CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, Brantford City Hall

58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford

This meeting will be held in a hybrid meeting format (virtual and in-person). To view the livestream of the meeting, visit: http://brantford.ca/VirtualCouncil. Register to attend in-person as a delegate by visiting: https://form.brantford.ca/Your-Government/Delegation-Request-Form. Register to appear virtually as a delegation by visiting: https://calendar.brantford.ca/meetings. Members of the public seeking to attend in person without participating are not required to register.

If technical difficulties arise out of the livestream and the livestream becomes unavailable; members of the public can observe the meeting by calling 1-855-703-8985 or 1-647-374-4685 and entering the Meeting ID: 937 1911 5972

Alternative formats and communication supports available upon request. For more information, please contact the City of Brantford Municipal Accessibility Coordinator at [phone] or by email at .

 

---

1.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

2.

INVOCATION

3.

ROLL CALL

4.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

5.

SEPARATION OF ITEMS IN COMMITTEE REPORTS FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES

6.

STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETINGS

6.1

Application for Cancellation, Reduction and Refund of Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001; or the Increase of Taxes under Section 359. [Financial Impact - $31,672.52] (Report 2023-527)

• 1. THAT report 2023-527 titled Application for Cancellation, Reduction and Refund of Taxes under Sections 357 and 358 of the Municipal Act, 2001; or the Increase of Taxes under Section 359 BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT the tax adjustments in the amount of $46,477.85 as identified in Appendix A of report 2023-527 BE APPROVED.

7.

RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENTS

8.

PROCLAMATIONS

8.1

Test Your Smoke Alarm Day - Thursday, September 28, 2023

• WHEREAS the City of Brantford is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting Brantford; and

  WHEREAS fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and

  WHEREAS 133 Ontarians lost their lives due to home fire-related incidents last year; and

  WHEREAS residents may have less than two minutes to escape a fire in today’s homes in Ontario; and

  WHEREAS working smoke alarms are instrumental in providing early notification to residents of a fire emergency; and

  WHEREAS Brantford residents should plan and practice their home fire escape with all members of their household; and

  WHEREAS Brantford Fire’s first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and

  WHEREAS the inaugural 2023 Test Your Smoke Alarm Day theme, “Saved by the Beep” effectively serves to encourage us to learn more about smoke alarms, fire safety and home fire escape planning in avoiding fatality due to fire;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brantford HEREBY PROCLAIMS Thursday, September 28, 2023 as “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day” in the City of Brantford and urges all citizens to protect themselves and their loved ones by testing their smoke alarms.

8.2

Fire Prevention Week - October 8-14, 2023

• WHEREAS the City of Brantford is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting Brantford; and

  WHEREAS fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and homes are the locations where people are at greatest risk from fire; and

  WHEREAS Brantford first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through fire safety education surrounding the principles of prevention, detection and escape; and

  WHEREAS cooking is the leading cause of home fires in Ontario; and

  WHEREAS many of these cooking-related home fires result from unattended cooking; and

  WHEREAS Brantford residents should turn pot handles toward the back of the stove; always keep a lid nearby when cooking; keep a three-foot kid-free zone around the stove, oven, and other things that could get hot; watch what they heat; and set a timer to remind them that they are cooking; and

  WHEREAS the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme TM, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention^TM,” effectively serves to remind us to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Council of The Corporation of the City of Brantford HEREBY PROCLAIMS October 8 to October 14, 2023, as "Fire Prevention Week", and urge all the residents of the City of Brantford to check their kitchens for fire hazards and use safe cooking practices during Fire Prevention Week 2023, and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of the Brantford Fire Department.

8.3

PROBUS Month - October

• WHEREAS PROBUS is a local, national, and international association of retired and semi-retired people who come together to meet others in similar circumstances, to make new friends, and to maintain and expand their interests; and

  WHEREAS the purpose of the PROBUS CANADA Clubs is to provide regular meetings, guest speakers, programs, and activities for its members; and

  WHEREAS presently there are 4 active PROBUS clubs in the City of Brantford; and

  WHEREAS PROBUS Clubs are strictly social clubs, that are non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit and non-charitable; and

  WHEREAS Brantford encourages and supports the development of fraternal associations, service clubs and other voluntary associations.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOVED THAT, the Council of The Corporation of the City of Brantford HEREBY PROCLAIMS October 2023 as “PROBUS Month” in the City of Brantford.

8.4

2023 Senior's Day - October 1, 2023

• WHEREAS Sunday, October 1, 2023 is National Seniors Day; and

  WHEREAS Age-Friendly planning was adopted as a fundamental strategic action to ensure a high quality of life for all citizens; and

  WHEREAS social inclusion, social participation and civic engagement were identified as priorities in Healthy Aging: the City of Brantford’s Age-Friendly Strategy; and

  WHEREAS The City of Brantford’s Healthy Aging Campaign aims to provide opportunities to support participation in social, recreational, and educational activities; and

  WHEREAS as part of the Healthy Aging Campaign, The City of Brantford will be hosting the Let’s Get Moving Series events during the month of October; and

  WHEREAS in celebration of National Seniors Day, the Grand River Council Aging and the CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) Brantford Chapter will be holding a Flag Raising Ceremony at Harmony Square on Friday September 29, 2023 at 1:00pm.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of  The Corporation of the City of Brantford HEREBY PROCLAIMS October 1, 2023 as “National Seniors Day” in the City of Brantford.

8.5

Canadian Library Month - October Ontario Public Library Week - October 16-20, 2023

• WHEREAS Public libraries play a vital role in helping Canadians of all ages access digital and physical information and tools that enhance their personal and professional lives; and

  WHEREAS Public libraries help Canadians develop the skills required to find and evaluate information in order to adapt and succeed in a knowledge-based economy; and

  WHEREAS Public libraries facilitate community connections and provide safe spaces for all members of the community;WHEREAS Public libraries enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, and help ensure that diverse cultures continue to flourish and thrive;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brantford HEREBY PROCLAIMS October as “Canadian Library Month” and October 16 to 20, 2023 as “Ontario Public Library Week” and encourages all residents of Brantford to discover and use the services that the Brantford Public Library offers to the community.

8.6

Islamic History and Heritage Month - October

• WHEREAS The City of Brantford’s identity is defined by its people who comes from all parts of the world, bringing with them their rich customs and traditions that contribute to multicultural fabric of our society and enhance our city’s social, economic and civic spheres; and

  WHEREAS Islamic cultural heritage has been part of Canadian history dating back to mid-19th century and Brantford’s history dating back to early 20th century, and has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of humanity in numerous fields of endeavour; and

  WHEREAS The contributions of Islamic civilization to the arts, sciences, medicine, architecture, humanities, music, and other areas of human knowledge have enriched the world; and

  WHEREAS Islamic History & Heritage month offers a unique opportunity to recognize these contributions to the diversity of the city of Brantford’s vibrant and dynamic cultural mosaic; and

  WHEREAS Islamic History & Heritage month is important to fostering greater understanding, acceptance and social cohesion among people of all faiths and cultures; and

  WHEREAS The City of Brantford encourages the promotion of intercultural understanding, mutual respect and universal acceptance of our city’s cultural diversity;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brantford hereby PROCLAIMS October as "Islamic History and Heritage Month" in The City of Brantford.

8.7

National Disability Employment Awareness Month - October

• WHEREAS in In 2010, the Mayor's Challenge was launched in Ontario to ask Mayors, Councils and Administrations to "Do the Right Thing" and hire people with a disability as part of their workforce; and

  WHEREAS in 2016, following the success of the Mayor's Challenge, the message was changed to "Do the Smart Thing" asking Mayors to include community members with a disability in the hiring of employees; and

  WHEREAS in 2021, the Mayor's Challenge was re-activated in conjunction with the NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) Light It Up! For NDEAM Event, a nationwide campaign encouraging City Halls, government facilities and landmarks to light it up for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The event sparked conversations about the business benefits and economic importance of disability-inclusive employment; and

  WHEREAS the City of Brantford values the contributions of all citizens, and considers accessibility for ALL to be a guiding value; and

  WHEREAS the City of Brantford is proud to declare and light up City Hall in recognition of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month every October;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brantford HEREBY PROCLAIMS October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Brantford City Hall will be lit purple and blue in recognition of this campaign from October 19th to October 31st annually.

9.

PRESENTATIONS/DELEGATIONS [list, if any, available at meeting]

10.

CLERK’S REPORT ON COMMUNICATIONS

10.1

Clerk's Report on Communications for September 2023

• THAT the Clerk’s Report on Communication for September 2023 BE RECEIVED.

11.

MINUTES

11.1

City Council - August 29, 2023

11.2

Special City Council - August 29, 2023

11.3

Special City Council - Private and Confidential - August 29, 2023

11.4

John Noble Home Committee of Management - June 14, 2023

11.5

John Noble Home Committee of Management - Private and Confidential - June 14, 2023

11.6

John Noble Home Committee of Management - September 13, 2023

11.7

John Noble Home Committee of Management - Private and Confidential - September 13, 2023

12.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

12.1

Committee of the Whole - Operations Report #2023-09-05

12.1.1

Re-Establishment of the Joint City-County Shared Services Committee, 2023-564

12.1.2

The City of Brantford supports the Brantford Red IBL Baseball Team - DEFERRAL

12.1.3

SC Johnson Resolution Support – Mayor Davis

12.2

Social Services Committee - Report #2023-09-06

12.2.1

2024 Shared Services Budget [Financial Impact – $18,431,921 Operating Budget, $25,586,000 Capital Budget], 2023-424

12.2.2

Appointment of Administrator for Ontario Works Brant [Financial Impact: None], 2023-649

12.2.3

Ontario Works Administrative Funding [Financial Impact: None], 2023-497

12.2.4

Electronic Document Management Services for Ontario Works: Non-Competitive Procurement [Financial Impact: $162 000], 2023-508

12.2.5

Update to the Housing Services Act, 2011: Use of Household Income Limits to Determine Rent-Geared-To-Income Eligibility [Financial Impact: None], 2023-469

12.3

Committee of the Whole - Planning and Administration Report #2023-09-12

12.3.1

Mid-Year Council Priorities Update [Financial Impact: $70, 000], 2023-493

12.3.2

Proposed Downtown Façade & Safety Improvement Grant Program [Financial Impact – None], 2023-464

12.3.3

Recommendation to Add 53 Charlotte Street (the Crystal Cottage) to the Brantford Heritage Register as a Listed Property [Financial Impact: None], 2023-546

12.3.4

Proposed Heritage Attribute Removal at 135 Sydenham Street, a Property Designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act – Application HD-01-23 [Financial Impact – None], 2023-530

12.3.5

Lease Renewal - Centreline Physio, Sports and Wellness Inc. [Financial Impact: $111,295.80], 2023-484

12.3.6

Update to Closing and Conveyance – Pipe Street [Financial Impact: None], 2023-563

12.3.7

Municipal Accommodation Revenue Tool Tax Force Report #2023-08-22

12.4

Finance Committee - Report #2023-09-13

12.4.1

Review Finance Policy 010 – Use of Casino Funds and 2nd Quarter Casino Update [Financial Impact – $1,379,904 revenue], 2023-297

12.4.2

2023 Capacities on Designated Public Institutions – Financial Impact [$7,800 surplus for 2023], 2023-482

12.4.3

2023 2nd Quarter Variance Report [Financial Impact – Estimated $702,836 Deficit], 2023-540

12.4.4

Amend Fees and Charges By-law 30-2023 - Early Approval of 2024 - 2027 Fees - 2023-479

12.4.5

Appointment of External Auditors for The City of Brantford [Financial Impact - $69,000 (City Only)], 2023-334

12.4.6

Quarterly Reserve and Reserve Fund Update [Financial Impact – None], 2023-470

12.4.7

Quarterly Status Report of Contracts Awarded [Financial Impact – None], 2023-473

12.4.8

Treasurer’s Semi-Annual Investment Report for 2023 [Financial Impact – None], 2023-520

12.5

Planning Committee - Report #2023-09-14

12.5.1

Official Plan Amendment OP-04-23 and Zoning By-law Amendment PZ-13-23 – Catholic High School – Powerline Road [Financial Impact – None], 2023-556

12.5.2

Zoning By-law Amendment – PZ-09-23 – 344 Elgin Street [Financial Implications: None], 2023-504

12.5.3

Zoning By-law Amendment PZ-26-22 and Draft Plan of Subdivision 29T-22505 - Lot 226, Registered Plan 1775 Donegal Drive [Financial Impact – None], 2023-404  - REFERRAL

12.5.4

Draft Plan of Subdivision 29T-23502 [Financial Impact – None], 2023-514

12.6

Special Committee of the Whole Report #2023-09-07

12.6.1

New sports and entertainment facility for the City of Brantford [Financial Impact: $0], 2023-574

13.

URGENT REPORTS

13.1

PW-ENG Civic Centre HVAC System Budget Update [Financial Impact: $750,000], 2023-592

• 1. THAT Staff Report 2023-592, Civic Centre HVAC System Budget Update, BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT the additional budget requirement of $750,000 for the installation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at the Brantford Civic Centre BE FUNDED from the Casino Legacy Reserve (RF0555).

14.

RESOLUTIONS

15.

NOTICES OF MOTION

15.1

Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence - Councillor Sicoli

WHEREAS More than 46 municipalities and regions including the Cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Burlington, Windsor and London, along with Peel, Durham and Halton Regions, Lanark County, and Renfrew County) across Ontario have declared a gender-based violence and/or intimate partner violence epidemic; and

WHEREAS by declaring gender-based violence and intimate partner violence an epidemic, The City of Brantford can join the growing number of municipalities and regions in Canada in demanding action from all levels of government to address this growing epidemic; anD

WHEREAS the incidences of gender-based violence and intimate partner violence increased exponentially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have not decreased, while funding to provide the growing demand of services and support for victims and survivors of intimate partner and gender based violence has not kept pace; and

WHEREAS The City of Brantford had the highest number of police reports for Intimate Partner Violence in Ontario, and the 4th highest municipality in Canada; and

WHEREAS The Crisis hotline calls are up 600% from previous, and the funding and volunteerism is at an all time low.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

1. THAT The City of Brantford Council DECLARE Gender-based violence and Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in the City of Brantford; and
2. THAT The City of Brantford Council RECOMMEND that gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence be declared an epidemic in the Province of Ontario; and
3. THAT The City of Brantford Council REQUEST that Femicide be added as a term to the Criminal Code of Canada and state its position to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General Canada, and the Prime Minister of Canada; and
4. THAT The City of Brantford Council REQUEST that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and all municipalities and regions in Ontario declare a gender-based and intimate partner violence epidemic across the country; and
5. THAT The City of Brantford REQUEST that the provincial and federal governments rightfully declare intimate partner and gender-based violence an epidemic and enact the additional 85 recommendations from the inquest into the 2015 murders of Carol Culleton, Anastasia Kuzyk and Nathalie Warmerdam in Renfrew County, Ontario, which provide a roadmap to preventing intimate partner violence from escalating to femicide; and
6. THAT The City of Brantford REQUEST that the provincial and federal governments provide the necessary support to municipalities, regions and their emergency and social services to meaningfully address the gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence epidemic; and
7. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to consult with community organizations in the development of a Community IPV Action Plan, to be provided to City Council prior to March 31 2024, and that this plan include:

1. 1. Input from community organizations regarding needed resources to address the local IPV epidemic
   2. Community-wide awareness campaign to highlight local IPV impacts and available supports
   3. Evidence-based approaches to engage and support youth who at risk of experiencing or committing IVP
   4. Opportunities for Brantford City Council to support and advocate for community organizations that are addressing this epidemic

15.2

Review of Mandatory Treatment Programs, Correction Facilities and Legislation - Councillor VanTilborg

WHEREAS addressing the incidence and impact of homelessness is a priority of Brantford City Council; and

WHEREAS the City is taking a number of steps to enhance programs to support homeless individuals including warming and cooling centres, increased encampment response, access to washrooms and hygiene stations, health care partnerships, and homeless shelter services; and

WHEREAS local organizations continue to develop innovative and collaborative solutions to support individuals and families; and

WHEREAS the causes of homelessness can be complex and unique, with one of the primary causes being undiagnosed and / or untreated mental health and addiction issues; and

WHEREAS homelessness shelters cannot provide the level of care needed by individuals experiencing acute and / or chronic mental health or addictions challenges; and

WHEREAS individuals experiencing untreated or undiagnosed acute and / or chronic mental health or addictions challenges are at higher risk to themselves and other members of the community; and

WHEREAS every individual deserves the opportunity for treatment and recovery; and

WHEREAS mandatory treatment options can be effective for individuals experiencing cognitive challenges that are a barrier to self-initiated treatment; and

WHEREAS over the past 20 years, changes to legislation have restricted the use of mandatory treatment, even when requested by health care professionals, police, court officials or family members; and

WHEREAS past practices within mandatory treatment centres were identified as harmful to individuals, new advances in the understanding, treatment and root cause of mental health and addiction represents an opportunity to review current treatment options; and

WHEREAS institutions like the former Burtch Institution provided greater deterrence and accountability for minor offences, the nature of which are and have been on the rise in Brantford for some time,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT REVOLVED:

1. THAT The Brantford City Council REQUEST that the Ministry of the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care, review the Mental Health Act, 1990 and the Health Care Consent Act to determine options for effective and compassionate mandatory treatment for individuals who cannot receive proper care through non-mandatory treatment regimes, and that this review include a comprehensive consultation with the Association of Municipalities or Ontario; and
2. THAT The Brantford City Council REQUEST that the Ministry of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Relations create an institution similar to the former Burtch Institution in the Brantford area to provide the necessary deterrence and accountability for crime in the community; and
3. THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General, the Honourable Stan Cho, the Minister of Long Term Care, the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health and the Minster of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honourable Dominic Leblanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Relations, AMO and OBCM.

16.

BY-LAWS

17.

ADJOURNMENT