THE COUNCIL OF

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

MINUTES

Thursday, January 27, 2022

9:30 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
• M. Palleschi
• C. Parrish
• P. Saito
• R. Santos
• I. Sinclair
• R. Starr
• A. Thompson
• P. Vicente

Members Absent:

• K. Ras

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 9:32 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton. Regional Chair Iannicca participated electronically.

Councillor Crombie arrived at 9:39 a.m. due to other municipal business

Councillor Downey departed at 12:09 p.m. due to a personal matter

Councillor Mahoney departed at 12:30 p.m. due to other municipal business

Councillor Innis departed at 1:45 p.m.

Councillor Santos departed at 1:51 p.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 13, 2022 Regional Council meeting

• Resolution Number 2022-27
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Sinclair

  That the minutes of the January 13, 2022 Regional Council meeting, be approved.

  Carried

5.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2022-28 - Two Thirds vote
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Sinclair

  That section 5.4.11 of Procedure By-law 56-2019, as amended, be waived to permit a delegation to appear more than once on the same matter within a one-year period.

  Carried
• Resolution Number 2022-29
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Groves

  That the agenda for the January 27, 2022 Regional Council meeting include a delegation from Gideon Forman, Transportation Policy Analyst, David Suzuki Foundation, regarding the Greater Toronto Area West Corridor Update, to be dealt with under Delegations – Item 7.4;

  And further, that the agenda for the January 27, 2022 Regional Council meeting include a delegation from Jenni Le Forestier, Resident of Peel, regarding the Greater Toronto Area West Corridor Update, to be dealt with under Delegations – Item 7.5;

  And further, that the agenda for the January 27, 2022 Regional Council meeting include an oral update from the Chief Administrative Officer, regarding Service Impacts and Risks Due to the Impacts of Omicron on Staffing, to be dealt with under COVID-19 Related Matters - Item 8.2;

  And further, that the agenda for the January 27, 2022 Regional Council meeting be approved, as amended.

  Carried

6.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2022-30
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Crombie

  That the following matters listed on the January 27, 2022 Regional Council Agenda be approved under the Consent Agenda: Items 14.1, 19.1, 22.1, 24.1 and 24.2.

  Carried

RESOLUTIONS AS A RESULT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

14.

COMMUNICATIONS

14.1

Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation

Letter dated January 19, 2022, Regarding the 2021-22 Gas Tax Program Funding Allocation (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2022-31
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

19.

ITEMS RELATED TO HUMAN SERVICES

19.1

Child Care Fee Subsidy Agreements Update

(For information)

• Resolution Number 2022-32
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

22.

NOTICE OF MOTION/MOTION

22.1

Motion Regarding Residential Waste Collection Provisions During the Suspension of the January 2022 Residential Waste Exemption Period

• Resolution Number 2022-33
  Moved by Councillor Saito
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  Whereas the January 2022 residential waste exemption period has been suspended due to rising COVID-19 cases and to reduce health and safety risks to the collection workers;

  And whereas, some residents have been asking for the reinstatement of the two additional bags of waste as part of the bi-weekly residential waste collection, without the requirement of purchasing bag tags;

  Therefore be it resolved, that residents be permitted to set out two additional bags of waste, to be collected as part of the bi-weekly residential waste collection, without the requirement of purchasing bag tags during the four- week period from February 7 to March 4, 2022;

  And further, that staff develop and implement a communications campaign using regular communications channels to inform residents that two additional bags of waste will be collected as part of the bi-weekly residential waste collection, without the requirement of purchasing bag tags during the four-week period from February 7 to March 4, 2022;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to discontinue the collection of two additional bags of waste as part of the bi-weekly residential waste collection, without the requirement of purchasing bag tags before March 4, 2022 if deemed necessary due to critical service requirements related to COVID-19 cases.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

AGENDA ITEMS SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION AND DEBATE

7.

DELEGATIONS

7.1

Hossein Hosseini, Project Manager and Head, Major Planning Projects, Ministry of Transportation; and Mara Bullock, Project Manager, and Jay Goldberg, Deputy Project Manager, Williams Sale Partnership (WSP)

Providing an Update on the Greater Toronto Area West Corridor under the Federal Impact Assessment Act (Related to 16.1) 

• Resolution Number 2022-34
  Received

Hossein Hosseini, Project Manager and Head, Major Planning Projects, Ministry of Transportation; and Jay Goldberg, Deputy Project Manager, Williams Sale Partnership, provided an update on the Highway 413 transportation corridor route planning and preliminary design process including: the preferred route; species-at-risk; five phases of the Impact Assessment (IA); and, key participants in the IA process. The delegates provided an overview of key concerns and proposed solutions related to the natural environment; socio-economic environment; cultural heritage, Indigenous communities’ consultation and process; transportation; changes to social, economic and health conditions of Highway 413 municipalities; cumulative effects; and, next steps.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: consultations based on demographics with a focus on impacts for vulnerable communities and visible minorities; clarification regarding minutes of travel time saved for commuters; future opportunities to integrate new technologies for a more efficient and smart corridor; impacts of noise, air quality and cumulative effects; inclusion of farm field underpasses; inclusion of rapid transit links and a transit route along major municipal developments; concerns raised regarding compliance with the federal government’s climate change initiative; consideration of agricultural infrastructure and agri-tourism; engagement with conservation authorities regarding the process and route; consideration of alternatives; and, concerns that the proposed Highway 413 could be converted to a toll highway.

7.2

Paramjeet Singh, Sales Representative/Realtor

Regarding COVID-19 Situation and Lockdown Concerns  

• Resolution Number 2022-35
  Received

Paramjeet Singh, Sales Representative/Realtor, stated his concerns regarding the COVID-19 situation including his belief that: there is no evidence that the virus has been isolated; conclusions regarding virus spread are not based on proven evidence; reporting of COVID-19 death rates is inaccurate as the causes are related to other ailments; COVID-19 should not be considered a pandemic because the survival rate is very high; and, the pandemic was devised by large companies to increase profits. The delegate requested an end to lockdowns.

7.3

Mark Heaton, Senior Biologist, Ontario Streams

Regarding the Installation and Operation of a Real-Time Surface Water Quality Monitoring Station at the West Credit River, Winston Churchill Boulevard, Town of Caledon - Ward 1

• Resolution Number 2022-36
  Received
• Resolution Number 2022-37 - Two Thirds vote
  Moved by Councillor Sinclair
  Seconded by Councillor Thompson

  That section 5.7.1 b. of Procedure By-law 56-2019, as amended, be waived to permit consideration of a motion arising from a Delegation.

  Carried
• Resolution Number 2022-38
  Moved by Councillor Sinclair
  Seconded by Councillor Thompson

  Whereas a communal wastewater treatment plant has been proposed to service substantial new population growth in the Town of Erin villages of Erin and Hillsburgh;

  And whereas, 7.2 million liters of sewage effluent per day is to be piped to the eastern boundary of the Town of Erin/Region of Peel at Winston Churchill Blvd. and released into West Credit River;

  And whereas, the West Credit River and Main Credit River extending down to the Village of Inglewood is a pristine habitat for Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout due to the purity of the waters;

  And whereas, the effluent will create a toxic and oxygen depleted plume extending into cold water fishery habitat and contribute increased temperature, increased pH levels, increased chlorides far downstream;

  Therefore be it resolved, that the Council of The Regional Municipality of Peel support the Coalition for the West Credit River’s Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan be included in the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Environmental Compliance Approval, EA File No. 18061;

  And further, that the Regional Chair, on behalf of Regional Council, write a letter to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Credit Valley Conservation, and the Town of Erin, supporting the use of the Coalition’s Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan recommendations in the approval of the wastewater plant, EA File No. 18061;

  And further, that the Region of Peel request a Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring Station immediately downstream of Winston Churchill Blvd., consistent with other stations in the CVC watershed network.

  Carried

Mark Heaton, Senior Biologist, Ontario Streams, provided an overview of the Coalition for the West Credit River; a description of the proposed Erin Wastewater Treatment Plant project; characteristics of Brook Trout located downstream of Erin Village through to Belfountain village in Caledon; and, the downstream impact of the proposed water treatment plant design. He noted project planning errors and provided an update on the project status.

The delegate requested that Regional Council write a letter to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks supporting the use of the Coalition’s Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan recommendations in their approval of the wastewater plant; and, that the Region of Peel support Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) in the acquisition and operation of a real-time water quality monitoring station immediately downstream of Winston Churchill Blvd., consistent with other stations in the CVC’s watershed network.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: instream work focused on water temperature data collection and spawning surveys; possible errors in the project’s environmental study; technology and monitoring required to maintain cooler river conditions; and, similar water quality monitoring systems installed at locations upstream and downstream of the Inglewood Wastewater Treatment Plant.

7.4

Gideon Forman, Transportation Policy Analyst, David Suzuki Foundation

Providing Comments on Highway 413 and the Greater Toronto Area West Corridor Update
(Related to 7.1) 

• Resolution Number 2022-39
  Received

Gideon Forman, Transportation Policy Analyst, David Suzuki Foundation, expressed strong opposition to Highway 413 noting that the highway will increase traffic congestion by incentivizing car usage; will exacerbate the climate crisis by encouraging the use of gas burning vehicles and paving portions of the greenbelt; and, that construction of the highway will waste approximately $6 to 10+ billion that could be used for other purposes including additional hospitals and clinics, more nursing staff, light-rail transit, and schools. The delegate noted that in November 2021, EKOS Research Associates Inc. surveyed a random selection of Ontario residents from across the province and the results indicated that 69 per cent of respondents from the 905-area agreed that the greenbelt deserves more protection and 74 per cent of those respondents believe that the greenbelt is no place for a new four to six lane highway. The delegate requested that Council continue to oppose Highway 413.

7.5

Jennifer Le Forestier, Resident of Peel

Providing Comments on the Greater Toronto Area West Corridor Update and the Initial Project Description for the MTO Highway 413 Project
(Related to 7.1 and 16.1) 

• Resolution Number 2022-40
  Received

Jennifer Le Forestier, Resident of Peel, stated her concerns regarding the proposed Highway 413 including: MTO’s lack of engagement with First Nations; potential destruction of environmentally sensitive greenbelt designated lands and irreplaceable prime farmland; reduced source water protection and stormwater protection; and, the negative impacts of gravel extraction. The delegate stated that the proposed highway will take many years to complete and once built may increase traffic due to warehousing and e-commerce companies currently applying for Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) in the greenbelt lands. The delegate requested that municipal leaders advocate to the provincial government to open the underutilized Highway 407 to commercial trucking and to negotiate a mutually agreeable arrangement to provide commercial vehicles with a cost-effective toll arrangement to use the Highway.

At the request of Councillor Groves, Regional Chair Iannicca undertook to include the matter for discussion at the next Government Relations Committee meeting.

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 2022-41
  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 provincial Public Health measures.

Dr. Loh advised that Peel Public Health is transitioning its surveillance to focus on key health and health system indicators that will provide a clearer picture of COVID-19 transmission, provide early indicators of emerging issues, and inform the Region’s response. He noted that Public Health is continuing to work with local and provincial partners to explore options to expand Peel’s vaccine system to accommodate more vaccination appointments and target specific population groups, including provincially led workplace clinics, expanded hours at school-based clinics and targeted pop-up clinics. Public Health is also working with long-term care homes to support their staff and support personnel to receive their booster doses as per Ministry of Health directive.

Dr. Loh noted that based on provincial direction, PCR testing is being preserved for high-risk populations and settings, including hospitals and long-term care homes. Peel residents should monitor for symptoms, and if symptomatic, they can use the self-assessment tool to determine whether it is likely that they have COVID-19 and then isolate as required. Testing is not required to diagnose COVID-19 or to clear someone from isolation. Once a symptomatic person has completed their period of isolation and is feeling better, they can exit isolation.

Dr. Loh advised that Peel Public Health will continue to monitor trends and provide additional information as this surge continues to a resolution.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: the Doses After Dark vaccination program; measures in place for a safe return to school; potential need for additional booster shots and future measures; impact of the pandemic on health care including cancellation of surgeries deemed as non-essential; and federal travel testing and quarantine requirements at the border.

The Regional Chair advised Regional Council of a communication received from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) requesting that the Regional Chair and local municipal Mayors send a joint letter calling on the federal government to redirect arrivals testing at airports to where it is needed most.

The Regional Chair undertook to forward the draft letter provided by the GTAA to Dr. Loh for review and approval; and, to send the letter to the federal government, on behalf of Regional Council, signed jointly by the Chair and Mayors.

8.2

Service Impacts and Risks Due to the Impacts of Omicron on Staffing

(Oral) 
Presentation by Janice Baker, Chief Administrative Officer 

• Resolution Number 2022-42
  Received

Janice Baker, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), stated there are currently at least 88 employees across the Region of Peel off work because they are either infected with COVID-19, awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or are required to isolate due to a potential exposure. There has been a declining trend in COVID-19 related absences over the last two weeks. The CAO stated that 93.48 per cent (4128) of Regional staff are fully vaccinated with another .2 per cent (9) having one dose.

The CAO provided an update on how the current surge in Omicron variant COVID-19 cases in Peel Region is affecting operations and how staff shortages might affect the Region’s residents. She provided a summary of challenges faced by each division including: Health Services regarding Peel Regional Paramedic Services, Long Term Care, and Adult Day Centres; Public Works regarding Waste Management, Water and Wastewater, Roads and Transportation, and TransHelp; Service Excellent and Innovation regarding the Call Centre; and, Corporate Services.

In response to a question from Councillor Thompson regarding future Paramedic Service delivery, the Commissioner of Health Services stated that before COVID-19 the Region had initiated the Fit to Sit program which allows paramedics to leave patients at the hospital, where possible, and leave without the need to wait for a bed. The Region will build on this and similar programs, with lessons learned throughout the pandemic, to continue to improve the decrease in paramedic offload delays.

Council recessed at 12:17 p.m.

Council reconvened at 1:00 p.m.

9.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

10.

STAFF PRESENTATIONS

10.1

Vacant Home Tax Feasibility Study

Presentation by Mohamed Bhamani, Associate Partner and Navneet Vallat, Manager, Ernst and Young; and Gary Kent, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services 

• Resolution Number 2022-43
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Damerla

  That staff proceed to the next steps of developing a Region of Peel Vacant Home Tax (VHT) program including actions to:

  • Design a VHT program framework through a further review of program design and key operational processes
  • Commence public communication to gather initial public input to help design the program
  • Bring a report back to Regional Council on the findings after completion of the Phase 1 described in the report from the Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services, listed on the January 27, 2022 Regional Council agenda titled “Vacant Home Tax Feasibility Study”

  And further, that a capital budget funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve in the amount of $300,000 be approved to provide funding for external consulting and professional services for the VHT program design and community engagement;

  And further, that the Director of Procurement be authorized to amend contract 2021-154P, feasibility study and public benefit report for a vacant home tax policy, awarded to Ernst & Young LLP, to the limit of the approved budget, to support completion of required consulting services associated with the VHT program; in accordance with Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended.

  Carried

Gary Kent, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Commissioner of Corporate Services, provided an overview of the timeline and the integrated and collaborative approach utilized to review the proposed Vacant Homes Tax program.

Mohamed Bhamani, Associate Partner and Navneet Vallat, Manager, Ernst and Young (EY), summarized EY’s feasibility study findings including: the project background and objectives; current state of the housing market in the Region of Peel; a description of the proposed Vacant Homes Tax program purpose, objectives, and operations; delivery model options; financial analysis and revenue estimation; one-time costs; net financial impact; key takeaways; and, next steps. The CFO provided a preliminary roadmap to further the process which would include public consultation to gather inputs, continued community outreach and ongoing discussions with the provincial government.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: the use of mathematical formulas and water consumption to estimate vacancy rates; how program responsibilities and revenues would be distributed between the Region of Peel and the local municipalities; potential programs to incentivize owners to improve properties and reduce vacancies; the premise for a one per cent vacant property tax rate; the process to enforce compliance; the ability to apply vacant property taxes to an arrears certificate and collect it at future sale of the property; and, the purpose of the program to help address pressures on the supply of affordable housing.

11.

ITEMS RELATED TO PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Nil.

12.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

13.

ITEMS RELATED TO ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Nil.

14.

COMMUNICATIONS

14.2

Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Letter dated January 19, 2022, Regarding the Streamline Development Approval Fund (Referral to Corporate Services and Public Works recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2022-44

  Referred to Corporate Services and Public Works

Councillor Parrish expressed her concern that the funding is intended for initiatives such as temporary staff to address backlogs at the municipal level which could imply the lack of housing supply is the fault of municipal government.

15.

ITEMS RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS

Nil.

16.

COMMUNICATIONS

16.1

Kealy Dedman, Commissioner of Public Works

Memo Regarding Comments to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Draft Initial Project Description for the MTO Highway 413 Project (Receipt recommended) (Related to 7.1)  

• Resolution Number 2022-45
  Received

Councillor Parrish commended the response provided by staff to the Ministry of Transportation and expressed her hope that a detailed response would be forthcoming from the provincial government.

Councillor Thompson stated that the Region of Peel and local municipalities have contributed approximately $8 million to the preparation of the Highway 413 Environmental Assessment (EA) study and that, with or without completion of the proposed transportation corridor, the data collected through the EA should be shared with the Region and local municipalities. He noted that the EA was completed for a large area and the data is relevant to future decisions regarding bridges, infrastructure, and various municipal projects.

17.

ITEMS RELATED TO HEALTH

Nil.

18.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

20.

COMMUNICATIONS

20.1

Megan Piercey, Legislative Coordinator, City of Mississauga

Email dated January 12, 2022, Providing a Copy of the City of Mississauga Housing Market Update Presentation (Receipt recommended)  

• Resolution Number 2022-46
  Received

Councillor Parrish noted that while almost 50 per cent of people living in the City of Mississauga cannot afford rent and 70 per cent cannot afford to buy a townhouse or condo, developers make a profit of $150 per saleable square foot, or more dependent on the purchase date of the land. She suggested that this information be considered during future development charge discussions.

21.

OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCILLOR ENQUIRIES

21.1

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

Email dated January 18, 2022, Providing a Copy of a letter from Karen Ras, Regional Councillor, City of Mississauga, Ward 2, Advising of Her Resignation Effective January 28, 2022 (Receipt recommended)

• Resolution Number 2022-47
  Received

Members of Regional Council thanked Councillor Ras for her seven years of service to the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel.

Regional Chair Iannicca undertook to write a letter of thanks to Councillor Ras, on behalf of Regional Council.

23.

BY-LAWS

Nil.

24.

IN CAMERA MATTERS

24.1

January 13, 2022 Regional Council Closed Session Report

• Resolution Number 2021-48
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

24.2

Appointment of an Associate Medical Officer of Health

(Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees)

• Resolution Number 2022-49
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Crombie

  That Dr. Daniela Kempkens be appointed as an Associate Medical Officer of Health, effective immediately until December 5, 2023, upon the approval of the Minister of Health;

  And further, that documentation be provided to the Ministry of Health to apply for funding under the Provincial Medical Officer of Health/Associate Medical Officer of Health Compensation Initiative.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

25.

BY-LAWS RELATING TO IN CAMERA MATTERS

Nil.

26.

BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL

• Resolution Number 2021-50
  Moved by Councillor Palleschi
  Seconded by Councillor Vicente

  That By-law 4-2022 to confirm the proceedings of Regional Council at its meeting held on January 27, 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 Regional Clerk, and the Corporate Seal be affixed thereto.

  Carried

27.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:24 p.m.