THE COUNCIL OF

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

MINUTES

Thursday, October 12, 2023

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:

• N.K. Brar
• P. Brown
• B. Butt
• D. Damerla
• S. Dasko
• C. Early
• C. Fonseca*
• P. Fortini
• A. Groves
• J. Horneck
• N. Iannicca
• J. Kovac
• M. Mahoney**
• S. McFadden
• M. Medeiros
• M. Palleschi
• C. Parrish
• M. Reid
• M. Russo
• R. Santos***
• H. Singh****
• P. Vicente

Members Absent:

• B. Crombie* (Proxy C. Fonseca)
• D. Keenan**** (Alternate H. Singh)
• A. Tedjo** (Proxy M. Mahoney)
• G.S. Toor*** (Proxy R. Santos)

Staff Present:

• G. Kent, Chief Administrative Officer
• D. Valeri, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services
• P. Caza, Regional Solicitor and Commissioner of Legislative Services
• T. Buonpensiero, Acting Chief Planner and Director of Planning and Development Services
• K. Dedman, Commissioner of Public Works
• S. Baird, Commissioner of Human Services
• C. Granger, Acting Commissioner of Health
• Dr. K. Bingham, Acting Medical Officer of Health
• A. Adams, Regional Clerk and Director of Legislative Services
• C. Thomson, Deputy Clerk and Manager of Legislative Services
• H. Gill, Legislative Technical Advisor
• J. Jones, Legislative Specialist
• S. MacGregor, Legislative Technical Coordinator
• D. Rai, Legislative Technical Coordinator

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Regional Chair Iannicca called the meeting of Regional Council to order at 9:31 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton.

Councillor Keenan was absent due to personal matters

Councillor Toor was absent due to other municipal business

Councillor Mahoney arrived at 9:44 a.m.

Councillor Singh departed at 12:14 p.m.

2.

INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Regional Chair Iannicca read an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement.

Regional Chair Iannicca advised that October 17^th is Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day. He thanked Peel’s early childhood professionals for their continued support, passion and dedication.

Regional Chair Iannicca acknowledged the newly named “Paul Palleschi Recreation Centre” in the City of Brampton, recognizing the achievements of the late Paul Palleschi and his commitment to the residents of Brampton as a Regional Councillor for nearly 30 years.

3.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Nil.

4.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4.1

September 28, 2023 Regional Council meeting

• Resolution Number 2023-719
  Moved by Councillor Russo
  Seconded by Councillor McFadden

  That the minutes of the September 28, 2023 Regional Council meeting, be approved.

  Carried

5.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2023-720
  Moved by Councillor Kovac
  Seconded by Councillor Fortini
  1. That the agenda for the October 12, 2023 Regional Council meeting include a delegation from Sean Meagher, Executive Director, The Change Lab; Sharon Mayne, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin; and Varsha Naik, Executive Director, Regional Diversity Roundtable, providing an update on developments in the Non-profit Sector relating to the dissolution of Peel Region, to be dealt with under Delegations - Item 7.8; and
  2. That the agenda for the October 12, 2023 Regional Council meeting be approved, as amended.
  Carried

6.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Resolution Number 2023-721
  Moved by Councillor Horneck
  Seconded by Councillor Brar

  That the following matters listed on the October 12, 2023 Regional Council Agenda be approved under the Consent Agenda: Items 9.1, 14.1, 14.2, 15.1, 18.1, 22.2 and 22.3.

  Carried

RESOLUTIONS AS A RESULT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA

9.

ITEMS RELATED TO CORPORATE AND LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

9.1

Report of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC-4/2023) meeting held on September 21, 2023

(Related to By-law 45-2023)  

• Resolution Number 2023-722
  Moved by Councillor Horneck
  Seconded by Councillor Brar

  That the report of the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC-4/2023) meeting held on September 21, 2023, be adopted.

  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION ARC-12-2023:

Resolution Number 2023-723

That the agenda for the September 21, 2023 Audit and Risk Committee meeting, be approved.

Approved

5. REPORTS

5.1       New Procurement By-law

Presentation by Kristin Misurka, Director, Procurement and Sarah Ramoutar, Procurement Advisor

RECOMMENDATION ARC-12-2023:

Resolution Number 2023-724

That a revised Procurement By-law, as generally described in the report of the Regional Solicitor and Commissioner of Legislative Services, as listed on the September 21, 2023 Audit and Risk Committee agenda, titled “New Procurement By-law,” be presented to Regional Council for enactment.

Approved

14.

COMMUNICATIONS

14.1

Nancy Polsinelli, Commissioner of Health Services; and Davinder Valeri, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services

Memo dated September 29, 2023, Regarding the 2023-2027 Declaration on Climate Change and Air Quality (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2023-725
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

14.2

Patrick Trafford, Acting Town Clerk, Town of Caledon

Letter dated October 4, 2023, Declaring Gender-based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence an Epidemic in the Town of Caledon (Receipt recommended)  

• Resolution Number 2023-726
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

15.

ITEMS RELATED TO HUMAN SERVICES

15.1

Poverty Reduction Strategies and Increased Investment Required to Support Peel Region’s Most Vulnerable

(For information) (Related to 7.1 and 7.4 to 7.8 inclusive) 

• Resolution Number 2023-727
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

18.

COMMUNICATIONS

18.1

Bonnie Crombie, Mayor, City of Mississauga

Letter dated October 4, 2023, Providing a Copy of a Letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Regarding Planning Act Printed Notices (Receipt recommended) 

• Resolution Number 2023-728
  Received

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

AGENDA ITEMS SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION AND DEBATE

7.

DELEGATIONS

7.1

Daniele Zanotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Greater Toronto Area

Presenting the Peel Poverty Reduction Committee’s Report Findings as it Relates to Poverty in Peel Region  
(Related to 15.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-729
  Received

Daniele Zanotti, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Greater Toronto Area, provided an overview of the Peel Poverty Reduction Committee’s report findings including the current state of poverty in Peel Region and steps to address issues and mitigate poverty within communities. The delegate stated the need to sustain a collective impact approach; increase investment in poverty reduction; strengthen long-term advocacy and awareness; and develop and sustain inclusive and equitable solutions.

In response to questions of clarification from Members of Regional Council, the delegate noted a preference to continue the coordination of services at a regional level with opportunities to act locally; to provide a system solution of housing, jobs and food security; to continue the work of the Peel Poverty Reduction Committee; and the need for investment in upstream work. The delegate requested that Council advocate to all levels of government regarding system changes to Ontario Works, Ontario Disability, living wages, housing, refugee and immigration settlement; to continue to act as a champion for policy change; and to focus on communities in need regardless of the new local government structure.

In response to a question regarding municipal government’s reliance on inadequate property tax funding and the need to advocate for a new municipal growth funding framework, Sean Baird, Commissioner of Human Services advised that Peel Region continues to advocate for additional funding from other levels of government and for changes to the Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program rates; and also provides municipal investments from the property tax base.

7.2

Dr. Ian Kitai, Staff Physician, Tuberculosis Specialist, Hospital for Sick Children

Providing Support for the Report titled “Strengthening the Tuberculosis Program in Peel” (Related to 7.3 and 8.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-730
  Received

Dr. Ian Kitai, Staff Physician, Tuberculosis (TB) Specialist, Hospital for Sick Children, provided an overview of the TB program in Peel; the differences between adult versus childhood TB; Public Health’s critical role in identifying and treating TB patients and in observing and providing therapy for infectious patients; and the working history between the Hospital for Sick Children and Peel Public Health. The delegate stated there are inadequate resources to support the Peel Public Health TB program.   

7.3

Dr. Sergio Borgia, Staff Physician, Infectious Disease Specialist, William Osler, Brampton Civic Hospital

Providing Support for the Report titled “Strengthening the Tuberculosis Program in Peel” (Related to 7.2 and 8.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-731
  Received

Dr. Sergio Borgia, Staff Physician, Infectious Disease Specialist, William Osler, Brampton Civic Hospital, stated that TB does not receive adequate awareness through government or media. The delegate provided an overview of TB in Peel; the TB clinic at Osler; and the need for additional Public Health resources to support work including patient work-up and case management, contact tracing and TB prevention. Dr. Borgia noted his concerns regarding population growth in Peel from countries with high rates of TB prevalence; rapidly increasing rates of active cases; increasing complexity of older patients with co-morbidities; outdated language tools; uninsured patients; and Peel’s rate of TB prevalence per 100,000 population that is double the national rate for Canada.

Item 8.1 was dealt with.

8.

PRESENTATION OF STAFF REPORTS 

8.1

Strengthening the Tuberculosis Program in Peel

(For information) 
Presentation by Judy Buchan, Director, Communicable Diseases 
(Related to 7.2 and 7.3) 

• Resolution Number 2023-732
  Received

Judy Buchan, Director, Communicable Diseases, provided an overview of Tuberculosis (TB); the impact of TB as an inequitable disease; Peel TB statistics; a comparison of Peel rates to overall Ontario rates; the Public Health TB mandate; Public Health’s (PH) support and care programs; PH’s limited ability to provide adequate TB care to prevent spread; and the need for a stronger and more comprehensive TB Program in Peel.

7.

DELEGATIONS

7.4

Pauline Gordon, TransHelp Operator, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966

To Raise Awareness of the Community Services Provided and the Uncertainty of the Impacts on the Peel Community (Related to 7.5 to 7.7 inclusive and 15.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-733
  Received

Pauline Gordon, TransHelp Operator, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966, provided an overview of her work with TransHelp, her membership with CUPE Local 966, and the work of TransHelp staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The delegate outlined concerns regarding the dissolution of Peel Region including impacts on TransHelp services to clients; job insecurity; and the lack of information and transparency from the provincial Transition Board.

The delegate requested that Regional Council be an ally in protecting jobs and services by advocating for more transparency from the Transition Board and the Province.  

7.5

Manpreet Gill, Activation Therapist, Tall Pines Long Term Care, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966

To Raise Awareness of the Community Services Provided and the Uncertainty of the Impacts on the Peel Community (Related to 7.4, 7.6, 7.7 and 15.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-734
  Received

Manpreet Gill, Activation Therapist, Tall Pines Long Term Care, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966, provided an overview of her work with Tall Pines Long Term Care (LTC) Centre, her membership with CUPE Local 966, and the work of LTC staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The delegate outlined concerns regarding the dissolution of Peel Region including the potential impacts of LTC privatization on staff and client services; lack of information or commitment to prevent privatization in the provincial legislation; and lack of transparency from the provincial Transition Board.

The delegate requested that Regional Council be an ally in protecting jobs and services by advocating for more transparency from the Transition Board and the Province.

7.6

Michelle Eagle, Public Health, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966

To Raise Awareness of the Community Services Provided and the Uncertainty of the Impacts on the Peel Community (Related to 7.4, 7.5, 7.7 and 15.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-735
  Received

Michelle Eagle, Public Health, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966, provided an overview of her work with Public Health, her role as a Union Leader, the work of all dedicated Public Health employees, and the recent impacts of COVID-19. The delegate outlined concerns regarding the dissolution of Peel Region including the immense stress of job insecurity and lack of information from the province. She stated that Public Health does not follow geographical boundaries but is responsible for the needs of all communities. The Delegate stated that if the work of PH employees is integral to the health and well-being of the communities in Peel, then the province should provide a guarantee of their future.  

The delegate requested that Regional Council advocate for clarity from the Transition Board and the Province.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding impacts on PH recruitment and retention during the transition period.

7.7

Michelle Oldham, Human Services, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966

To Raise Awareness of the Community Services Provided and the Uncertainty of the Impacts on the Peel Community (Related to 7.4 to 7.6 inclusive and 15.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-736
  Received

Michelle Oldham, Human Services, Peel Region - CUPE Local 966, provided an overview of her work with Human Services and her role as Unit Vice-President for Human Services with CUPE Local 966. The delegate outlined concerns regarding the dissolution of Peel Region including lack of recognition for Human Services staff during Peel Town Hall meetings; job insecurity; and the lack of information and transparency from the provincial Transition Board.

The delegate requested that Regional Council be an ally in protecting jobs and services that residents rely on by advocating for more transparency from the Transition Board and the Province.

Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding the value of all employees and the need for staff to feel secure to ensure there is no disruption of services; and the possibility of Transition Board attendance at Regional Council.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) provided an overview of the Transition Board appointment timeline; advised that the Board’s Work Plan has not yet been approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and noted that Members of the Board have been provided a list of concerns that include job security, severance, pension and privatization.

7.8

Sean Meagher, Executive Director, The Change Lab; Sharon Mayne, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin; and Varsha Naik, Executive Director, Regional Diversity Roundtable 

To Update Council on Developments in the Non-Profit Sector Relating to the Dissolution of Peel Region (Related to 15.1) 

• Resolution Number 2023-737
  Received

Sean Meagher, Executive Director, The Change Lab; Sharon Mayne, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel Dufferin; and Varsha Naik, Executive Director, Regional Diversity Roundtable, provided an update on the Metamorphosis Network and stated concerns regarding the Peel dissolution process including a preference that the Human Services support sector continue to work collectively; a request that no community support group be left behind as a result of the dissolution; the need for staff to remain safe, well and effective as they serve the community; challenges and complexity that dissolution brings to community support services and infrastructure; and potential loss of informal, in-kind arrangements critical to support services. The delegates noted the need for the provincial government to commit to investments in infrastructure and services in all areas of Peel, to ensure the dissolution improves services.

In response to a question from Councillor Reid regarding Council support, the delegates requested that Council commit in principle and in action to continue to champion coordinated service access; continue to support the needs of the community whether separately or as one entity; that each Councillor champion the issues relevant within their wards and also collectively advance collaborative cooperation; and to support the system that has been established.

8.

PRESENTATION OF STAFF REPORTS 

8.2

Customer Service Week 2023

(For information) 
Presentation by Bethany Lee, Director, Communications; and Andy Saito, Advisor, Service Experience, Communications 

• Resolution Number 2023-738
  Received

Bethany Lee, Director, and Andy Saito, Advisor, Service Experience, Communications, provided an overview of Customer Service Week 2023; Peel customer services statistics; impacts of customer service for Peel residents; Peel’s customer service framework and service commitment; and how Peel is recognizing Customer Service Week.

10.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

11.

ITEMS RELATED TO PUBLIC WORKS

Nil.

12.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

13.

ITEMS RELATED TO HEALTH

Nil.

16.

COMMUNICATIONS

Nil.

17.

ITEMS RELATED TO PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Nil.

19.

OTHER BUSINESS/COUNCILLOR ENQUIRIES

19.1

Potential Use for a Shelter at the New Fire Station, Located at 2524 Cawthra Road, City of Mississauga, Ward 7

(Oral)

• Resolution Number 2023-739
  Received

In response to a question from Councillor Damerla regarding potential use of the new Cawthra Fire Station site for a shelter location, the Commissioner of Human Services advised that he will raise the question with City Commissioners on how to potentially co-locate services.

The Commissioner advised that Peel has begun consideration of non-traditional sites, including co-locating emergency services, affordable housing and emergency shelter services. Staff are reviewing a number of non-traditional approaches including the request for module housing, unique uses of commercial spaces, and city sanctioned communal spaces. A report will come forward to a future Council meeting. 

19.2

Pilot Project to Provide Reduced Fees for School Aged Children (Ages 6 to 12 Years) with Existing Childcare Providers; and Advocacy for a National Universal School Food Program

(Oral)

• Resolution Number 2023-740
  Received

In response to a question from Councillor Reid regarding a pilot project to provide reduced childcare fees for school aged children (aged 6 to 12 years), the Commissioner of Human Services provided an overview of the project advising that contracts have been offered to a select group of existing childcare providers, using one time funding made available through the provincial government. The project is estimated to assist approximately 7000 children.

In response to a question from Councillor Reid regarding a City of Toronto motion to advocate to the federal government for a national universal school food program, the Commissioner of Human Services undertook to draft a motion and an advocacy letter to come forward to a future Regional Council meeting.

20.

NOTICE OF MOTION/MOTION

Nil.

21.

BY-LAWS

Three Readings

• Resolution Number 2023-741
  Moved by Councillor Parrish
  Seconded by Councillor Early

  That the by-law listed on the October 12, 2023 Regional Council agenda, being By-law 45-2023, 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

21.1

By-law 45-2023

A by-law to govern the procurement and disposal of goods and services and to repeal By-law 30-2018, as amended.  
(Related to 9.1) 

22.

CLOSED SESSION

• Resolution Number 2023-742
  Moved by Councillor Russo
  Seconded by Councillor Fonseca*

  That Council proceed into "closed session” to consider reports relating to the following:

  • Bill 112 Impacts (A trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value)
  • Bargaining Strategy (Labour relations or employee negotiations)
  Carried
• Resolution Number 2023-743
  Moved by Councillor Horneck
  Seconded by Councillor Butt

  That Council move out of "closed session".

  Carried

Council moved into closed session at 12:14 p.m.
Council moved out of closed session at 1:10 p.m.

22.1

Bill 112 Impacts

(A trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value) 

• Resolution Number 2023-744
  Received

Item 22.4 was dealt with.

22.4

Bargaining Strategy

(Labour relations or employee negotiations)

• Resolution Number 2023-745
  Moved by Councillor Fonseca
  Seconded by Councillor Reid

  That the closed session direction to the Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services, contained within the confidential report listed as item 22.4 on the October 12, 2023 Regional Council agenda, be approved and voted upon in accordance with Section 239(6)(b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

  Carried

22.2

Payment of Compensation Pursuant to the Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.26, The Gore Road Widening – EXP-13091.01 – Castlemore Road to 540 Metres North of Beamish Court – City of Brampton, Ward 10

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

• Resolution Number 2023-746
  Moved by Councillor Horneck
  Seconded by Councillor Brar
  1. That The Regional Municipality of Peel enter into a Final Compensation Agreement with Miroslaw Lukus and Anna Lukus, as Owners, in accordance with the terms set out in the Closed Session report of the Regional Solicitor and Commissioner of Legislative Services, listed on the October 12, 2023 Regional Council agenda titled “Payment of Compensation Pursuant to the Expropriations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.26, The Gore Road Widening – EXP-13091.01 – Castlemore Road to 540 metres north of Beamish Court – City of Brampton, Ward 10”, for the full and final settlement and the Owners providing a release of all claims arising from the expropriation of the following interest in land:
     • Fee Simple interest in the lands described as Part of Lot 12, Concession 10 Northern Division, City of Brampton (Geographic Township of Toronto Gore), Regional Municipality of Peel, designated as Part 1 on Expropriation Plan PR2520814; and
  2. That the expenditure be financed from Capital Project 07-4030; and
  3. That this recommendation become public upon adoption.
  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

22.3

Proposed Property Acquisition – Airport Road Improvements – PF-21263.05 – 100 Metres North of King Street to 300 Metres North of Huntsmill Drive – Town of Caledon, Ward 3

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

• Resolution Number 2023-747
  Moved by Councillor Horneck
  Seconded by Councillor Brar
  1. That The Regional Municipality of Peel, as Purchaser, enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with George Frederick Judge, as Vendor in accordance with the terms set out in the Closed Session report of the Regional Solicitor and Commissioner of Legislative Services, listed on the October 12, 2023 Regional Council agenda titled “Proposed Property Acquisition – Airport Road Improvements – PF-21263.05 – 100 metres north of King Street to 300 metres north of Huntsmill Drive – Town of Caledon, Ward 3”, 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 18, Concession 1, Town of Caledon (Geographic Township of Albion), Regional Municipality of Peel, as in Instrument Number RO1064987, being All of PIN 14335-0109 (LT); and
  2. That the Regional Solicitor be authorized to complete the transaction, including the execution of all documents, Affidavits, Statutory Declarations, Undertakings and extensions required or appropriate for that purpose; and
  3. That the expenditure be financed from Capital Project 19-4060; and
  4. That this recommendation become public upon adoption.
  Carried

This item was dealt with under the Consent Agenda.

23.

BY-LAWS RELATING TO CLOSED SESSION

Nil.

24.

BY-LAW TO CONFIRM THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL

• Resolution Number 2023-748
  Moved by Councillor Kovac
  Seconded by Councillor McFadden

  That By-law 46-2023 to confirm the proceedings of Regional Council at its meeting held on October 12, 2023, 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 Regional Clerk, and the Corporate Seal be affixed thereto.

  Carried

25.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:12 p.m.