45,282 to see some of those potential councillors sitting with us 2529 02:41:45,322 --> 02:41:49,692 this evening. I encourage residents to become engaged and learn 2530 02:41:49,732 --> 02:41:55,158 about the candidates and most importantly to vote. Local government 2531 02:41:55,179 --> 02:41:58,598 touches our lives every day, often in ways people don't 2532 02:41:58,779 --> 02:42:04,758 immediately recognise and you're participation matters. Several weeks ago, I 2533 02:42:04,859 --> 02:42:07,478 announced that after 12 years as mayor, I will not 2534 02:42:07,478 --> 02:42:11,638 be seeking re - election. Together with my earlier six 2535 02:42:11,638 --> 02:42:15,318 years as award - one councillor, it has been an 2536 02:42:15,339 --> 02:42:19,158 extraordinary privilege to have served this community for 18 years. 2537 02:42:20,266 --> 02:42:23,365 Since making that announcement, I have received many very kind 2538 02:42:23,546 --> 02:42:28,805 messages, conversations, and acknowledgments. Some have brought back incredible memories 2539 02:42:29,066 --> 02:42:33,266 that I thought that I had forgotten. I'm sincerely grateful 2540 02:42:33,287 --> 02:42:36,306 for them and for the support and consideration that has 2541 02:42:36,346 --> 02:42:39,666 been extended to me and to my family over many 2542 02:42:39,687 --> 02:42:42,989 years. There will be another time for me to say 2543 02:42:43,029 --> 02:42:45,629 more about that journey. I'm sure we still have work 2544 02:42:45,650 --> 02:42:52,508 to do if tonight's meeting is any indication. In a 2545 02:42:52,508 --> 02:42:57,148 mode of looking back and forward recently, CAO Microcopolis provided 2546 02:42:57,329 --> 02:43:00,268 Council with an update on the progress made against our 2547 02:43:00,289 --> 02:43:03,948 work plan. And staff have also prepared a broader review 2548 02:43:04,129 --> 02:43:12,735 covering this entire 2022 to 2026 term. This is something 2549 02:43:12,775 --> 02:43:16,130 that we take very, very seriously. And when you look 2550 02:43:16,130 --> 02:43:20,290 at everything together, Lincoln has much to be proud of. 2551 02:43:20,391 --> 02:43:23,890 The approach we have taken has really been quite simple. 2552 02:43:24,963 --> 02:43:30,015 Listen to the community, establish priorities. Build a strategic plan 2553 02:43:30,356 --> 02:43:35,135 and work plan around those priorities. And most importantly, get 2554 02:43:35,175 --> 02:43:40,618 on with delivering it. That has resulted in significant investments 2555 02:43:41,119 --> 02:43:46,778 in roads, water, and wastewater infrastructure, parks, recreation, libraries, economic 2556 02:43:46,818 --> 02:43:52,618 development, housing, community services, and many other areas. It is 2557 02:43:52,618 --> 02:43:54,918 also allowed us to think differently about some of the 2558 02:43:54,959 --> 02:43:59,018 opportunities before us and to take on projects that perhaps 2559 02:43:59,759 --> 02:44:03,418 a municipality of our size would not traditionally have trachen 2560 02:44:03,458 --> 02:44:08,344 on BDSS is certainly one of those opportunities. None of 2561 02:44:08,384 --> 02:44:12,984 this happens because of one person. It happens because council 2562 02:44:13,085 --> 02:44:19,704 establishes direction, professional staff execute that direction. Residents participate and 2563 02:44:19,725 --> 02:44:23,464 our partners work with us. And I particularly want to 2564 02:44:23,485 --> 02:44:26,984 acknowledge the tremendous support that Lincoln has received from other 2565 02:44:27,005 --> 02:44:33,224 levels of government and our many partners. MPPSEM Ustrehoff MPD 2566 02:44:33,485 --> 02:44:38,904 Nellison Regional Councillor Rob Foster, regional CAO Ron Trip and 2567 02:44:38,944 --> 02:44:44,984 Regional Staff, along with many ministers, agencies, community organisations and 2568 02:44:44,984 --> 02:44:49,418 others have worked with Lincoln over the years. We deliberately 2569 02:44:49,599 --> 02:44:55,158 built a strong government relations program because of municipality, our 2570 02:44:55,158 --> 02:45:01,107 size cannot accomplish everything on its own. Those relationships have 2571 02:45:01,288 --> 02:45:05,407 resulted in millions of dollars of investment in Lincoln, and 2572 02:45:05,407 --> 02:45:09,187 more importantly, projects and services that have made a difference 2573 02:45:09,288 --> 02:45:14,627 in people's lives. The collaboration has been one of the 2574 02:45:14,648 --> 02:45:20,024 great strengths of Lincoln. In the matter of a changing 2575 02:45:20,365 --> 02:45:24,024 environment, there is something else I have been thinking about 2576 02:45:24,285 --> 02:45:27,944 a great deal, particularly as we enter another municipal election. 2577 02:45:29,360 --> 02:45:33,899 And that is the way that residents receive information and 2578 02:45:33,899 --> 02:45:37,259 how it has changed dramatically during my time in public 2579 02:45:37,280 --> 02:45:42,602 life. Traditional local media is much smaller than it once 2580 02:45:42,602 --> 02:45:47,165 was. Social media has filled some of that space, but 2581 02:45:47,165 --> 02:45:51,265 it is also created in an environment where information moves 2582 02:45:51,286 --> 02:45:56,145 very quickly and often without the context or editorial oversight 2583 02:45:56,726 --> 02:46:01,181 that once existed. We've talked a little bit about some 2584 02:46:01,221 --> 02:46:06,351 of that tonight. How information can get off the track. 2585 02:46:07,469 --> 02:46:10,488 How information could go from something that is very right 2586 02:46:11,389 --> 02:46:13,528 to a whole lot of questions about things that have 2587 02:46:13,629 --> 02:46:17,961 no fact base. As a municipality, we've worked very hard 2588 02:46:18,001 --> 02:46:22,761 to communicate regularly and openly to our residents through Council 2589 02:46:22,761 --> 02:46:28,601 meetings, staff reports, newsletter, speak up Lincoln, social media, public 2590 02:46:28,702 --> 02:46:33,961 meetings, business communications, our new podcast, and many other channels. 2591 02:46:35,582 --> 02:46:38,421 There's probably more information available about the work of the 2592 02:46:38,622 --> 02:46:42,041 town today than at any other point during my time 2593 02:46:42,222 --> 02:46:46,201 in office. That doesn't mean we always get a perfect. 2594 02:46:46,201 --> 02:46:51,293 We don't. But the commitment to communicating openly, consistently and 2595 02:46:51,293 --> 02:46:57,275 providing the facts has been very deliberate. Election campaigns can 2596 02:46:57,296 --> 02:47:01,604 sometimes make this more difficult. Candidates for all naturally have 2597 02:47:01,705 --> 02:47:05,844 different ideas and opinions. That is democracy, and it should 2598 02:47:05,844 --> 02:47:09,524 be encouraged. But during elections, the law can also be 2599 02:47:09,785 --> 02:47:13,444 said about decisions that have been made sometimes without the 2600 02:47:13,444 --> 02:47:18,324 history, financial information, or the full context behind those decisions. 2601 02:47:19,465 --> 02:47:22,884 As many of you who are watching this meeting tonight, 2602 02:47:22,884 --> 02:47:25,204 will no one understand we have spent a great deal 2603 02:47:25,225 --> 02:47:29,147 of time in this one meeting. Ensuring that some of 2604 02:47:29,147 --> 02:47:33,787 those things, if not all of them, were covered as 2605 02:47:33,827 --> 02:47:37,573 we worked our way through the agenda. My advice to 2606 02:47:37,834 --> 02:47:41,813 council, staff, and those seeking public office is that we 2607 02:47:41,914 --> 02:47:46,209 always take the higher road. Don't get drawn into every 2608 02:47:46,230 --> 02:47:52,922 comment or criticism. Provide the facts. Explain the decisions. Correct 2609 02:47:52,943 --> 02:47:56,442 misinformation when it is important to do so, and then 2610 02:47:56,703 --> 02:48:01,469 continue doing the work. Residents deserve to understand not only 2611 02:48:01,509 --> 02:48:06,269 what council decided, but why it was decided what alternatives 2612 02:48:06,370 --> 02:48:10,189 were considered what it costs and what the consequences would 2613 02:48:10,189 --> 02:48:14,409 have been if we chose a different path. We won't 2614 02:48:14,449 --> 02:48:19,121 always agree. We aren't supposed to. And public service isn't 2615 02:48:19,142 --> 02:48:23,151 about winning every argument. At the end of the day, 2616 02:48:23,151 --> 02:48:26,091 we need to remember why we are here in the 2617 02:48:26,091 --> 02:48:29,161 first place. It is because of a commitment to service 2618 02:48:29,582 --> 02:48:32,201 and a belief that we can contribute something to the 2619 02:48:32,302 --> 02:48:36,655 community we call home. That applies whether you are the 2620 02:48:36,756 --> 02:48:40,575 mayor, a councillor, or someone putting their name forward for 2621 02:48:40,596 --> 02:48:45,230 the very first time. Take the higher road, respect the 2622 02:48:45,571 --> 02:48:49,710 institution, and remember that the community is bigger than anyone 2623 02:48:49,750 --> 02:48:54,686 election or any one of us. That is that, in 2624 02:48:54,686 --> 02:48:58,486 my opinion, is what public service should always be about. 2625 02:48:59,784 --> 02:49:03,043 On the matter of leadership, many of you have heard 2626 02:49:03,083 --> 02:49:06,483 me speak over the years about leadership around this horseshoe. 2627 02:49:07,744 --> 02:49:12,783 Good councils need different perspectives. Different experiences and people who 2628 02:49:12,964 --> 02:49:16,830 aren't afraid to challenge each other. Without that mixture of 2629 02:49:17,011 --> 02:49:20,910 representation, our review of the community can become very narrow. 2630 02:49:21,920 --> 02:49:25,739 My own approach to public service has always had started 2631 02:49:25,760 --> 02:49:31,517 with empathy. Trying to put yourself in somebody else's shoes, 2632 02:49:31,517 --> 02:49:35,997 understanding their circumstances, and then working toward a better outcome. 2633 02:49:37,132 --> 02:49:41,911 Perhaps some of this comes from my background in healthcare. 2634 02:49:41,951 --> 02:49:45,787 You learn to look at the whole system. You begin 2635 02:49:45,827 --> 02:49:49,147 to understand how the pieces connect and think about the 2636 02:49:49,187 --> 02:49:53,442 impact of decisions before and after they are made. Not 2637 02:49:53,623 --> 02:49:56,722 just come up with quick solutions, throw it at the 2638 02:49:56,823 --> 02:50:00,002 wall, and then wait and see what happens. That can 2639 02:50:00,002 --> 02:50:04,322 be a very, very painful process for anybody that's impacted 2640 02:50:04,362 --> 02:50:08,957 by that kind of decision - making. Municipal government isn't 2641 02:50:09,058 --> 02:50:13,721 different than health care. Rhoads connect to growth. Growth connects 2642 02:50:13,721 --> 02:50:19,401 to water and wastewater. Housing connects to economic development, recreation 2643 02:50:19,822 --> 02:50:24,831 connects to health. Libraries connect to education and community. And 2644 02:50:24,831 --> 02:50:27,091 all of it connects back to the quality of life 2645 02:50:27,352 --> 02:50:31,595 people experience every day. So when you are having a 2646 02:50:31,635 --> 02:50:35,835 conversation about what to take out of the budget, I 2647 02:50:36,016 --> 02:50:40,875 can tell you that every decision positive or not positive 2648 02:50:41,216 --> 02:50:45,595 has a major impact on somebody somewhere. And so that 2649 02:50:45,635 --> 02:50:49,755 puts another layer of difficulty on all decisions that you 2650 02:50:49,795 --> 02:50:52,375 will make if you sit around this table in the 2651 02:50:52,375 --> 02:50:57,810 future. Our job, however, is to understand these connections. And 2652 02:50:57,810 --> 02:51:01,750 whenever possible, to leave the community better than we found 2653 02:51:01,851 --> 02:51:08,771 it. So as the next council, as Lincoln in the 2654 02:51:08,811 --> 02:51:13,971 next council start turning the page for the next chapter. 2655 02:51:15,518 --> 02:51:19,097 I believe the next council will inherit a municipality with 2656 02:51:19,118 --> 02:51:23,977 a very strong foundation. There will be difficult decisions ahead. 2657 02:51:24,912 --> 02:51:32,731 Housing, infrastructure, growth, affordability, climate resilience, financial sustainability among them. 2658 02:51:33,955 --> 02:51:38,414 Those decisions will require thoughtful leadership, good information. And the 2659 02:51:38,414 --> 02:51:42,094 willingness to sometimes look beyond the immediate issue to what 2660 02:51:42,355 --> 02:51:45,294 is best for Lincoln 10 and 20 years from now. 2661 02:51:46,800 --> 02:51:50,779 There are also cause to delaying decisions. We know this. 2662 02:51:50,779 --> 02:51:53,819 We have experienced this within the last two to three 2663 02:51:53,819 --> 02:51:59,049 years. Infrastructure does not become less expensive by waiting. And 2664 02:51:59,070 --> 02:52:02,943 sometimes the greater risk is doing nothing. That is why 2665 02:52:03,284 --> 02:52:08,143 our official plan, asset management plan, master plans and long 2666 02:52:08,183 --> 02:52:12,063 - term financial planning are so important. They provide the 2667 02:52:12,324 --> 02:52:15,823 roadmap that allows councils to make decisions based on evidence 2668 02:52:16,644 --> 02:52:20,353 rather than simply the issue of the day. And I 2669 02:52:20,374 --> 02:52:24,040 want to acknowledge that. Pending some business that may come 2670 02:52:24,061 --> 02:52:27,240 forward in September tonight may in fact be our final 2671 02:52:27,341 --> 02:52:31,454 regular Council meeting of this term. And if that's the 2672 02:52:31,454 --> 02:52:34,814 case, I don't want this meeting to end without saying 2673 02:52:34,995 --> 02:52:39,315 thank you. To my colleagues on council, all the councils 2674 02:52:39,576 --> 02:52:45,444 from 2014, I thank you all. We've not always agreed, 2675 02:52:45,444 --> 02:52:48,859 nor should we. But we have shared the responsibility of 2676 02:52:48,880 --> 02:52:53,879 making decisions for this community sometimes very difficult ones. And 2677 02:52:53,879 --> 02:52:56,059 I am very proud and you all should be very 2678 02:52:56,240 --> 02:53:01,087 proud of what we have accomplished together. I also want 2679 02:53:01,127 --> 02:53:06,127 to especially recognise CAO Mike and all of our senior 2680 02:53:06,148 --> 02:53:11,407 staff, the senior leadership team, many of who have supporting 2681 02:53:11,508 --> 02:53:15,072 roles with the mayor's office. The amount of work that 2682 02:53:15,173 --> 02:53:18,752 happens behind the scenes is sometimes difficult for the people 2683 02:53:18,933 --> 02:53:23,169 to see. For the public to see. These are people 2684 02:53:23,169 --> 02:53:26,449 who have worked through emergencies, just like you had this 2685 02:53:26,630 --> 02:53:29,969 past week. I wish you could have seen how the 2686 02:53:29,969 --> 02:53:34,929 independently organised themselves in this building to ensure that calls 2687 02:53:34,969 --> 02:53:38,929 were taken that information was accurate, that people that walked 2688 02:53:39,430 --> 02:53:45,089 in unannounced were greeted and supported. It was really something 2689 02:53:45,129 --> 02:53:50,787 to behold. They are dealing with significant growth. The challenge 2690 02:53:50,808 --> 02:53:56,925 is significant. Changing legislation. I think the province is speaking 2691 02:53:56,946 --> 02:54:02,925 to us more in a month than sometimes they would 2692 02:54:03,266 --> 02:54:09,418 in a year. Financial pressures and some very ambitious projects, 2693 02:54:09,418 --> 02:54:16,784 including the hospital. They have given counsel professional advice, sometimes 2694 02:54:16,784 --> 02:54:19,744 advice we may not have wanted to hear and then 2695 02:54:19,744 --> 02:54:23,491 carried out the direction of council. To Mike, in the 2696 02:54:23,491 --> 02:54:27,731 entire senior team and really to all town staff, everyone, 2697 02:54:27,731 --> 02:54:31,491 thank you. I have tremendous respect for the professionalism for 2698 02:54:31,491 --> 02:54:34,531 the trades, for the commitment that you bring to Lincoln 2699 02:54:34,632 --> 02:54:39,885 every day. I have watched, as you have counsel, Lincoln 2700 02:54:39,986 --> 02:54:43,485 change considerably in the PAST 12 years. It has grown 2701 02:54:43,485 --> 02:54:47,373 up. It needed to. We are in a very good 2702 02:54:47,394 --> 02:54:51,969 place at this time. We have built infrastructure, strengthened our 2703 02:54:52,009 --> 02:54:58,529 finances, expanded recreation and community services invested in our downtowns, 2704 02:54:58,529 --> 02:55:02,769 built relationships with other governments, and taken on projects that 2705 02:55:02,790 --> 02:55:05,329 at one time might have seemed beyond the reach of 2706 02:55:05,590 --> 02:55:09,461 a municipality our size. And we did this keeping the 2707 02:55:09,642 --> 02:55:13,221 youth of our community and the seniors of our community 2708 02:55:13,642 --> 02:55:18,586 and the families of our community Top of mine. None 2709 02:55:18,586 --> 02:55:22,544 of that belongs to one mayor. One council, or one 2710 02:55:22,565 --> 02:55:26,928 CAO. It has been a team effort. I am proud 2711 02:55:26,968 --> 02:55:30,128 of the culture we have built between Council and staff. 2712 02:55:31,703 --> 02:55:41,387 For anyone new protected. Council should ask questions. Challenge assumptions, 2713 02:55:41,427 --> 02:55:45,227 establish the direction of the municipality and then allow our 2714 02:55:45,248 --> 02:55:48,667 professional staff to do the jobs we hired them to 2715 02:55:48,667 --> 02:55:55,524 do. They're here because of your strategic initiatives. Treat them 2716 02:55:55,865 --> 02:56:02,116 with respect. And defend their professional role. A healthy organisational 2717 02:56:02,297 --> 02:56:05,876 culture takes years to build and can be damaged very 2718 02:56:05,897 --> 02:56:09,386 quickly. And there are hefty costs that go along with 2719 02:56:09,887 --> 02:56:13,776 that. For those who will sit around this horseshoe in 2720 02:56:13,776 --> 02:56:17,369 the future, my advice is fairly simple. Think beyond the 2721 02:56:17,409 --> 02:56:22,761 next meeting. Listen carefully, particularly to people whose experience is 2722 02:56:22,801 --> 02:56:27,135 maybe different from your own. Understand the costs and risks 2723 02:56:27,316 --> 02:56:30,495 of acting, but also understand the cost and risks of 2724 02:56:30,676 --> 02:56:36,768 not acting. Leave your ego outside this building. Remember why 2725 02:56:36,789 --> 02:56:40,818 you are sitting here. You are elected. Now you need 2726 02:56:40,919 --> 02:56:43,058 to sit in the chair and learn about the job 2727 02:56:43,479 --> 02:56:46,578 and be respectful of it. Because there will be many 2728 02:56:46,679 --> 02:56:49,778 assumptions that you will come with that will not apply 2729 02:56:49,879 --> 02:56:55,082 at all. You may be quite surprised. Remember that it 2730 02:56:55,263 --> 02:56:57,722 isn't about any one of us. It is about leaving 2731 02:56:58,223 --> 02:57:04,278 Lincoln a little better than we found it. I'm equally 2732 02:57:04,379 --> 02:57:08,742 grateful. To the residents who have challenged us encouraged us 2733 02:57:09,723 --> 02:57:13,904 participated and trusted us along the way. But if this 2734 02:57:13,925 --> 02:57:18,064 is our last meeting around the horseshoe, I simply want 2735 02:57:18,104 --> 02:57:21,504 to say thank you. Thank you to council. Thank you, 2736 02:57:21,504 --> 02:57:25,492 Mike. And our senior staff. Thank you to every employee. 2737 02:57:27,164 --> 02:57:31,383 Thank you to our community partners and other levels of 2738 02:57:31,484 --> 02:57:33,863 government who have worked alongside us. Thank you to my 2739 02:57:33,884 --> 02:57:37,965 family. Who have shared me with this community for a 2740 02:57:37,965 --> 02:57:41,540 very long time. And most importantly, thank you to the 2741 02:57:41,580 --> 02:57:44,740 people of Lincoln for giving me the extraordinary privilege of 2742 02:57:45,001 --> 02:57:49,574 serving this community. We still have a few months left. 2743 02:57:49,614 --> 02:57:52,848 And there is still work to do. So as we 2744 02:57:52,888 --> 02:57:55,888 always have, let's get on with it. Thank you. 2745 02:58:17,686 --> 02:58:27,635 Thank. You very much. I have a 2746 02:58:27,635 --> 02:58:31,955 motion moved by Councillor Mickelik, seconded by Councillor Renema. That 2747 02:58:31,955 --> 02:58:36,195 Council receive and file for information the following Mayor's Report. 2748 02:58:36,195 --> 02:58:39,658 Madam Clerk, would you please open the vote. Lotus open, 2749 02:58:39,658 --> 02:58:39,978 Madam Mayor. 2750 02:58:49,872 --> 02:58:56,961 Cancer Timurs. That's. Okay. Thank you. I'll close that vote 2751 02:58:57,142 --> 02:58:59,921 that carries, Madam Mayor. Thank you. The motion is carried. 2752 02:59:00,936 --> 02:59:04,435 Item number 17 is confidential matters. We have none this 2753 02:59:04,435 --> 02:59:11,483 evening. However, we do have two bylaws for consideration today. 2754 02:59:11,483 --> 02:59:13,963 Do members have any questions on the Bibles. 2755 02:59:22,875 --> 02:59:26,566 I see none. I have a motion move by Councillor 2756 02:59:26,667 --> 02:59:29,821 Brunet. Second of I Council Russell. That leave be given 2757 02:59:29,861 --> 02:59:34,781 to approve the following bylaws. 2026 - 41, a bylaw 2758 02:59:34,802 --> 02:59:39,501 to establish lands legally described as one part of LOT 2759 02:59:39,501 --> 02:59:45,101 21 broken front concession, Clinton, designated as parts 1 and 2760 02:59:45,122 --> 02:59:53,581 2 on plan 30R - 16477. ST and TWR - 2761 02:59:53,581 --> 03:00:00,588 0612677. Lincoln. And two, part of LOT 21, broken front 2762 03:00:00,628 --> 03:00:05,468 concession, Clinton, designated as parts 3, 4, 5, and 6 2763 03:00:05,809 --> 03:00:15,689 on plan 30R - 16473. ST and TWR0612677. 2764 03:00:15,689 --> 03:00:18,889 Lincoln, as part of a public highway under the jurisdiction 2765 03:00:19,150 --> 03:00:22,009 of a corporation of the Town of Lincoln known as 2766 03:00:22,350 --> 03:00:27,409 Blzard Drive. Bylaw 2026 - 42, a by - allowed 2767 03:00:27,409 --> 03:00:30,369 to authorize the conveyance part of the Road Alan's Between 2768 03:00:30,870 --> 03:00:36,915 concession 1 and concession 2 Louth. Designated as part 1 2769 03:00:37,256 --> 03:00:42,115 on plan 30R - 15292 in the Town of Lincoln 2770 03:00:42,456 --> 03:00:46,838 Municipality of Niagara. Madam Clerk, would you please open the 2771 03:00:46,939 --> 03:00:55,801 vote. Vote is now open. I'll close that boat and 2772 03:00:55,801 --> 03:00:59,203 that carries Madame Mayor. Thank you. The motion is carried. 2773 03:01:00,471 --> 03:01:04,050 We will now confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting, 2774 03:01:04,050 --> 03:01:06,610 and I have a motion move by Councillor Timmer, seconded 2775 03:01:06,650 --> 03:01:10,450 by Councillor Pachiriva that leave be given to introduce by 2776 03:01:10,490 --> 03:01:14,290 - law number 2026 - 43. A bilaud to confirm 2777 03:01:14,330 --> 03:01:17,650 the proceedings of Council at its meeting held Monday, July 2778 03:01:17,751 --> 03:01:21,570 the 27th, 2026, being read of first, second, and third 2779 03:01:21,610 --> 03:01:26,370 time that bylaw number 2026 - 43 being acted and 2780 03:01:26,370 --> 03:01:29,250 passed, and that the Mayor and Clerk sign and sealed 2781 03:01:29,250 --> 03:01:31,890 the bed said bylaw. Madam Clerk, would you please open 2782 03:01:31,991 --> 03:01:35,177 the vote. PONOOT OPEN. 2783 03:01:41,840 --> 03:01:45,203 That carries. Thank you. The motion is carried. I have 2784 03:01:45,243 --> 03:01:49,283 a motion move by Councillor Reimer, seconded by Councillor Murray. 2785 03:01:49,283 --> 03:01:53,803 If the Council meeting on July the 27th, 2026, be 2786 03:01:53,803 --> 03:02:01,678 adjourned at 2100 hours, I think, on the dot. And 2787 03:02:01,718 --> 03:02:05,118 so we will ask the clerk to open the vote. 2788 03:02:06,774 --> 03:02:13,682 Vote is open. And. I will close that boat, and 2789 03:02:13,682 --> 03:02:17,978 that carries, thanks. All right, thank you everyone. This concludes 2790 03:02:18,479 --> 03:02:19,898 our Council meeting for this evening.