Council

THAT the agenda of the Regular Council meeting of March 13, 2024, be approved as presented.

WHEREAS inclusion, acceptance, and equity are important approaches to the diversity of residents living in any community, especially in our growing and changing region; AND WHEREAS March 21 is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; AND WHEREAS The Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (SCLIP) is a community partnership focused on the development of settlement strategies for newcomers. These strategies bring together and support service delivery to newcomers in Simcoe County while promoting positive relationships, opportunity, and use of local resources effectively; AND WHEREAS this month presents an opportunity to further the resolve as we pause to celebrate the diversity of the human race rather than allow our dissimilarities to become a reason for racial separation; AND WHEREAS we encourage all to celebrate the differences in each other such as race, culture, colour, national origin, gender, age, disability and religion; AND WHEREAS during this period we will encourage residents to take a stand and support #ITSTARTS to share their commitment to embracing acceptance, anti-racism and diversity. THEREFORE I, Mayor Doug Rawson, on behalf of the Town of Penetanguishene Council, do hereby proclaim the month of March, 2024, as "#ITSTARTS Month" in the Town of Penetanguishene and encourage everyone to take a stand and participate in and learn more about the #ITSTARTS campaign.

WHEREAS the safety and well-being of the Town of Penetanguishene community and its residents are of paramount importance to Council; AND WHEREAS Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) also known as domestic violence, poses a significant threat to the security and welfare of individuals within our community, involving any use of physical or sexual force, as well as emotional and psychological abuse in intimate relationships; AND WHEREAS on August 16th, 2023, Justice Minister Arif Virani acknowledged GBV as an epidemic and committed to addressing this issue comprehensively at the federal level; AND WHEREAS it is imperative for local law enforcement to actively contribute to community safety and well-being by addressing the rising incidents of IPV and GBV, particularly considering the alarming increases during the COVID-19 pandemic; AND WHEREAS the Penetanguishene Police Services Board supported and passed the IPV and GBV resolution at their meeting on March 4, 2024; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council recognizes IPV and GBV as significant concerns affecting the safety and welfare of the Town of Penetanguishene residents. Council commits to prioritizing the prevention and response to IPV and GBV within the community.  Council will support the Police Services Board who will collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), the Community Safety and Well-being Planner for Si

THAT Council of the Town of Penetanguishene support Prince Edward County's resolution 2024-46 in support to the Province to expand the life span of fire apparatus, specifically pertaining to the replacement of fire trucks due to insurance requirements; AND THAT Council direct staff to share a copy of this resolution with Premier Doug Ford, the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC).

THAT Council of the Town of Penetanguishene support the Municipality of Wawa's resolution #RC23265 in support of Bill C-310 and amendments to subsections 118.06(2) and 118.07(2) of the Income Tax Act (Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters); AND THAT Council direct staff to share a copy of this resolution with the Association of Fire Chiefs of Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Simcoe North MP.

THAT the following minutes of Council meetings be confirmed and adopted as circulated:  Special Council - February 13, 2024  Council - February 14, 2024  Special Council - February 14, 2024

THAT the following consent agenda items, having been given due consideration be received for information:

THAT the property municipally known as 45 Robillard Drive be exempt from Site Plan Control By-law 2014-30, as amended, to permit development in accordance with Attachment #2 to PL-2024-11.

THAT Council approve staff participation in the NSERC Elmvale groundwater research study; AND THAT the Letter of Intent included within the staff report be approved and included with the NSERC grant application.

THAT the recommendations contained within Committee of the Whole Report related to the Planning and Development Services Section be approved.

THAT the recommendations contained within Committee of the Whole Report related to the Transportation and Environmental Services Section be approved.

THAT the recommendations contained within Committee of the Whole Report related to the Finance and Corporate Services Section be approved.

THAT the recommendations contained within Committee of the Whole Report related to the Recreation and Community Services Section be approved.

THAT the Council of the Town of Penetanguishene introduce the following by-laws; 2024-08, 2024-09, 2024-10 and 2024-11 AND THAT by-laws be read a first time and deemed to be read a second and third time and

THAT confirmation by-law 2024-12, be signed and sealed by the Mayor and Clerk.