Special Council Minutes

-
Council Chambers
Whitby Town Hall
Present:
  • Mayor Roy
  • Councillor Bozinovski
  • Councillor Cardwell
  • Councillor Leahy
  • Councillor Lee
  • Councillor Lundquist
  • Councillor Mulcahy
  • Councillor Shahid
  • Councillor Yamada
Also Present:
  • M. Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer
  • M. Hickey, Fire Chief
  • S. Klein, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
  • J. Long, Head of Organizational Effectiveness
  • J. Romano, Commissioner of Community Services
  • F. Santaguida, Commissioner of Legal and Enforcement Services/Town Solicitor
  • R. Saunders, Commissioner of Planning and Development
  • F. Wong, Commissioner of Financial Services/Treasurer
  • M. Dodge, Executive Advisor to the Mayor
  • C. Harris, Town Clerk
  • K. Douglas, Supervisor, Legislative Services (Recording Secretary)

Mayor Roy declared a conflict of interest regarding Item 7.1, Community Services Administration Division Salaries, Wages, and Benefits and Property Tax Revenues, noting that she has a family member employed in the Town's Community Services Administration Division. Mayor Roy left the meeting during the consideration of the Community Services Administration Division's 2026 salary, wages, and benefits and did not take part in the discussion or vote regarding this matter.

It was the consensus of Council to consider Item 7.1, Community Services Administration Division Salaries, Wages, and Benefits and Property Tax Revenues, at this time.

Mayor Roy provided introductory comments regarding the proposed 2026 Budget.

In light of the number of delegations and agenda items, and the requirement to automatically adjourn the meeting by 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of the Procedure By-law # 8081-24, Mayor Roy requested that delegates keep their remarks brief and avoid repeating points previously raised. She also asked Members of Council to limit their questions to matters requiring clarification.

Mayor Roy advised that a number of 2026 Budget Amendments were confirmed by Members of Council with Staff after the November 24, 2025 deadline of 4:30 p.m. imposed by Council through Resolution #102-25.

  • Reconsider the Deadline for 2026 Budget Amendments

    Resolution #218-25
    Moved byCouncillor Shahid
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas Council approved Council Resolution #102-25 that established a November 24, 2025 4:30 p.m. deadline for motions to amend the 2026 Proposed Budget;

    Whereas Council had 17 days between November 7 when the Mayor issued the proposed budget and the November 24 deadline to review the budget and submit their proposed amendments;

    Whereas there are seven (7) motions received that did not meet the November 24, 2025 4:30 p.m. deadline;

    Now therefore, be it resolved:

    That the November 24, 2025 4:30 p.m. deadline be reconsidered to allow the seven (7) motions submitted on or before November 24, 2025, but not confirmed by the mover prior to the November 24th 4:30 p.m. deadline, to be considered at this meeting.

    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results360
    Motion Lost on a Two Thirds Vote (3 to 6)

Re: Centre/Dryden Roundabout Capital Project


Refer to Item 7.6

Justin Ramoutar, Resident, expressed support for advancing the Civic Centre/Dryden Roundabout Capital Project to 2026.

Re: Whitby Public Library


Refer to Item 7.8, Item 7.9, and Item 7.10

Sarah Ferencz, representing CUPE Local 53, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for the Whitby Public Library.

Re: Whitby Public Library


Refer to Item 7.8, Item 7.9, and Item 7.10

Reagan Taylor, Resident and Whitby Public Library staff member, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for the Whitby Public Library.

Re: Whitby Public Library


Refer to Item 7.8, Item 7.9, and Item 7.10

Michael Kramer, Resident, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for the Whitby Public Library.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Maria McDonnell, Chair of the Station Gallery Board of Directors, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery 


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Paul Haber, Resident, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

John Di Leonardo, Resident, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Vera-Lyn O'Brien submitted a written request to the Office of the Town Clerk to withdraw her delegation. 

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Donna Villeneuve, Oshawa Resident, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery. 

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Sean McQuay, Resident, provided comments regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Natasha Serba, Resident, provided comments regarding proposed amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Paulette Goulard, Resident, provided comments regarding proposed amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Judith Tait, Resident, provided comments on behalf of a resident regarding proposed budget amendments relating to the 2026 Operating Grant for Station Gallery.

Re: Station Gallery


Refer to Item 7.11 and Item 7.12

Sarah Shaw submitted a written request to the Office of the Town Clerk to withdraw her delegation. 

Re: Add Signalized Intersection at Mary Street and Hickory Street


Refer to Item 7.13

Wayne and Claire Wright, Residents, provided comments regarding traffic along Mary Street and the proposed addition of a signalized intersection at Mary Street and Hickory Street.

Re: Install speed bumps in front of Perry Street Daycare between Dundas Street and Mary Street


Refer to Item 7.19

Diane Hammond, Resident, provided comments regarding traffic along Perry Street and the proposed installation of speed bumps in front of Perry Street Daycare between Dundas Street and Mary Street.

Re: Install speed bumps in front of Perry Street Daycare between Dundas Street and Mary Street


Refer to Item 7.19

Karrie Hammond, Resident, provided comments regarding traffic along Perry Street and the proposed installation of speed bumps in front of Perry Street Daycare between Dundas Street and Mary Street.

Re: Install speed bumps in front of Perry Street Daycare between Dundas Street and Mary Street


Refer to Item 7.19

Jacqueline Forrester, Resident, provided comments regarding traffic along Perry Street and the proposed installation of speed bumps in front of Perry Street Daycare between Dundas Street and Mary Street.

Re: Install speed bump along Seaboard Gate


Refer to Item 7.20

John Stimpson was not in attendance when called upon to provide a delegation.

Re: Council Amendments to the 2026 Budget

Mark McGhee was not in attendance when called upon to provide a delegation.

Re: Council Amendments to the 2026 Budget

Liam Venner, Resident, provided comments regarding funding for the maintenance of municipal infrastructure through property taxes and noted the financial implications of Canada’s shifting demographics.

Re: Council Amendments to the 2026 Budget

Karen Spencer was not in attendance when called upon to provide a delegation.

  • Resolution #219-25
    Moved byCouncillor Mulcahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Lundquist

    That the Memorandum from F. Wong, Commissioner of Financial Services/Treasurer, dated November 27, 2025 regarding 2026 Proposed Budget Updates be received for information. 

    Carried

Re: Reporting Requirement Per Ontario Regulation 284/09 – 2026 Budget

  • Resolution #220-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Shahid
    1. That Report FS 48-25 be received;
    2. That the full accrual accounting amounts identified in Report FS 48-25, based on the November 7 Mayor’s Proposed Budget, be approved and included as budget figures in the December 31, 2026 audited financial statements; and,
    3. That the Treasurer be authorized to make the required amendments to the budget figures in the Town’s audited financial statements for changes in the 2026 Budget as adopted by Council and for any technical adjustments.
    Carried

Mayor Roy left the meeting at 7:02 p.m.

Deputy Mayor Mulcahy assumed the Chair.

Councillor Lee introduced a motion regard Community Services Administration Division Salaries, Wages, and Benefits and Property Tax Revenues.

Members of Council sought clarification that lifeguard staff are not employed under the Community Services Administration Division.

  • Resolution #221-25
    Moved byCouncillor Lee
    Seconded byCouncillor Shahid

    Whereas the Mayor declared an interest in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and has excluded $923,194 of Salaries, Wages, and Benefits and $923,194 of property tax revenues related to the Community Services Administration Division from the Proposed 2026 Budget;

    Whereas staff within the Community Services Administration Division are required for the operation and maintenance of the existing levels of service of the Community Services Department, including the provision of recreational services, park construction and maintenance, garbage collection, winter maintenance of roads and sidewalks;

    Now therefore, be it resolved:

    That $923,194 of Salaries, Wages, and Benefits and $923,194 of property tax revenues be added to the Proposed 2026 Budget related to the Community Services Administration Division resulting in a net impact of $0. 

    Carried

    Mayor Roy returned to the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and resumed the chair.

    It was the consensus of Council to hear Item 4., Delegations, at this time.


Councillor Mulcahy introduced a motion regarding the removal of automated speed enforcement from the capital forecast.

  • Resolution #222-25
    Moved byCouncillor Mulcahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Shahid

    Whereas Bill 56, the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025, amends the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) to repeal the section HTA that authorizes the use of automated speed enforcement (ASE) systems; 

    Whereas Bill 56 has now received Royal Assent; 

    Whereas the Town of Whitby’s Proposed 2026 budget includes ASE-related expenditures in the capital forecast starting in 2027; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That that the Proposed 2026 budget be amended to remove ASE-related expenditures from the capital forecast. 

    Carried

Councillor Lundquist introduced a motion to reduce the Council Business Expense Budget.

  • Resolution #223-25
    Moved byCouncillor Mulcahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Shahid

    Whereas the Town of Whitby Mayor and Council Business Expense budget totals $121,869 in the 2026 Proposed Budget, comprised of the Mayor’s budget $16,653, four Ward Councillors at $13,914 each, and four Regional Councillors at $12,390 each; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the Business Expense Budget for Council be reduced by 50 per cent or $60,934 in the 2026 Proposed Budget, resulting in revised 2026 Business Expense budgets of: 

    1. $8,326.50 for the Mayor;
    2. $6,957.00 for each Ward Councillor;
    3. $6195.00 for each Regional Councillor.
    Carried

Councillor Lundquist introduced a motion to reduce the Council Education Expense Budget.

  • Resolution #224-25
    Moved byCouncillor Lundquist
    Seconded byCouncillor Mulcahy

    Whereas the Town of Whitby’s Corporate Training Budget for Council was $43,240 in the 2025 budget and was reduced by 50 per cent to $21,620 in the 2026 Proposed Budget; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the Corporate Training Budget for Council be further reduced by 50 per cent or $10,810 in the 2026 Proposed Budget. 

    Carried

Councillor Lee introduced a motion regarding Fire Suppression overtime costs.

  • Resolution #225-25
    Moved byCouncillor Lee
    Seconded byCouncillor Lundquist

    Whereas the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a $346,000 budget reduction related to Fire Suppression overtime costs; 

    Whereas Whitby Fire and Emergency Services has one of the highest overtime costs in Durham Region at $1,455,141 (or 18,551 hours) in 2024 and $1,384,220 (or 18,107 hours) in 2023; 

    Whereas the Whitby Fire and Emergency Services Department is currently updating the Town’s Fire Master Plan; 

    Whereas the Town’s Fire Master Plan must be reviewed and approved by the Fire Chief, the CAO and the Senior Leadership Team before a Council consideration in 2026; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    1. That in an effort to address the financial pressures caused by overtime costs in the Whitby Fire and Emergency Services Department, the Fire Master Plan update include recommendations on reducing overall Fire Suppression overtime costs for the Town based on best practices, Whitby’s fire suppression complement, geography, and mutual aid agreements from surrounding municipalities, while maintaining a focus on public safety;
    2. That operational changes to address Fire Suppression overtime costs, in advance of Council approval of the Town’s Fire Master Plan, be co-ordinated by the Fire Chief, in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer and Head of Organizational Effectiveness; and,
    3. That the Fire Chief, jointly with the Head of Organizational Effectiveness and the Town Treasurer, be required to submit an Annual Fire Suppression Overtime Report to Council that includes:
      1. Detailed Cost Breakdown
        1. Total overtime expenditures for fire suppression activities.
        2. Comparison against budgeted overtime allocations.
        3. Year-over-year trend analysis.
      2. Operational Drivers
        1. Explanation of key factors contributing to overtime (e.g., major incidents, staffing shortages, training requirements).
        2. Identification of any recurring patterns or systemic issues.
      3. Performance Metrics
        1. Overtime hours per firefighter compared to industry benchmarks.
        2. Impact on service delivery and response times.
      4. Mitigation Strategies
        1. Actions taken or planned to manage and reduce overtime costs.
        2. Evaluation of alternative staffing models or resource deployment.
      5. Public Accessibility
        1. Publish the report on the Town’s website for public review.
    Carried

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion regarding the Centre/Dryden Roundabout Capital Project.

  • Resolution #226-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas the Town of Whitby’s Capital Forecast in the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a Civic Centre/Dryden Roundabout Capital Project (Project ID 40295801), in the amount of $863,250, to start in 2029;

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the 2026 Proposed Budget be amended to advance the $863,250 Civic Centre/Dryden Roundabout Capital Project to 2026, funded $431,625 from Development Charges (Roads) Reserve Fund and $431,625 from the Growth Reserve. 

    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results270
    Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote (2 to 7)

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion regarding the maximum reimbursement for crossing guard rain and winter boots.

  • Resolution #227-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas crossing guards are reimbursed up-to $75 per year for rain and winter boots; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the maximum reimbursement for crossing guard rain and winter boots be doubled, to $150 per year, and the Proposed 2026 Budget be increased by $5,850.

    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results540
    Carried on a Recorded Vote (5 to 4)

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion regarding a proposed increase to the Town’s operating grant for the Whitby Public Library.

  • Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a $187,260 reduction to the Whitby Public Library’s annual operating grant from the Town; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased by $187,260 with the additional property tax funding to be allocated to the Town’s operating grant for the Whitby Public Library thereby restoring the grant to be $6,525,196 annually. 

    Carried later in the meeting (See following motions)


  • Moved byCouncillor Lundquist
    Seconded byCouncillor Mulcahy

    That the main motion be amended so that the operative clause is numbered as Items 1 and 2 and reads as follows:

    1. That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased on a one-time basis by $93,630 funded from the Whitby Public Library Reserve (held at the Town); and,
    2. That the Whitby Public Library Board be requested to use $93,630 of their own reserve fund for 2026.
    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results630
    Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 3)
  • The main motion, as amended, was then carried as follows:

    Resolution #228-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a $187,260 reduction to the Whitby Public Library’s annual operating grant from the Town; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    1. That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased on a one-time basis by $93,630 funded from the Whitby Public Library Reserve (held at the Town); and,
    2. That the Whitby Public Library Board be requested to use $93,630 of their own reserve fund for 2026.
    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results900
    Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote (9 to 0)

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion to increase the Town’s operating grant for the Whitby Public Library to allow library branches to be open 7 days a week.

  • Resolution #229-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas not all Whitby Public Library branches are open 7 days a week; 

    Whereas the Town of Whitby provides the Whitby Public Library an annual operating grant and the allocation of resources is determined by the Whitby Public Library Board; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    1. That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased by $150,473 with the additional property tax funding to be allocated to the Town’s operating grant for the Whitby Public Library; and,
    2. That the Whitby Public Library Board be requested to allocate this additional funding to allow all library branches to be open 7 days a week, except statutory holidays, in 2026. 
    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results360
    Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote (3 to 6)

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion to increase the Town’s operating grant for the Whitby Public Library for inflationary pressures and contractual commitments.

  • Resolution #230-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas a zero per cent increase or a decrease to the Town’s annual operating grant for the Whitby Public Library does not account for higher costs related to inflationary and contractual budget pressures; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased by $139,000 with the additional property tax funding to be allocated to the Town’s operating grant for the Whitby Public Library to offset inflationary and contractual budget pressures. 

    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results360
    Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote (3 to 6)

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion to increase the Town’s operating grant for Station Gallery.

  • Moved byCouncillor Yamada
    Seconded byCouncillor Leahy

    That the motion on the question be called.

    Motion Lost
  • Resolution #231-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas the 2026 Proposed Budget includes a $16,594 reduction to the Station Gallery’s annual operating grant from the Town; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased by $16,594 with the additional property tax funding to be allocated to the Town’s operating grant for Station Gallery thereby restoring the grant to be $572,223 annually. 

    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results360
    Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote (3 to 6)

Councillor Leahy introduced a motion to increase the Town’s 2026 operating grant for the Station Gallery  to include a cost of living increase.

  • Resolution #232-25
    Moved byCouncillor Leahy
    Seconded byCouncillor Yamada

    Whereas a zero per cent increase or a decrease to the Town’s annual operating grant for the Station Gallery does not account for higher costs related to inflationary and cost of living budget pressures; 

    Now therefore, be it resolved: 

    That the 2026 Proposed Budget be increased by $17,167 with the additional property tax funding to be allocated to the Town’s 2026 operating grant for the Station Gallery. 

    VotersForAgainstConflict
    Councillor LeahyX
    Councillor LeeX
    Councillor MulcahyX
    Mayor RoyX
    Councillor ShahidX
    Councillor YamadaX
    Councillor CardwellX
    Councillor LundquistX
    Councillor BozinovskiX
    Results360
    Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote (3 to 6)

    Note: Consideration of the remaining items did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24. Any remaining Council amendments to the 2026 Budget that were not addressed by 11:00 p.m. were deemed expired in accordance with the Council-approved 2026 Budget timeline.

    At this point, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.


Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Note: Consideration of this item, including consideration of the recommendation did not occur as the meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with Section 11.45 of Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

Prior to adjournment, Mayor Roy advised that matters relating to traffic signalization and speed humps may be reviewed through the Traffic Calming Policy. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. in accordance with the Section 11.45 of the Procedure By-law # 8081-24.

No Item Selected