THE COUNCIL OF

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

MINUTES

Thursday, February 10, 2022

10:00 A.m. - 3:30 P.m.

Council Chamber, 5th Floor

Regional Administrative Headquarters

10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A

Brampton, Ontario

Members Present:

• P. Brown
• G. Carlson
• B. Crombie
• D. Damerla
• S. Dasko
• G.S. Dhillon
• J. Downey
• C. Fonseca
• P. Fortini
• A. Groves
• N. Iannicca
• J. Innis
• J. Kovac
• M. Mahoney
• S. McFadden
• M. Medeiros
• P. Mullin
• M. Palleschi
• C. Parrish*
• P. Saito
• R. Santos
• I. Sinclair
• A. Thompson
• P. Vicente

Members Absent:

• R. Starr* (Proxy C. Parrish), due to personal reasons

Staff Present:

• J. Baker, Chief Administrative Officer
• S. Baird, Commissioner of Service Excellence and Innovation
• G. Kent, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services
• P. Caza, Regional Solicitor
• A. Smith, Chief Planner
• K. Dedman, Commissioner of Public Works
• J. Sheehy, Commissioner of Human Services
• N. Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services
• Dr. L. Loh, Medical Officer of Health
• A. Adams, Deputy Clerk and Acting Director of Administration
• C. Thomson, Deputy Clerk and Manager of Legislative Services
• J. Jones, Legislative Specialist
• S. Valleau, Legislative Specialist
• R. Khan, Legislative Technical Coordinator
• S. MacGregor, Legislative Technical Coordinator

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Regional Chair Iannicca called the meeting of Regional Council to order at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton. Regional Chair Iannicca participated electronically.

 

Regional Chair Iannicca introduced Patricia Mullin, the newly appointed Councillor for Mississauga, Ward 2.  He noted that Councillor Mullin has previously served the residents of the City of Mississauga for almost four decades.

 

Councillor Mullin thanked Karen Ras for her service to the residents in Ward 2 and stated she is honoured to be back to serve as Councillor for the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel. 

Councillor Sinclair arrived at 10:04 a.m., due to other municipal business

Councillor Damerla arrived at 10:09 a.m.

Councillor Groves departed at 12:11 p.m., due to a personal matter

Regional Chair Iannicca departed at 11:40 a.m., due to other municipal business

2.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Regional Chair Iannicca read an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.

3.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil.

4.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4.1

January 27, 2022 Regional Council meeting

• Resolution Number 2022-56
  Moved by Councillor Dasko
  Seconded by Councillor Fonseca

  That the minutes of the January 27, 2022 Regional Council meeting, be approved.

  Carried

5.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2022-57
  Moved by Councillor Groves
  Seconded by Councillor Crombie

  That the February 10, 2022 Regional Council meeting include a communication from Councillor Starr, providing a notice of leave of absence, to be dealt with under Items Related to Enterprise, Programs and Services – Item 16.2;

  And further, that the February 10, 2022 Regional Council meeting include a communication from the City of Mississauga, regarding the Certification of Appointment of Patricia Mullin as Councillor for Ward 2 in the City of Mississauga, to be dealt with under Other Business – Item 21.2;

  And further, that the agenda for the February 10, 2022 Regional Council meeting be approved, as amended.

  Carried

6.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2022-58
  Moved by Councillor Crombie
  Seconded by Councillor Brown

  That the following matters listed on the February 10, 2022 Regional Council Agenda be approved under the Consent Agenda: Items 9.1, 11.1, 15.1, 16.1, 16.2, 17.1, 17.2, and 21.2.

  Carried

RESOLUTIONS AS A RESULT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

9.

COMMUNICATIONS

9.1

Kate Manson-Smith, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Letter dated February 3, 2022, Regarding Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures While Protecting Hospital and Health Care Capacity (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2022-59
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

11.

ITEMS RELATED TO HUMAN SERVICES

11.1

Additional Child Care Sector Funding

• Resolution Number 2022-60
  Moved by Councillor Crombie
  Seconded by Councillor Brown

  That the 2022 Early Years and Child Care gross revenues and expenditures be increased by $3,240,027 to reflect the receipt of additional base funding from the Ministry of Education;

  And further, that a one-time transitional grant from the Ministry of Education in the amount of $8,784,165 be received;

  And further, that $5,964,364 of the one-time transitional grant be used to support the child care sector to remain viable during the ongoing pandemic;

  And further, that a portion of the one-time transitional funding be used to replace the $2,819,801 draw from the Tax Stabilization Reserve approved through the 2022 Budget.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

15.

ITEMS RELATED TO ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

15.1

Proposed Surplus and Transfer of a Permanent Easement Interest Located on the Southwest Corner of Dixie Road and Derry Road East to Alectra Utilities Corporation – City of Mississauga, Ward 5

• Resolution Number 2022-61
  Moved by Councillor Crombie
  Seconded by Councillor Brown

  That a permanent hydro easement interest in lands described as Part of Lot 10, Concession 3, East of Hurontario Street, City of Mississauga (formerly Township of Toronto), Regional Municipality of Peel designated as Part 1 on Reference Plan 43R-39785 be declared surplus to the needs of The Regional Municipality of Peel;

  And further, that The Regional Municipality of Peel, as vendor, enter into an Offer to Sell Agreement with Alectra Utilities Corporation for the gratuitous transfer of a permanent hydro easement interest in lands described as Part of Lot 10, Concession 3, East of Hurontario Street, City of Mississauga (formerly Township of Toronto), Regional Municipality of Peel designated as Part 1 on Reference Plan 43R-39785;

  And further, that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to complete the transaction including the execution of all documents, affidavits, statutory declarations and undertakings required.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

16.

COMMUNICATIONS

16.1

Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Letter dated February 1, 2022, Regarding Approved Projects for Intake 3 of the Audit and Accountability Fund (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2022-62
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

16.2

Ron Starr, Councillor, City of Mississauga

Email dated February 9, 2022, Providing a Notice of Leave of Absence (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2022-63
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

17.

ITEMS RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS

17.1

Online Billing Portal Launch

• Resolution Number 2022-64
  Moved by Councillor Crombie
  Seconded by Councillor Brown

  That staff be authorized to directly negotiate a contract with KUBRA Data Transfer Ltd. for the provision of water and wastewater billing services for a period of three years, subject to two additional one-year extension options, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor, subject to the limits of the approved budget for the program.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

17.2

Clean Water Act – Source Water Protection Incentive Program

• Resolution Number 2022-65
  Moved by Councillor Crombie
  Seconded by Councillor Brown

  That the Source Water Protection Incentive Program as set out in the report of the Commissioner of Public Works, listed on the February 10, 2022 Regional Council agenda, titled “Clean Water Act – Source Water Protection Incentive Program”, be endorsed, in principle;

  And further, that staff be directed to proceed with the necessary steps for implementation as outlined in the subject report;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Public Works and/or their designate be authorized to approve and execute participant agreements together with such ancillary documents necessary for the implementation of the Source Water Protection Incentive Program, on business terms satisfactory to the Chief Financial Officer and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

21.

OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCILLOR ENQUIRIES

21.2

Diana Rusnov, Director of Legislative Services and City Clerk, City of Mississauga

Letter dated February 9, 2022 Certifying the Appointment of Patricia Mullin as Councillor for Ward 2 in the City of Mississauga for the Term Expiring on November 14, 2022 (Receipt recommended)

• Resolution Number 2022-66
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

AGENDA ITEMS SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION AND DEBATE

Item 22.2 was dealt with.

22.

NOTICE OF MOTION/MOTION

22.2

Motion Regarding Peel Regional Council Code of Conduct Investigation

• Resolution Number 2022-67 - Withdrawn

  Whereas it has come to the attention of Peel Regional Council that a complaint has been filed with the City of Mississauga Integrity Commissioner from former Councillor Karen Ras against Councillor Ron Starr regarding several incidents of property damage that occurred at the Mississauga Civic Centre underground parking lot;

  And whereas, both former Councillor Ras and Councillor Starr were/are Members of Peel Regional Council;

  And whereas, the Region of Peel has its own Council Code of Conduct in compliance with the Municipal Act 2001, as amended;

  And whereas, Peel Region’s Council Code of Conduct includes Rule No. 12, Respectful Workplace;

  And whereas, at the City of Mississauga Council meeting held on February 2, 2022 it was requested that the Integrity Commissioner investigate whether Councillor Starr engaged in harassing behavior towards former Councillor Ras that violated their Council Code of Conduct and/or violated the City of Mississauga Respectful Workplace Policy;

  Therefore be it resolved, that Peel Regional Council request that our Integrity Commissioner conduct a joint investigation with the City of Mississauga to determine whether Councillor Starr violated the Peel Region Council Code of Conduct and/or Respectful Workplace Policy; And further, that the Region’s Integrity Commissioner report back to Peel Region Council.

  Withdrawn
• Resolution Number 2022-68 - Two Thirds vote
  Moved by Councillor Fonseca
  Seconded by Councillor Thompson

  That section 6.12.2 of Procedure By-law 56-2019, as amended, be waived to permit consideration of a motion without previous notice.

  Carried
• Resolution Number 2022-69

  Moved by Councillor Thompson, Councillor Brown and Councillor Crombie

  Whereas it has come to the attention of Peel Regional Council that a complaint has been filed with the City of Mississauga Integrity Commissioner from former Councillor Karen Ras against Councillor Ron Starr regarding several incidents of property damage that occurred at the Mississauga Civic Centre underground parking lot;

  And whereas, both former Councillor Ras and Councillor Starr were/are Members of Peel Regional Council;

  Therefore be it resolved, that the City of Mississauga be requested to forward the Mississauga Integrity Commissioner’s report regarding the complaint from former Councillor Karen Ras against Councillor Ron Starr to Regional Council;

  And further, that a Code of Conduct Training Session, facilitated by the Region’s Integrity Commissioner for Members of Regional Council and held on a regularly scheduled Regional Council meeting date, be referred to the Regional Council Policies and Procedures Committee.

  Carried

Jeffrey Abrams, Co-Principal, Principles Integrity, provided remarks regarding a proposed motion requesting that the Region of Peel Integrity Commissioner (IC) conduct a joint investigation with the City of Mississauga and his role as IC for the Region of Peel. He stated that the function of an IC is to build an ethical framework, educate Council as appropriate, provide discreet advice, and operate as an independent officer. He stated that the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended (the Act), gives an IC significant invested powers once an investigation is initiated.

With respect to the proposed motion, Jeffrey Abrams advised that the Regional Council Code of Conduct addresses the situation where a matter triggers an investigation at a local level. He stated that no one has come forward with a complaint directly to Principles Integrity and there is nothing in the motion or the facts that would warrant the start of, or engagement in, a Regional IC investigation either jointly with the City of Mississauga or otherwise. He stated that Principles Integrity could provide a general training session to Regional Council regarding harassment and bullying.

In response to a question from Councillor Saito, the Regional IC advised that the Act is clear on the requirements for an IC when conducting an inquiry, to immediately refer a matter to the appropriate authorities and suspend the inquiry until any resulting police investigation and charge have been finally disposed of, and report the suspension to Council if the IC has determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a contravention of any other Act or of the Criminal Code of Canada. He advised that it is not necessary for a Code of Conduct to provide further clarity.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: administration of the IC complaint process; the IC duty to consider every complaint with no legal obligation to investigate every complaint; options available to a complainant if the IC determines an investigation is not warranted; the role of the Ontario Ombudsman; IC Council reporting requirements with respect to content, timing and frequency; matters that may be resolved without reporting to Council; sanctions available to Council (under the Act) when it is determined that the Code of Conduct has been breached; and, the benefits of training.

The Regional Solicitor advised that a municipal council is authorized under the Municipal Act to impose certain penalties where a member has been found to have breached the municipality’s code of conduct pursuant to a report presented to that council by its integrity commissioner.  However, the Municipal Act does not permit such penalties to be imposed based on any findings that may be contained in an integrity commissioner’s report to another municipality.

At the request of Councillor Crombie, the Integrity Commissioner undertook to complete a scan of other municipalities regarding measures taken to address the process whereby a complaint is referred to appropriate external authorities when an inquiry is suspended.

Councillor Medeiros assumed the Chair.

Item 7.2 was dealt with.

7.

DELEGATIONS

7.2

Nick Colucci, Director of Infrastructure, Town of Erin; and Michelle Albert, Vice President, Water and Wastewater East, WSP Consultants

Providing an Update on the Town of Erin’s Water Resource Recovery Facility

• Resolution Number 2022-70
  Received

Nick Colucci, Director of Infrastructure, Town of Erin; and Michelle Albert, Vice President, Water and Wastewater East, WSP Consultants, provided an update on the Town of Erin’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) including: work with the community; the approved Environmental Assessment process; project highlights; and, the monitoring plan. The delegates stated that the Town of Erin is committed to ensuring, protecting, and managing the natural resources of the West Credit River and its ecosystem; the WRRF is a key infrastructure project required for the sustainable growth of the community and discontinued use of septic tanks to avoid possible groundwater contamination; and, the Town is dedicated to ensuring that protection of the environment remains at the forefront of discussions as the project moves forward.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: real time water quality monitoring installations; averaging of data and recording of peak deviations; design of chillers as part of the waste water treatment plant; concerns about affluent increasing the temperature of the river; types of mitigation measures the Town could take should the plant have negative effects on downstream ecology; and, the number of homes in the Town of Erin currently on septic systems that may be leaking affluent into the river unchecked.

7.1

Keyna Sarkar, Founder and Executive Director, The Red Mvmnt

Regarding the Provision of Free Menstruation Products in all Government Operated Washrooms in the Region of Peel 

• Resolution Number 2022-71
  Referred to Health Services

Keyna Sarkar, Founder and Executive Director of The Red Mvmnt, provided an overview of the organization’s mandate to advocate for the provision of free period products in washrooms; the impacts of period poverty (i.e., the inability to access safe, hygienic, and sufficient menstrual products due to poverty); and, resulting gender inequalities within the community. The delegate requested that Regional Council support the provision of free menstruation products in all government operated washrooms in the Region of Peel.

At the request of Councillor Santos, the Commissioner of Health Services undertook to report back to a future meeting of Regional Council regarding the scope and associated costs of a program for the Region of Peel. The Commissioner noted that related work begun in 2020 had been postponed due to the COVID-19 situation.

8.

COVID-19 RELATED MATTERS

8.1

Update on the Region of Peel’s Response to COVID-19

(Oral)  
Presentation by Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health   

• Resolution Number 2022-72
  Received

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, provided an update on the status of COVID-19 in Peel, the Region’s vaccination program and Public Health measures.

Dr. Loh advised that Public Health is re-starting the school-aged/school routine immunization program in early March. This includes vaccination against meningococcus, hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV) usually first offered during the Grade 7 year and boosted in Grade 10. Public Health will start with students in grades 11 and 12 who may have missed their routine immunization and then work their way through the rest of the grades.

Dr. Loh advised that Peel Public Health is rescinding the Class Section 22 order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act directing self-isolation, that was issued in March 2020. The order was needed early in the pandemic response to stop spread through directed isolation when the population was widely susceptible to the novel coronavirus. Dr. Loh noted that the Health Protection and Promotion Act still provides the Office of the Medical Officer of Health with authority, as necessary, to direct isolation in instances where it may become necessary, and that isolation is still directed under provincial guidelines. Dr. Loh advised Peel residents to stay home if they or anyone in their house is sick and to use the online provincial screening tool, which will advise on whether five or 10-day isolation is required dependent on personal circumstances.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: effectiveness of plexiglass shields in decreasing spread of infection and the need for a multi-layered approach including masks and vaccines to prevent infection; the timing and sequence by which public health measures may be lifted; increased access to vaccination clinics in south Mississauga; the success of the Rockwood Mall vaccination clinic; and, potential provision of boosters to the 12 to 18 age group through school clinics or other opportunities.

10.

STAFF PRESENTATIONS

Nil.

12.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

13.

ITEMS RELATED TO PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Nil.

14.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

15.

ITEMS RELATED TO ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

15.2

Supply of Bloomberg Terminal and Data Connectivity Subscription, Document 2021-750N

• Resolution Number 2022-73
  Moved by Councillor Dasko
  Seconded by Councillor McFadden

  That a contract (Document 2021-750N) for the Supply of Bloomberg Terminal and Data Connectivity Subscription be awarded to Bloomberg Finance L.P., in the estimated amount of $96,960.00 USD (excluding applicable taxes) for a contract period of 24-months pursuant to Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended;

  And further, that authority be granted to renew the contract on a two-year term basis (or for greater than two years, but at a discounted rate) for ongoing subscription, support, and to increase the contract for any upgrades, technical support, implementation and additional modules and licenses for the lifecycle of the solution, subject to satisfactory performance, price, and approved budget.

  Carried

In response to a question from Councillor Dasko, the Director of Treasury and Deputy Treasurer stated that in addition to debt issuance, the Region of Peel has an investment portfolio of approximately $3 billion and about 95 per cent is traded though fixed income instruments. The primary use of the Bloomberg terminal is for investment (trading and pricing), to support pricing of debt transactions, and risk and portfolio analytics.

18.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

19.

ITEMS RELATED TO HEALTH

Nil.

20.

COMMUNICATIONS

20.1

Salil Arya, President, CUPE 966

Letter dated January 31, 2022, Regarding Full-Time Positions at Region of Peel Long Term Care Homes (Receipt recommended)

• Resolution Number 2022-74
  Received

At the request of Councillor Parrish, the Regional Chair undertook to write a letter to CUPE 966, on behalf of Regional Council, thanking them for their dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Item 22.1 was dealt with.

22.

NOTICE OF MOTION/MOTION

22.1

Motion Regarding Roundabouts at Certain Intersections in the Town of Caledon

• Resolution Number 2022-75
  Moved by Councillor Downey
  Seconded by Councillor Thompson

  Whereas there are a number of intersection improvements identified for the Town of Caledon in the Region of Peel’s proposed 2022 - 2031 Capital Plan;

  And whereas, roundabouts decrease speed, serious collisions, idling and have lower maintenance costs on rural routes;

  And whereas, it is the Region’s policy that roundabouts be considered for any intersections where signals are warranted;  

  And whereas, four intersections in the Town of Caledon are currently being converted to roundabouts based on reviews in Environmental Assessments;

  And whereas, it is anticipated that there may be future external funding opportunities related to roundabout conversions;

  And whereas, grant funding may present an opportunity to advance existing timing and/or create new projects for the purpose of converting signalized intersections to safer, more sustainable roundabouts;

  Therefore be it resolved, that Regional staff be directed to explore external funding opportunities, in consultation with the Town of Caledon, to implement roundabouts in locations where warranted and supported by roundabout screening analysis;

  And further, subject to the availability of external funding, that staff report back to Regional Council to seek permission to apply, and if successful, advance and/or add roundabout projects to the Region of Peel’s 2022 – 2031 Capital Plan.

  Carried

Councillor Downey stated that increased commuter traffic east and west across the Town of Caledon has increased complaints from residents regarding safety at certain four way stops and intersections. She requested that Regional staff work with Town staff to look for infrastructure funding that could bring intersection projects forward more quickly.

21.

OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCILLOR ENQUIRIES

21.1

Committee Appointments

• Resolution Number 2022-76
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Fonseca

  Whereas the Regional Council seat of Councillor K. Ras was declared vacant by Resolution Number 2022-54;

  And whereas, the declaration has created a vacancy for the position of Enterprise Programs and Services (EPS) Council Section Vice-Chair;

  And whereas, the declaration has created vacancies on the following committees, advisory groups, boards, and special purpose bodies:

  • Audit and Risk Committee (EPS Council Section Vice-Chair)
  • Interim Period Approvals Committee (EPS Council Section Vice-Chair)
  • Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee
  • Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors

  Therefore be it resolved, that Councillor Mullin be appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Enterprise Programs and Services Section of Regional Council for the remainder of the Council term ending November 14, 2022, or until a successor is appointed by Regional Council;

  And further, that the membership of the Audit and Risk Committee include Enterprise Programs and Services Council Section Vice-Chair Councillor Mullin for the remainder of the term ending November 14, 2022, or until a successor is appointed by Regional Council;

  And further, that the membership of the Interim Period Approvals Committee include Enterprise Programs and Services Council Section Vice-Chair Councillor Mullin for the remainder of the term ending November 14, 2022, or until a successor is appointed by Regional Council;

  And further, that Councillor Mullin be appointed to the Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee for the remainder of the term ending November 14, 2022, or until a successor is appointed by Regional Council;

  And further, that Councillor Mullin be appointed to the Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors for the term ending November 14, 2022, or until a successor is appointed by Regional Council.

  Carried

The declaration also created vacancies on the Emergency Management Program Committee and the Government Relations Committee, however no nominations were received.

23.

BY-LAWS

Nil.

24.

IN CAMERA MATTERS

Nil.

25.

BY-LAWS RELATING TO IN CAMERA MATTERS

Nil.

26.

BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL

• Resolution Number 2022-77
  Moved by Councillor Sinclair
  Seconded by Councillor Mahoney

  That By-law 6-2022 to confirm the proceedings of Regional Council at its meeting held on February 10, 2022, and to authorize the execution of documents in accordance with the Region of Peel by-laws relating thereto, be given the required number of readings, taken as read, signed by the Regional Chair and the Deputy Clerk, and the Corporate Seal be affixed thereto

  Carried

27.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.