COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION
AGENDA

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

6:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, Brantford City Hall

58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford

This meeting will be held in a hybrid format (virtual and in-person). To view the livestream of the meeting, please visit the City of Brantford YouTube page. A request to delegate can be completed by visiting the City’s webpage Speaking at a Council Meeting.

To listen to the meeting over the phone, please call 1-647-374-4685 and enter the Meeting ID 991 5102 9862 or join via Zoom Meetings.

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

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1.

Invocation

2.

Roll Call

3.

Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

4.

Separation of Items for Consideration and Consent Items for Discussion Purposes

5.

Statutory Public Meetings

5.1

Amendments to the Downtown and Greyfields Community Improvement Plans to Introduce Incentives for the Adaptive Reuse of Historic Properties (Files DCIP-01-25 and GCIP-01-25) [Financial Impact: None], 2025-44

• 1. THAT Report 2025-44, titled “Amendments to the Downtown and Greyfields Community Improvement Plans to Introduce Incentives for the Adaptive Reuse of Historic Properties (Files DCIP-01-25 and GCIP-01-25)”, BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT Amendment No. 2 to the Downtown Community Improvement Plan BE ADOPTED, and the implementing By-law, attached as Appendix A to Report 2025-44, BE APPROVED; and
  3. THAT Amendment No. 1 to the Greyfields Community Improvement Plan BE Adopted, and the implementing By-law, attached as Appendix B to Report 2025-44, BE APPROVED; and
  4. THAT pursuant to subsection 17(23.1) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.13, the following statement SHALL BE INCLUDED in the Notice of Adoption: “Regard has been had for all written and oral submission received from the public before the decision was made in relation to this planning matter”.

6.

Delegations/Presentations

6.1

Delegations

6.2

Presentations

7.

Items for Consideration/Consent

7.1

Items for Consideration

7.1.1

Animal Control - Request for Extension to Current Contract [Financial Impact: None], 2025-145

• 1. THAT Report 2025-145 regarding an extension to the current animal control contract BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to extend the current Animal Control Contract for up to two years (one year extension with the option of a second year if construction is not completed) past the expiration date (June 2025).
  3. THAT the Commissioner of Planning and Development and the Manager of Purchasing BE AUTHORIZED to execute any renewal agreements with Hillside Kennels Animal Control and any amendments thereto related to animal control services.

7.1.2

Non-competitive Procurement of the 2025-2028 Corporate Insurance Policy [Financial Impact ($1,922,606.00 Savings for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)], 2025-157

• 1. THAT Report 2025-157 Titled “Non-competitive Procurement of the 2025-2029 Corporate Insurance Policy” BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to negotiate the non-competitive procurement of the City’s corporate insurance policies for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 with Intact Public Entities (IPE) to an upset limit of $3,223,800.00; and
  3. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to enter into an agreement with IPE to renew the City’s corporate insurance policies with IPE for the policy terms July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 and July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028 with a City option for the policy term July 1, 2028 – June 30, 2029; and
  4. THAT the necessary contracts, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor or delegate, between The Corporation of the City of Brantford and IPE BE SIGNED by the Commissioner of Corporate Services or Manager of Purchasing or their respective delegates.

7.1.3

Deaccessioning of Art at Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition [Financial Impact: None], 2025-101

• 1. THAT Report No. 2025-101 Deaccessioning of Art at Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Recognition BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT Staff BE DIRECTED to remove the art piece titled “Welcome Sculpture” from the Sports Hall.

7.1.4

Recommendations for Brant War Memorial, Alexandra Park Cannon, and Application HD-01-25 for the Jubilee Terrace Park Field Howitzer Cannon [Financial Impact: $15,000], 2025-11

• 1. THAT Report 2025-11 regarding “Recommendations for Brant War Memorial, Alexandra Park Cannon, and Application HD-01-25 for the Jubilee Terrace Park Field Howitzer” BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to deaccession the German Field Howitzer and the Alexander Park Cannon from the City’s Public Art Collection; and
  3. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to donate these war trophies to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum to be preserved and displayed indoors; and
  4. THAT up to $15,000 BE FUNDED from the Public Art Reserve to cover the costs of moving the two cannons to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum; and
  5. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to inscribe the missing names of the fallen for the Brant War Memorial by Remembrance Day 2025; and
  6. THAT Application HD-01-25 for Jubilee Terrace Park, to remove a heritage attribute from a designated heritage property, BE APPROVED; and
  7. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to complete the process set out in the Ontario Heritage Act with respect to Council’s decision on Application HD-01-25 for Jubilee Terrace Park.

7.1.5

Economic Development, Tourism, and Cultural Initiatives Advisory Committee Report #2025-02-26

• 1. THAT Report No. 2025-107 regarding Updates to the Public Art Policy (Corporate-035), BE RECEIVED; and
  2. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to amend the Downtown CIP and Greyfields CIP to incorporate Public Art into the existing tax increment grant programs; and
  3. THAT the necessary By-laws to AMEND Corporate Policy-035, Public Art Policy, and Chapter 478 of the Brantford Municipal Code, Signs - Outdoor Other Advertising Devices, BE PRESENTED to City Council for Adoption.

7.2

Consent Items

7.2.1

Sport Tourism Strategy (2019) Implementation Update [Financial Impact: None], 2025-21

• THAT Staff Report 2025-21 regarding the Sport Tourism Strategy (2019-2029) Implementation Update BE RECEIVED.

7.2.2

Minutes

7.2.2.1

Combined Committee of the Whole - Operations & Planning and Administration - February 11, 2025

7.2.2.2

Economic Development, Tourism and Cultural Initiatives Advisory Committee - January 29, 2025

8.

Resolutions

8.1

Declaration of a Food Insecurity Emergency in the City of Brantford - Councillor Samwell

• WHEREAS food insecurity refers to the inability to obtain sufficient nutritious food due to financial constraints or other barriers, and poses a serious public health risk due to its association with higher rates of diseases and chronic health conditions; and

  WHEREAS according to the 2024 Vital Signs Report, 1 in 6 Brantford area households experienced food insecurity in 2023; and

  WHEREAS the primary cause of food insecurity is the lack of sufficient income to obtain food, housing and other basic needs; and

  WHEREAS the City of Brantford provides support to low-income households through the administration of Ontario Works, homelessness programs, affordable housing programs, child care subsidy, and funding to school nutrition and emergency meal programs; and

  WHEREAS a wide range of community agencies, service providers and faith groups are working to provide food and basic needs to Brantford residents including the Brantford Food Bank, Soup for the Soul, Brant Food for Thought, St. Vincent de Paul, Child Hunger Brant, and the Salvation Army, just to name a few; and

  WHEREAS many Brantford residents rely upon provincial and federal income programs including Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Old Age Security (OAS), Employment Insurance (EI), and Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS); and

  WHEREAS the income provided through provincial and federal programs has not kept up with rising costs of food, housing and other basic needs; and

  WHEREAS social assistance rates for Ontario Works recipients have been frozen since 2018, with no increase or inflation-based adjustment despite the increased costs of living; and

  WHEREAS the maximum single person monthly Ontario Works benefit for basic needs is $343 and $390 for shelter, totaling $733 per month; and

  WHEREAS the CMHC Average Market Rent (AMR) for a bachelor apartment in Brantford is $984 and for a one bedroom is $1,215; and

  WHEREAS food banks and food programs, once thought to be a temporary support to people experiencing food insecurity, are now an ongoing part of the social safety net for many families; and

  WHEREAS the number of individuals using the Brantford Food Bank has increased by 86% over the past four years, from 5,543 unique individuals in 2021, to 10,332 unique individuals in 2024, with 34% of those supported being children.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

  1. THAT Brantford City Council declare a food insecurity emergency in the City of Brantford
  2. THAT the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada BE REQUESTED, in accordance with their respective mandates, to:
     1. Increase the rates of income support programs to ensure they are adequate to address the basic needs of individuals and families; and
     2. Increase direct funding to local organizations providing food and other basic needs to families; and
     3. Increase funding to school nutrition programs, and commit to expanding school nutrition programs; and
     4. Increase investment is affordable housing solutions; and
     5. Act to address the causes of food insecurity by establishing a Guaranteed Livable Basic Income; and
     6. Review the feasibility of additional income support measures, including the Groceries and Essentials Benefit and increases to minimum wage; and
     7. Include the reduction of food insecurity as a component of all appropriate government policies; and
  3. THAT a copy of this Resolution BE FORWARDED to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Federation of Municipalities of Canada (FCM), Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA), all Ontario Municipalities, Member of Provincial Parliament Brantford-Brant, Member of Parliament Brantford-Brant, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, M.P., Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, M.P, Yves-Francois Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Québécois, M.P. Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Premier Doug Ford, M.P.P. Marit Stiles, Leader of the New Democratic Party of Ontario, Bonnie Crombie, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, M.P.P. Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, the Ontario Public School Boards Association, and the Canadian School Boards Association.

8.2

Enhancing Facility Rental Terms of Use - Councillor Van Tilborg

• WHEREAS the Brantford Minor Hockey Association’s U15 99ers team is under investigation for serious allegations of bullying, including disturbing messages involving acts of violence; and

  WHEREAS this investigation is being conducted by an Independent Third Party (ITP), a fully independent group of experts appointed to handle all Hockey Canada maltreatment complaints; and

  WHEREAS such investigations typically take between 113 and 136 days to conclude; and

  WHEREAS the City of Brantford is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all employees and patrons; and

  WHEREAS the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre’s Facility Terms and Conditions explicitly prohibit unacceptable behavior, including the use of profanity, discriminatory statements, harassment, or threats as outlined in section 264.1 of the Criminal Code;

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff be DIRECTED to collaborate with investigators and REPORT back to Council with recommendations to strengthen facility rental terms of use, ensuring all patrons are protected from bullying and harassment.

8.3

Purchasing Policy Review and Update - Councillor Sicoli

• WHEREAS the City of Brantford recognizes the importance of effective purchasing policies in promoting openness, accountability, and transparency while protecting the financial best interests of the City; and

  WHEREAS the current Policy Corporate-012, the Purchasing Policy, has not been comprehensively reviewed since March 2020, presenting the opportunity for improvements in purchasing process, transparency, and efficiency; and

  WHEREAS the City aims to ensure that its purchasing practices reflect best industry standards and aligns with the values of fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and equitable access for local vendors; and

  WHEREAS a thorough review and update of the Purchasing Policy will enhance the City’s ability to effectively manage public funds while fostering economic development within the community.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the City of Brantford directs the following:

  1. That the CAO work with staff to review opportunities to ensure a Canada-First approach in the city’s procurement policies; and
  2. That City staff undertake a comprehensive review and update of the City’s Purchasing Policy. This review should include, but not be limited to, the following actions:
     1. Evaluate the internal spending limits;
     2. A review of the use of Approved Vendor’s lists, including how such lists are maintained and how procurement can be fairly and efficiently allocated to vendors on these lists; and
  3. City Staff to explore Methods to engage with, and to promote the participation of, local business in the City’s procurement initiatives in a manner which still reflects fairness to all bidders; and

  4. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT City staff shall present the findings and proposed revisions to the Purchasing Policy to the City Council no later than Q3 of 2025.

8.4

Waiving of Certain Planning Application Fees for 83 Port Street - Councillor Van Tilborg

• WHEREAS the Corporation of The City of Brantford requires a minor variance application be approved to address deviations from the minimum/maximum requirements of the City’s applicable zoning by-laws; and,

  WHEREAS the owner of 83 Port Street received an approval on June 8, 2022 for a minor variance application (File. A10-2022) to permit a maximum building height of 6.65 m and maximum lot coverage of 11% for a detached accessory building; and,

  WHEREAS the owner of 83 Port Street submitted a minor variance application on December 17, 2024 to permit a maximum building height of 7.32 m and maximum lot coverage of 14% for the detached accessory building and submitted a cheque for $2,790 (the applicable 2024 minor variance application fee);

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council WAIVE the applicable minor variance application fee and DIRECT Planning Staff to REFUND the submitted fee of $2,790 to the applicant.

8.5

Town and Gown Advisory Committee - Councillor Van Tilborg

• WHEREAS the term “Town and Gown” is a term which conveys the relationship between post-secondary institutions and the communities that host them; and

  WHEREAS the relationship and collaboration between the City, post-secondary institutions and community partners is vital for the mutual benefit and growth of all parties in addressing shared concerns and opportunities; and

  WHEREAS the establishment of a Town and Gown Advisory Committee will provide a structured forum for dialogue and cooperation; and

  WHEREAS the City of Brantford previously had a Town and Gown Committee that was disbanded in 2018 which played a crucial role in fostering communication and collaboration between the city and local educational institution; and

  WHEREAS there is support from Wilfrid Laurier and Conestoga Student Unions and the Downtown BIA to reinstate the Advisory Committee.

  NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

  1. THAT a Town and Gown Advisory Committee BE CREATED; and
  2. THAT the Advisory Committee be comprised of the following members:
     1. One member of City Council;
     2. One member of the Downtown Brantford Business Improvement Area;
     3. One member from each post-secondary institution in the City;
     4. One member from each student association for each of the post-secondary institutions in the City;
     5. One member of the Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce;
     6. One member of the Brantford Public Library; and
  3. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to submit a report to the Advisory Committee outlining best practices for Town and Gown Committees, including draft terms of reference based on successful models from other communities; and
  4. THAT staff BE DIRECTED to provide liaison support to the Committee; and
  5. THAT staff in the Clerk’s department BE DIRECTED to provide Clerking duties for the Committee; and
  6. THAT the Advisory Committee will report through Committee of the Whole – Planning and Administration.

9.

Notices of Motion

10.

Adjournment