Committee of the Whole Minutes

Monday, January 15, 2024 at 7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

Whitby Town Hall

Present:

• Mayor Roy
• Councillor Bozinovski
• Councillor Cardwell
• Councillor Leahy (Virtual Attendance at 7:00 p.m., In-Person Attendance at 7:26 p.m.)
• Councillor Lee
• Councillor Lundquist
• Councillor Mulcahy
• Councillor Shahid
• Councillor Yamada

Also Present:

• M. Gaskell, Chief Administrative Officer
• M. Hickey, Fire Chief
• S. Klein, Director of Strategic Initiatives
• 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. Narraway, Sr. Manager of Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk (Recording Secretary)

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1.

Call To Order: The Mayor

2.

Call of the Roll: The Clerk

3.

Declarations of Conflict of Interest

Councillor Leahy declared a conflict of interest regarding Item 5.4.1, PDP 01-24, noting that he has a business relationship with a member of the Committee of Adjustment. Councillor Leahy did not take part in the discussion or voting regarding this Item.

Councillor Cardwell declared a conflict of interest regarding Item 5.4.1, PDP 01-24, noting that a family member is a member of the Committee of Adjustment. Councillor Cardwell did not take part in the discussion or voting regarding this Item. 

During the meeting, a motion to suspend the rules of procedure to allow the introduction of a motion regarding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process was adopted by Committee. Item 6.5.4, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process was not published with the meeting agenda. During this potion of the meeting Councillor Lee declared a conflict of interest regarding Item 6.5.4, Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process, noting that he received a CEBA loan, and had since repaid the loan amount. Councillor Lee did not take part in the discussion or voting regarding this Item.

Prior to consideration of the Consent Agenda, Mayor Roy rose on a point of personal privilege and spoke about the need for Members of Council to work with each other in a respectful manner. She highlighted the Council Code of Conduct and indicated that contraventions of the Code should be addressed as noted within the Code. Mayor Roy advised that she had sought the advice of the Integrity Commissioner regarding Council relations and that an Education & Training session with the Integrity Commissioner would be scheduled for Council in the near future. She further indicated that Members of Council have a responsibility to abide by the Council Code of Conduct.

4.

Consent Agenda

5.

Planning and Development

5.1

Presentations

There were no presentations.

5.2

Delegations

5.2.1

Sandy Hodder, Resident (In-Person Attendance)

Re: PDP 01-24, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report

Delegation of Land Division Responsibilities from the Region of Durham to the Town of Whitby Committee of Adjustment

Refer to Item 5.4.1, PDP 01-24

Sandy Hodder appeared before Committee and indicated that she had further reviewed the Staff Report and no longer objected to the proposed remuneration increase for members of the Committee of Adjustment.

5.2.2

Rodger Miller, representing See Path Group Inc. (Virtual Attendance)

Re: PDP 02-24, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report

DEV-23-23: Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications, See Path Group Inc. c/o Sakmet Developments Inc., 780 Garden Street, File Number: DEV-23-23 (SW-2023-02, Z-07-23)

Refer to Item 5.4.2, PDP 02-24

Rodger Miller appeared before Committee and indicated that he was supportive of the Staff recommendation and was available to assist with any questions that may arise.

5.3

Correspondence

There was no correspondence.

5.4

Staff Reports

5.4.1

PDP 01-24, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report

Re: Delegation of Land Division Responsibilities from the Region of Durham to the Town of Whitby Committee of Adjustment

Having previously declared conflicts of interest, Councillor Leahy and Councillor Cardwell did not take part in the discussion or voting regarding this Item.

• Moved by Councillor Mulcahy
  1. That Council approve a By-law to permit the Town of Whitby Committee of Adjustment to grant approval of both Minor Variance and Consent Applications within the Town of Whitby, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Planning Act;
  2. That Council approve the revised Committee of Adjustment Terms of Reference, including to the added responsibilities for Consents to land severance under Section 53 of the Planning Act;
  3. That Council approve the proposed amendments to the Fees & Charges By-law #7220-17 (as amended), to introduce new fees related to Consent applications; and,
  4. That Council approve an increase in the remuneration for Committee of Adjustment members from $65 (sitting member) and $75 (Chair), to $125 (sitting member) and $150 (Chair) effective February 1, 2024.
  Carried

5.4.2

PDP 02-24, Planning and Development (Planning Services) Department Report

Re: DEV-23-23: Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zoning By-law Amendment Applications, See Path Group Inc. c/o Sakmet Developments Inc., 780 Garden Street, File Number: DEV-23-23 (SW-2023-02, Z-07-23)

• Moved by Councillor Mulcahy
  1. That Council approve the Draft Plan of Subdivision (File No. SW-2023-02), subject to the comments included in Planning Report PDP 02-24 and the conditions of draft plan approval included in Attachment #11;
  2. That Staff be authorized to prepare a Subdivision Agreement;
  3. That the Clerk forward a Notice to those parties and agencies who requested to be notified of Council’s decision, including the Region of Durham’s Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development;
  4. That Council approve the amendment to Zoning By-law No. 2585 (File No. Z-07-23), as outlined in Planning Report No. PDP 02-24; and,
  5. That a By-law to amend Zoning By-law No. 2585 be brought forward for consideration by Council at such time as the subdivision receives Draft Approval and the Commissioner of Planning and Development has issued Site Plan Approval.
  Carried

5.5

New and Unfinished Business - Planning and Development

There was no new and unfinished business.

6.

General Government

6.1

Presentations

6.1.1

Lara Toman, Program Manager, Events, Culture & Tourism and Andria Louca, Tourism & Culture Coordinator (In-Person Attendance)

Re: CAO 01-24, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Tourism Strategy Update - January 2024

Refer to Item 6.4.1, CAO 01-24

Lara Toman and Andria Louca appeared before Committee and provided a presentation regarding the Tourism Strategy Update - January 2024. Highlights of the presentation included:

• background about the Tourism Strategy, noting that it is a four-year strategy approved in 2022; 
• the key objectives, goals, and action items included in the Tourism Strategy; 
• the opportunity for tourism to be a driver of economic growth; and, 
• accomplishments from 2023 and plans for 2024.

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee, Lara Toman and Andria Louca regarding:

• information about fishing charters that depart from the Port Whitby marina; 
• the number of visitors to the Port Whitby marina; 
• confirmation that visitors recorded in geofenced data spent a minimum of three hours in Whitby; 
• the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and the timeline to implement the MAT; 
• how the Town may differentiate itself from other municipalities by highlighting opportunities for nautical tourism, access to a world-class spa, and through the promotion of downtown small businesses including restaurants; 
• opportunities to sell Town-branded merchandise; 
• collaborating with the business community to identify how they may assist with promotion of the Town; and,
• how the MAT may be used to provide additional support for local businesses. 

6.2

Delegations

6.2.1

Chuck Thibeault, representing Central Counties Tourism (In-Person Attendance)

Re: CAO 01-24, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Tourism Strategy Update - January 2024

Refer to Item 6.4.1, CAO 01-24

Chuck Thibeault appeared before Committee and provided a presentation. Highlights of the presentation included:

• how Central Counties Tourism supports the Town and businesses in Whitby; 
• statistics about visitors to the Town including information about the economic impact of visitors; 
• how embracing tourism helps grow the community, supports businesses, attracts new residents, and makes the Town a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit; and, 
• the benefits of investing in tourism. 

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Chuck Thibeault regarding: 

• how visitors attending the Town for a specific purpose can be encouraged to spend money in other sectors of the community; 
• the importance of businesses working together to cross-promote each other and to generally promote the Town as a destination; 
• structuring the administration of Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) funds in a manner that allows for flexibility and a nimble response; and,
• the benefit of using the municipal portion of the MAT on larger-scale projects. 

It was the consensus of Committee to consider Item 6.4.1, CAO 01-24, at this time.

6.2.2

Paul Scott, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Marta Swirydowicz, LEAD Executive Assistant, Abilities Centre, and Lyndsay Aitken, Manager, Post-Rehabilitation, Abilities Centre (In-Person Attendance)

Re: Memorandum from H. Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator, dated October 13, 2023 re: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Request to Participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery Program

Refer to Item 6.3.1, Memorandum from H. Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator, dated October 13, 2023 re: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Request to Participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery Program

Marta Swirydowicz and Lyndsay Aitken appeared before Committee and provided a presentation regarding the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) Program. Highlights of the presentation included:

• details about the LEAD program, noting that it is a self-facilitated program; 
• how the LEAD program evaluates an organization's policies, strategies, strengths, and areas for improvement; 
• the program culminating in an individualized improvement plan for the organization; 
• positive impacts noted by participating organizations after having completed the LEAD program; 
• the time commitment associated with participating in the program; 
• organizations that have completed the LEAD program, including several municipalities; and, 
• confirmation that the program would be provided to the Town at no cost. 

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee, Marta Swirydowicz and Lyndsay Aitken regarding:

• the upcoming deadline for businesses in the Province to be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA); 
• the purpose of the regular check-ins by program facilitators during completion of the LEAD program; and, 
• confirmation that meeting the requirements of the AODA is the minimum standard and that organizations are encouraged to exceed AODA requirements. 

It was the consensus of Committee to consider Item 6.3.1, Memorandum from H. Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator, dated October 13, 2023 re: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Request to Participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery Program, at this time.

6.2.3

Thyagi DeLanerolle, Arlene Dias, and De-Anna Lamas, representing Durham Standard Condominium Corporation 301 (In-Person Attendance)

Re: CMS 01-24, Community Services Department Report

Waste Collection Services on Private Residential Property

Refer to Item 6.4.7, CMS 01-24

Thyagi DeLanerolle and Arlene Dias appeared before Committee and indicated that the homes located within Durham Standard Condominium Corporation (DSCC) 301 do not receive municipal garbage collection and rely on contracted services. Ms. DeLanerolle stated that the residents would like to receive municipal garbage collection and noted that the residents should be treated equally to other homes in the Town. Ms. DeLanerolle stated that the provision of municipal garbage collection is a matter of equality, environmental responsibility, and would foster a sense of community connectivity.

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee, Thyagi DeLanerolle and Arlene Dias regarding:

• the amount of money each condominium owner pays for private waste collection; 
• whether the condominium corporation would be willing to sign an indemnification agreement with the Town should municipal collection be provided; 
• penalties for the condominium corporation associated with breaking their current waste collection contract; and, 
• how the condominium corporation could educate residents in the condominium about the Town's waste collection program, should municipal collection be provided. 

It was the consensus of Committee to consider Item 6.4.7, CMS 01-24, at this time.

6.3

Correspondence

6.3.1

Memorandum from H. Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator, dated October 13, 2023 re: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Request to Participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery Program

A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding the time commitment associated with participating in the LEAD program, the impact of participating in the program on other priorities, and referring the matter to Staff to prepare a report to Council outlining the corporate impact of participating in the program.

• Moved by Councillor Shahid
  1. That the Memorandum from H. Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator, dated October 13, 2023 re: Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Request to Participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) Program, be received for information; and,
  2. That Staff be directed to participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) program for the Town of Whitby, in partnership with the Abilities Centre prior to the end of 2024. 

  See following motion.

  
  
• Moved by Councillor Leahy

  That the memorandum from H. Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator, dated October 13, 2023 regarding the Joint Accessibility Advisory and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee request to participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery Program be referred to Staff to report back on the opportunity to participate in this program given corporate resource constraints and commitments. 

  Carried

  It was the consensus of Committee to consider Item 6.2.3, delegation by Thyagi DeLanerolle, Arlene Dias, and De-Anna Lamas, representing Durham Standard Condominium Corporation 301, at this time.

  
  

6.3.2

Memorandum from C. Chrus, Manager, Creative Communities and L. Toman, Program Manager, Events, Culture and Tourism, dated December 15, 2023 re: Staff Response to Downtown Whitby BIA Letter regarding 2024 Street Event

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding:

• confirmation that the Special Event Strategy has an new Town event identified in 2025 with planning to occur in 2024; 
• budget concerns associated with planning and hosting a new Town event; and,
• the timelines associated with planning a new Town event and the need for the Town to support Downtown Whitby. 

• Moved by Mayor Roy

  Whereas Council appreciates the work and investment of the Downtown Whitby BIA and their request for a street event in Downtown Whitby to garner more exposure for local businesses and renew a sense of vitality into the downtown area; and,

  Whereas Council recognizes the request from the Downtown Whitby BIA to consider allocating funding for the inclusion of a street event in the 2024 budget and planning; and,

  Whereas Council has approved the Special Events Strategy 2022-2025 which outlines key actions the municipality shall undertake to support the planning, delivery, permitting, and implementation of a New Signature Event in the community including timelines; and,

  Whereas Council recognizes that staff are currently starting the business plan phase for the New Signature Event, inclusive of community engagement; and,

  Whereas Council understands that staff will be putting forward a budget request in 2024 to support the planning for the New Signature Event, subject to Council approval; and,

  Whereas Council understands that the New Signature Event will take place in 2025;

  Now Therefore it be Resolved:

  That further to the Downtown Whitby BIA’s request, Council direct staff to consider hosting the New Signature Event in Downtown Whitby in 2025 as part of the Special Events Strategy 2022-2025.

  Carried

6.3.3

Memorandum from K. Palilionis, Climate Change Coordinator, dated January 9, 2024 re: Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee's 2023-2026 Work Plan and 2023 Annual Report

• Moved by Councillor Lundquist

  That the Whitby Sustainability Advisory Committee's 2023 Annual Report be received for information.

  Carried

6.3.4

Memorandum from J. Romano, Commissioner, Community Services, dated January 12, 2024 re: 2024 Days of Significance for Proclamations

• Moved by Councillor Lundquist

  That the proclamations from January to December 2024 outlined in the Memorandum from J. Romano, Commissioner of Community Services, dated January 12, 2024, be endorsed.

  Carried

6.4

Staff Reports

6.4.1

CAO 01-24, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Re: Tourism Strategy Update - January 2024

• Moved by Mayor Roy

  That Report CAO 01-24, Tourism Strategy Update – January 2024, be received for information.

  Carried

  It was the consensus of Committee to consider Item 6.2.2, delegation by Paul Scott, Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Marta Swirydowicz, LEAD Executive Assistant, Abilities Centre, and Lyndsay Aitken, Manager, Post-Rehabilitation, Abilities Centre, at this time.

  
  

6.4.2

CAO 03-24, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Re: Public Art Policy

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding:

• the ability to use funds generated by the Municipal Accommodation Tax to support the Public Art Program Reserve; 
• requesting the inclusion of public art in new development applications; and,
• clarification about the differences between the new Public Art Policy and the former policy, noting the new policy contains detailed information about the process for choosing, procuring, and deaccessioning public art. 

• Moved by Mayor Roy
  1. That Council approves the Public Art Policy as presented in Report CAO 03-24 and as appended in Attachment 1;
  2. That the Public Art Policy, once approved, replace MS 040 Public Art Loan and Donation Policy; and,
  3. That Staff be directed to bring a report to Council for the establishment of a new discretionary program reserve fund, the Public Art Program Reserve Fund, in accordance with Report CAO 03-24.
  Carried

6.4.3

CAO 04-24, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Re: Economic Development Strategy Update

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding:

• clarification about which items have been removed from the Economic Development Strategy; 
• confirmation that action items assigned to Economic Development Staff through the Community Strategic Plan has required a re-evaluation of priorities in the Economic Development Strategy in consideration of Staff capacity; 
• challenges currently faced by businesses, including employee retention; 
• hosting a community job fair to assist businesses with hiring challenges; 
• working with the business community to help grow home-based businesses into retail locations; and, 
• removal of the BIPOC fellowship program pilot to balance priorities in the Economic Development Strategy, noting that funding was not received for the program. 

• Moved by Mayor Roy
  1. That Report CAO 04-24 be received for information; and,
  2. That the updates described herein be consolidated into an updated Economic Development Strategy.
  Carried

6.4.4

CAO 02-24, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer Report

Re: Community Strategic Plan 2023 Progress Report

A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding the status of the action items included in the Community Strategic Plan and how budget approval will affect whether Staff will be able to continue to advance certain action items.

• Moved by Mayor Roy

  That Report CAO 02-24 be received for information.

  Carried

6.4.5

CLK 01-24, Office of the Town Clerk Report

Re: Ward Town Hall Meetings Policy

• Moved by Councillor Lundquist

  That Council approve the Ward Town Hall Meetings Policy appended to Report CLK 01-24 as Attachment 1.

  Carried

6.4.6

CLK 02-24, Office of the Town Clerk Report

Re: Council Participation at Community Events Protocol and Attendance Guidelines Policy

See also Memorandum from C. Harris, Town Clerk, dated January 15, 2024 re: Council Resolution #183-23 re: Council Attendance at Business Openings

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding:

• how the policy serves as a protocol document for Council, governing the capacity in which Members of Council may attend events; 
• opportunities to develop an online request form for community events and business openings to complement the policy; 
• clarification about when and how Members of Council may represent the Town at events; 
• how facade grant unveilings will be handled and advising Council about this matter prior to the January 29, 2024 Regular Council meeting; 
• confirmation that private events within the community are not governed by the policy; and,
• the need for the policy to help clarify that the Mayor or all Members of Council may be invited to attend community events, as opposed to only a few or select Members of Council. 

• Moved by Mayor Roy

  That Council approve the Council Participation at Community Events Protocol and Guidelines Policy appended to Report CLK 02-24 as Attachment 1.

  Carried

6.4.7

CMS 01-24, Community Services Department Report

Re: Waste Collection Services on Private Residential Property

A question and answer period ensued between Members of Committee and Staff regarding:

• how demand for municipal waste collection on private property would continue to grow given intensified development in the Town; 
• the purpose of the Technical and Risk Management Guidelines and how they would be used to identify private properties that are suitable for municipal waste collection; 
• clarification that the Town is unable to charge an additional levy for municipal waste collection and is therefor unable to service higher-risk sites due to insurance costs; 
• confirmation that Staff will reach out to private properties that may potentially participate in municipal waste collection to gauge their interest, prior to consideration of the 2024 budget;
• Planning & Development Staff encouraging developers to build developments that meet the Technical and Risk Management Guidelines for municipal waste collection; and, 
• confirmation that condominium agreements include provisions noting whether waste collection is a municipal or private responsibility.

• Moved by Mayor Roy
  1. That Report CMS 01-24 be received for information;
  2. That NUB Item GG 0008 – “Staff report to Council on townhouses, multi-residential and other properties that are not currently serviced for waste collection by the Town of Whitby and report on the feasibility and cost implications of including these properties in the Town's waste collection service to ensure that there are no gaps with respect to the implementation of upcoming extended producer responsibility legislation” be removed from the New and Unfinished Business Listing; and, 
  3. That Staff be directed to include waste collection for private multi-residential and town home locations, through the use of Town Staff or other form, along with approval of the associated Draft Technical and Risk Management Guidelines for Waste Collection Services on Private Residential Property as a decision item in the 2024 budget process.
  Carried

  It was the consensus of Committee to consider Item 6.3.2, Memorandum from C. Chrus, Manager, Creative Communities and L. Toman, Program Manager, Events, Culture and Tourism, dated December 15, 2023 re: Staff Response to Downtown Whitby BIA Letter regarding 2024 Street Event, at this time.

  
  

6.4.8

LS 01-24, Legal and Enforcement Services Department Report

Re: Transfer of Portion of Old Lake Ridge Road from Regional Municipality of Durham to Town of Whitby, Boundary Road Agreement between Town of Whitby and Town of Ajax and transfer of a Portion of Lake Ridge Road to the Regional Municipality of Durham

Note: This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

6.5

New and Unfinished Business - General Government

There was no discussion regarding the New and Unfinished Business List - General Government.

6.5.1

Request to the Province to Temporarily Remove Tolls on Highway 407 in Durham Region

Moved by Councillor Mulcahy

Councillor Mulcahy introduced a motion requesting the Province to temporarily remove tolls on Highway 407 in Durham Region, noting the potential traffic impacts to residents in Brooklin due to the planned construction work to widen Winchester Road. She indicated that temporarily waiving Highway 407 tolls in Durham Region would help to alleviate traffic impacts during construction and indicated that the motion was time sensitive, with construction planned to begin in the summer of 2024.

• Moved by Councillor Mulcahy

  Whereas Highway 407 from Brock Road (Regional Road 1) in Pickering to Highway 35/115 is provincially owned and tolls are set by the province; and,

  Whereas planned Regional road construction work to widen Winchester Road (Regional Road 3) from Anderson Street to Baldwin Street (Regional Highway 12) will necessitate reducing Winchester Road to one lane of traffic in one direction over an expected two construction seasons impacting travel times for residents and businesses; and,

  Whereas the temporary removal of tolls on Highway 407 during Winchester Road construction work would improve overall travel times and alleviate the traffic impacts on surrounding Regional and local municipal roads.

  Now therefore, be it resolved:

  1. That the Province be requested to temporarily remove tolls on Highway 407 in Durham Region during the duration of the planned Winchester Road construction work; and,
  2. That a copy of this request be sent to all Durham local area municipalities, Durham MPPs, and the Minister of Transportation.
  Carried

6.5.2

Review of the Procedure By-law

Note: This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

6.5.3

Social and Economic Prosperity Review

Moved by Councillor Mulcahy

Councillor Mulcahy introduced a motion regarding the need for the Province to undertake a social and economic prosperity review regarding municipal finances. Councillor Mulcahy noted the budget constraints facing the Town, the small portion of tax dollars provided to municipalities in consideration of the services provided, the need for financial support from the Province, and the importance of helping the Association of Municipalities of Ontario advance this matter.

• Moved by Councillor Mulcahy

  Whereas current provincial-municipal fiscal arrangements are undermining Ontario’s economic prosperity and quality of life; and, 

  Whereas nearly a third of municipal spending in Ontario is for services in areas of provincial responsibility and expenditures are outpacing provincial contributions by nearly $4 billion a year; and, 

  Whereas municipal revenues, such as property taxes, do not grow with the economy or inflation; and, 

  Whereas unprecedented population and housing growth will require significant investments in municipal infrastructure; and, 

  Whereas municipalities are being asked to take on complex health and social challenges – like homelessness, supporting asylum seekers and addressing the mental health and addictions crises; and, 

  Whereas inflation, rising interest rates, and provincial policy decisions are sharply constraining municipal fiscal capacity; and, 

  Whereas property taxpayers – including people on fixed incomes and small businesses – can’t afford to subsidize income re-distribution programs for those most in need; and, 

  Whereas the province can, and should, invest more in the prosperity of communities; and, 

  Whereas municipalities and the provincial government have a strong history of collaboration.

  Now therefore, be it resolved: 

  1. That the Province of Ontario commit to undertaking with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review to promote the stability and sustainability of municipal finances across Ontario; and,
  2. That a copy of this resolution be circulated to Premier Doug Ford, Durham area MPPs, Durham area municipalities, the Region of Durham, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
  Carried

6.5.4

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process

• Moved by Councillor Yamada

  That Committee suspend the rules of procedure to allow the introduction of a motion regarding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment process.

  Carried on a Two Thirds Vote

  Councillor Yamada introduced a motion regarding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Repayment Process noting the hardships currently facing small businesses and the potential impact to the economy if small businesses are unable to make payments on their CEBA loans. He noted that this is a time sensitive matter as outstanding loans begin accruing interest and lose the forgivable portion of loans as of January 19, 2024.

  Councillor Lee declared a conflict of interest regarding this Item, noting that he received a CEBA loan and had since repaid the loan amount. Councillor Lee did not take part in the discussion or voting regarding this Item.

  
  
• Moved by Councillor Yamada

  Whereas the repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness of up to 33 percent was extended from December 31, 2023, to January 18, 2024; and, 

  Whereas in conversations with the Federal Government, the President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), Dan Kelly states that with over 900,000 small businesses holding CEBA loans and 22% not in a position to repay currently, the decision not to extend the deadline has huge implications for Canada’s economy; and,

  Whereas the CFIB has been flooded with calls from panicked small business owners who are struggling to repay their loans and getting inconsistent answers and little help from the Federal Government and banks; and,

  Whereas as of January 19, 2024, outstanding loans, including those that are captured by the refinancing extension, will convert to three-year term loans, subject to interest of five per cent per annum, with the term loan repayment date extended by an additional year from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026.

  Now therefore, be it resolved:

  1. That the Town of Whitby urgently ask the Federal Government to provide small businesses with an additional year to repay their loan to keep the forgivable portion without any penalties; and,
  2. That a copy of this motion and a letter outlining the request be sent to Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Minister Valdez, Minister of Small Business, Pierre Poilievre, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, The Leaders of the NDP, Bloc Quebecois and Green Party and all Durham Region MPs.
  Carried

7.

Adjournment

• Moved by Councillor Cardwell

  That the meeting adjourn.

  Carried

  The meeting adjourned at 10:33 p.m.