Stratford public meetings in 2023

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will continue discussion on the draft 2024 budget, covering capital, operating, and expansion requests. Members will also consider scheduling additional meetings as needed. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Continued discussion of draft 2024 budget: capital, operating, and expansion requests
• Discussion of additional meeting dates for budget consideration

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee is meeting to review the draft 2024 budget, including a treasurer overview, budget survey results, and presentations from city departments and outside boards. They will discuss the draft capital and operating budgets and expansion requests. The meeting is part of ongoing budget deliberations, with another session scheduled for December 15, 2023.

• Draft 2024 budget overview by Treasurer
• 2024 budget survey results presentation
• Department presentations from 8 city departments
• Presentations from investStratford, Stratford Police Services, Stratford Public Library, Destination Stratford
• Discussion of draft capital budget, operating budget, and expansion requests

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a Committee of the Whole meeting held in-camera (closed to the public) on December 11, 2023. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. No public business is detailed in the provided text.

Regular Council

Stratford City Council will vote on awarding a five-year, $1.44 million fire dispatching contract to Kitchener Fire Emergency Communication Centre, and consider a zone change for 24 St. Andrew Street and 1 and 5 Huron Street. Council will also decide on a tender for fire alarm system replacements and a pilot project allowing outdoor liquor consumption in winter.

• Award of RFP-2023-55 for fire dispatching services to Kitchener for $1,438,580 over five years
• Tender T2023-38 for fire alarm system replacement awarded to Clark Multi-Trade Contractors Inc. at $113,379.45
• Public meeting for zone change application Z04-23 at 24 St. Andrew Street and 1 and 5 Huron Street
• Winter Al Fresco Pilot Project to amend by-law for liquor consumption in designated public spaces
• Agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for housing repair funding

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee is meeting to discuss and provide direction on several items, including two encroachment applications for properties on Albert and Cobourg Streets, a proposed medical tiered response agreement with Perth County Paramedic Services, and updates on the renewable natural gas project and corporate greenhouse gas emissions. The committee will also receive sub-committee minutes and advisory committee minutes for information.

• Encroachment application for 56 Albert Street: new canopy and door, existing steps, eaves, and façade; proposed annual fee of $578.69 adjusted by CPI
• Encroachment application for 50 Cobourg Street: three existing parking spaces (40.27 m²) plus two metered spaces; proposed annual fee of $215.35 adjusted by CPI; applicant requests fee waiver
• Authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Perth County Paramedic Services for Medical Tiered Response
• Deferral of the co-digestion (formerly Renewable Natural Gas) initiative to 2029 or upon renewal of the 2029-2033 Corporate Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
• Receipt of the Annual Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions – 2022 report for information

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee is meeting to receive financial reports for information and to consider a proposed three-year financing agreement with Stratford Tourism Alliance (Destination Stratford) related to the Municipal Accommodation Tax. The committee will also review the Q3 2023 operating budget variance and Festival Hydro financial statements. No delegations are scheduled.

• Receive Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. financial statements for period ended June 30, 2023
• Receive Q3 Operating Budget Variance Report at September 30, 2023
• Proposed three-year financing agreement with Stratford Tourism Alliance (Destination Stratford)
• Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) update

Special and Public Meeting

Stratford City Council is holding a special meeting and public meeting to receive background reports and hear from residents as part of the five-year comprehensive review of the City's Official Plan. Staff recommend proceeding with the review as outlined in the reports. The meeting also includes a confirmatory by-law to approve the proceedings.

• Official Plan Five-Year Comprehensive Review (COU23-135) with Phase 1 Background Report by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.
• Public meeting under Section 26(3) of the Planning Act to hear public input on proposed Official Plan revisions
• Confirmatory By-law to confirm Council proceedings of December 7, 2023

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and embedded content placeholders. No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are listed for the Finance and Labour Relations Committee meeting.

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

This meeting of the Stratford Planning and Heritage Sub-committee appears to contain only procedural elements, such as agenda approval and minutes adoption, with no substantive decisions or discussions listed.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee will consider an encroachment application for 56 Albert Street, a Memorandum of Understanding for medical tiered response, and a recommendation to defer the co-digestion (RNG) project to 2029. They will also receive the 2022 corporate greenhouse gas emissions report for information.

• Encroachment application for canopy, door, steps, eaves, and façade at 56 Albert Street onto the Albert Street road allowance
• Authorization of a Memorandum of Understanding with Perth County Paramedic Services for Medical Tiered Response
• Deferral of the co-digestion (Renewable Natural Gas) initiative to 2029 or upon renewal of the 2029-2033 Corporate Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan
• Receipt of the 2022 Annual Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions report for information

Social Services Committee

The committee is reviewing enhancements to the homelessness response for Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County. Additionally, staff are recommending a contract renewal with Accertaclaim ServiCorp Inc. for Ontario Works healthcare benefits.

• Enhancements to the Homelessness Response in Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County (SOC23-022)
• Accertaclaim ServiCorp Inc. Contract Renewal for dental, denture, and vision care benefits for the Ontario Works Division

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a Committee of the Whole in-camera (closed) meeting. No public agenda items are listed; the meeting is entirely procedural and not open to the public.

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee is meeting to consider three staff recommendations: authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Stratford Public Library Board, amending the Advertising on City Property policy to revise the definition of 'advertisement(s)', and approving the 2024 Municipal Golf Course Association operating budget and fee schedule. No delegations are scheduled. The committee will also receive sub-committee minutes and department updates for information.

• Authorize Memorandum of Understanding with Stratford Public Library Board
• Amend Policy P.3.9 Advertising on City Property to revise 'advertisement(s)' definition
• Approve 2024 Golf Course Association Operating Budget and Fee Schedule
• Receive Community Services Department Update for October 2023
• Receive Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee minutes (Sept 14 & Oct 5, 2023)

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is meeting to decide on several routine items, including renewing a software subscription, approving a road widening on Huron Street, adopting a multi-year accessibility plan, and extending leases with the Stratford Shakespearean Festival. The agenda also includes by-laws for an encroachment agreement, a transfer payment for an emissions plan, and appointments. No public deputations are scheduled.

• Renew Vidcruiter software subscription for 3 years to 2026
• Authorize road widening conveyance for 315 & 317 Huron Street
• Adopt 2023-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
• Approve one-year lease extensions for Stratford Festival (270 Water Street and Queen/Lakeside parking lot) to April 30, 2025
• Direct staff to apply for new parking enforcement set fines

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee will receive presentations on the Q2 2023 financial statements for Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc., and review the Q3 2023 operating budget variance report. No delegations are scheduled, and all December meetings are cancelled.

• Presentation of Q2 2023 financial statements for Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc.
• Q3 2023 operating budget variance report to be received for information
• All December sub-committee meetings cancelled; resume January 2024

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

This is the agenda for the Stratford, ON Finance and Labour Relations Committee meeting on 2023-11-20. The agenda text is only procedural boilerplate with no listed agenda items, reports, or decisions. The meeting appears to be scheduled but no substantive business is detailed in the provided document.

Committee of the Whole Open Session

This Committee of the Whole meeting is primarily a strategic priorities workshop, led by consultants from Overlap Associates, to review insights and set strategic priorities. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda; the only action item is the adjournment motion.

• Strategic Priorities Workshop #2 with Overlap Associates (Rachel Hofstetter, Ben Belfour)
• Insights Review and Strategic Priority Setting session
• Adjournment motion for the meeting

Community Services Sub-committee

The Community Services Sub-committee will consider a draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Stratford Public Library Board outlining services and supports, and vote on the 2024 Municipal Golf Course Association's operating budget and fee schedule. They will also discuss an amendment to the Advertising on City Property policy to revise the definition of 'advertisement(s)'. No delegations are scheduled.

• Draft Memorandum of Understanding with the Stratford Public Library Board (COM23-011)
• 2024 Municipal Golf Course Association Operating Budget and Fee Schedule (COM23-013)
• Amendment to Policy P.3.9 - Advertising on City Property (COM23-012)

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee will consider a contract renewal with Accertaclaim ServiCorp Inc. for healthcare benefits (dental, denture, vision care) for Ontario Works, and receive a report on homelessness response enhancements in Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County. No delegations are scheduled. December meetings are cancelled.

• Contract renewal with Accertaclaim ServiCorp Inc. for Ontario Works healthcare benefits (dental, denture, vision care)
• Report on enhancements to homelessness response in Stratford, St. Marys, and Perth County (SOC23-022)

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee is meeting to discuss and decide on several items, including a proposal to advance community-focused climate action with up to $70,000 in consulting services, a plan to implement 40 km/h speed limits on residential streets, and an application to the province for updated parking enforcement fines. The committee will also receive sub-committee minutes and an update from the engineering division.

• Proposal to advance community-focused climate action (ITS23-029) with Phase 3 consulting services up to $70,000
• 40 km/h speed limits in residential areas (ITS23-028) on local and collector streets
• Parking enforcement set fines application to Ministry of Attorney General (ITS23-030)
• Sub-committee minutes from October 25, 2023
• Active Transportation Advisory Committee minutes from June 28, 2023

Regular Council

Council will vote on adopting the 2023 Transportation Master Plan, which outlines future transportation initiatives. Funding for those initiatives will be referred to staff for inclusion in annual budgets starting in 2024. Council will also consider several contract awards and a zoning amendment.

• Adoption of the 2023 Transportation Master Plan
• Award of $292,119.13 tender for concrete sidewalk installation to Autoform Contracting London Limited
• Award of $1,617,881.12 turf maintenance contract for 2024-2027 to D & D Commercial Property Maintenance Ltd.
• Removal of H22 Holding Provision at 44 and 50 Kastner Street to allow residential development
• Memorandum of Understanding with Stratford and District Agricultural Society for use of city facilities

Committee of the Whole Open Session

This is a procedural meeting focused on a strategic priorities workshop. Council will discuss and develop the city's mission, vision, and values with facilitators from Overlap Associates. No decisions or votes on specific items are scheduled.

• Strategic Priorities Workshop #1: Mission, Vision, Values
• Presentation by Joan Thomson (CAO) and Overlap Associates
• Review of 2018-2022 Strategic Priorities document

Committee of the Whole Open Session

This agenda contains only boilerplate and no substantive items for discussion or decision. The meeting appears to be a procedural open session with no listed reports, bylaws, or public hearings.

Special and Public Meeting

This is a special and public meeting of the City of Stratford. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for discussion or decision.

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for decision or discussion. The meeting appears to have no actionable business.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee is meeting to consider staff recommendations on three items: advancing community-focused climate action with up to $70,000 for Phase 3 consulting, implementing 40 km/h speed limits on local and collector streets, and applying to the province for updated parking enforcement set fines. The sub-committee will also discuss a deferred motion urging the federal government to redirect 10% of Ontario's fuel charge revenues to a Local Government Climate Action Program.

• Proposal to advance community-focused climate action (ITS23-029) with up to $70,000 for Phase 3 consulting services
• Staff recommendation to implement neighbourhood area 40 km/h speed limits on local and collector streets
• Direction to bring Traffic and Parking By-law amendments for 40 km/h speed limits to Council
• Application to Ministry of the Attorney General for Part II set fines using Draft 2023 Consolidated Offences Form
• Deferred motion to create a Local Government Climate Action Program funded by 10% of Ontario's federal fuel charge

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a Committee of the Whole in-camera (closed) meeting. The only substantive item is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion education session, held under a provincial provision allowing closed meetings for training. No decisions or public business are on the agenda.

• Closed session for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion education
• Meeting held under section 239(3.1) of the Municipal Act for training purposes

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee will consider approving the purchase and installation of the Magnus Card application for transit, with implementation planned for 2024. The meeting also includes sub-committee minutes, department updates, and advisory committee minutes for information.

• Purchase and installation of Magnus Card application for transit (COM23-010)
• Community Services Department updates for July/August and September 2023
• Board of Park Management minutes of June 5, 2023
• Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee minutes of June 1, 2023

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is meeting to decide on several staff recommendations, including applying for federal housing renovation funding, awarding a bulk fuel supply contract, and authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA. The council will also consider proclamations, an emergency response plan amendment, and a day camp fee structure for 2024. Several items are routine approvals, such as minutes and by-laws.

• Application to CMHC National Housing Co-Investment Fund for renewal and repair
• Tender award to McDougall Energy Inc. for bulk fuel and cardlock services, 4-year term to Dec 31, 2027
• Memorandum of Understanding with YMCA of Three Rivers for new YMCA at Grand Trunk Site
• Proclamation of Trans Pride Week (Nov 13-20) and raising of Trans Pride Flag at City Hall
• Adoption of interim target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2040

Community Services Committee

This agenda contains only technical metadata and embedded viewer elements with no substantive items for discussion or decision. No rezonings, contracts, public hearings, or other actionable business are listed.

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed (in-camera) meeting of the Committee of the Whole. No specific items for public discussion or decision are listed.

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

This agenda for the Stratford Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee meeting on October 17, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussion topics. The document appears to be a system-generated placeholder with no substantive content.

Community Services Sub-committee

The Community Services Sub-committee will consider approving the purchase and installation of the Magnus Card application for transit operations starting in 2024. The meeting also includes department updates and receipt of advisory committee minutes. No delegations are scheduled.

• Staff recommendation to approve Magnus Card application purchase and installation for 2024 transit operations
• Community Services update for July-August 2023 and September 2023
• Board of Park Management minutes of June 5, 2023
• Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee minutes of June 1, 2023

Social Services Sub-committee

The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for discussion or decision.

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed (in-camera) meeting of the Committee of the Whole. No specific items, decisions, or discussions are listed in the provided text.

Regular Council

Stratford City Council will debate a resolution to pursue alternatives to discontinued GO Train service and investigate connecting to other passenger rail options. Council will also vote on sending a letter to the federal government requesting home heating bills be exempt from the federal carbon tax. Other business includes appointments to the Ad Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee, a flyby request for Remembrance Day, and a $150,000 funding request for the Lights On Stratford event.

• Resolution to pursue alternatives to discontinued GO Train service and investigate connecting to other passenger rail options (COU23-117)
• Motion to send a letter to the federal government requesting home heating bills be exempt from the federal carbon tax
• Appointments of 11 applicants to the Ad Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee and establishment of 5 working groups
• Request for $150,000 for the 2023-2024 Lights On Stratford event from the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund
• Support letter for RCAF flyby at 500 feet for Remembrance Day Cenotaph event on November 11, 2023

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee will receive the Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) 2023 and consider adopting an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2040. Staff also recommend delegating authority to approve no-parking exemptions to the City Clerk, Deputy Clerk, or Director of Corporate Services. The committee will also hear a department update and receive advisory committee minutes.

• Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) 2023 (ITS23-026) with interim GHG reduction target of 60% by 2040
• Proposed amendment to Delegation of Authority By-law 135-2017 to allow City Clerk, Deputy Clerk, or Director of Corporate Services to approve no-parking exemptions
• Department update from Director of Infrastructure Services
• Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes of June 6, 2023
• Energy and Environment Advisory Committee minutes of June 1, 2023

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee will receive a report on the 2023 Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP). Staff recommend adopting an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2040 and advancing strategies within existing resources. No delegations are scheduled.

• Report on Corporate Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) 2023 (ITS23-026)
• Staff recommendation to adopt interim target of 60% GHG reduction by 2040
• Staff directed to explore grant opportunities and bring forward funding requests for specific projects
• Annual corporate GHG emissions monitoring to be reported back

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural in-camera (closed) meeting of the Stratford City Council Committee of the Whole. The council is discussing two items behind closed doors: a proposed land transaction in the Wright Business Park and a corporate leadership team appointment. No decisions are made public from this session.

• Proposed disposition of land in the Wright Business Park (acquisition or disposal of municipal property)
• Corporate Leadership Team appointment (personal matters about an identifiable individual)

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive updates from the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo/investStratford) for April to June 2023 and from Destination Stratford for 2023. The committee will also provide direction on a $150,000 request for the 2023-2024 Lights On Stratford event and on financial supports for 2024-2028.

• SEEDCo/investStratford update for April to June 2023 (FIN23-031)
• Destination Stratford 2023 update (FIN23-030)
• Direction on 2023-2024 Lights On Stratford request of $150,000
• Direction on 2024-2028 Lights On Stratford financial supports

Regular Council

Stratford City Council will consider two zoning amendments, set 2024 fees and charges, and award two roofing contracts. The meeting also includes proclamations for Probus Month and Local Government Week, and a notice of motion to request a federal carbon tax exemption on home heating.

• Zone change at 203 and 209 Waterloo Street South to permit cluster townhouse dwellings
• Zone change at 473 Douro Street and 160, 169, 172 Frederick Street for industrial uses
• 2024 Fees and Charges by-law adoption
• Roof replacement at 47 Downie Street awarded to Nedlaw Roofing Ltd. for $153,035.90
• Stratford Public Library roof replacement awarded to Smith-Peat Roofing for $167,420.80

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The agenda for the Stratford Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee meeting on September 19, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for decision or discussion.

Community Services Sub-committee

This meeting agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items for decision or discussion. No specific proposals, reports, or actions are listed.

Social Services Sub-committee

This meeting of the Stratford Social Services Sub-committee on February 14, 2023, is largely procedural, with no substantive items for decision or discussion listed in the agenda. The agenda contains only standard administrative elements such as video and document viewing options.

• No specific items, decisions, or proposals are listed in the agenda

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a Committee of the Whole in-camera meeting for Stratford, ON. The agenda text contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items, so nothing specific is being decided or discussed in the provided document.

The Committee of the Whole met in an in-camera session. The only recorded action was the motion to adjourn to a private session to discuss a specific personnel matter.

• Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors application

Regular Council

Council will vote on several tenders and agreements, including a $250,888.25 contract for National Stadium roof replacement and $998,495.96 for 15 fleet vehicles. A delegation from the Stratford Badminton Club will request Wednesday evening use of the Agriplex Fieldhouse. Council will also consider appointments to the Festival Hydro Inc. board and a contribution agreement for crime prevention programs.

• Award tender to H & H Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd for National Stadium roof replacement at $250,888.25
• Award tender to Cambridge Ford Ltd ($803,789.79) and Blue Mountain Chrysler ($194,706.17) for 15 fleet vehicles
• Award tender to J-AAR Excavating Limited for pedestrian crossovers at $119,079.93
• Delegation from Stratford Badminton Club requesting Wednesday evening use of Agriplex Fieldhouse
• Appointment to Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors for a four-year term

City Council approved several infrastructure and equipment tenders, including a new roof for the National Stadium and 15 new vehicles. The council also appointed a new member to the Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors and issued two city proclamations.

• Awarded National Stadium roof replacement to H & H Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd for $250,888.25
• Awarded 14 vehicles to Cambridge Ford Ltd for $803,789.79 and 1 vehicle to Blue Mountain Chrysler for $194,706.17
• Awarded pedestrian crossover contract to J-AAR Excavating Limited for $119,079.93
• Appointed David Baldarelli to the Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors for a four-year term
• Proclaimed October 2, 2023 as 'Wrongful Conviction Day'
• Proclaimed September 28, 2023 as 'British Home Child Day'
• Referred installation of a pedestrian crossover near McCarthy Place to the 2024 budget
• Accepted easements and land transfers from Countryside Developments (2014) Inc. for Phase 4 Subdivision

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a Committee of the Whole in-camera meeting for Stratford, ON. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for decision or discussion.

The Committee of the Whole met on August 14, 2023, and adjourned into an in-camera session. Item 5.1 was removed from consideration to be re-listed at a future date.

• Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss proposed disposition of municipally owned land for industrial purposes
• Removed Item 5.1 (Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management Application) from consideration

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee is deciding on several items including seasonal traffic restrictions on T.J. Dolan Drive, a lease renewal with Festival Hydro Inc., and an airport study. The committee will also consider a noise by-law exemption for a private event. All items are also listed for consideration at the August 14 Regular Council meeting.

• Seasonal vehicular traffic restriction on T.J. Dolan Drive between Huron Street and St. Vincent Street South from May 1 to November 15 each year
• Commercial Lease Agreement Addendum with Festival Hydro Inc. to extend lease at 153/161 Wellington Street until August 31, 2026
• 2023 Airport Study recommending continued ownership and contracted operation of the Stratford Municipal Airport (Option 3) and increasing Airport Capital Reserves from $100,000 to $207,000
• Noise Control By-law 113-79 exemption request for a private backyard event at 893 Mornington Street on September 9-10, 2023

The committee recommended continuing City ownership and contracted operation of the airport and increasing its capital reserves. A proposal for seasonal traffic restrictions on T.J. Dolan Drive was filed, and a lease extension for Festival Hydro was recommended.

• Recommended continued City ownership and contracted operation of the airport (Option 3)
• Recommended increasing Airport Capital Reserves from $100,000 to $207,000 for the 2024 budget
• Recommended lease extension for Festival Hydro at 153/161 Wellington Street until August 31, 2026
• Filed report on proposed seasonal restrictions for T.J. Dolan Drive
• Approved hearing a delegation from Bruce Borgundvaag regarding T.J. Dolan Drive

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive several reports for information, including updates on SEEDCo., electricity and natural gas procurement, and the Q2 operating budget variance. The committee will also discuss 2024 budget requests from the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, which include specific projects and red-light camera locations.

• Accessibility Advisory Committee requests 2024 budget for police station barrier-free entrance, SERC track update, and accessible housing tax deferral program
• Active Transportation Advisory Committee recommends red-light cameras at 7 intersections including Forman Ave & Huron St, Erie St & Ontario St
• Q2 Operating Budget Variance Report at June 30, 2023 received for information
• 2022 Treasurer's Statement for Development Charges and Parkland Reserve Funds received for information
• Electricity and Natural Gas Procurement report for City of Stratford received for information

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee recommended several accessibility improvements and the installation of red light cameras at seven locations for 2024 budget consideration. The committee also received several financial and corporate reports for information.

• Referred five accessibility projects, including police station renovation and a housing tax deferral program, to 2024 budget deliberations (Carried)
• Referred installation of red light cameras at seven intersections to 2024 budget deliberations (Carried)
• Received SEEDCo. Update dated July 18, 2023 for information (Carried)
• Received Electricity and Natural Gas Procurement report (FIN23-023) for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Treasurer’s Statements for Development Charges and Parkland Dedication Reserve Funds for information (Carried)
• Received Q2 Operating Budget Variance Report at June 30, 2023 for information (Carried)

Planning and Heritage Committee

The committee will consider a request from Art in the Park for a sign by-law variance to erect six banner signs on lamp posts along Lakeside Drive between Front Street and North Street from May 1 to October 12 each year through 2028. Staff recommend approval with conditions including a sign permit and fee coverage from a city account.

• Request for six banner signs on Lakeside Drive lamp posts from May 1 to October 12 annually
• Sign variance would remain in effect until December 31, 2028
• Fees for sign permit and variance covered by account G-872-7645-7908 Community Supports
• Art in the Park to handle installation and removal at their cost

The Planning and Heritage Committee recommended approving a request for Art in the Park to install six banner signs on Lakeside Drive annually. The recommendation specifies that the variance remain in effect until December 31, 2028.

• Recommended approval of sign by-law variance for Art in the Park to erect six banner signs on Lakeside Drive (Carried)

Regular Council

Council will decide on a zone change and official plan amendment to convert 198 Mornington Street into a 17-unit apartment building. Other items include a public hearing on two zoning applications, adoption of the draft Transportation Master Plan, and approval of a $252,498.50 sidewalk tractor purchase.

• Public hearing on zone change Z03-23 for 473 Douro Street and 160, 169, 172 Frederick Street
• Public hearing on zone change Z02-23 for 203 and 209 Waterloo Street South
• Resolution to approve OPA01-23 and Z01-23 for 198 Mornington Street to permit a 17-unit apartment building
• Tender award of $252,498.50 to Jade Equipment Company Ltd. for a sidewalk tractor and attachments
• Authorization to extend PC Connect transit agreements with Perth County, St. Marys, and North Perth to March 30, 2025, with $160,000 pre-budget approval for 2024

City Council approved a zone change and official plan amendment for 198 Mornington Street to allow a 17-unit apartment building. Council also initiated a 30-day public review for the draft 2023 Transportation Master Plan and authorized funding for the PC Connect transportation project.

• Approved zone change and official plan amendment for 17-unit apartment at 198 Mornington Street
• Received 2023 Transportation Master Plan for information and commenced 30-day public review
• Awarded $252,498.50 contract to Jade Equipment Company Ltd. for a sidewalk tractor
• Authorized $160,000 pre-budget approval for 2024 for the PC Connect Project
• Authorized extension agreements to March 30, 2025, for PC Connect with County of Perth, Town of St. Marys, and Municipality of North Perth
• Appointed Melissa Orr to the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management
• Proclaimed October 17, 2023, as Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day
• Proclaimed September 18 to 24, 2023, as Rail Safety Week

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

The agenda for this meeting contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for discussion or decision. No rezonings, public hearings, or staff reports are listed.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee is deciding on several items: a seasonal vehicular traffic restriction on T.J. Dolan Drive, a noise by-law exemption for a private event, the future operation of the Stratford Municipal Airport, and a lease renewal with Festival Hydro. The meeting also includes updates from departments and advisory committee minutes.

• Proposed annual seasonal traffic restriction on T.J. Dolan Drive between Huron Street and St. Vincent Street South from May 1 to November 15
• Request for noise by-law exemption for a private backyard event at 893 Mornington Street on September 9-10, 2023
• Recommendation to approve Option 3 for the Stratford Municipal Airport: continued ownership and contracted operation
• Proposed increase of Airport Capital Reserves from $100,000 to $207,000 for the 2024 budget
• Authorization to extend the lease with Festival Hydro Inc. for premises at 153/161 Wellington Street until August 31, 2026

The sub-committee recommended seasonal traffic restrictions for T.J. Dolan Drive and a noise by-law exemption for a private event. It also recommended extending a commercial lease with Festival Hydro Inc. through 2026. A recommendation regarding the 2023 Airport Study was deferred to a future meeting.

• Recommended annual seasonal vehicular traffic restrictions for T.J. Dolan Drive from May 1 to November 15 (Carried)
• Recommended noise by-law exemption for 893 Mornington Street for a private event on September 9-10, 2023 (Carried)
• Deferred 2023 Airport Study Options and Recommendation to August 14, 2023 meeting (Carried)
• Recommended extending Commercial Lease Agreement Addendum with Festival Hydro Inc. for 153/161 Wellington Street until August 31, 2026 (Carried)

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed (in-camera) meeting of the Committee of the Whole. No substantive items are listed for public discussion or decision.

The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss litigation regarding 7 and 9 Cobourg Street and chair applications for the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee. No substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text.

• Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee is recommending Council authorize the purchase of a used hybrid vehicle for $30,000 plus HST, funded from the Fleet reserve fund. The committee will also receive a department update and minutes from the Board of Park Management. No delegations are scheduled.

• Purchase of a used hybrid vehicle for $30,000 plus HST from the Fleet reserve fund
• Community Services Department update for June 2023
• Board of Park Management minutes from May 1, 2023

The Community Services Committee recommended that Council authorize the procurement of a used shared vehicle for the Community Services Department. The purchase would cost $30,000 plus HST, funded from the Fleet reserve fund R-R11-FLET.

• Recommended Council authorize procurement of used shared vehicle for $30,000 plus HST (Carried)

Regular Council

Council will vote on several contracts including a $195,490 elevator modernization at City Hall Annex and a $268,782 partial roof replacement at 45 Buckingham Drive. They will also consider noise by-law exemptions for a church service, a dragon boat display in Market Square, and new fines for EV parking violations. A $61,020 contract for strategic priority services and a $4,000 community grant are also on the agenda.

• Award T-2023-28 for elevator modernization at City Hall Annex to Delta Elevator Co. Ltd. for $195,490
• Award T-2023-27 for partial roof replacement at 45 Buckingham Drive to Flynn Canada Ltd. for $268,782
• Exemption from Noise Control By-law 113-79 for Jubilee Stratford outdoor service on August 6, 2023
• Exemption from Policy P.3.9 for Rotary Club to install dragon boat in Market Square Aug 4–Sep 17, 2023
• New fines for parking in EV spaces: $100/$120 for non-EV vehicles, $60/$80 for EVs not charging

City Council appointed a chair for the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee and awarded several municipal contracts. Council also granted a one-day noise by-law exemption for a church service.

• Appointed Dan Mathieson as Chair of the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee (10-1)
• Awarded $195,490.00 elevator modernization contract for City Hall Annex to Delta Elevator Co. Ltd.
• Awarded $268,781.80 partial roof replacement contract for 45 Buckingham Drive to Flynn Canada LTD.
• Approved $61,020.00 contract for Overlap Associates Inc. for Strategic Priority Services 2023-2027
• Approved noise by-law exemption for Jubilee Stratford outdoor service on August 6, 2023
• Adopted July 10, 2023 Regular Meeting minutes
• Adopted July 24, 2023 Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee Report

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive a report on the proposed 2024 budget process and tentative schedule, and may approve four budget meeting dates. Council members are asked to submit known initiatives, capital project changes, or service level adjustments for the 2024 fiscal year. No delegations are scheduled.

• Report FIN23-025: Proposed 2024 Budget Process and Tentative Schedule
• Staff recommendation to schedule four budget meeting dates for Finance Committee
• Request for Council input on initiatives, capital projects, and service levels for 2024
• Attachments include 2023 Budget Survey

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee received the Proposed 2024 Budget Process and Tentative Schedule report. The committee recommended that staff schedule four budget meeting dates and requested that Council identify specific initiatives or changes to capital projects for the 2024 fiscal year.

• Approved receiving the Proposed 2024 Budget Process and Tentative Schedule report (FIN23-025)
• Approved scheduling four budget meeting dates for the Finance Committee
• Requested Council provide staff with specific initiatives, capital project changes, or service level adjustments for the 2024 fiscal year

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The sub-committee will receive a presentation from the CEO of the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo./investStratford) on its latest activities, and will also review a report on the city's electricity and natural gas procurement. No votes on binding decisions are scheduled; both items are for information only.

• SEEDCo. update presentation by CEO Joani Gerber (FIN23-024)
• Electricity and natural gas procurement report for the City of Stratford (FIN23-023)
• Stratfords of the World Advisory Committee minutes from April 19, 2023

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee received an update from the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo.) and a report on electricity and natural gas procurement. No new policies were enacted; both items were received for information.

• Received SEEDCo./investStratford update dated July 18, 2023
• Received report on Electricity and Natural Gas Procurement (FIN23-023)

Community Services Sub-committee

The Community Services Sub-committee will consider a staff recommendation to authorize the purchase of a used vehicle for the Community Services Department, funded from the Fleet reserve fund. The meeting also includes a department update and the receipt of Board of Park Management minutes. No delegations are scheduled.

• Staff recommendation to purchase a used vehicle for $30,000 plus HST, funded from Fleet reserve fund R-R11-FLET
• Community Services Department update for June 2023
• Board of Park Management minutes of May 1, 2023 provided for information

The Community Services Sub-committee recommended that Council authorize the procurement of a used hybrid vehicle for department staff. The Director of Community Services also provided updates on city plantings, facility repairs, and staffing.

• Recommended Council authorize procurement of used shared vehicle for $30,000 plus HST (Carried)

Social Services Sub-committee

This is the agenda for the Stratford, ON Social Services Sub-committee meeting on July 11, 2023. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no listed agenda items, decisions, or discussions.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee is discussing public input on the Stratford Landfill, a request for long-term overnight permit parking, enforcement of EV charging parking spaces with proposed fines, and an encroachment application for 30 Queensland Road. The committee will also receive sub-committee minutes and advisory committee updates.

• Stratford Landfill public input received June 2023; staff to investigate financial impacts of increasing household hazardous waste drop-off days
• Request for long-term overnight permit parking in Erie and Cooper parking lots recommended to be filed
• Proposed amendments to Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008: $100-$120 fine for non-EV parking in EV spaces, $60-$80 fine for EV parked but not charging
• Encroachment application for 30 Queensland Road: 154.45 sq ft concrete surface onto road allowance, annual fee of $50 adjusted by CPI

The committee recommended amending the Traffic and Parking By-law to penalize non-electric vehicles or non-charging electric vehicles in EV spaces. Other actions included approving a concrete encroachment at 30 Queensland Road and requesting a financial study on hazardous waste drop-off days.

• Recommended fines of $100-$120 for non-EVs in EV spaces and $60-$80 for EVs not charging (Carried)
• Recommended staff investigate financial impacts of increasing household hazardous waste drop-off days (Carried)
• Recommended the request for long term overnight permit parking in Erie and Cooper lots be filed (Carried)
• Recommended approval of 154.45 sq. ft concrete encroachment at 30 Queensland Road with $50 annual fee (Carried)
• Withdrew motion to refer Accessibility Advisory Committee projects to 2024 budget deliberations

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will consider a community grant appeal from Stratford Live Music and Food, with a sub-committee recommendation to provide $4,000 from the Community Grants Reserve. They will also receive financial updates from Festival Hydro and Destination Stratford, and discuss updates to property tax billing and collection policies.

• Community grant appeal: Stratford Live Music and Food requesting $4,000, sub-committee recommends approval
• Festival Hydro 2022 audited financial statements and $248,269 top-up dividend received for information
• Destination Stratford 2023 Update 2 received for information
• Property Tax Billing and Collection Policy to replace existing policies F.1.6 and F.1.9
• Tax Adjustments for 2022 report received for information

The committee recommended approving a $4,000 community grant for Stratford Live Music and Food, overturning a previous council denial. It also recommended updating property tax billing and collection policies and rescinding the vacant tax rebate program for commercial and industrial buildings.

• Recommended $4,000 community grant for Stratford Live Music and Food from the Community Grants Reserve fund
• Recommended rescinding Policy F.1.6 Collection of Municipal Taxes
• Recommended adopting Policy F.1.6 Property Tax Billing and Collection
• Recommended rescinding Policy F.1.9 Vacant Tax Rebate Program for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
• Received Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. financial statements and a $248,269 dividend notice for information
• Received Destination Stratford 2023 Update 2 for information
• Received Tax Adjustments for 2022 report for information

Planning and Heritage Committee

The Planning and Heritage Committee will consider a recommendation to grant the Rotary Club of Stratford an exemption from the city's advertising policy to install a dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023, promoting the Dragon Boat Festival. The committee will also receive sub-committee minutes and a department update on new staff hires.

• Request to exempt Rotary Club from Policy P.3.9 (Advertising on City Property) for a dragon boat in Market Square, no fee, Aug 4–Sep 17, 2023
• Proposal to relocate three picnic tables in Market Square at no cost if dragon boat location is approved
• Conditions: only Rotary Club logo and event date on boat; no third-party advertising; decaling with event date and photos of past projects allowed
• Department update: new Director of Building and Planning (Adam Betteridge) starts July 10; new planner hired July 4; consultants MHBC continuing work
• Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee minutes of May 9, 2023 provided for information

The Committee approved a request from the Rotary Club of Stratford to install a dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023. The approval includes specific restrictions on advertising and logos. A motion to allow a late delegation to speak on the matter was defeated.

• Approved exemption from Policy P.3.9 for Rotary Club to install dragon boat in Market Square (Carried)
• Denied motion to suspend Procedural By-law 140-2007 to permit Robert Ritz to delegate (Defeated)

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is deciding on a motion to support stronger municipal codes of conduct, hearing a petition for a referendum on the Avon Crest building, and awarding a $155,515.12 contract for the Kelly Drain. Council will also receive delegations from MPAC, Destination Stratford, and the Downtown BIA, and consider several committee reports on social services and community projects.

• Motion to endorse AMO's call for provincial legislation to strengthen municipal codes of conduct and compliance
• Petition from resident Jane Marie Mitchell requesting a referendum on the future of the Avon Crest building
• Award of tender for Kelly Drain construction to A.G. Hayter Contracting Ltd. at $155,515.12
• Delegation from Destination Stratford to present and seek adoption of a Welcoming Community Statement
• Proposal for a Stratford Urban Gym at Shakespeare Park, with public notification and fundraising conditions

Council referred the Welcoming Community Statement to staff, legal counsel, and the Strategic Priority Setting Exercise for review. The meeting also included presentations from MPAC and the Downtown Stratford BIA, and the receipt of a petition regarding the Avon Crest building.

• Referred Welcoming Community Statement to staff and legal counsel for implementation plan (Carried)
• Received Downtown Stratford BIA Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Policy for information (Carried)
• Received petition for referendum on the future of the Avon Crest building (Carried)
• Approved special occasion permit for Brian Sippel Memorial Co-ed baseball tournament (Carried)
• Designated 26th Dragon Boat Festival as having municipal significance for liquor licences (Carried)
• Received Closed Meeting Investigation Report CMI23-04 for information (Carried)
• Awarded Kelly Drain 2023 construction tender (T-2023-24) to A. G. Hayter Contracting Ltd. (Carried)
• Adopted minutes from June 26 and June 29, 2023 meetings (Carried)

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed-session meeting of the Stratford Committee of the Whole. No specific items, decisions, or discussions are listed in the provided text.

The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss the New City Business Park and potential future employment land acquisitions. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss New City Business Park and employment land acquisitions

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee will hear a delegation from the Stratford Rotary Dragon Boat Festival requesting an exemption from the advertising fee policy to install a dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023. The sub-committee will also receive an update from the Director of Infrastructure and Development Services and review minutes from the Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee.

• Delegation by Robert Ritz seeking fee waiver for dragon boat installation in Market Square
• Requested exemption to Policy P.3.9, Advertising on City Property
• Dragon boat display proposed for August 4 to September 17, 2023
• Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee minutes of May 9, 2023 for information

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee recommended allowing the Rotary Club of Stratford to install a dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023. The recommendation includes an exemption from the Advertising on City Property policy, provided no third-party or sponsor advertising is displayed.

• Recommended exemption from Policy P.3.9 (Advertising on City Property) for the Rotary Club of Stratford (Carried)
• Recommended installation of dragon boat in Market Square from August 4 to September 17, 2023 (Carried)
• Conditioned boat approval on the removal of all third-party/sponsor advertising (Carried)

Special Council

This special council meeting will consider a single substantive item: a resolution to grant draft approval to a plan of condominium and an exemption from the draft approval process for a development at 3202 Vivian Line. The plan includes 14 residential units and 21 parking spaces, while the exemption application covers 85 units (64 residential and 21 parking). A confirmatory by-law will also be read and passed.

• Resolution to grant draft approval to Plan of Condominium 31CDM23-001 for 14 residential units and 21 parking spaces at 3202 Vivian Line
• Resolution to approve exemption from draft plan approval for 85 units (64 residential, 21 parking) at same address
• Confirmatory by-law to formalize council proceedings from June 29, 2023

City Council granted draft approval for a Plan of Condominium and an exemption from the draft approval process for a development at 3202 Vivian Line 37. The approved plan includes 64 residential units and 93 parking units.

• Approved draft Plan of Condominium 31CDM-23001 for 3202 Vivian Line 37 (Carried)
• Approved application for exemption from the Draft Plan of Condominium approval process for 3202 Vivian Line 37 (Carried)
• Passed By-law 83-2023 to confirm the proceedings of the June 29, 2023 meeting (Carried)

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee will discuss public input on the Stratford Landfill, a request for long-term overnight permit parking, enforcement of EV charging parking spaces with proposed fines, and an encroachment application for 30 Queensland Road. The meeting also includes updates and advisory committee minutes.

• Stratford Landfill public input received for June 2023 (report ITS23-018)
• Proposed fines for non-EV vehicles parking in EV spaces: $100/$120; for EVs not charging: $60/$80
• Encroachment application for 30 Queensland Road to allow a 154.45 sq. ft concrete surface, with annual fee of $50 adjusted by CPI
• Request for long-term overnight permit parking in Erie and Cooper parking lots recommended to be filed

The sub-committee recommended amending the Traffic and Parking By-law to penalize non-electric vehicles or non-charging vehicles in EV spaces. Other actions included approving a concrete encroachment at 30 Queensland Road and requesting a financial study on increasing hazardous waste drop-off days.

• Recommended fines of $120 for non-EVs and $80 for non-charging EVs in charging spaces
• Approved encroachment of 154.45 sq. ft for concrete surface at 30 Queensland Road with $50 annual fee
• Recommended staff investigate financial impacts of increasing household hazardous waste drop-off days
• Recommended that the request for long term overnight permit parking in Erie and Cooper lots be filed
• Received report on Stratford Landfill Public Input June 2023 for information

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee is deciding on a five-year agreement with the Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association and discussing a proposed outdoor fitness area (Urban Gym) at Shakespeare Park. Members will also receive information reports on transit bench advertising, a potential PC Connect fare increase, and a bus electrification feasibility study.

• Five-year agreement (2023-2028) with Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association
• Proposal for an Urban Gym at Shakespeare Park, pending public notification and fundraising
• 2023 Transit Bench Advertising Locations report
• PC Connect fare increase feasibility study
• Transit bus electrification feasibility study results

The Community Services Committee recommended a five-year agreement with the Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association and approved a public notification process for a proposed Urban Gym in Shakespeare Park. The committee also received several transit-related reports for information, including a bus electrification study.

• Recommended 5-year agreement with Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association to January 31, 2028 (Carried)
• Recommended public notification and RFP process for Stratford Urban Gym at Shakespeare Park (Carried)
• Received 2023 Transit Bench Advertising Locations report for information (Carried)
• Received PC Connect Fare Increase Feasibility report for information (Carried)
• Received Transit Bus Electrification Feasibility Study Results report for information (Carried)

Regular Council

Council will decide on awarding a $519,733 tender for airport fuel tank replacement, a $258,770 contract for tennis and pickleball court replacement at Milton Street Park, and a resolution to adopt the Municipal Cultural Plan with $65,000 re-allocated for implementation. A public hearing will be held for a zone change and official plan amendment at 198 Mornington Street. Council will also consider a noise by-law exemption for Jubilee Stratford and a master service agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for blue box recycling services.

• Award tender T-2023-14 to Claybar Contracting Inc. for Airport Fuel Tanks Replacement at $519,733.33
• Award tender T-2023-31 to Toronto Court Equipment for Milton Street Park tennis and pickleball court replacement at $258,770.00
• Public hearing for Zone Change Z01-23 and Official Plan Amendment OPA01-23 at 198 Mornington Street
• Resolution to adopt Municipal Cultural Plan and re-allocate $65,000 for first-year priorities
• Noise by-law exemption for Jubilee Stratford at 707 Downie Street for Sunday services July 2 to September 3, 2023

Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including airport fuel tank replacement and tennis court resurfacing. The city also re-allocated $65,000 for a Municipal Cultural Plan consultant and adjusted custodian staffing levels.

• Awarded $519,733.33 contract for Airport Fuel Tanks Replacement to Claybar Contracting Inc.
• Awarded $258,770.00 contract for Milton Street Park Tennis and Pickleball Court Replacement to Toronto Court Equipment
• Approved re-allocating $65,000 from 2023 budget to hire a short-term consultant for the Municipal Cultural Plan
• Approved replacing two part-time custodian positions with one full-time position
• Adopted minutes from the June 12, 2023 meeting
• Adopted Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee items 9.1.2 and 9.1.3
• Adopted Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee item 9.1.1

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on recommendations from its sub-committee, including transitioning the Supportive Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model, receiving several reports on homelessness and housing, and referring a request for free transit passes for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients to staff for review.

• Transition SHOPP program to in-house model and hire two full-time Outreach Workers
• Receive 2022 Annual Report (Year 9) of Housing and Homelessness Plan
• Receive report on Chronic Homelessness Reduction Efforts and Built for Zero Canada recognition letter
• Receive 2023 Ontario Works Service/Business Plan
• Refer request for free transit passes for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients to staff for review

The Social Services Committee recommended moving the Supported Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model and hiring two full-time Outreach Workers. The committee also referred a request for free transit passes for ODSP and Ontario Works recipients to staff for review.

• Recommended transitioning Supported Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model (Carried)
• Recommended hiring two full-time Outreach Workers for SHOPP (Carried)
• Recommended authorizing memorandums of understanding with support agencies for SHOPP (Carried)
• Referred request for free transit passes for Ontario Works and ODSP recipients to staff for review (Carried)
• Received report on Annual Community Income Tax Clinic for information (Carried)
• Received report on Chronic Homelessness Reduction Efforts for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Report for Housing and Homelessness Plan for information (Carried)
• Received 2023 Ontario Works Service/Business Plan for information (Carried)

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee discussed Festival Hydro financial results, a Destination Stratford update, a community grant appeal, a new property tax billing policy, and tax adjustments. The sub-committee recommended providing a $4,000 community grant to Stratford Live Music and Food, overturning a previous Council denial.

• Recommended $4,000 community grant to Stratford Live Music and Food
• Received Festival Hydro Inc. 2022 audited financial statements and $248,269 dividend
• Received Destination Stratford 2023 Update 2
• Adopted new Property Tax Billing and Collection Policy F.1.6, rescinding old policies
• Received report on Tax Adjustments for 2022

The sub-committee received financial reports from Festival Hydro and Destination Stratford for information. It also recommended that a previous council decision to deny a community grant to Stratford Live Music and Food be upheld.

• Received Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. 2022 audited financial statements for information
• Received Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. financial statements for period ending March 31, 2023 for information
• Received Festival Hydro Inc. April 2023 Board motion for $248,269 top-up common share dividend for 2022 for information
• Received Destination Stratford 2023 Update 2 for information
• Recommended upholding May 8, 2023 Council decision denying grant request to Stratford Live Music and Food

Community Services Sub-committee

The sub-committee will vote on a five-year agreement with the Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association and discuss a proposal for an outdoor urban gym at Shakespeare Park. Staff also present reports on transit bench advertising, a PC Connect fare increase study, and a bus electrification feasibility study.

• Five-year agreement with Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association (2023-2028)
• Proposal for an urban gym at Shakespeare Park, with public notification and RFP if fundraising succeeds
• 2023 transit bench advertising locations report
• PC Connect fare increase feasibility study
• Transit bus electrification feasibility study results

The Community Services Sub-committee recommended a five-year agreement with the Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association and the installation of a resident-funded urban gym at Shakespeare Park. The committee also received reports on transit bench advertising and PC Connect fare feasibility.

• Recommended five-year agreement with Stratford Minor Girls Softball Association to January 31, 2028 (Carried)
• Recommended public notification and RFP process for a resident-funded urban gym at Shakespeare Park (Carried)
• Received 2023 Transit Bench Advertising Locations report for information (Carried)
• Denied motion to pause transit bench program expansion and consult solicitor on contract cancellation (Defeated)
• Received PC Connect Fare Increase Feasibility report for information (Carried)

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee will hear a delegation from The Local Community Food Centre requesting free transit passes for ODSP and Ontario Works recipients. They will also discuss reports on chronic homelessness reduction, the 2022 Housing and Homelessness Plan annual report, the annual community income tax clinic, and the 2023 Ontario Works service plan. A key decision involves transitioning the Supportive Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model and hiring two full-time outreach workers.

• Delegation from The Local Community Food Centre requesting free transit passes for ODSP and Ontario Works recipients
• Transitioning the Supportive Housing of Perth Program (SHOPP) to an in-house model
• Authorization to hire two full-time Outreach Workers for SHOPP
• Receiving report on chronic homelessness reduction efforts and a recognition letter from the Built for Zero Canada campaign
• Receiving 2022 Annual Report (Year 9) of the Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys

The Sub-committee referred a request from The Local Community Food Centre to provide free transit passes to all Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients to staff for a detailed report. The committee also received reports on chronic homelessness reduction and the 2022 Annual Report for the Housing and Homelessness Plan.

• Approved request to hear delegation from The Local Community Food Centre
• Recommended referring request for free OW and ODSP transit passes to staff for review and a report on costs and funding
• Received for information the letter and report on Chronic Homelessness Reduction in the Built for Zero Canada Campaign
• Received for information the 2022 Annual Report (Year 9) – Housing and Homelessness Plan for Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys

Regular Council

Stratford City Council will decide on a zone change to allow a hospital parking lot expansion, award two major infrastructure contracts totaling about $4 million, and hear delegations on a downtown public art plan and rainbow crosswalk maintenance. The meeting also includes proclamations and a procedural bylaw review.

• Zone change Z09-22 to permit an 89-space parking lot at 46 General Hospital Drive and 130 Youngs Street
• Award of $1,498,876.07 tender to Fer-Pal Construction Ltd. for Erie Street watermain relining
• Award of $2,512,705.92 tender to Steve Smith Construction Corp. for asphalt resurfacing
• Delegation from Downtown Stratford BIA presenting a Public Art Plan
• Delegation from Stratford-Perth Pride requesting city ownership and maintenance of the rainbow crosswalk

Council approved a public art plan developed by the Downtown Stratford BIA for use in future city projects. A request for the city to maintain a rainbow crosswalk was referred to 2024 budget deliberations. Council also directed legal counsel to appeal a Committee of Adjustment decision regarding a property at 173 William Street.

• Approved Downtown Stratford BIA Public Art Plan for future city projects
• Referred rainbow crosswalk ownership and maintenance request to 2024 Budget Deliberations
• Directed legal counsel to appeal Committee of Adjustment Decision on Application A10-23 (173 William Street) to the Ontario Land Tribunal
• Adopted May 23, 2023 Regular Meeting minutes
• Approved addendum to the June 12, 2023 Regular Agenda

Planning and Heritage Committee

The Planning and Heritage Committee will consider two sign variance requests: one for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North (staff recommends denial; sub-committee recommends approval with conditions) and one for a construction sign at 30 Queensland Road (both staff and sub-committee recommend approval). The committee will also receive minutes from the Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee and hear a departmental update on recruiting a Director of Building and Planning.

• Sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North — staff recommends denial, sub-committee recommends approval with encroachment agreement
• Sign variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road — staff and sub-committee recommend approval subject to building permit
• Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee minutes from September 2022 through April 2023 provided for information
• Departmental update notes recruitment for Director of Building and Planning proceeding as expeditiously as possible

The Planning and Heritage Committee recommended approving a sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North, contingent on an encroachment agreement. The committee also recommended approving a construction sign variance for 30 Queensland Road.

• Recommended approval of sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North (Carried)
• Recommended approval of sign variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road (Carried)

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee will hear a delegation from neighbours opposing a noise by-law exemption for Jubilee Stratford's outdoor Sunday services, and will vote on staff's recommendation to approve it. The committee will also consider entering into a Blue Box recycling services agreement with Circular Materials Ontario, and a sub-committee recommendation to prepare a report on allowing large quadricycles on city streets.

• Noise by-law exemption for Jubilee Stratford at 707 Downie Street, Sundays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 2-Sept 3, 2023, plus Aug 6 6-10 p.m.
• Master Service Agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for Blue Box services May 1, 2024-Dec 31, 2025
• Delegation by Jenna McNamara opposing the noise exemption
• Sub-committee recommendation to prepare report on large quadricycles (O. Reg 411/22 pilot)
• Department update and advisory committee minutes for information

The committee recommended entering a service agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for Blue Box recycling from May 2024 to December 2025. It also recommended a noise by-law exemption for outdoor services at Jubilee Stratford. A resident delegation expressed opposition to the noise exemption citing sleep disturbances.

• Recommended agreement with Circular Materials Ontario for Blue Box recycling services (May 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2025)
• Recommended Noise Control By-law 113-79 exemption for Jubilee Stratford Sunday services (July 2 – Sept 3, 2023)
• Recommended Noise Control By-law 113-79 exemption for Jubilee Stratford evening service (Aug 6, 2023, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
• Approved request to hear delegation from Jenna McNamara

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive the Q1 Operating Variance Report at March 31, 2023, for information. No delegations are scheduled. The meeting also includes sub-committee minutes and advisory committee minutes for information.

• Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report at March 31, 2023 (FIN23-017) — received for information
• Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee Minutes from May 16, 2023
• Stratfords of the World Advisory Committee minutes from January 25 and March 22, 2023

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee received the Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report as of March 31, 2023, for information. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Received Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report at March 31, 2023 (Carried)

Court of Revision

The Court of Revision under the Drainage Act will meet to hear appeals from property owners regarding assessments for the Kelly Drain 2023 project. No written appeals were received by the May 26 deadline, so the meeting will proceed with an overview of assessments and a decision. The meeting is procedural and will adjourn after deliberations.

• Purpose: hear appeals of assessments for the Kelly Drain 2023 (K. Smart Engineering report dated April 5, 2023)
• No written appeals received by the May 26, 2023 deadline
• Engineer Joel Miller to present assessment overview
• Provisional By-law 68-2023 (May 8, 2023) is attached

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed-session Committee of the Whole meeting. The council will adjourn to in-camera to discuss two items: a corporate leadership team appointment (personal matters about an identifiable individual) and legal advice on short-term rental accommodations (solicitor-client privilege). No decisions or public discussions are scheduled.

• Corporate Leadership Team Appointment – personal matters about an identifiable individual
• Short Term Rental Accommodation Legal Advice – solicitor-client privilege

The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss corporate leadership appointments and legal advice regarding short-term rental accommodations. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved adjournment to in-camera session to discuss leadership appointments and short-term rental legal advice

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee will consider two proposed exemptions from the City's Sign By-law 159-2004. Staff recommend denying a request for five additional ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North because they would be on municipal property and exceed residential zone limits, and approving a variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road, subject to a building permit. The committee will also receive updates and minutes from the Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee.

• Proposed denial of sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North (PLA23-008)
• Proposed approval of sign variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road (PLA23-007)
• Heritage Stratford Advisory Committee minutes from Sept 2022, Feb/Mar/Apr 2023

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee recommended approving a request for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North and one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road. The 35 Waterloo Street North approval is contingent upon an encroachment agreement for signs on City property.

• Recommended approval of sign variance for five ground signs at 35 Waterloo Street North, subject to an encroachment agreement (Carried)
• Recommended approval of sign variance for one construction sign at 30 Queensland Road, subject to a building permit (Carried)

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee will hear a delegation from Jason Azevedo and Melanie Hepburn requesting a by-law to allow their business to operate large quadricycles under Ontario Regulation O. Reg 411/22. The sub-committee will also receive updates from staff and review minutes from advisory committees.

• Delegation by Jason Azevedo and Melanie Hepburn regarding a pilot program for large quadricycles under O. Reg 411/22
• Department update from Director of Infrastructure and Development Services
• Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes of April 4, 2023
• Active Transportation Advisory Committee minutes of March 22, 2023
• Energy and Environment Advisory Committee minutes of April 6, 2023

The Sub-committee heard a request from Jason Azevedo and Melanie Hepburn to allow the operation of a party bike business in Stratford. Following the delegation, the Sub-committee recommended that staff prepare a report on the use of large quadricycles on city streets. The Director of Infrastructure and Development Services also provided updates on sidewalk projects, asphalt resurfacing, and waste services.

• Approved request to hear delegation from Jason Azevedo and Melanie Hepburn (Carried)
• Recommended staff prepare a report regarding the use of large quadricycles on City streets (Carried)
• Adjourned meeting (Carried)

Social Services Committee

The committee will review the minutes from the May 9, 2023, Social Services Sub-committee meeting. The agenda also includes information regarding a request for delegation by Ken Wood concerning 200-230 Britannia Street.

• Review of May 9, 2023, Social Services Sub-committee minutes
• Request for delegation by Ken Wood regarding 200-230 Britannia Street

The committee held a question and answer session regarding application processes for 200-230 Britannia Street. No substantive motions were decided or voted upon during the meeting.

• Discussed income testing and application processes for 200-230 Britannia Street

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed (in-camera) session of Stratford City Council. The only substantive items are a collective bargaining update with the firefighter union and a proposed land disposition for a long-term care home, both discussed under legal exemptions for labour relations and land acquisition.

• Collective Bargaining Update – SPFFA Local 534 (labour relations)
• Proposed Disposition of Land (Long-Term Care Home) (land acquisition and solicitor-client advice)

The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss collective bargaining and the proposed disposition of land for a long-term care home. No substantive decisions were recorded in the provided text.

• Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee is meeting to consider approving the 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule as recommended by staff and the sub-committee. No delegations are scheduled. The committee will also receive updates on community services and minutes from advisory boards for information.

• Approval of 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule (Report COM23-003)
• Community Services Department updates for March and April 2023
• Minutes from Communities in Bloom Committee (Sept 2022, Feb/Mar 2023)
• Minutes from Board of Park Management (March 6, 2023)

The Committee recommended the approval of the 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule as presented in Report COM23-003. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Recommended approval of 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule (Carried)

Regular Council

Council will vote on awarding a $4,038,453.94 contract for Phase 1 of the Albert Street Reconstruction to Birnam Excavating Ltd. They will also receive a Community Hub fundraising study, a municipal airport study, and a report on Wellington Street 30-minute parking meters. Several proclamations and appointments are on the agenda.

• Award of T-2023-16 Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 1 tender to Birnam Excavating Ltd. for $4,038,453.94 including HST
• Receipt of Community Hub Campaign Planning Study Phase 1 findings and recommendations
• Receipt of 2023 Stratford Municipal Airport Study
• Appointment of Kelsey Hammond as Deputy Chief Building Official
• Amendment to 2023 Tax Rates and Ratios By-law 61-2023 to revise industrial property tax ratio

City Council awarded a reconstruction contract for Albert Street Phase 1 and approved next steps for the Community Hub campaign. Council also appointed a new Deputy Chief Building Official and received reports on the municipal airport and parking meters.

• Awarded Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 1 tender to Birnam Excavating Ltd. for $4,038,453.94
• Approved Community Hub Campaign Planning Study Phase I recommendations and authorized staff to proceed with MOU and communications strategy
• Appointed Kelsey Hammond as Deputy Chief Building Official
• Received 2023 Stratford Municipal Airport Study and directed staff to prepare a recommendations report
• Received report on Wellington Street 30-minute Meters for information
• Proclaimed May 28 to June 3, 2023 as National AccessAbility Week
• Proclaimed June 18, 2023 as the Longest Day of Smiles
• Adopted minutes from the May 8, 2023 Regular Meeting

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee will receive the Q1 2023 Operating Budget Variance Report for information. The agenda also includes minutes from two advisory committee meetings and standard procedural items.

• Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report at March 31, 2023 (FIN23-017) — received for information
• Stratfords of the World Advisory Committee minutes from January 25 and March 22, 2023

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee received the Q1 Operating Budget Variance Report as of March 31, 2023, for information. Staff provided updates on the status of 2021 and 2022 audited financial statements.

• Received Q1 Operating Variance Report at March 31, 2023 (Carried)

Committee of the Whole Open Session

This is an orientation and education session where Council will tour various City-owned facilities by bus. No decisions will be made at this meeting.

• Facility tour of City-owned locations via transit bus
• Staff will provide overviews of assets and facilities
• No decisions or votes scheduled

The Committee of the Whole held an orientation and education session visiting various city facilities. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during the session.

• Adjourned the meeting (Carried)

Community Services Sub-committee

The Community Services Sub-committee will consider approving the 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule. Members will also receive updates on department activities and advisory committee minutes. No public delegations are scheduled.

• Staff recommendation to approve the 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule (COM23-003)
• Community Services department updates for March and April 2023
• Minutes from Communities in Bloom Committee (Sept 2022, Feb & Mar 2023) and Board of Park Management (Mar 2023)

The Community Services Sub-committee recommended the approval of the 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule. The meeting also included a departmental update on parks, transit, and recreation facilities.

• Recommended approval of 2023 Municipal Golf Course Budget and Fee Schedule (Carried)

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee will hear a delegation from Ken Wood. The request involves carrying over tenant application information from 230 Britannia to 200 Britannia and implementing a rent freeze due to inflation.

• Delegation by Ken Wood regarding rental applications for 200 Britannia
• Request for a rent freeze at Britannia properties

The Sub-committee heard a delegation from Ken Wood regarding the application process and rent levels at 200 Britannia. No formal motions were passed to change the application process or freeze rents.

• Approved request to hear delegation from Ken Wood (Carried)

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a closed-session meeting of the Committee of the Whole. The only substantive item is a discussion about potential resumes for a chair of the Ad-hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee, which involves personal matters about an identifiable individual. No votes or decisions are scheduled in open session.

• Discussion of potential chair resume for Ad-hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee (closed session under Section 239(2)(b))

The Committee of the Whole met on May 8, 2023, and voted unanimously to adjourn to an in-camera session to discuss a potential chair resume for the Ad-hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee, citing personal matters about an identifiable individual under section 239(2)(b) of the Municipal Act. No other substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session to discuss potential chair resume for Grand Trunk Renewal Committee (carried unanimously)

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is holding its regular open session on May 8, 2023, to consider a range of items including the final report on the Attainable Market Housing Project, a tender award for Dunn's Bridge rehabilitation, and the adoption of 2023 tax rates. The agenda also includes several other resolutions on infrastructure, grants, and service agreements. No deputations are scheduled.

• Attainable Market Housing Project final report (COU23-064) with a request to defer to May 23
• Tender award for Dunn's Bridge Rehabilitation to Finnbilt General Contracting Limited for $1,427,166.19
• Tender award for a new Sewer/Flusher Combo Unit to JD Brule Equipment for $734,443.50
• 2023 Tax Rates and Tax Policy Matters (FIN23-014) - adoption of tax ratios and rates by-law
• 2023 Community Grant Requests and Recommendations (COU23-061) - approval of one-time and multi-year grants

Council appointed or re-appointed eight members to the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo./investStratford) Board of Directors. The council also received a final report on the Stratford Attainable Market Housing Project.

• Appointed/re-appointed 8 directors to the SEEDCo./investStratford Board (Carried)
• Adopted minutes from April 14 and April 24, 2023 (Carried)
• Approved the May 8, 2023, agenda addendum (Carried)
• Received the Stratford Attainable Housing Project Summary Report (Carried)
• Received correspondence from five parties regarding attainable housing (Carried)

Planning and Heritage Committee

The Planning and Heritage Committee will consider a staff recommendation to approve a zoning by-law amendment (Z08-22) that would change permitted uses in the R4 zone. The item will also go before City Council later the same day. No delegations are scheduled.

• Zone change application Z08-22 to amend R4 zoning provisions
• Staff recommendation to approve the amendment
• Item also listed on May 8, 2023 Council agenda
• No public delegations scheduled

The Planning and Heritage Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of zone change application Z08-22, which amuses R4 zoning provisions to allow two stalled subdivisions to proceed. The change corrects a discrepancy from the 2022 zoning by-law and aligns with provincial and local policies. The recommendation now goes to Council for final decision.

• Recommended approval of Z08-22 to amend R4 zone uses (carried)
• Recommended Council pass a resolution waiving further notice under Planning Act s.34(17)

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee is meeting to consider recommendations on replacing a damaged Social Services vehicle, receiving the 2022 Water Pollution Control Plant annual report, endorsing the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Operational Plan, and amending the Energy and Environment Committee's terms of reference. They will also discuss directing staff to develop an Invasive Species Management Plan and amending the Lot Maintenance By-law to include Japanese Knotweed and Phragmites. The agenda includes information items on requests to permit dog breeding and backyard chickens, plus updates from advisory committees.

• Authorization to procure a used vehicle to replace damaged Social Services fleet H5, cost not exceeding $45,000 including HST
• Receive 2022 Stratford Water Pollution Control Plant Annual Report for information
• Endorse Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Operational Plan for City's drinking water system
• Amend Energy and Environment Committee Terms of Reference to add voting representative from Climate Momentum
• Direct staff to develop Invasive Species Management Plan and amend Lot Maintenance By-law 94-2008 to list Japanese Knotweed and Phragmites as noxious weeds

The committee recommended authorizing up to $45,000 for a used Social Services vehicle, endorsed the Drinking Water Quality Management Operational Plan, and supported adding a Climate Momentum representative to the Energy and Environment Committee. It also directed staff to develop an Invasive Species Management Plan and include backyard hens in the 2024 Animal Control by-law review.

• Recommended $45,000 used vehicle purchase for Social Services fleet (carried)
• Endorsed 2022 Water Pollution Control Plant Annual Report (carried)
• Endorsed Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Operational Plan (carried)
• Added Climate Momentum as permanent voting member on Energy and Environment Committee (carried)
• Directed staff to develop Invasive Species Management Plan and add Japanese Knotweed and Phragmites to noxious weed list (carried)
• Referred backyard hen parameters to staff for 2024 Animal Control by-law review (carried)

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

This meeting agenda for the Stratford Planning and Heritage Sub-committee on April 27, 2023, contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for discussion or decision. No rezonings, contracts, public hearings, or other actionable matters are listed.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee will hear two delegations: one requesting amendments to the Animal Control By-law regarding kennel license requirements, and another requesting the right to own backyard chickens. The sub-committee will also consider staff recommendations to replace a damaged Social Services vehicle for up to $45,000, receive the 2022 Water Pollution Control Plant Annual Report, and endorse the Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Operational Plan.

• Delegation on kennel license requirements in Animal Control By-law
• Delegation requesting right to own backyard chickens
• Replacement of Social Services fleet vehicle H5, cost not exceeding $45,000 including HST
• 2022 Water Pollution Control Plant Annual Report received for information
• Endorsement of Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Operational Plan

The sub-committee recommended the procurement of a used vehicle for Social Services and the council endorsement of the drinking water operational plan. They also received the 2022 Water Pollution Control Plant Annual Report. Two public delegations regarding dog breeding and backyard chickens were heard, but no decisions were made on those items.

• Recommended procurement of used Social Services vehicle (max $45,000) - Carried
• Recommended Council endorsement of Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Operational Plan - Carried
• Received 2022 Stratford Water Pollution Control Plant Annual Report - Carried
• Approved request to hear delegation from Crystal and Craig Gordon regarding kennel licenses - Carried
• Approved request to hear delegation from Luke Cowell regarding backyard chickens - Carried

Planning and Heritage Committee

The agenda for the Stratford Planning and Heritage Committee meeting on April 24, 2023, consists entirely of procedural boilerplate and embedded content placeholders. No substantive items, decisions, or discussions are listed in the provided text.

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will consider adopting the 2023 tax rates and ratios by-law, review the Q4 2022 operating budget variance, and vote on new or amended human resources policies. No delegations are scheduled.

• Adoption of 2023 Tax Rates and Ratios By-law (FIN23-014)
• Q4 Operating Budget Variance Report at December 31, 2022 (FIN23-016)
• Adoption of Respectful Workplace Policy H.1.36
• Amendments to Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy H.1.6
• Amendments to Workplace Violence Policy H.1.23

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee recommended the adoption of the 2023 tax rates and ratios. The committee also recommended the adoption of a new Respectful Workplace Policy and amendments to existing workplace harassment and violence policies.

• Recommended adoption of 2023 Tax Ratios and Tax Rates By-law (Carried)
• Received Q4 2022 Operating Budget Variance Report for information (Carried)
• Recommended adoption of Respectful Workplace Policy H.1.36 (Carried)
• Recommended amendments to Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Policy H.1.6 and Workplace Violence Policy H.1.23 (Carried)

Community Services Committee

This agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and embedded content placeholders. No decisions, proposals, or discussions are listed for the Community Services Committee meeting.

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural agenda for a closed-session Committee of the Whole meeting. The council will adjourn to an in-camera session to discuss three items: two proposed land dispositions or transfers in Wright Business Park, and the appointment of directors to the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo./investStratford). No decisions or public discussions are scheduled.

• Proposed disposition or transfer of land in Wright Business Park (closed session)
• Proposed disposition of land in Wright Business Park (closed session)
• Appointment of directors to SEEDCo./investStratford (closed session)

The Committee of the Whole adjourned to an in-camera session to discuss land disposition in the Wright Business Park and the appointment of directors to SEEDCo./investStratford. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is holding its regular open session, addressing routine items like minutes and proclamations, plus several substantive matters. Key decisions include a resolution calling on the province to end homelessness, accepting land for Perth Line 36, approving a part lot control exemption, and hearing delegations on food insecurity and agriculture. The agenda also includes reports on infrastructure, social services, and community programs.

• Resolution to call on provincial government to commit to ending homelessness in Ontario
• Acceptance of Parts 2, 3, and 7 of Plan 44R-6110 as public highway for Perth Line 36
• Part lot control exemption for Block 128, 44M-75 (Bradshaw Drive) to create 17 lots
• Delegations on food insecurity (United Way Huron Perth, Huron Perth Public Health) and agriculture (Perth County and Ontario Federation of Agriculture)
• Designation of Ontario Pork Congress as municipally significant for liquor licence

City Council accepted land for the Perth Line 36 road widening and approved a part lot control exemption for Bradshaw Drive. Council also designated the Ontario Pork Congress as having municipal significance and proclaimed May 2023 as Building Safety Month.

• Approved acceptance of land for Perth Line 36 road widening (R2023-190)
• Approved Part Lot Control exemption for Bradshaw Drive to create 17 lots and 3 easements (R2023-191)
• Designated Ontario Pork Congress trade show as having municipal significance for liquor licensing (R2023-188)
• Proclaimed May 2023 as Building Safety Month (R2023-189)
• Approved drafting letters to federal and provincial governments regarding basic income and social assistance (R2023-186)
• Adopted minutes from March 20, March 27, March 30, and April 11, 2023 (R2023-184)

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee will consider three items: a service agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for Ontario Works delivery, a one-time funding report for an additional caseworker, and a service agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The committee is deciding on the CMHA and LEAP agreements and receiving the caseworker funding report for information.

• Service agreement with Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for Ontario Works delivery in 2023, with renewal authority until 2028
• One-time funding report for an additional Ontario Works caseworker (received for information)
• Service agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. for Social Services to lead the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2026

The Social Services Committee recommended entering into a service agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for Ontario Works. The committee also recommended an agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. to deliver the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. A report on one-time funding for an additional Ontario Works caseworker was received for information.

• Recommended agreement with Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for Ontario Works (Carried)
• Recommended agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2026 (Carried)
• Received report SOC23-014 regarding one-time funding for an additional Ontario Works Caseworker for information (Carried)

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and no specific items for discussion or decision. No rezonings, contracts, or public hearings are listed.

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with one substantive item: a staff report on a proposed organizational restructure of the Infrastructure and Development Services Department, to be circulated as an addendum. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including a confirmatory by-law and adjournment.

• Proposed organizational restructure of Infrastructure and Development Services Department (staff report via addendum)
• Confirmatory By-law to confirm proceedings of the April 14, 2023 meeting

City Council authorized a restructure of the Infrastructure and Development Services Department to create a separate Building and Planning Department. This change includes the addition of a Director of Building and Planning and an additional Planner position.

• Approved creation of new Building and Planning Department (7-1)
• Approved addition of Director of Building and Planning position (7-1)
• Approved adding one Planner position to increase total complement from 2 to 3 (7-1)
• Approved restructuring and renaming of the Infrastructure and Development Services Department (7-1)
• Passed By-law 48-2023 to confirm proceedings of the April 14, 2023 meeting

Community Services Sub-committee

This agenda for the Stratford, ON Community Services Sub-committee meeting on 2023-04-13 contains only procedural boilerplate and no substantive items for decision or discussion. No specific topics, reports, or actions are listed.

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee will hear a delegation from Ken Wood requesting that tenant applications from 230 Britannia carry over to 200 Britannia and that rent be frozen at current rates. The committee will also consider three staff reports: a service agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association for Ontario Works, one-time funding for an additional caseworker, and a service agreement with Festival Hydro for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.

• Delegation by Ken Wood: request to carry tenant applications from 230 Britannia to 200 Britannia and freeze rent at current rates
• Proposed service agreement with Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for Ontario Works services in 2023, with renewal authority until 2028
• Report on one-time funding for an additional Ontario Works caseworker (SOC23-014)
• Proposed service agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. for Social Services to lead the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2026

The Social Services Sub-committee recommended entering into a service agreement with the Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth and a program agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. The committee also received a report on one-time funding for an additional Ontario Works caseworker.

• Recommended agreement with Canadian Mental Health Association Huron-Perth for Ontario Works services (Carried)
• Recommended agreement with Festival Hydro Inc. to act as lead agency for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2026 (Carried)
• Received report on one-time funding for an additional Ontario Works caseworker for information (Carried)

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is meeting to decide on several contracts and resolutions, including awarding a $227,025.48 contract for the Official Plan Review, approving a $218,687.77 tender for accessible bus shelters, and consenting to a $390,330 dividend from Festival Hydro. Council will also hear delegations about parade routes and long-term care funding, and consider a report on designating the Avon Crest property under the Ontario Heritage Act.

• Award $227,025.48 contract to WSP Canada Inc. for Official Plan Review (RFP-2023-07)
• Award $218,687.77 tender to Enseicom Ltd. for 13 accessible bus shelters, funded by $110,000 ICIP and $86,935.11 Provincial Gas Tax
• Consent to $390,330 dividend from Festival Hydro Inc. ($55.80 per share)
• Approve Dunn's Bridge rehabilitation design Option C, widening deck to 12.35m for a paved shoulder bikeway
• Approve parade routes: Remembrance Day closure of Ontario/Erie intersection, Santa Claus Parade on traditional downtown route

Council approved several infrastructure projects, including the installation of 13 accessible bus shelters and the widening of Dunn's Bridge. The city also authorized a $227,025 contract for an Official Plan Review and approved a $390,330 dividend from Festival Hydro.

• Approved $218,687.77 contract with Enseicom Ltd for 13 accessible bus shelters
• Approved Design Option C to rehabilitate and widen Dunn's Bridge to 12.35m
• Awarded $227,025.48 contract to WSP Canada Inc. for Official Plan Review
• Approved $390,330 dividend payment from Festival Hydro Inc.
• Authorized letter to provincial government to redirect 'beds in abeyance' funding to community care
• Approved amendments to StopGap portable accessibility ramp program
• Extended household hazardous waste agreement with Township of Perth South through May 15, 2026
• Proclaimed June 2023 as Pride Month

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive two information reports: a SEEDCo update for July to December 2022 and a 2022 lottery licence activity update. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is brief and procedural.

• SEEDCo (investStratford) update for July to December 2022 to be received for information
• 2022 lottery licence activity update to be received for information
• Sub-committee minutes from March 21, 2023 noted as background

The committee met for one minute to receive two reports for information. No policy changes or funding allocations were decided.

• Received SEEDCo Update July to Dec 2022 for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Lottery Licence Activity Update for information (Carried)

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee is meeting to receive reports and consider recommendations on social services matters. Key items include a proposed agreement with Family Services Perth-Huron for counselling services, funding allocations for housing and homelessness programs, and a bi-monthly update on service system management. No delegations are scheduled.

• Proposed agreement with Family Services Perth-Huron to deliver counselling and support services for 2023, with renewal authority delegated until 2028
• Report on 2023-24 planned funding allocations for provincially delivered housing and homelessness prevention programs
• February 2023 Service System Manager Bi-Monthly Update to Council
• Sub-committee minutes from March 22, 2023 meeting

The Social Services Committee recommended entering into a 2023 agreement with Family Services Perth-Huron for counselling and support services. The committee also recommended delegating signing authority for future renewals of this agreement until 2028. Two other reports were received for information.

• Recommended agreement with Family Services Perth-Huron for 2023 counselling and support services (Carried)
• Recommended delegating signing authority for Family Services Perth-Huron renewals until 2028 (Carried)
• Received 2023-24 Planned Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing and Homelessness Prevention Programs report for information (Carried)
• Received February 2023 Service System Manager Bi-Monthly Update to Council report for information (Carried)

Committee of the Whole In-camera

This is a procedural in-camera meeting of the Committee of the Whole. The agenda contains no substantive items for public discussion or decision.

The Committee of the Whole voted to move into a closed in-camera session to discuss legal matters. The session focused on expropriation litigation and a legal opinion regarding a heritage designation notice.

• Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session to discuss expropriation and related litigation (Carried)
• Approved motion to adjourn to in-camera session to discuss legal opinion regarding Notice of Intent to Designate under the Ontario Heritage Act for Avon Crest (Carried)

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The committee will consider accepting the proposed design for Phase 1 of the Albert Street Reconstruction Project and authorizing staff to proceed with construction tendering. They will also vote on a noise by-law exemption for a private event at 38 Kay Street and receive the 2022 Annual Water Summary Report for information.

• Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 1 – accept design and authorize construction tendering
• Noise by-law exemption for private event at 38 Kay Street, June 17-18, 2023
• 2022 Annual Water Summary Report received for compliance with Ontario Regulation 170/03

The committee recommended that Council accept the design for Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 1 and authorize construction tendering. A noise by-law exemption for a private event at 38 Kay Street was approved. The 2022 Water Summary Report was also received for information.

• Recommended Council accept design and authorize construction tendering for Albert Street Reconstruction Phase 1
• Approved noise by-law exemption for private event at 38 Kay Street (June 17-18, 2023)
• Recommended 2022 Water Summary Report be received for information

Planning and Heritage Committee

The agenda for the Stratford Planning and Heritage Committee meeting on April 11, 2023, consists solely of procedural boilerplate with no specific decisions, proposals, or discussions listed.

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee will consider adopting 2023 revisions to the 2001 Urban Forestry Plan and a recommendation to reinstate the former Ad-Hoc Transit Committee. The meeting also includes sub-committee minutes, a department update, and board minutes for information. No delegations are scheduled.

• Adoption of 2023 revisions to the 2001 Urban Forestry Plan (revised 2007, 2018)
• Recommendation to reinstate the former Ad-Hoc Transit Committee
• Community Services Department Update for February 2023
• Board of Park Management minutes from November 7, 2022 and February 6, 2023

The Community Services Committee approved revisions to the Urban Forestry Plan. The committee also referred the Ad-Hoc Transit Advisory Committee's terms of reference and the possibility of a hybrid Saturday transit service to staff for review.

• Adopted 2023 revisions to the 2001 Urban Forestry Plan (Carried)
• Referred Ad-Hoc Transit Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to staff for review (Carried)
• Referred hybrid Saturday transit service options (fixed route and on-demand) to staff for report as part of 2024 Budget deliberations (Carried)

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

This meeting agenda consists entirely of procedural boilerplate with no substantive items for decision or discussion. No rezonings, contracts, public hearings, or other actionable matters are listed.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The sub-committee will vote on a staff recommendation to grant a noise by-law exemption for a private wedding event at 38 Kay Street on June 17-18, 2023. Members will also receive the 2022 Annual Water Summary Report for compliance with Ontario Regulation 170/03. No delegations are scheduled.

• Noise exemption request for private backyard event at 38 Kay Street, June 17-18, 2023
• 2022 Annual Water Summary Report to be received for information
• Next meeting scheduled for April 26, 2023

The sub-committee recommended a noise by-law exemption for a private event at 38 Kay Street. It also received the 2022 Water Summary Report for information to maintain provincial compliance.

• Approved noise by-law exemption for private event at 38 Kay Street (June 17-18, 2023)
• Received 2022 Water Summary Report for information

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee will vote on parade routes (keeping them on local roads except for Remembrance Day and Santa Claus parades), approve a design for Dunn's Bridge rehabilitation that widens the deck for a bikeway, and discuss amendments to the StopGap portable ramp program and the 2023 Outdoor Patio Program.

• Parade routes: staff recommend local roads only; sub-committee adds Santa Claus Parade on Ontario Street with MTO approval.
• Dunn's Bridge rehabilitation: approve Option C to widen deck to 12.35m for a paved shoulder bikeway, then proceed to construction tendering.
• StopGap ramp program: proposed amendments include $5 million insurance requirement for store owners and bright colors for ramps.
• 2023 Outdoor Patio Program: guidelines to be received; committee to provide direction on any changes for this season or future years.
• Department update: Transportation Master Plan underway, spring construction tenders out, pothole repairs ongoing.

The committee recommended the rehabilitation of Dunn’s Bridge, including widening the deck to accommodate a bikeway. It also recommended updates to the StopGap portable ramp program and changes to the 2023 Outdoor Patio Guidelines.

• Recommended Dunn’s Bridge rehabilitation and widening to 12.35m for a bikeway (Carried)
• Recommended future parade routes remain on local roads, with specific exceptions for Remembrance Day and Santa Claus parades (Carried)
• Recommended StopGap ramp program amendments, including a $5 million insurance requirement for store owners (Carried)
• Recommended 2023 Outdoor Patio changes: anti-slip boardwalk coating, caution signs, and removal of boardwalk flowerboxes (Carried)

Regular Council

City Council is deciding on the heritage designation of 86 & 90 John Street South and amending the Municipal Accommodation Tax by-law. The body is also awarding infrastructure tenders for watermain and road repairs and reviewing the 2023 budget.

• Tender award to Steve Smith Construction Corporation for Ontario Street Watermain Replacement: $838,229.48
• Tender award to 465929 Ontario Ltd. o/a Nicholson Concrete for Annual Asphalt, Concrete and Turf Repairs: $524,947.26
• Proposed intent to designate 86 & 90 John Street South (Avon Crest) under the Ontario Heritage Act
• Amendment to Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) By-law 93-2022 regarding reporting periods
• Development agreement with Quinlan Road Developments GP Inc. for 4117 Perth Line 36

Council adopted the 2023 Operating and Capital Budget and approved a large residential and industrial subdivision at 3025 Line 34. The board also awarded several infrastructure contracts and denied a motion to oppose the demolition of the Avon Crest building.

• Adopted 2023 Operating and Capital Budget
• Approved subdivision at 3025 Line 34 for 63 detached dwellings and 234 street townhouses
• Awarded $838,229.48 watermain replacement contract to Steve Smith Construction Corporation
• Awarded $524,947.26 asphalt, concrete and turf repair contract to 465929 Ontario Ltd.
• Denied motion to send letter opposing demolition of Avon Crest (2-8)
• Approved two-year service extension with Voyago for community transportation
• Amended Municipal Accommodation Tax By-law 93-2022 regarding reporting periods
• Approved 2023 Outdoor Patio Program guidelines and boardwalk changes

Committee of the Whole In-camera Session

The City Council will consider approving a $1.2 million contract with ABC Paving for street repairs on Main Street and Oak Avenue. A public hearing on the proposed zoning change for the vacant lot at 123 Elm Street is also scheduled. The council will discuss a resolution supporting the county's new transit plan.

• $1.2M contract with ABC Paving for street repairs
• Public hearing on zoning change at 123 Elm Street
• Resolution supporting county transit plan

Planning and Heritage Committee

The Planning and Heritage Committee will consider two main items: a staff recommendation to deny temporary sidewalk signs and a cow statue for the Canadian Dairy XPO, and a proposal to approve a large draft plan of subdivision and zoning amendment at 3025 Line 34. The committee will also hear a delegation from the Canadian Dairy XPO regarding the sign exemptions. Decisions will be forwarded to the Regular Council meeting later that day.

• Staff recommends denying 9 temporary sidewalk signs and a cow statue for Canadian Dairy XPO (PLA23-003)
• Sub-committee recommends approving the cow statue at McCarthy Road West and Mornington Avenue
• Draft plan of subdivision 31T21-003 for 3025 Line 34: 63 single-detached lots, 234 townhouse units, mixed-use, industrial, and park blocks
• Zoning by-law amendment Z13-21 to rezone 3025 Line 34 to residential, mixed-use, industrial, and park zones
• Staff recommends reviewing Sign By-law 159-2004 to allow 45-inch sandwich board signs and 3-year permit reviews

The committee recommended approval for a draft plan of subdivision and zoning amendments at 3025 Line 34 to allow for residential, mixed-use, and industrial development. It also granted sign by-law exemptions for the Canadian Dairy XPO and approved a building permit fee surplus transfer.

• Approved Zoning By-law amendment and Draft Plan of Subdivision for 3025 Line 34
• Approved Sign By-law exemption for nine temporary sidewalk signs for Canadian Dairy XPO
• Approved Sign By-law exemption for one cow statue at McCarthy Road West and Mornington Avenue
• Recommended staff review amending Sign By-law 159-2004 regarding sandwich board height and application frequency
• Approved transfer of $287,853.11 surplus from Building Inspection Admin to Building Permit Reserve
• Approved posting the 2021 Annual Report on Building Permit Fees to the City website

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive for information the Destination Stratford 2022 Q4 update and 2022 annual reports from seven advisory committees (Accessibility, Active Transportation, Communities in Bloom, Energy and Environment, Heritage Stratford, Stratfords of the World, and Town and Gown). No decisions or votes are scheduled; the agenda is largely procedural.

• Destination Stratford 2022 Q4 update received for information
• 2022 annual reports from 7 advisory committees received for information
• No delegations scheduled
• Sub-committee minutes from February 21, 2023 attached for background

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee met to receive several reports for information. No new policies were enacted or funding approved during the session.

• Received Destination Stratford 2022 Q4 Update for information
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for seven Advisory Committees for information

Community Services Sub-committee

The Community Services Sub-committee is meeting to review proposed revisions to the 2001 Urban Forestry Plan. The session includes a delegation request regarding transit services and a general department update.

• Proposed adoption of 2023 revisions to the 2001 Urban Forestry Plan
• Delegation request from Gary Goulding regarding transit delays and weekend fixed-route service
• Review of Board of Park Management minutes from November 7, 2022, and February 6, 2023

The Sub-committee recommended the reinstatement of the former Ad-Hoc Transit Committee following resident concerns regarding on-demand service. Additionally, the committee recommended adopting 2023 revisions to the Urban Forestry Plan. The meeting also included a general department update on parks, transit, and recreation.

• Recommended that the former Ad-Hoc Transit Committee be reinstated (Carried)
• Recommended adoption of 2023 revisions to the 2001 Urban Forestry Plan (Carried)

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee is reviewing a proposed agreement for counselling and support services. The body is also receiving updates on provincially delivered housing and homelessness prevention funding.

• Proposed agreement with Family Services Perth-Huron for counselling and support services
• Report on 2023-24 Planned Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing and Homelessness Prevention Programs (SOC23-010)
• February 2023 Service System Manager Bi-Monthly Update to Council (SOC23-012)

The Sub-committee recommended renewing a 15-year partnership for counselling and support services. It also received reports on provincial housing funding and Ontario Works updates.

• Recommended entering into a 2023 agreement with Family Services Perth-Huron for counselling and support services (Carried)
• Recommended authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to execute the Family Services Perth-Huron agreement (Carried)
• Recommended delegating signing authority for future Family Services Perth-Huron renewals until 2028 to the Director of Social Services or CAO (Carried)
• Received 2023-24 Planned Funding Allocations for Provincially Delivered Housing and Homelessness Prevention Programs report for information (Carried)
• Received February 2023 Service System Manager Bi-Monthly Update to Council report for information (Carried)

TEST SUB-COMMITTEE

This is a procedural-only meeting agenda for a test sub-committee of Stratford, ON. The agenda contains no specific items for decision or discussion, only boilerplate formatting and embedded content areas. No rezonings, contracts, public hearings, or other actionable items are listed.

Emergency Meeting Agenda

The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and software interface elements. There are no specific decisions, proposals, or discussion items listed.

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee will receive a presentation from SEEDCo CEO Joani Gerber on the corporation's activities from July to December 2022. Members will also review a report on 2022 lottery licence activity. No delegations are scheduled and no advisory committee minutes are provided.

• SEEDCo Update July to Dec 2022 (FIN23-023) – presentation by CEO Joani Gerber
• 2022 Lottery Licence Activity Update (FIN23-012) – staff report for information
• No delegations scheduled
• No advisory committee/outside board minutes to be provided

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee received two reports for information. These included an update on the Stratford Economic Enterprise Development Corporation (SEEDCo) and a report on 2022 lottery license activity.

• Received SEEDCo/investStratford Update dated March 21, 2023, for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Lottery Licence Activity Update (FIN23-012) for information (Carried)

Special and Public Meeting

Stratford City Council is holding a special meeting and public hearing to consider housekeeping amendments to two licensing by-laws. The changes would lower the required liability insurance for bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental operators from $5 million to $2 million. Council will also hear a delegation from the Inn Keepers Collective on the proposed amendments and hold a public meeting on a zone change application for 46 General Hospital Drive and 130 Youngs Street.

• Proposed amendment to Bed and Breakfast Licensing By-law 180-2004 reducing minimum insurance to $2,000,000
• Proposed amendment to Accommodation Licensing By-law 130-2022 reducing minimum insurance to $2,000,000 and updating definition of Short-Term Guest Room
• Public meeting under the Planning Act for zone change application Z09-22 at 46 General Hospital Drive and 130 Youngs Street
• Delegation from Barb Shaughnessy on behalf of the Inn Keepers Collective regarding the licensing by-law amendments

City Council approved amendments to the Bed and Breakfast Licensing By-law and the Accommodation Licensing By-law. These changes reduce the minimum required liability insurance from $5 million to $2 million. The Accommodation Licensing By-law was also updated to align the definition of 'Short-Term Guest Room' with the Zoning By-law.

• Reduced minimum liability insurance for Bed and Breakfasts to $2 million (By-law 28-2023) - Approved
• Reduced minimum liability insurance for short-term rentals to $2 million (By-law 29-2023) - Approved
• Amended Accommodation Licensing By-law to define 'Short-Term Guest Room' per the Zoning By-law - Approved
• Passed Confirmatory By-law 30-2023 to confirm meeting proceedings - Approved

Committee of the Whole Open Session

The Committee of the Whole will hold an education and training session on municipal land use planning, presented by a facilitator from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. No other business items are listed on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn following the presentation.

• Presentation by AMO Land Use Planning Facilitator (education and training session)
• No other decisions or discussions are on the agenda
• Meeting scheduled 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in Council Chamber
• Mayor Ritsma provided regrets for this meeting

The Committee of the Whole held an education and training session on municipal land use planning provided by the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO). No substantive legislative decisions were made during the session.

• Received training session on municipal land use planning from AMO facilitator Cathie Brown

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive a treasurer's update on the draft 2023 budget and discuss proposed amendments. Councillor Hunter has put forward a motion to delete several capital projects, reduce vehicle purchase prices, and cut operational costs. The committee will decide on these amendments during the meeting.

• Delete Speed Information Signs (Capital Budget item D.1.5)
• Delete Biogas Study (item D.5.7)
• Delete Lorne Avenue Roundabout Study (item D.6.6)
• Reduce purchase price of eight new vehicles by $10,000 each
• Reduce Road Operations Materials from $103,000 to $70,000

The Committee approved the 2023 draft Operating and Capital budget as amended, with a tax levy increase of 6.99%. Several budget reductions and deferrals were decided upon during the meeting to adjust the final draft.

• Approved 2023 draft Operating and Capital budget (10-1)
• Approved inclusion of three Speed Information Signs in budget
• Deferred Biogas Study to 2024 budget deliberations
• Reduced maximum purchase price for eight new vehicles by $10,000 each
• Reduced Road Operations Materials budget from $103,000 to $70,000
• Reduced Waste Recycle Contractors budget from $1.43 million to $1.33 million
• Deferred Clerk-Secretary II - Facilities expansion request to 2024 budget
• Reduced hydro costs for Rotary Complex and Agriplex by 20%

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee is reviewing a request for sign by-law exemptions for the Canadian Dairy XPO. The body is also considering the transfer of a building permit fee surplus from 2021.

• Staff recommendation to deny sign variance for nine temporary sidewalk signs and one cow statue on municipal property
• Proposed transfer of $287,853.11 surplus from Building Inspection Admin G-251-2400 to Building Permit Reserve G-07-BSUR-0000
• Public posting of the 2021 Annual Report on Building Permit Fees (PLA23-002)

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee denied a request for nine temporary sidewalk signs but approved the installation of one cow statue for the Canadian Dairy XPO. The committee also recommended reviewing the Sign By-law to increase sandwich board height and extend permit durations. Additionally, a 2021 building permit fee surplus was approved for transfer to a reserve fund.

• Denied Sign By-law exemption for nine (9) Temporary Sidewalk signs for Canadian Dairy XPO
• Approved Sign By-law exemption for one (1) cow statue at McCarthy Road West and Mornington Avenue
• Recommended staff review Sign By-law 159-2004 to increase sandwich board height to 45 inches and extend permit applications to every three years
• Approved transfer of $287,853.11 surplus from 2021 Building Inspection Admin to Building Permit Reserve
• Approved posting the 2021 Annual Report on Building Permit Fees to the City website

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee is meeting to consider staff recommendations on several items, including parade routes, the Dunn's Bridge rehabilitation design, amendments to the StopGap accessibility ramp program, and the 2023 Outdoor Patio Program. The committee will vote on these recommendations, which will then go to full Council for final approval.

• Dunn's Bridge Rehabilitation: approve Option C to widen deck to 12.35m for paved shoulder bikeway, proceed to construction tendering
• Parade routes: continue on local roads only, except brief closure of Ontario Street and Erie Street intersection for Remembrance Day Parade
• StopGap ramps: amend program to require $5 million insurance certificate from store owners, no charge for ramps up to 1.2m encroachment
• 2023 Outdoor Patio Program: receive guidelines and provide direction on any changes
• Department update from Director of Infrastructure and Development Services

The sub-committee recommended a bridge design that widens the deck to accommodate a bikeway and updated rules for the StopGap portable ramp program. It also recommended that most future parades remain on local roads. These recommendations now move toward a final council decision.

• Recommended Dunn's Bridge design Option C to widen deck to 12.35m for bikeway
• Recommended future parade routes stay on local roads, except for brief closures for Remembrance Day and an amended downtown route for Santa Claus Parade
• Recommended StopGap ramp amendments requiring $5 million insurance from store owners
• Recommended StopGap ramp amendments requiring brightly coloured ramps (red, yellow, green, blue)
• Recommended StopGap ramp amendments allowing no-charge placement for encroachments up to 1.2 metres
• Received 2023 Outdoor Patio Guidelines

Regular Council

City Council approved an amendment to the Business Licensing By-law to raise minimum commercial general liability requirements. Other key actions included approving a residential subdivision agreement and rezoning a property for a clinic.

• Increased minimum commercial general liability for business licenses from $2 million to $5 million (Carried)
• Approved Subdivision Agreement and Part Lot Control Exemption for Daly Avenue and Worsley Street Residential Development (Carried)
• Approved 2023 budget for Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area of $325,272.50 (Carried)
• Approved $50,000 Building Code Upgrade Loan and $25,000 Façade Improvement Loan for 56-62 Wellington Street (Carried)
• Approved rezoning of 332 Lorne Avenue East to permit a clinic (Carried)
• Authorized agreements with Salvation Army for income tax programs in Stratford and North Perth (Carried)
• Accepted resignation of Justine Nigro from the Energy and Environment Committee (Carried)
• Authorized tree planting event for Earth Day Canada 2023 (Carried)

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee recommended authorizing agreements with The Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada to provide income tax programs in Stratford and North Perth. The committee also received information reports on affordable housing and employment outcomes.

• Recommended authorizing agreements with The Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada for income tax programs in Stratford and North Perth (Carried)
• Recommended delegating authority to the Director of Social Services or CAO to execute annual renewal agreements for the tax program (Carried)
• Recommended amending Delegation of Authority By-law 135-2017 regarding income tax program agreements (Carried)
• Received 200 Britannia Street Affordable Housing Project Update report for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Employment Outcomes Update report for information (Carried)

Community Services Committee

The Community Services Committee is reviewing a report on the PC Connect Update 2023. The body is considering a recommendation to have staff review and prepare a report on proposed fare increases for the PC Connect Service.

• Community Transportation – PC Connect Update 2023 (COM23-001) report
• Proposed fare increase for PC Connect Service referred to staff for review

Planning and Heritage Committee

The Planning and Heritage Committee is reviewing a request to amend the zoning of a specific property. Staff recommend approving the change to allow for the operation of a clinic.

• Zone Change Application Z05-22: 332 Lorne Avenue East from ‘General Industrial Zone (I2)’ to ‘Special General Industrial Zone (I2- 38 )’ to permit a clinic

The Planning and Heritage Committee recommended approving a zone change for 332 Lorne Avenue East. This change would allow a dental clinic to operate in the existing vacant building.

• Recommended approval of application Z05-22 to rezone 332 Lorne Avenue East from ‘General Industrial Zone (I2)’ to ‘Special General Industrial Zone (I2-38)’ (Carried)

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee is meeting to review the current draft 2023 budget, including proposed adjustments and impacts as of February 21, 2023. The committee will also consider expansion requests from Infrastructure and Development Services and Corporate Services, and receive a summary on the draft tax levy. No final decisions are made at this meeting; it is a working session to review next steps.

• Treasurer's update on draft 2023 budget with proposed adjustments
• Expansion requests from Infrastructure and Development Services (pages 46-62)
• Expansion requests from Corporate Services (pages 63-70)
• Summary of draft tax levy
• Next meeting scheduled for March 7, 2023

The Committee approved the incorporation of budget amendments and the addition of seven expansion requests for new staff positions. A motion to direct staff to identify budget deferrals and levy reductions for the March 7 meeting was defeated.

• Approved incorporation of presented amendments into draft 2023 budget
• Approved expansion request for Deputy Chief Building Official
• Approved expansion request for Planning Student
• Approved expansion request for full time Fleet Maintenance Worker
• Approved expansion request for Seasonal Maintenance Worker (Roads)
• Approved expansion request for Supervisor of Waste Operations
• Approved expansion request for Council Committee Coordinator
• Approved expansion request for Legislative Coordinator

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee is meeting to receive informational updates. The session focuses on a quarterly update from Destination Stratford and annual reports from several city advisory committees.

• Destination Stratford 2022 Q4 Update (FIN23-011)
• 2022 Annual Reports for Accessibility, Active Transportation, and Communities in Bloom committees
• 2022 Annual Reports for Energy and Environment, Heritage Stratford, Stratfords of the World, and Town and Gown committees

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee received the Destination Stratford 2022 Q4 update and annual reports from seven advisory committees for information. No new policies were enacted or funds approved.

• Received Destination Stratford 2022 Q4 Update for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Accessibility Advisory Committee (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Active Transportation Advisory Committee (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Communities in Bloom Committee (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Energy and Environment Committee (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Heritage Stratford Committee (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Stratfords of the World (Ontario) Committee (Carried)
• Received 2022 Annual Reports for Town and Gown Advisory Committee (Carried)

Community Services Sub-committee

The Community Services Sub-committee is meeting to receive a report on the PC Connect Update 2023 program extension. The Director and Manager will also provide a general update on department activities and projects from January 2023.

• Report on Community Transportation – PC Connect Update 2023 (COM23-001)
• Community Services Update January 2023

The Community Services Sub-committee received an update on the PC Connect intercity transit program and its funding challenges. Members requested a staff report on potential fare increases to help sustain the service. No immediate rate changes were implemented.

• Recommended that staff review and prepare a report on proposed fare increases for PC Connect Service (Carried)
• Received the 'Community Transportation – PC Connect Update 2023' report for information (Carried)

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee is meeting to receive updates on the 200 Britannia Street affordable housing project and 2022 employment outcomes, and to consider authorizing agreements with the Salvation Army for income tax programs in Stratford and North Perth. All items are for information or decision as recommended by staff.

• 200 Britannia Street Affordable Housing Project Update (SOC23-009) - received for information
• 2022 Employment Outcomes Update (SOC23-007) - received for information
• Salvation Army Tax Program agreements for Stratford and North Perth - authorization to enter into agreements and delegate renewal authority

The sub-committee recommended authorizing agreements with the Salvation Army to provide income tax services in Stratford and North Perth. It also recommended amending By-law 135-2017 to delegate approval authority for these agreements to the Director of Social Services or the CAO. Two management reports on housing and employment outcomes were received for information.

• Recommended authorizing agreements with The Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada for income tax programs in Stratford and North Perth (Carried)
• Recommended amending Delegation of Authority By-law 135-2017 to delegate income tax program agreement authority to the Director of Social Services or CAO (Carried)
• Received 200 Britannia Street Affordable Housing Project Update report for information (Carried)
• Received 2022 Employment Outcomes Update report for information (Carried)

Regular Council

Stratford City Council is meeting to consider several resolutions and by-laws, including a new Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement for Children's Services funding, appointments to the Downtown Stratford BIA Board, and designations for two events to allow liquor sales. The agenda also includes routine items like adopting minutes, accepting resignations, and receiving reports from the Social Services Committee.

• Authorize Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement with Ministry of Education for Children's Services funding (By-law 11.1)
• Delegate authority to Director of Social Services to execute childcare and EarlyON service contracts (By-law 11.2)
• Appoint members to Downtown Stratford BIA Board of Management for 2022-2026 term (By-law 11.3)
• Designate Stratford Live Music & Food (June 16-18, York Street parking lot) as municipally significant for liquor licence
• Designate Canadian Dairy XPO (April 6-7, Cow Coliseum at Rotary Complex) as municipally significant for liquor licence

Council approved a formal Land Acknowledgement for official city use and authorized a transfer payment agreement with the Province of Ontario for childcare and early years programming. The board for the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area was updated with new appointments. Two local events were designated as municipally significant for liquor licensing purposes.

• Adopted official spoken and written Land Acknowledgement for City use (Carried)
• Authorized Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement for childcare and early years programming (Carried)
• Designated Stratford Live Music & Food (June 16-18, 2023) as municipally significant for liquor licensing (Carried)
• Designated 2023 Canadian Dairy XPO (April 5-6, 2023) as municipally significant for liquor licensing (Carried)
• Appointed seven members to the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area Board of Management (Carried)
• Proclaimed February 20, 2023 as Kin Canada Day and February 19-25, 2023 as Kin Canada Week (Carried)
• Accepted resignations of Mary-Anne Krutila, Julie Robinson, and Donald Hathaway from various committees (Carried)
• Endorsed resolution from Town of Petrolia regarding school board trustee elections (Carried)

Planning and Heritage Committee

The Planning and Heritage Committee is meeting to consider two heritage incentive applications for 56-62 Wellington Street: a $50,000 Building Code Upgrade Loan and a $25,000 Façade Improvement Loan, plus a rehabilitation grant equal to 10% of increased taxes. The agenda also includes sub-committee minutes and a department update, with no delegations scheduled.

• Building Code Upgrade Loan of $50,000 for 56-62 Wellington Street
• Façade Improvement Loan of $25,000 for 56-62 Wellington Street
• Rehabilitation Grant of 10% of increased taxes for 56-62 Wellington Street
• Sub-committee minutes from January 26, 2023
• Department update on planning and heritage matters

The Planning and Heritage Committee recommended that Council approve three financial incentives for the property at 56-62 Wellington Street. These include loans for building code upgrades and façade improvements, as well as a rehabilitation grant.

• Recommended approval of $50,000 Building Code Upgrade Loan for 56-62 Wellington Street (Carried)
• Recommended approval of $25,000 Façade Improvement Loan for 56-62 Wellington Street (Carried)
• Recommended approval of Rehabilitation Grant for 56-62 Wellington Street in the amount of 10% of increased taxes (Carried)

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will consider approving the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area's 2023 draft budget of $325,272.50, with $299,472.50 to be levied on properties within the BIA boundaries. The committee will also receive Festival Hydro's third-quarter 2022 financial results, adopt a report on Ontario Regulation 284/09 excluded expenses, and approve a draft Asset Retirement Obligation Policy.

• Downtown Stratford BIA 2023 draft budget of $325,272.50, with $299,472.50 levy on properties
• Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. financial statements for period ending September 30, 2022
• Adoption of report on Ontario Regulation 284/09 excluded expenses
• Approval of draft Asset Retirement Obligation Policy and authorization to establish a new reserve fund

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee approved the 2023 budget for the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area and adopted a new Asset Retirement Obligation Policy. The committee also received financial results from Festival Hydro and adopted a report on excluded expenses under Ontario Regulation 284/09.

• Approved 2023 Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area budget of $325,272.50
• Approved $299,472.50 levy on properties within the Downtown Stratford BIA for 2023
• Approved draft Asset Retirement Obligation Policy (FIN23-005)
• Authorized staff to establish a new Asset Retirement Obligation Reserve Fund if required
• Adopted report on Ontario Regulation 284/09 – Excluded Expenses (FIN23-004)
• Received Q3 2022 financial statements for Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc.

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The committee recommended increasing the minimum commercial general liability requirement for all business licenses from $2 million to $5 million. It also recommended receiving two drinking water quality reports and authorized a tree planting event for Earth Day Canada 2023.

• Recommended increasing minimum commercial general liability for business licenses from $2 million to $5 million (9-2)
• Recommended receiving the DWQMS Infrastructure Review 2022
• Recommended receiving the Management Review Minutes 2022 and Summary Table of Action Items 2022
• Authorized staff to organize the Earth Day Canada 2023 tree planting event

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the draft 2023 Operating Budget and review proposed adjustments. The session includes a review of budget breakdowns across city departments and a discussion on service enhancement and staffing expansion requests.

• Treasurer's update on current 2023 draft budget status and proposed adjustments
• Review of operating budgets for Mayor and Council, CAO, Corporate Services, and Community Services
• Review of operating budgets for Fire, Human Resources, Infrastructure and Development Services, and Social Services
• Discussion of expansion and staffing requests for CAO, Infrastructure, Community, and Corporate Services
• Budget reviews for external boards including Stratford Police Services and Stratford Public Library

The Committee approved multiple staffing and equipment expansion requests and incorporated budget amendments for municipal shared services. Staff were also directed to research lobbying for the Grand Trunk Masterplan and a potential poverty reduction fund for 2024.

• Approved budget amendments for Spruce Lodge, EMS, Archives, Museum, and Huron Perth Public Health
• Directed staff to review costs and benefits of a lobbying group for Grand Trunk Masterplan and Cooper Site
• Referred Erie Street parking lot garage development to staff for historical review
• Approved $125,000 for Council Strategic Priorities 2023-2028 and Key Performance Indicators
• Approved Cooper Site - Next Steps Expansion Request
• Approved Cloud Permit Software, SCADA network upgrades, and two Social Services fleet vehicles
• Approved $22,000 for a Community Services fleet utility vehicle
• Approved new positions for Supervisor of Recreation Services, Supervisor of Facility and Building Operations, Customer Service Clerk II, and four transit drivers

Committee of the Whole Open Session

The Committee of the Whole is meeting for an education and training session. The session focuses on council responsibilities under the Standards of Care of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

• Presentation by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre regarding the Safe Drinking Water Act

The Committee of the Whole received a presentation from the Walkerton Clean Water Centre regarding Council's responsibilities under the Standards of Care - Safe Water Drinking Act. No substantive decisions or votes on policy were made during the session.

• Received presentation on Standards of Care - Safe Water Drinking Act from Walkerton Clean Water Centre

Planning and Heritage Sub-committee

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee will consider staff recommendations to approve two heritage incentive applications for 56-62 Wellington Street: a $50,000 Building Code Upgrade Loan and a $25,000 Façade Improvement Loan, both submitted by Rebecca and Geoffrey Cheney. The sub-committee will also consider a Rehabilitation Grant equal to 10% of increased taxes for the same property. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no delegations scheduled and no advisory committee minutes to review.

• Building Code Upgrade Loan of $50,000 for 56-62 Wellington Street (roof, plumbing, electrical, ventilation)
• Façade Improvement Loan of $25,000 for 56-62 Wellington Street (masonry and windows)
• Rehabilitation Grant of 10% of increased taxes for 56-62 Wellington Street
• No delegations scheduled
• Next meeting set for March 2, 2023

The Planning and Heritage Sub-committee recommended that Council approve three financial incentives for the property at 56-62 Wellington Street. Staff also advised that applications for the Heritage Conservation District Incentive Program are closed for 2023 pending a program review.

• Recommended approval of $50,000 Building Code Upgrade Loan for 56-62 Wellington Street
• Recommended approval of $25,000 Façade Improvement Loan for 56-62 Wellington Street
• Recommended approval of Rehabilitation Grant (10% of increased taxes) for 56-62 Wellington Street

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Sub-committee will consider two staff reports on the 2022 Drinking Water Quality Management Standard reviews, including an infrastructure review and a management review. The sub-committee will also discuss a staff recommendation to authorize a tree planting event for Earth Day 2023.

• Drinking Water Quality Management Standard 2022 Infrastructure Review (ITS23-002) – staff recommend Council receive the review.
• Drinking Water Quality Management Standard 2022 Management Review (ITS23-003) – staff recommend Council receive the management review minutes and action items.
• Earth Day Canada 2023 (ITS23-004) – staff recommend authorization to proceed with organizing a tree planting event.

The sub-committee recommended that Council receive two 2022 drinking water quality management reports. It also recommended authorizing staff to organize a tree planting event for Earth Day 2023. The meeting included a department update on the Transportation Master Plan and watermain projects.

• Approved adding the agenda addendum (Carried)
• Recommended Council receive the DWQMS Infrastructure Review 2022 (Carried)
• Recommended Council receive the Management Review Minutes 2022 and Summary Table of Action Items 2022 (Carried)
• Recommended authorizing staff to organize an Earth Day 2023 tree planting event (Carried)

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee is meeting to review the 2023 draft operating budget with proposed adjustments, continue its review of the 2023 capital budget and 2024-2032 capital forecast, and consider reports on the Cooper Block Community Hub redevelopment strategy and the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee terms of reference. Local boards, including Destination Stratford, SeedCo., Police Services, and the Public Library, will present their draft 2023 budgets. The meeting is a working session with no final decisions expected; staff recommendations will be considered.

• Treasurer's update on 2023 draft budget with proposed amendments to be provided at the meeting
• Review of 2023 capital budget and 2024-2032 capital forecast for Community Services and Infrastructure departments
• Cooper Block Community Hub redevelopment strategy update and proposed action plan (FIN23-008)
• Draft terms of reference for Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee (FIN23-009)
• 2023 budget presentations from Destination Stratford, SeedCo., Stratford Police Services, and Stratford Public Library

Community Services Committee

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The committee is scheduled to review sub-committee minutes from January 12, 2023, and receive a December 2022 department update.

• Review of Community Services Sub-committee Minutes from January 12, 2023
• Community Services Department Update for December 2022

The meeting consisted of a department update from the Director of Community Services regarding spring activity preparations. No legislative actions, approvals, or denials were recorded.

• Adjourned the meeting

Regular Council

Council awarded a $75,145 contract for a new sound system at William Allman Memorial Arena and approved revised building permit fees effective February 1, 2023. The board also decided to continue electronic meetings for Council until City Hall elevator repairs are complete. Additionally, the review of the Animal Control By-law was deferred to 2024 budget deliberations.

• Approved $75,145 contract to CP-Stoneman Inc. for William Allman Memorial Arena sound system
• Approved revised building permit fees effective February 1, 2023
• Increased MTO fire response rate from $509.89 to $543.03
• Removed Holding Provision (H22) for lands at 4117 Perth Line 36
• Decided to continue electronic meetings for Council until City Hall elevator is repaired
• Referred Animal Control By-law 195-2002 review to 2024 budget deliberations
• Approved directing staff to include agenda and voting options in the Procedural by-law review
• Approved leveraging Tourism Advisory Committees to support a future Sport Tourism Office

Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee

The committee is reviewing a report from the Chief Building Official regarding updates to building permit fees. The proposed changes include amendments to Schedules A, B, C, and D of the existing by-law.

• Proposed amendment to Building By-law #112-2005 including fee Schedule ‘A’ (ITS23-001)
• Proposed building permit fee changes to take effect February 1, 2023

The Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee recommended amendments to Schedules A, B, C, and D of Building By-law 112-2005. If implemented, the updated building permit fees will take effect on February 1, 2023.

• Recommended amendments to Building By-law 112-2005 fee schedules (Carried)

Social Services Committee

The Social Services Committee is meeting to receive information reports on the 2022 performance of the Housing Division, Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre, Ontario Works, and the Homelessness Division, as well as a 2023 outlook for Children's Services. No delegations are scheduled, and all items are for information only, with no decisions or votes expected.

• Housing Division Update – Year in Review 2022 (SOC23-005)
• Information on Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre’s Enrollment Status (SOC23-003)
• 2022 Ontario Works Year in Review (SOC23-004)
• Children’s Services Division Overview – 2023 Outlook (SOC23-001)
• Homelessness Division Update (SOC23-002)

The Committee received and accepted six reports for information regarding social services divisions. These reports provided year-in-review data and outlooks for housing, childcare, Ontario Works, and homelessness services.

• Received Housing Division Update – Year in Review 2022 (SOC23-005)
• Received Information on Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre’s Enrollment Status (SOC23-003)
• Received 2022 Ontario Works Year in Review (SOC23-004)
• Received Service System Manager Bi-Monthly Update to Council (SOC23-006)
• Received Children’s Services Division Overview – 2023 Outlook (SOC23-001)
• Received Homelessness Division Update (SOC23-002)

Committee of the Whole Open Session

This is a Committee of the Whole open session focused on a 'speed dating' format where council members meet with staff from each city department and representatives from local boards to learn about programs and services. No formal decisions or proposals are on the agenda; the meeting is informational and procedural.

• Departmental and local board 'speed dating' session
• Meeting held at Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road West
• No electronic participation option; public invited in-person

The Committee of the Whole conducted a "speed dating" session where Council members met with staff from city departments and local boards. The session was designed for Council to learn about various city programs and services. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Adjourned the meeting (Carried)

Committee of the Whole Open Session

The Committee of the Whole attended a presentation by StrategyCorp regarding the roles of Council and municipal administration. The session covered municipal responsibilities, the City's Code of Conduct, and best practices for managing resident concerns. No substantive legislative decisions were made.

• Adjourned meeting (Carried)

Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee will hear presentations on Festival Hydro's Q3 2022 financial results and the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area's 2023 draft budget. They will also consider reports on excluded expenses under Ontario Regulation 284/09 and a draft Asset Retirement Obligation policy. No delegations are scheduled.

• Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. Q3 2022 financial statements to be received for information
• Downtown Stratford BIA 2023 draft budget of $325,272.50, with $299,472.50 to be levied on properties in the BIA
• Adoption of report on 2023 Ontario Regulation 284/09 excluded expenses
• Approval of draft Asset Retirement Obligation policy and creation of a new reserve fund if required

The sub-committee approved the 2023 budget for the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area and adopted a new Asset Retirement Obligation Policy. They also received financial reports from Festival Hydro and Festival Hydro Services Inc. for information.

• Approved 2023 Downtown Stratford BIA budget of $325,272.50
• Approved $299,472.50 levy for properties within the Downtown Stratford BIA
• Approved draft Asset Retirement Obligation Policy
• Authorized establishment of a new Asset Retirement Obligation Reserve Fund
• Adopted Ontario Regulation 284/09 – Excluded Expenses report (FIN23-004)
• Received Festival Hydro Inc. Q3 2022 financial statements for information
• Received Festival Hydro Services Inc. Q3 2022 financial statements for information

Special and Public Meeting

Stratford City Council is holding a special open session that will adjourn to a public meeting to hear comments on proposed amendments to the Business Licensing By-law 187-2004. The council will also consider a confirmatory by-law to approve the meeting's proceedings. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Public meeting on amendments to Business Licensing By-law 187-2004
• Confirmatory by-law for January 16, 2023 council proceedings

Council adjourned to a public meeting to hear input regarding proposed amendments to the Business Licensing By-law 187-2004. The session also included the passing of a confirmatory by-law for the meeting's proceedings.

• Adjourned to a Public Meeting to hear input on Business Licensing By-law 187-2004 amendments (Carried)
• Passed By-law 8-2023 to confirm the proceedings of the January 16, 2023 meeting (Carried)

Community Services Sub-committee

This is a routine open-session meeting of Stratford's Community Services Sub-committee. The main item is a department update from the Director of Community Services on activities and ongoing projects. No delegations are scheduled, and no advisory committee minutes will be provided. The meeting is largely procedural with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Department update on Community Services activities and projects
• No delegations scheduled
• No advisory committee/outside board minutes to be provided
• Next meeting scheduled for February 16, 2023

The meeting consisted of procedural items and departmental updates from the Community Services staff. No substantive policy or financial decisions were made during the session.

• Adjourned the meeting (Carried)

Social Services Sub-committee

The Social Services Sub-committee is meeting to receive several informational reports regarding city services. These reports provide updates on housing, childcare, and social assistance programs.

• Housing Division Update – Year in Review 2022 (SOC23-005)
• Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre’s Enrollment Status (SOC23-003)
• 2022 Ontario Works Year in Review (SOC23-004)
• Children’s Services Division Overview – 2023 Outlook (SOC23-001)
• Homelessness Division Update (SOC23-002)

The Sub-committee received and accepted six informational reports providing baselines on service delivery for housing, childcare, Ontario Works, and homelessness. No new policies were enacted, and no funding was approved during the meeting.

• Received Housing Division Update – Year in Review 2022 (SOC23-005)
• Received Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre’s Enrollment Status report (SOC23-003)
• Received 2022 Ontario Works Year in Review (SOC23-004)
• Received Service System Manager Bi-Monthly Update to Council (SOC23-006)
• Received Children’s Services Division Overview – 2023 Outlook (SOC23-001)
• Received Homelessness Division Update (SOC23-002)

Finance and Labour Relations Committee

The Finance and Labour Relations Committee will receive the 2023 Budget Survey Results and review the 2023 Draft Capital Budget and 2024-2032 Capital Forecast by department. The committee will also decide whether to maintain approved 2023 transit fare rates or revert to 2022 levels, and receive a financial comparison of Saturday fixed-route versus on-demand transit service.

• 2023 Budget Survey Results (FIN23-003) received for information
• Direction on 2023 transit fare rates: maintain approved rates or amend to 2022 levels (FIN23-001)
• Financial comparison of Saturday fixed-route full-service vs. on-demand service; staff recommends keeping on-demand (FIN23-002)
• 2023 Draft Capital Budget and 2024-2032 Capital Forecast review by department

Regular Council

Council awarded a watermain extension contract to Birnam Excavating Ltd. and approved an encroachment agreement for Ontario Street. The meeting focused heavily on filling citizen vacancies across multiple advisory committees and boards. Council also decreased fees for the Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre.

• Awarded Portia Boulevard Watermain Extension contract to Birnam Excavating Ltd. for $157,469.84
• Approved encroachment for 166-194 Ontario Street with an annual fee of $5,360.79
• Granted 2023 temporary angle parking on McCarthy Road West for Canadian Dairy XPO
• Decreased fees for Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre effective January 1, 2023
• Appointed citizen representatives to the Stratford Public Library Board
• Appointed citizen representatives to the Stratford Police Services Board
• Paused the Stratford Town and Gown Advisory Committee for the 2023 calendar year
• Proclaimed February 9-12, 2023 as 'Winter Pride Days'