THE COUNCIL OF

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

MINUTES

Thursday, November 12, 2020

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
• K. Ras
• P. Saito
• R. Santos
• I. Sinclair
• R. Starr
• A. Thompson
• P. Vicente

Staff Present

• J. Baker, Chief Administrative Officer
• S. Baird, Commissioner of Digital and Information Services
• K. Lockyer, Regional Clerk and Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services
• S. VanOfwegen, Commissioner of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
• P. O'Connor, Regional Solicitor
• A, Farr, Interim Commissioner of Public Works
• A. Smith, Interim Chief Planner
• 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 Clerk's
• C. Thomson, Deputy Clerk and Manager of Legislative Services
• J. Jones, Legislative Specialist
• S. Valleau, Legislative Specialist
• R. Khan, Legislative Technical Coordinator

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Regional Chair Iannicca called the meeting of Regional Council to order at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton.

Councillor Dasko departed at 3:16 p.m.

Councillor Brown departed at 4:15 p.m.

Councillor Downey departed at 4:55 p.m.

Councillor Innis departed at 4:55 p.m.

Councillor Thompson departed at 4:55 p.m.

Councillor Sinclair departed at 5:02 p.m.

Councillor Damerla departed at 5:11 p.m.

2.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Regional Chair Iannicca read an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.

Regional Chair Iannicca announced that Andrew Farr, Interim Commissioner of Public Works, has accepted the role of Commissioner of Public Works for Halton Region. On behalf of Regional Council, Regional Chair Iannicca congratulated Andrew and thanked him for his service.

3.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil.

4.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4.1

October 22, 2020 Regional Council meeting

• Resolution Number 2020-873
  Moved by Councillor Brown
  Seconded by Councillor Crombie

  That the minutes of the October 22, 2020 Regional Council meeting be approved.

  Carried

5.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2020-874
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Downey

  That the agenda for the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting include a delegation from Dr. Sergio Borgia, Corporate Chief of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, William Osler Health System, regarding COVID-19 and Hospital Capacity, to be dealt with under Delegations - Item 7.2;

  And further, that the agenda for the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting include a delegation from Dr. Kulvinder Gill, Peel Resident and Physician, regarding Concerns with the Region of Peel Response to COVID-19, to be dealt with under Delegations - Item 7.3;

  And further, that the agenda for the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting include an oral item regarding changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, to be dealt with under Other Business/Councillor Enquiries – Item 21.1;

  And further, that the agenda for the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting include a communication regarding ROPA 30, to be dealt with under In Camera Matters - Item 24.8;

  And further, that the agenda for the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting include an oral item regarding advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for the purpose, to be dealt with under In Camera Matters - Item 24.9;

  And further, that the agenda for the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting be approved, as amended.

  Carried

6.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2020-875
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the following matters listed on the November 12, 2020 Regional Council Agenda be approved under the Consent Agenda: Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 13.2, 15.1, 15.3, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 17.1 , 18.1, 19.1, 24.4, 24.5 and 24.6.

  In Favour (22)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Abstain (2)

  Councillor Damerla, and Councillor Fortini

  Carried

RESOLUTIONS AS A RESULT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

9.

COMMUNICATIONS

9.1

Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario

Email dated October 15, 2020, Responding to a Letter from Regional Chair Iannicca dated October 14, 2020, Requesting that the Provincial Government Immediately Restrict all Residential Rental Evictions (Resolution 2020-807)
(Receipt recommended) (Related to 9.2)

• Resolution Number 2020-876
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

9.2

Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament, Dufferin-Caledon

Letter dated October 20, 2020, Responding to a Letter from Regional Chair Iannicca dated October 14, 2020, Requesting that the Provincial Government Immediately Restrict all Residential Rental Evictions (Resolution 2020-807)
(Receipt recommended) (Related to 9.1)

• Resolution Number 2020-877
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

9.3

Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Letter dated October 26, 2020, Advising of Social Services Relief Fund, Phase 2, Service Manager Business Case Approval with Follow Up Direction (Referral to Human Services and Finance recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-878

Referred to Human Services and Finance

 

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

9.4

Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Peel; Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton; Bonnie Crombie, Mayor, City of Mississauga; and Allan Thompson, Mayor, Town of Caledon

Letter dated October 27, 2020, to the Premier of Ontario Requesting Continued Dialogue to Jointly Review the Region of Peel and Local Municipalities’ Perspective, Local Data and Patterns Regarding COVID-19 (Receipt recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-879
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

9.5

Brock Hovey, VP Corporate Services, Accountability and Quality (Central West LHIN), Interim CFO and VP Finance, Performance and Corporate Services (Mississauga Halton LHIN) Ontario Health (Central)

Letter dated November 3, 2020, Advising of One-Time Funding to the Community Support Services Sector in 2020/21 to Support Capacity and One-time Expenditures Related to COVID-19 (Referral to Health Services recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-880

Referred to Health Services

 

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

11.

ITEMS RELATED TO HUMAN SERVICES

11.1

Housing with Supports Contract Extension

• Resolution Number 2020-881
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That contract 2020-756N for the extension of the existing contract for Domiciliary Hostel Services at Genesis Lodge be awarded to Genesis Lodge Ltd. for a twelve month period commencing January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 in the estimated amount of $249,086, (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended;

  And further, that contract 2020-757N for the extension of the existing contract for Domiciliary Hostel Services at Oliver House be awarded to Oliver House Corbett Residential Care Inc. for a twelve month period commencing January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 in the estimated amount of $79,919, (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended;

  And further, that contract 2020-758N for the extension of the contract for Domiciliary Hostel Services at Rotary Resolve House be awarded to St. Leonard’s Place Peel for a twelve month period commencing January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 in the estimated amount of $991,156, (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended;

  And further, that contract 2020-759N for the extension of the contract for Transitional Housing Services at New Leaf be awarded to St. Leonard’s Place Peel for a twelve month period commencing January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2021 in the estimated amount of $594,889, (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Human Services be authorized to sign the subject contract extensions and any related further documents, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Human Services and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Human Services be authorized to further increase the amounts in any of the subject contracts in accordance with the terms of the contract to cover additional costs associated with the operation of the domiciliary hostels and transitional housing to the limit of the approved budget;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Human Services be authorized to extend the subject contracts for one additional twelve month period on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Human Services and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor, pending the outcome of the Housing with Supports Review.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

11.2

Report of the Strategic Housing and Homelessness Committee (SHHC-2/2020) meeting held on October 15, 2020

• Resolution Number 2020-882
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the report of the Strategic Housing and Homelessness Committee (SHHC-2/2020) meeting held on October 15, 2020, be adopted.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

 

2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION SHHC-6-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-883

That the agenda for the October 15, 2020 Strategic Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting be approved.

Approved

5. REPORTS

5.1       Region of Peel’s Housing Master Plan – Annual Update 2020

(For information) (Related to 5.2)
Presentation by Steve Dickson, Director, Housing Development Office

Resolution Number 2020-884

Received

5.2       Peel Housing and Homelessness Plan – 2020 Annual Update

(Related to 5.1)
Presentation by Aileen Baird, Director, Housing Services

Resolution Number 2020-885

Received

RECOMMENDATION SHHC-7-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-886

That the report from the Commissioner of Human Services, titled “Peel Housing and Homelessness Plan – 2020 Annual Update”, be approved;

And further, that the subject report be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as the Region of Peel’s annual and mandatory housing and homelessness plan update.

Approved

 

5.3       Angela’s Place – Conversion to Permanent Housing

RECOMMENDATION SHHC-8-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-887

That the change in program delivery model at Angela’s Place, City of Mississauga, Ward 5, as outlined in the report from the Commissioner of Human Services, titled “Angela’s Place – Conversion to Permanent Housing”, be approved.

 Approved

12.

COMMUNICATIONS

12.1

Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament, Brampton North

Email dated October 27, 2020, Advising of the Federal Rapid Housing Initiative (Referral to Human Services and Finance recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-888

Referred to Human Services and Finance

 

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

13.

ITEMS RELATED TO PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

13.2

Report of the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee (R30AOC-4/2020) meeting held on October 29, 2020

• Resolution Number 2020-889
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the report of the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee (R30AOC-4/2020) meeting held on October 29, 2020, be adopted.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION R30AOC-12-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-890

That the agenda for the October 29, 2020 ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee meeting include an in camera communication from External Legal Counsel, to be dealt with under In Camera Matters - Item 9.2;

And further, that the agenda for the October 29, 2020 ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee meeting be approved, as amended.

Approved

8. IN CAMERA MATTERS

RECOMMENDATION R30AOC-13-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-891

That the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee proceed “In Camera” to consider items relating to the following:

• Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing - Regional Official Plan Amendment 30 (Oral) (Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and, Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)
• Memorandum from R. Arti Sanichara, Senior Legal Counsel (A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board)
• Letter from the External Legal Counsel (Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)

Approved

RECOMMENDATION R30AOC-14-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-892

That the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee move out of “In Camera”.

Approved

 

8.1       Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing - Regional Official Plan Amendment 30

(Oral)
(Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and, Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)

Resolution Number 2020-893

Received

9. COMMUNICATIONS

9.1       Memorandum from R. Arti Sanichara, Senior Legal Counsel

(A position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board)

Resolution Number 2020-894

Received

9.2       Letter from the External Legal Counsel

(Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)(Related to item 24.3)

Resolution Number 2020-895

Received

RECOMMENDATION R30AOC-15-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-896

That the proposed instructions to the External Legal Counsel and the Regional Solicitor, as described in the closed session report of the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee meeting held on October 29, 2020 be approved and voted upon in accordance with section 239(6)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

Received

15.

ITEMS RELATED TO ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

15.1

Procurement Activity Report – T2 May 1 to August 31, 2020

(For information)

• Resolution Number 2020-897
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

15.3

Report of the Government Relations Committee (GRC-3/2020) meeting held on October 15, 2020

• Resolution Number 2020-898
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the report of the Government Relations Committee (GRC-3/2020) meeting held on October 15, 2020, be adopted.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

 

2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GRC-5-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-899

That the agenda for the October 15, 2020 Government Relations Committee meeting, be approved.

Approved

4. DELEGATIONS

4.1       Natalia Kusendova, Member of Provincial Parliament, Mississauga Centre

Regarding Ongoing and Upcoming Provincial Initiatives

Resolution Number 2020-900

Received

5. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATE

Discussion led by Keith Medenblik, Manager, Strategic Public Policy and External Relations

Resolution Number 2020-901

Received

6. REPORTS

6.1       Update on the Region of Peel’s Advocacy Priorities

(For information)

Resolution Number 2020-902

Received

7. COMMUNICATIONS

7.1       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-903

Received

7.2       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-904

Received

7.3       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Ontario New Democrat Party, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-905

Received

7.4       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-906

Received

7.5       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Steven Del Duca, Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-907

Received

7.6       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-908

Received

7.7       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister, Women’s Issues, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-909

Received

7.8       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-910

Received

7.9       Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-911

Received

7.10     Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair

Letter dated September 3, 2020, to Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, Regarding the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-912

Received

 

16.

COMMUNICATIONS

16.1

Richard Stubbings, Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Safety Division, Ministry of the Solicitor General

Letter dated October 15, 2020, Advising of a Court Security and Prisoner Transportation Program (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2020-913
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

16.2

Alisa Mahrova, Clerk and Manager, Policy, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Letter dated October 19, 2020, Regarding Appointments to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Partners in Project Green Executive Management Committee
(Receipt recommended) (Related to 15.2)

• Resolution Number 2020-914
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

16.3

Doug Downey, Attorney General

Letter dated October 27, 2020, Regarding Changes to the Special Investigations Unit (Receipt recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-915
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

16.4

Laura Hall, Acting General Manager, Corporate Services/Acting Town Clerk, Town of Caledon

Letter dated October 28, 2020, Regarding the Proposed 2021 Caledon Ontario Provincial Police Budget and 2022-2024 Projections (Referral to Finance recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-916

Referred to Finance

 

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

17.

ITEMS RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS

17.1

Queen Elizabeth Way Credit River Bridge – Active Transportation Crossings

• Resolution Number 2020-917
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the implementation and construction of the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Credit River active transportation crossings in the City of Mississauga pursuant to design works for the QEW/Credit River Active Transportation Crossing Project 2017-388P, be approved;

  And further, that funding in the amount of $5,713,802 be approved for the Region of Peel’s financial contribution towards the implementation and construction of the active transportation crossings between the Region of Peel and the City of Mississauga, to be set up under Capital Project 20-4134, and financed from the Tax Supported Capital Reserve, R0241;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Public Works be delegated the authority to negotiate terms, enter into, and execute any necessary agreements with the City of Mississauga for the funding contribution towards the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) Credit River active transportation crossings implementation and construction, on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor;

  And further, that a copy of the report of the Interim Commissioner of Public Works, titled “Queen Elizabeth Way Credit River Bridge – Active Transportation Crossings”, be forwarded to the City of Mississauga.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

18.

COMMUNICATIONS

18.1

Jennifer Jaruczek, Planner, Policy and Advocacy, Building Industry and Land Development Association

Letter dated November 3, 2020 Regarding Peel Region Development Services Fee Review (Receipt recommended) (Related to 10.1)

• Resolution Number 2020-918
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

19.

ITEMS RELATED TO HEALTH

19.1

Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action

• Resolution Number 2020-919
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the Region of Peel advocate to the federal and provincial governments to implement the necessary legislative and policy changes to eliminate external violence against paramedics;

  And further, that the Regional Chair write a letter to the federal Minister of Justice, on behalf of Regional Council, to request amendments to the Criminal Code that provide protections for paramedics;

  And further, that a copy of the report from the Commissioner of Health Services, titled “Eliminating Violence Against Paramedics – A Call to Action”, be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, Solicitor General, Minister of Health, Peel-area MPs and MPPs, as well as Ontario’s single and upper-tier municipalities responsible for land ambulance, for endorsement and advocacy support.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

 

AGENDA ITEMS SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION AND DEBATE

7.

DELEGATIONS

7.1

Deborah Flint, President and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Michele McKenzie, GTAA Board Member for Peel Region

Providing the Annual GTAA Update to Regional Council 

• Resolution Number 2020-920
  Received

Michele McKenzie, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Board Member for Peel Region, stated that Toronto Pearson International Airport (PIA) and the GTAA Board are actively taking steps to rebuild confidence in air travel and to ensure PIA is prepared for the future and can return to its role as a national economic catalyst.

Deborah Flint, President and CEO, GTAA, provided an overview of the COVID-19 impact on PIA with respect to passenger traffic trends, loss of airport revenue and the GTAA workforce. She noted that it will be several years before there is a full industry recovery.

Deborah Flint outlined actions initiated by PIA during the COVID-19 pandemic including a reduced capital program and implementation of a maintenance runway program that has created 450 jobs.

Deborah Flint provided an overview of the Healthy Airport measures implemented by PIA, noting that the airport is the first in Canada to receive the ACI Health Accreditation.

7.2

Dr. Sergio Borgia, Corporate Chief of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, William Osler Health System

Regarding COVID-19 and Hospital Capacity

• Resolution Number 2020-921
  Received

Dr. Sergio Borgia, Corporate Chief of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, William Osler Health System (WOHS), stated that a record number of people are testing positive for COVID-19 in Peel and Brampton and there is a corresponding increase in people seeking care in the William Osler hospitals. He noted that one of the primary challenges is the physical space required to safely isolate and care for COVID-19 patients who require a dedicated single occupancy room; which puts a strain on bed and room access and flow procedures.

Dr. Borgia stated that the public health measures mandated by Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, will help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, ensure the health care system does not become overwhelmed, and ensure health care for all is not compromised. He noted that the measures are justified and, at the risk of some societal fatigue and hardship, can effectively provide a temporary reprieve so that the William Osler hospitals can recalibrate, reduce hallway medicine and allow for the safe and eventual lifting of restrictions. He stated that targeted and strategic interventions may be appropriate in the Region of Peel where there are unique challenges such as: households with long traditions of multi-generational living; high numbers of health care and support workers; large numbers of congregate businesses, such as manufacturing, food processing and trucking; foreign student room-mates, and a fair amount of international travel.

In response to a question from Councillor Damerla, Dr. Borgia clarified that while the critical severity of the illness may not be as dire as it was in the first wave when long-term care was highly impacted, hospitals are in still in gridlock and are facing numerous challenges with respect to staffing, accommodations, and ensuring services can be offered to non-COVID patients.

In response to a question from Councillor Dasko regarding hospital visitors, Dr. Borgia stated that the strict visitor protocols implemented at the beginning of the pandemic, and relaxed during the summer, are being revisited. Recommendations have been made to return to a significantly curtailed visitor policy to protect staff and patients.

Councillor Brown noted that the pandemic has exposed the health inequities that exist in the province and that having less than the provincial average bed capacity enhances the threat the Region of Peel now faces.  

In response to a question from Councillor Brown regarding the definition of a pandemic, Dr. Borgia stated that regardless of the semantics of the definition, it is incontrovertible that there are more COVID-19 cases than the system can handle and if hospitals are overrun, there will not be capacity to deal with other health needs.

7.3

Dr. Kulvinder Gill, Region of Peel Resident and Physician

Regarding Concerns with the Region of Peel Response to COVID-19

• Resolution Number 2020-922
  Received

Dr. Kulvinder Gill, Region of Peel Resident and Physician, proposed that there needs to be a focus on the real COVID-19 data collected over the last ten months. She stated that pandemics are defined by excess deaths and there have been no excess deaths reported in Canada to the end of July, 2020. She indicated that in her perspective, while there has been an increase in cases, generated by an increase in testing, there has been no collateral increase in the number of deaths. She stated that the fatality rates for COVID-19 are age stratified; suggesting that the risk of death from acquiring a COVID-19 infection is less than seasonal flu for children and healthy adults and greater than the seasonal flu for those with significant co-morbid disease or who are over the age of 70.

Dr. Gill stated that cases do not equal infection and proposed that case hysteria should be stopped.

Dr. Gill noted that the World Health Organization’s pandemic planning response from a 2019 peer reviewed policy states that contact tracing and quarantine of exposures is contraindicated (should not be used because it may be harmful to persons) and not evidence based. She stated that experts and eminent professors of epidemiology have been speaking out, indicating that the current response to the COVID-19 infection is counter-productive and harmful to society.

Dr. Gill stated that recent announcements of vaccines are only press releases with no peer reviewed evidence and cannot be relied upon as a solution.

Dr. Gill referred to statistics from Sweden indicating in her perspective, that the country followed a normal pandemic response; there was no lockdown, no mandated masks, and businesses and schools remained open.

In response to a question from Councillor Damerla regarding preferred actions, Dr. Gill noted that there should be a focus on health promotion, general disease prevention, mental health, social interactions and exercise. She also noted that some countries are providing free vitamin D to vulnerable populations.

In response to a question from Councillor Kovac, Dr Gill suggested that there be a return to the three basic principles of public health: minimizing long term rather than short term COVID-19 mortality; minimizing morbidity and mortality from all diseases; and, minimizing disease and mortality in the entire population including the working class and the poor.

8.

COVID-19 RELATED MATTERS

8.1

Peel Public Health COVID-19 Response

Presentation by Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health

• Resolution Number 2020-923
  Received
• Resolution Number 2020-924
  Moved by Councillor Starr
  Seconded by Councillor Fonseca

  That the staffing strategy as outlined in the report from the Commissioner of Health Services and the Medical Officer of Health, titled “Peel Public Health COVID-19 Response”, be approved;

  And further, that the funding related to the adoption of the staffing strategy, using a combination of COVID-19 related and other external funding, be approved; 

  And further, that the Region of Peel continue to advocate to the provincial government to ensure that appropriate funding is provided to address long standing system pressures in Public Health and any current needs due to COVID-19. 

  In Favour (24)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Carried

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, stated that recent Public Health recommendations are designed to control the second wave of COVID-19 while leaving schools and essential businesses in operation. He noted that where COVID-19 levels are manageable, he supports re-opening sectors in the community with adequate adaptation and precaution; but as COVID-19 levels rise, the Region must take decisive action to keep it under control and mitigate broader impacts.

Dr. Loh indicated that the weekly COVID-19 rates per 100,000 inhabitants are increasing in all municipalities. He noted that another measure of extent of infection is test positivity; the aim is to ensure that the proportion of tests returning positive is three per cent or less. For the week of November 1 to 7, 2020, the percent positivity in Peel was over 10 per cent.

Dr. Loh stated that contact tracing capacity is increasingly challenged as the second wave continues and there is reduced ability to reach cases quickly and understand where transmission is happening. He noted that over 40 per cent of cases are due to exposure in households that are then propagated into other settings. Clusters have been seen in celebratory events such as weddings, at places of worship, and smaller household gatherings between friends and family members who may not live together. There is also an increase in Long Term Care, hospital and school outbreaks.

Dr. Loh summarized recommendations to all Peel residents: for the next two to four weeks, stop meeting in person as much as possible; if you have to meet someone outside your household for an essential purpose, do it with distance, masking, and do not meet if you are sick; meet virtually as much as possible; and no large gatherings.

Dr. Loh noted that under the current circumstances, more staffing resources are urgently required to achieve appropriate service levels in the COVID-19 response and some critical programs. He provided an overview of the staffing positions required to support case and contact management, immunization, healthy sexuality, health protection, and harm reduction programs. He reiterated that action and resources are required to keep COVID-19 under control.

In response to a request from Councillor Dasko to address restaurant restrictions on an individual basis, Dr. Loh noted that outbreak numbers in restaurants reflect the employees, but that there is the potential of cases among patrons that are registered as community cases. Restaurants are inherently high-risk settings, as supported by evidence across several jurisdictions. Dr. Loh stated that he has requested that any future provincial changes include a minimum of three days notice prior to implementation.

In response to a question from Councillor Brown, Dr. Loh confirmed that there is an isolation centre in Brampton that is now operational and currently providing services for shelter system individuals who have tested positive. Regarding the federally approved isolation site centre, he noted that staff is working to scale up, hopefully sooner than the originally approved date of December 1, 2020.

Councillor Thompson suggested that local businesses need additional funding to provide employee sick pay; he requested that the Regional Chair discuss provincial and federal financial support at the next meeting with local MP’s.

Council recessed at 1:14 p.m.

Council reconvened at 1:40 p.m.

10.

STAFF PRESENTATIONS

10.1

Update on the Development Services Fee Review

Presentation by Sean-Michael Stephen, Manager, Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. and John Hardcastle, Interim Director, Development Services (Related to 18.1)

• Resolution Number 2020-925
  Received
• Resolution Number 2020-926
  Moved by Councillor Sinclair
  Seconded by Councillor Thompson

  That the fees review findings as outlined in the report of the Interim Commissioner of Public Works, titled “Update on the Development Services Fee Review”, be endorsed;

  And further, that the proposed phased implementation strategy as outlined in Appendix IX of the subject report be endorsed for consideration as part of the 2021 and 2022 annual budgeting processes;

  And further, that a copy of the subject report be provided to the local municipalities and the Building Industry and Land Development Association for information.

  In Favour (24)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Carried

John Hardcastle, Interim Director, Development Services, stated that the key objectives of the development services fee review were to establish a framework that is consistent, fair and transparent; and to develop a fee structure that reflects the emerging mix of application types and development in the Region of Peel.

Sean-Michael Stephen, Manager, Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., outlined the legislative authority available to the Region to recover costs of service; provided an overview of the activity-based costing methodology; and provided key findings of the review. He noted that the Region processes approximately 1000 applications annually and the existing fee structure recovers 82 per cent of the costs attributable to the Planning, and Engineering and Traffic Development fee categories. He provided an overview of the recommended fees, projected cost recovery and development impacts.

John Hardcastle noted that stakeholders were included at key points throughout the fee review process; consultations were held with staff from the three local municipalities and the Peel Chapter of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). Stakeholders requested that the Region reconsider any planned immediate implementation of fee increases in 2020, given the economic uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

John Hardcastle provided an overview of the proposed implementation strategy, noting that the phased approach to fee increases will assist the development community during COVID-19 recovery, while simultaneously balancing the protection of Regional interests, such as reducing the burden on property taxpayers.

In response to a question from Councillor Thompson, John Hardcastle noted that staff will include a review of community use fee accommodations in the 2023 review.

13.

ITEMS RELATED TO PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

13.1

Proposed Work Plan for the Region of Peel Planning Advisory Committee

• Resolution Number 2020-927

Deferred to the November 26, 2020 Regional Council meeting

14.

COMMUNICATIONS

14.1

Andrew Walker, Principal Planner, Gagnon Walker Domes Ltd., jointly with Glen Schnarr and Associates Inc., on behalf of the Heritage Heights Landowners Group (HHLOG) Owners

Email dated October 21, 2020, Providing a Copy of HHLOG’s Letter to the Minister of Transportation Regarding the GTA West Transportation Corridor, Urban Boulevard Concept versus Traditional Highway within Heritage Heights, City of Brampton (Receipt recommended)

• Resolution Number 2020-928
  Received

In response to a question from Councillor Parrish, Adrian Smith, Interim Chief Planner, clarified that the collection of funds as outlined in the communication listed as item 14.1 on the agenda, had been initiated through the Development Charges By-law in association with the North South Corridor when the North West Brampton lands were brought into the Regional Boundary. He stated that the funds were collected to address future transportation infrastructure requirements and there was no specific Council approved project associated with the collected funds.

 

15.

ITEMS RELATED TO ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

15.2

Election of Regional Council Section Chairs and Vice-Chairs; and Appointment of Members to Committees

• Resolution Number 2020-929

Deferred to the November 26, 2020 Regional Council meeting

17.

ITEMS RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS

17.2

Report of the Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee (WMSAC-4/2020) meeting held on October 29, 2020

• Resolution Number 2020-930
  Moved by Councillor Saito
  Seconded by Councillor Innis

  That the report of the Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee (WMSAC-4/2020) meeting held on October 29, 2020, be adopted.

  In Favour (24)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Carried

Councillor Saito raised concern that some local media organizations are communicating incorrect information; indicating that Peel residents can now recycle all plastic products as a result of the provincial producer responsibility program. Andrew Farr, Interim Commissioner of Public Works, noted that Regional messaging has not been initiated as the provincial regulation is not yet finalized. He undertook to follow up on Councillor Saito’s request to address the miscommunication by local media.

2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION WMSAC-15-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-931

That the agenda for the October 29, 2020 Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

Approved

 

5. REPORTS

5.1       Waste Management Financial Plan Update – Result of First Round of Public Consultation and Recommended Next Steps

Presentation by Norman Lee, Director, Waste Management

Resolution Number 2020-932

Received

RECOMMENDATION WMSAC-16-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-933

That the evaluation criteria to be used by staff to evaluate the potential funding approaches as outlined in the report from the Interim Commissioner of Public Works titled “Waste Management Financial Plan Update – Results of First Round Public Consultation and Recommended Next Steps” be endorsed;

And further, that the plan for a second round of public consultation to engage Peel residents for follow up feedback on potential funding approaches as outlined in the subject report, be endorsed.

Approved

5.2       Update and Proposed Direction on the Transition of the Region of Peel’s Waste Diversion Programs to Full Producer Responsibility

RECOMMENDATION WMSAC-17-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-934

That the Region of Peel continue to offer collection services to producers for collection of Batteries, Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste, and Blue Box materials post transition, subject to negotiation of mutually agreeable terms;

And further, that the Region of Peel stop collecting tires at its Community Recycling Centres effective January 1, 2021;

And further, that the Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to enter into and execute new agreements or amending agreements and related forms and documents, including on a directly negotiated basis, related to the transition, operation or funding of the Region’s Electrical and Electronic Equipment diversion program, on business terms satisfactory to the Commissioner of Public Works and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor;

And further, that staff be directed to negotiate agreements related to the transition, operation or funding of the Region’s Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste diversion program once the Municipal Hazardous and Special Waste regulation is finalized and report back to a future meeting of the Waste Management Strategic Advisory Committee with recommendations.

Approved

5.3       Proposed 2021 Waste Management Service Changes

RECOMMENDATION WMSAC-18-2020:

Resolution Number 2020-935

That the waste management service changes proposed in the report from the Interim Commissioner of Public Works titled “Proposed 2021 Waste Management Service Changes” be endorsed.

Approved

6. COMMUNICATIONS

6.1       Jeff Yurek, Minister and Andrea Khanjin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks 

Email dated October 16, 2020, Regarding an Invitation to Participate in the Provincial Day of Action on Litter – Waste Reduction Week Initiatives (Receipt recommended)

Resolution Number 2020-936

Received

20.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

21.

OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCILLOR ENQUIRIES

21.1

Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act

(Oral)

• Resolution Number 2020-937
  Moved by Councillor Ras
  Seconded by Councillor Innis

  That in accordance with section 1.1.3 of the Region of Peel Procedure By-law 56-2019, as amended, section 6.1.9 be waived in order to permit consideration of motion without previous notice.

  In Favour (23)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Abstain (1)

  Councillor Groves

  Carried
• Resolution Number 2020-938
  Moved by Councillor Ras
  Seconded by Councillor Innis

  Whereas the provincial government has introduced Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act - Schedule 6 – Conservation Authorities Act;

  And whereas, the legislation introduces a number of changes and new sections that could remove and/or significantly hinder the conservation authorities’ role in regulating development, permit appeal process and engaging in review and appeal of planning applications;

  And whereas, we rely on the watershed expertise provided by local conservation authorities to protect residents, property and local natural resources on a watershed basis by regulating development and engaging in reviews of applications submitted under the Planning Act;

  And whereas, the changes allow the Minister of Natural Resources to make decisions without conservation authority (CA) watershed data and expertise;

  And whereas, the legislation suggests that the Minister of Natural Resources will have the ability to establish standards and requirements for non-mandatory programs which are negotiated between the conservation authorities and municipalities to meet local watershed needs;

  And whereas, municipalities require a longer transition time to put in place agreements with conservation authorities for non-mandatory programs;

  And whereas, municipalities believe that the appointment of municipal representatives on CA Boards should be a municipal decision, and the Chair and Vice Chair of the CA Board should be duly elected;

  And whereas, the changes to the ‘Duty of Members’ contradicts the fiduciary duty of a CA board member to represent the best interests of the conservation authority and its responsibility to the watershed;

  And whereas, conservation authorities have already been working with the provincial government, development sector and municipalities to streamline and speed up permitting and planning approvals through Conservation Ontario’s Client Service and Streamlining Initiative;

  And whereas, changes to the legislation will create more red tape and costs for the conservation authorities, and their municipal partners, and potentially result in delays in the development approval process;

  And whereas, municipalities value and rely on the natural habitats and water resources within our jurisdiction for the health and well-being of residents; municipalities value the conservation authorities’ work to prevent and manage the impacts of flooding and other natural hazards; and municipalities value the conservation authority’s work to ensure safe drinking water;

  Therefore be it resolved, that the provincial government be requested to work with conservation authorities to address their concerns by repealing and/or amending changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and the Planning Act;

  And further, that the provincial government be requested to delay enactment of clauses affecting municipal concerns;

  And further, that the provincial government be requested to provide a longer transition period up to December 2022 for non-mandatory programs to enable coordination of CA-municipal budget processes;

  And further, that the provincial government be requested to respect the current conservation authority/municipal relationships;’

  And further, that the provincial government be requested to embrace their long-standing partnership with the conservation authorities and provide them with the tools and financial resources they need to effectively implement their watershed management role.

  In Favour (23)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Abstain (1)

  Councillor Groves

  Carried

Councillor Ras stated that amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act and Planning Act, as proposed through Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID 19 Act, would negatively impact the way conservation authorities operate. For example, changes would: authorize the Minister of Natural Resources to issue orders to take over and decide development permit applications in place of a conservation authority (CA); remove the unproclaimed provision for conservation authorities to issue stop work orders; and, with respect to governance, require that CA board members represent their municipalities interest rather than the interest of the conservation authority. She noted that the conservation authorities have been accountable to the Region of Peel and the local municipalities and she is requesting that Regional Council reiterate that message to the provincial government.

Council Innis stated that the three key issues are permitting, planning and enforcement. She noted that the proposed changes would cause concern for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) which would not be permitted to go to the LPAT independently, even though the TRCA is the largest single landowner in the Greater Toronto Area. She also noted that there would be concerns when CA’s have service level agreements with both upper and lower tier governments, which are in disagreement with one another, because conservation authorities should be independent bodies that provide non-biased technical advice to municipalities.

22.

NOTICE OF MOTION/MOTION

22.2 was dealt with.

22.2

Motion Regarding Advocacy for Property Tax Exemptions Under Bill 57

• Resolution Number 2020-939
  Moved by Councillor Dasko
  Seconded by Councillor Ras

  Whereas each year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the heroic efforts of Canadian veterans who fought in wars and military conflicts, and served in peacekeeping missions around the world to defend our freedoms and democracy so that we can live in peace and prosperity;

  And whereas, it is important to appreciate and recognize the achievements and sacrifices of those armed forces veterans who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace;

  And whereas, Section 6.1 of the Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A31 as amended, Regional Council may exempt from Regional taxation land that is used and occupied as a memorial home, clubhouse or athletic grounds by persons who served in the armed forces of His or Her Majesty or an ally of His or Her Majesty in any war;

  And whereas, through By-Law Number 62-2017 Regional Council has provided an exemption from Regional taxation to Royal Canadian Legions and the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Clubs that have qualified properties used and occupied as a memorial home, clubhouse or athletic grounds;

  And whereas, local municipal councils in Peel have provided a similar exemption for local property taxes;

  And whereas, Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario are exempt from all property taxation, including the education portion of property taxes, under Section 3 (1) paragraph 15.1 of the Assessment Act, and that a municipal by-law is not required to provide such an exemption;

  And whereas, the 2020 Ontario Budget provides for amendments to the Assessment Act to apply the existing property tax exemption for Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, for 2019 and subsequent tax years, to Ontario units of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada;

  Therefore be it resolved, that the Regional Chair write to the Minister of Finance, on behalf of Regional Council, to request that upon passage of the 2020 Ontario Budget, the amendment to the Assessment Act be implemented as soon as possible;

  And further, that copies of this resolution be sent to Peel-area Members of Provincial Parliament as well as to all Ontario municipalities for consideration and action.

  In Favour (24)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Carried

22.1

Motion Regarding the Development of a Comprehensive Advocacy Strategy for the Implementation of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan Services Program

• Resolution Number 2020-940
  Moved by Councillor Groves
  Seconded by Councillor Parrish

  Whereas good oral health supports overall health and wellbeing and is also associated with the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and aspiration pneumonia;

  And whereas, seniors with untreated oral health issues often require emergency department visits and hospitalization and create a burden on the health care system;

  And whereas, it is a Region of Peel 2018-2022 Term of Council Priority to support healthy aging by enhancing seniors’ supports and services to optimize quality of life;

  And whereas, it is a Peel Public Health 2020-2029 strategic priority to advance health equity through programs that address social disadvantages that limit opportunities for optimal health to residents including low-income seniors;

  Therefore be it resolved, that Peel Public Health develop a comprehensive advocacy strategy aimed at ensuring the implementation of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan Services program meets the needs of Region of Peel seniors and the demand for the services, and requesting that the provincial government:

  • provide additional operational and capital funding so that sufficient services can be provided to meet the demand for the program;
  • allow for the provision of services by private dental providers and a sessional/time unit reimbursement option to pay for these services;
  • change the income eligibility criteria to allow more seniors to qualify for the program so that all seniors who cannot afford dental care have access to the program; and,
  • removing the co-payment for prosthodontics;

  And further, that the Regional Chair convene a round table in the spring of 2021 or as circumstances permit, including local political and community representation to discuss the importance of, and barriers to, accessing dental care by Peel seniors and to advocate for greater access to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan Services program in Peel Region;

  And further, that the Region of Peel Medical Officer of Health provide an update report to Council regarding the current status of the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan Services program implementation in the Region of Peel in the spring of 2021 or as circumstances permit.

  In Favour (24)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Carried

Councillor Groves stated that it is difficult for seniors to access dental care because the assistance program only provides funding to those with an annual income under the threshold of approximately $19,000, which is below the poverty line. She noted that access to dental care is important as poor dental health can lead to other illnesses and create a greater burden on the health care system.

Councillor Parrish suggested that the provincial government be requested to review the Region of Peel’s previous dental care program and allow the Region to operate that program which was more efficient.

Councillor Saito requested that the comprehensive advocacy strategy include a detailed proposal outlining how the Region of Peel would operate the seniors dental care program and include a proposal to provide financial support on a sliding scale.

22.3

Motion Regarding Community Policing and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Reform

• Resolution Number 2020-941
  Moved by Councillor Crombie
  Seconded by Councillor Brown

  Whereas Regional Council recognizes that in 2019 alone, Peel Regional Police responded to nearly 6,500 mental health calls, or approximately 18 calls per day; this equates to a total of 15,700 uniform police service hours to support mental health calls and 22,250 hours to support suicide calls each year;

  And whereas, Regional Council acknowledges that Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duriappah has agreed with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) statement that people experiencing mental health crises need health care and that Police should not be the first responders when people are in crisis in the community;

  And whereas, Regional Council agrees that Police cannot and should not be the sole front-line responders to emergency mental health crises in our community;

  And whereas, additional resources are needed to increase the capacity of initiatives like Peel Regional Police’s Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT), - a partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Peel Dufferin, which currently only has two cars operating 12 hours a day to support a Regional population of 1.4 million;

  And whereas, the lack of crisis response resources puts those in crisis and the wider community at increased risk;

  And whereas, Regional Council must continuously review Regional policing methods to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all residents of Peel are respected and that Peel Regional Police is meeting the needs and expectations of the residents it serves;

  And whereas, Regional Council recognizes that the Peel Regional Police are taking positive steps to change the culture within the police service and transition to a community-based policing model through a variety of measures including the introduction of body worn cameras, the implementation of a Community Safety and Well-Being plan, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), as well as hosting ongoing public consultations on police reform;

  And whereas, a plan and framework for police reform must also include all recommendations outlined in Justice Michael Tulloch’s 2017 reports titled, Independent Police Oversight Review and his Independent Street Checks Review;

  And whereas, the Community Safety and Policing Act and the Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, were passed by the Ontario Legislature in May 2019 with all party support, but have yet to be put into full force and effect;

  And whereas, several interactions between Peel Police Services and the community over the past year have resulted in public trust being shaken and resulted in calls for SIU reform at the provincial level;

  And whereas, the members of Peel Regional Council have a vested interest in maintaining the health and safety of the Region’s 1.4 million residents;

  Therefore be it resolved, that Peel Regional Council take a formal position on the need to immediately enact existing and introduce new legislation to address police, Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and mental health reform by writing a letter to the Premier of Ontario and the Solicitor General to request the following:

  1. Immediate enactment of the Special Investigations Unit Act, 2019 along with several additional reforms to ensure greater transparency and accountability, including:
     1. timely sharing of information and investigations with the public;
     2. enabling local police officers to comment on details and timelines of an investigation within their jurisdiction,
     3. ensuring that former police officers make up no more than 50 per cent of any SIU team, and
     4. enforcing police officers under investigation to testify and hand over their notes if being investigated.
  2. Immediate enactment of the Community Safety and Policing Act and Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, the latter of which received all-party support, and was passed by the Ontario Legislature over a year ago but has yet to be put into force.
  3. Implementation of all recommendations from Justice Michael Tulloch’s two reviews — his 2017 Independent Police Oversight Review and his 2017 Independent Street Checks Review.
  4. Make changes to the Mental Health Act to permit first responders other than police officers to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis;

  And further, that the Regional Chair be directed to request in-person meetings with the Solicitor General and the Premier of Ontario, on behalf of Regional Council, along with interested Council members to outline the need to implement changes stemming from the Tulloch Reports, including those of the SIU.

  In Favour (22)

  Councillor Brown, Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Downey, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Innis, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Sinclair, Councillor Starr, Councillor Thompson, and Councillor Vicente

  Abstain (2)

  Councillor Kovac, and Councillor Mahoney

  Carried

Councillor Crombie acknowledged the Peel Regional Police and commended the actions that Chief Nishan Duriappah has taken to respond to the community’s concerns including: the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ontario Human Rights Commission, introduction of body worn cameras to provide more transparency and accountability, implementation of the Community Safety and Well-Being plan, and hosting ongoing public consultations regarding police reform. She stated that more can be done at the provincial level specifically on the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Community Safety and Policing Act and the Comprehensive Ontario Police Services Act, that have been passed by the Ontario Legislature but are yet to be enacted.

Councillor Brown stated that recommendations from Justice Michael Tulloch regarding SIU reform are a great step forward in a time when people are looking at how to build faith and confidence in policing institutions. 

23.

BY-LAWS

Three Readings

• Resolution Number 2020-942
  Moved by Councillor Saito
  Seconded by Councillor Mahoney

  That the by-laws listed on the November 12, 2020 Regional Council agenda, being By-laws 65-2020 and 68-2020, be given the required number of readings, taken as read, signed by the Regional Chair and the Regional Clerk, and the Corporate Seal be affixed thereto.

  Carried

23.1

By-law 65-2020

A by-law to govern the Regional Council Code of Conduct and to repeal By-law 1-2017.

23.2

By-law 68-2020

A by-law to amend the Region of Peel Procedure By-law 56-2019, as amended, being a by-law to govern the calling, place, and proceedings of the meetings of Council and its committees and the conduct of its members.

 

• Resolution Number 2020-943
  Moved by Councillor McFadden
  Seconded by Councillor Medeiros

  That section 4.2.12 of Procedure By-law 56-2019, as amended, be waived in order that the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting continue past 3:30 p.m.

  Carried

24.

IN CAMERA MATTERS

• Resolution Number 2020-944
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Downey

  That Council proceed “In Camera” to consider reports relating to the following:

  • Closed Session Report of the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee (R30AOC-4/2020) meeting held on October 29, 2020 (Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)
  • Update from the External Legal Counsel Regarding Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing - Regional Official Plan Amendment 30 (Oral) (Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and, Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)
  • Letter from the External Legal Counsel Regarding Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing - Regional Official Plan Amendment 30 (Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)
  • Letter from the Landowners legal Counsel regarding the ROPA 30(Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and, Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)
  Carried
• Resolution Number 2020-945
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Kovac

  That Council move out of "In Camera".

  Carried

Council moved in camera at 3:22 p.m.

Council moved out of in camera at 5:10 p.m.

 

24.1

Closed Session Report of the ROPA 30 Appeals Oversight Committee (R30AOC-4/2020) meeting held on October 29, 2020

(Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)

• Resolution Number 2020-946
  Received

24.2

Update from the External Legal Counsel Regarding Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing - Regional Official Plan Amendment 30

(Oral) (Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and, Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)

• Resolution Number 2020-947
  Received

24.3

Letter from the External Legal Counsel Regarding Local Planning Appeal Tribunal Hearing - Regional Official Plan Amendment 30

(Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)

• Resolution Number 2020-948
  Received
• Resolution Number 2020-949
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Crombie

  Whereas on December 8, 2016 the Council of the Region of Peel strongly supported, by a vote of 16 to 8, a Motion to adopt ROPA 30 providing for expansion west of the Bolton Settlement area in the Town of Caledon;

  And whereas, ROPA 30 provided for expansion to accommodate a predominantly residential community of approximately 10,300 residents and 2,500 jobs;

  And whereas, significant factors in Regional Council’s choosing the ROPA 30 expansion location were its proximity to the existing and planned employment and commercial area of Bolton, which have suffered economically without sufficient population to sustain businesses, as well as savings of tens of millions dollars in infrastructure costs - water/wastewater for ROPA 30 at $12 million while more northern sites were $68 million;

  And whereas, during the ROPA 30 process four community consultations and public meetings were held:

  • an informal Open House hosted by the Region in Caledon on February 18,2016;
  • a Statutory Open House hosted by the Region on September 14, 2016;
  • a Statutory Public Meeting at Regional Council on September 29, 2016; and
  • a Public Meeting of Regional Council on December 8, 2016 at which the lands subject to ROPA 30 were chosen by a vote of 16 to 8;

  And whereas, Regional Council’s decision to adopt ROPA 30 was appealed to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) by a number of parties, including the Town of Caledon and the owners of other lands who wanted those lands included in the Region’s urban area;

  And whereas, three years after ROPA 30 was adopted, on December 20, 2019, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing expanded a Provincially Significant Employment Zone (PSEZ) to encompass the ROPA 30 lands, which conflicted with criteria for PSEZs published by the Ministry, including that:

  • potential PSEZ lands are not under appeal at the LPAT and
  • there be consultation with and consensus between upper and lower-tier municipalities;

  And whereas, on April 9, 2020 Regional Council approved Resolution 2020-302, by a vote of 17 to 7, requesting that the ROPA 30 lands be removed from the PSEZ, the request having been sent to the Minister on April 20, 2020;

  And whereas, notwithstanding that the Regional Council underwent considerable change after the 2018 Municipal elections, the vote on removing the ROPA 30 lands from the PSEZ confirmed Council’s commitment to ROPA 30 as the most logical and economical expansion area for residential growth;

  And whereas, as a result of extensive negotiations undertaken by the Region and the other LPAT parties, the part of ROPA 30 known as the Triangle Lands, has been approved by the LPAT for urban expansion for employment purposes, and some other issues, including cultural heritage and servicing, have been settled;

  And whereas, despite diligent efforts by the Region and the other parties, they have not been able to settle the fundamental issues of transportation, financial impact and land use planning arising from the appeals of the Town and the other landowners who want their lands included in the Regional urban boundary instead of those identified in ROPA 30;

  And whereas, the LPAT Hearings are scheduled for at least 14 weeks, commencing November 23, 2020, at enormous expense estimated to be in the tens of millions, which will drive up property taxes in the Region and add to the eventual cost of new homes to be built, when More Jobs, More Homes and Affordable Housing are key policy goals of the current Provincial Government;

  And whereas, in the opinion of Regional Council, ROPA 30 is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement 2020 and conforms with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe;

  And whereas, implementation of ROPA 30 by way of a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) will support the Provincial Government’s urgent objective and key policy goals of delivering More Jobs, More Homes and Affordable Housing, at a time when they are most needed, given the impact of the COVID Pandemic;

  And whereas, the most common objections expressed by the public over MZO designations have been addressed in ROPA 30:

  • all appropriate public consultations have been completed;
  • a clear majority of two different Regional Councils have approved the ROPA 30 lands for residential expansion;
  • lengthy and expensive efforts have been made to come to an agreement with the appellants;

  And whereas, due to the LPAT appeals, a range of much-needed housing has already been held up for nearly four years, and ROPA 30 faces a hearing process that could last another year, followed by local official plan and zoning amendments, that will likely cause a further delay of up to three years, before housing can be delivered;

  Therefore be it resolved, that staff prepare a detailed application for a Minister’s Zoning Order to zone the ROPA 30 lands (except for the Triangle Lands) for residential community use, which shall include this Motion and the detailed basis for it, to be signed by the Chair of the Region of Peel and delivered to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the earliest possible date;

  And further, that the direction given “In Camera” to the Regional Chair, external legal counsel and the Regional Solicitor related to item 24.3 listed on the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting agenda be approved, and voted upon in accordance with Section 239(6)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

  In Favour (17)	Councillor Crombie, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Dhillon, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Ras, Councillor Saito, Councillor Santos, Councillor Starr, and Councillor Vicente
  Absent (7)	Councillor Brown, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Downey, Councillor Innis, Councillor Sinclair, and Councillor Thompson

  Carried

24.4

Funding Request for Bruce Trail Conservancy Project Proposal, Town of Caledon, Ward 1

(A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board)

• Resolution Number 2020-950
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the recommendation contained within the confidential report related to item 24.4 listed on the November 12, 2020 Regional Council meeting agenda be approved, and voted upon in accordance with Section 239(6)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda. 

24.5

Proposed Property Acquisition – Dixie Road Widening – PF-08073.11 – North of Countryside Drive to North of Mayfield Road – City of Brampton, Ward 9 and Town of Caledon, Ward 2

(A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board)

• Resolution Number 2020-951
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That The Regional Municipality of Peel, as Purchaser, enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Ronald Stewart Marshall, as Vendor, in accordance with the terms set out in the in camera report of the Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services and Interim Commissioner of Public Works, titled “Proposed Property Acquisition – Dixie Road Widening – PF-08073.11 – North of Countryside Drive to North of Mayfield Road – City of Brampton, Ward 9 and Town of Caledon, Ward 2”, and on legal terms satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor, for the purchase of:

  • A fee simple interest in the lands described as Part of Lot 17, Concession 4 East of Hurontario Street, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Chinguacousy), Regional Municipality of Peel, designated as Parts 1 and 2 on draft reference plan 20-B7517_RP5 prepared by Young & Young Surveying Inc.;

  And further, that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to complete the transaction, including the execution of all documents, Affidavits, Statutory Declarations and Undertakings required or appropriate for that purpose;

  And further, that the funds be financed from Capital Project 11-4020.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda. 

24.6

Proposed Property Acquisition – Town of Caledon, Ward 4

(A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board)

• Resolution Number 2020-952
  Moved by Councillor Thompson
  Seconded by Councillor Dasko

  That the Commissioner of Health Services be granted delegated authority to complete the Acquisition Process for certain property in the Town of Caledon on terms satisfactory to the Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services and the Interim Commissioner of Public Works, and in a form satisfactory to the Regional Solicitor, as described in the joint in camera report of the Interim Commissioner of Corporate Services, Interim Commissioner of Public Works, Commissioner of Health Services and Regional Solicitor, titled “Proposed Property Acquisition, Town of Caledon, Ward 4”;

  And further, that the Commissioner of Health Services be granted delegated authority to negotiate and execute all documents and agreements necessary to complete the Acquisition Process, including but not limited to:

  • Donation Agreement (Conditional Agreement of Purchase and Sale)
  • Lease Agreement
  • Temporary Access Easement
  • Temporary Hydro Easement
  • Section 119 Land Titles Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. L.5 - restriction on title limiting use;

  And further, that staff be authorized to award all contracts related to the Acquisition Process for the Subject Property by direct negotiation or other method in accordance with the Procurement By-law 30-2018, as amended;

  And further, that the Treasurer be authorized to issue a receipt for the donation in accordance with an independent appraisal report to be obtained by the Region of Peel in order to determine the market value of the Subject Property;

  And further, that the Regional Solicitor be authorized to complete the transaction, including the execution of all documents, Affidavits, Statutory Declarations and Undertakings, and any other ancillary agreements required or appropriate for that purpose;

  And further, that a budget in the amount of $100,000 funded by the tax rate stabilization reserve be established to cover the costs necessary to complete the Acquisition Process to accept certain property as described in the subject report.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda. 

24.7

Update Regarding Public Health Staffing in Response to COVID-19

(Oral) (Labour relations or employee negotiations) (For information) 

• Resolution Number 2020-953

Deferred to the November 26, 2020 Regional Council meeting

24.8

Letter from Landowners’ Legal Counsel

(Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose)

• Resolution Number 2020-954
  Received

24.9

Advice that is Subject to Solicitor-client Privilege, Including Communications Necessary for the Purpose

(Oral) 

• Resolution Number 2020-955

Deferred to the November 26, 2020 Regional Council meeting

 

25.

BY-LAWS RELATING TO IN CAMERA MATTERS

Nil.

26.

BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL

• Resolution Number 2020-956
  Moved by Councillor Saito
  Seconded by Councillor Fonseca

  That By-law 69-2020 to confirm the proceedings of Regional Council at its meeting held on November 12, 2020, 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 5:15 p.m.