Stratford City Council
Regular Council Open Session
AGENDA

Meeting #:

4754th

Date:

Monday, September 09, 2024

Time:

7:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Location:

Council Chamber, City Hall

Council Present:

• Mayor Ritsma - Chair Presiding, 
• Councillor Biehn, 
• Councillor Briscoe, 
• Councillor Burbach, 
• Councillor Henderson, 
• Councillor Hunter, 
• Councillor McCabe, 
• Councillor Sebben, 
• and Councillor Wordofa 

Staff Present:

• Joan Thomson - Chief Administrative Officer, 
• Tatiana Dafoe - City Clerk, 
• Kim McElroy - Director of Social Services, 
• Tim Wolfe - Director of Community Services, 
• Taylor Crinklaw - Director of Infrastructure Services, 
• Karmen Krueger - Director of Corporate Services, 
• Adam Betteridge - Director of Building and Planning Services, 
• Neil Anderson - Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief, 
• Dave Bush - Director of Human Resources, 
• and Audrey Pascual - Deputy Clerk 

To watch the Council meeting live, please click the following link: https://video.isilive.ca/stratford/live.html

A video recording of the meeting will also be available through a link on the City's website https://calendar.stratford.ca/meetings following the meeting.

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1.

Call to Order:

Mayor Ritsma, Chair presiding, to call the Council meeting to order.

Councillor Nijjar and Councillor Beatty have provided regrets for this meeting. 

Land Acknowledgment

Moment of Silent Reflection

Singing of O Canada

Respectful Workplace Policy Statement

2.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof:

The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act requires any member of Council declaring a pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof, where the interest of a member of Council has not been disclosed by reason of the member’s absence from the meeting, to disclose the interest at the first open meeting attended by the member of Council and to otherwise comply with the Act.

Name, Item and General Nature of Pecuniary Interest

 

 

3.

Adoption of the Minutes:

• Motion by

  THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated August 12, 2024 be adopted as printed.

4.

Adoption of the Addendum/Addenda to the Agenda:

• Motion by

  ​THAT the Addendum/Addenda to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated September 9, 2024 be added to the Agenda as printed.

5.

Report of the Committee of the Whole In-Camera Session:

5.1

At the September 9, 2024, Session, under the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, matters concerning the following items were considered:

4.1 Proposed Repurchase of Land in the Crane West Business Park - Proposed or pending acquisition or disposal of land by the municipality or local board (section 239.(2)(c)) (includes municipal property leased for more than 21 years); and Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege including communications necessary for that purpose (section 239.(2)(f));

4.2 Affordable Housing Purchase Proposal Update - Proposed or pending acquisition or disposal of land by the municipality or local board (section 239.(2)(c)) (includes municipal property leased for more than 21 years), and 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 (section 239.(2)(k));

5.1 Applications for Advisory Committees and Boards - Personal matters about an identifiable individual(s) including municipal employees or local board employees (section 239.(2)(b)).

6.

Hearings of Deputations and Presentations:

6.1

Request for Delegation by the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area

Jamie Pritchard, General Manager and Megan Chrisholm, Board Member of the Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area will be requesting approval for the installation of pedestrian wayfinding signs in the downtown. 

For the consideration of Council.

• Motion by

  THAT Jamie Pritchard and Megan Chrisholm of the Downtown Stratford BIA be heard.

7.

Orders of the Day:

7.1

Resolution - Official Plan Amendment Application OPA01-24 and Zone Change Application Z02-24 for 3188 Vivian Line 37 in the City of Stratford (COU24-105)

Following the Planning Consultants presentation on behalf of the City, representatives from GSP Group will be present to answer questions from Members of Council. The following persons have then requested to speak on this matter:

• Brian Elliott
• Donna Sobura
• Paul Brown

• Motion by

  THAT Brian Elliot, Donna Sobura and Paul Brown be heard. 

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT Official Plan Amendment application OPA01-24 and Zoning By-law Amendment application Z02-24 as submitted by GSP Group on behalf of Stratford LTC LP c/o peopleCare Inc. to establish a Long-Term Care Facility on the lands municipally known as 3188 Vivian Line 37, Stratford BE APPROVED with the addition of a Site-Specific Holding Provision on the South Parcel, for the following reasons:

  1. The request is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement;
  2. The request is in conformity with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Official Plan;
  3. The request maintains the intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law, and is appropriate for the proposed use and function of the subject lands;
  4. The public were consulted during the application circulation and public meeting and comments that have been received in writing or at the public meeting have been reviewed, considered, and analyzed within the Planning Report;

  AND THAT Council pass a resolution that no further notice is required under Section 34 (17) of the Planning Act.

7.2

Resolution - Updated Coordinated Strategy for Public Land Encampments (COU24-101)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the report titled, “Updated Coordinated Strategy for Public Land Encampments” (COU24-101), be received for information.

7.3

Resolution - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – Housing Accelerator Fund, Second Round (2024) (COU24-104)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT Council direct Staff to finalize the Action Plan as presented in Report COU24-104 and in support of an application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – Housing Accelerator Fund 2;

  THAT the Chief Administrative Officer, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services, Director of Social Services, and Director of Building and Planning, be authorized to approve the Action Plan, including the refinement of the proposed initiatives, in support of the City’s application for the Housing Accelerator Fund prior to finalizing the application to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation;

  THAT the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to sign all necessary Housing Accelerator Fund application related documents in support of the City’s submission;

  THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute all documents to effect a transfer to the City of the Housing Accelerator Fund on terms acceptable to the Director of Corporate Services and in forms acceptable to the City Solicitor;

  AND THAT a subsequent report be prepared to outline the zoning provisions for a change from 3 Units to 4 Units as of Right, for Council’s consideration.

7.4

Resolution - City Hall Auditorium Rental Policy Amendment (COU24-090)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT Policy P.3.4 Rental of City Hall Auditorium be rescinded and replaced with an Administrative Policy.

7.5

Resolution - Administration of Justice Building Accessible Entrance Ramp – Tender Award (COU24-092)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the tender (T-2024-23) for the installation of an accessible entrance ramp at the Administration of Justice Building be awarded to Uniqueco Building Restoration Inc. for a total cost of $162,607, including HST;

  THAT Facilities Capital Reserve Fund R-R11-FACI be used to provide the funding required;

  AND THAT if additional work is required, subject to approval by the Director of Community Services, an additional contingency be authorized to fund any potential issues that are not within the scope of work from Facilities Capital Reserve Fund R-R11-FACI.

7.6

Resolution - Encroachment Application for 96 Huron Street (COU24-093)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the encroachment application for 96 Huron Street to permit the existing concrete steps, sidewalk and handrail to encroach onto the Huron Street road allowance for a total encroachment area of 47.17m², be approved;

  THAT Council provide direction on the annual fee of $50.00 adjusted yearly by the CPI, to be added to the property tax bill for 96 Huron Street;

  AND THAT the City Clerk be directed to prepare a by-law authorizing the encroachment at 96 Huron Street for consideration at a future Regular Council meeting.

7.7

Resolution - Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (COU24-102)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT staff be authorized to apply for funding to install four Level 3 EV Charging Stations under the Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program;

  THAT the use of the Parking Reserve Fund be authorized to fund the City’s portion of the project;

  AND THAT staff report back with total project costs and amendments required to the Traffic and Parking By-law if required.

7.8

Resolution - Closed Meeting Investigation Report – Follow-up (COU24-107)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT the Closed Meeting Protocol be adopted;

  THAT section 4.2 of the Delegation of Authority By-law 137-2017 be amended to provide authority to the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Human Resources to hire and promote employees, including authority to issue employment letters, and to adjust salaries in accordance with all relevant policies and legislation and subject to the passage of a by-law by Council, where necessary;

  AND THAT section 4.3 of the Delegation of Authority By-law 137-2017 be amended to provide authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to approve the termination of City employees below the CAO or deputy CAO (if applicable) level, including authority to execute termination agreements and to amend the Delegation Restriction to “In the opinion of legal counsel where the costs associated with the termination are $250,000 or below, not including any costs normally incurred as a result of a resignation or retirement”.

7.9

Resolution - Accessibility Advisory Committee Composition and Appointments (COU24-094)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of two citizens-at-large and one agency representative to the Accessibility Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  AND THAT the terms of reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee be amended to remove two citizen-at-large representatives from the composition of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

7.10

Resolution - Appointments to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (COU24-095)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of one citizen-at-large to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  THAT direction be given on the appointment of an Avon Trail representative to the Active Transportation Advisory Committee for the remainder of the four year term to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  AND THAT the terms of reference for the Active Transportation Advisory Committee be amended to remove the one representative from the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee.

7.11

Resolution - Appointments to the Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee (COU24-096)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of three citizen representatives to the Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council.

7.12

Resolution - Appointments to Heritage Stratford (COU24-097)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of four citizens to the Heritage Stratford Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  THAT direction be given on the appointment of one representative from the Perth Huron Builder’s Association to the Heritage Stratford Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  AND THAT the composition of the Heritage Stratford Committee be amended to remove the alternate Perth Huron Builders’ Association representative.

7.13

Resolution - Appointments to the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee (COU24-098)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of citizen representatives to the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  THAT direction be given on the appointment of a Youth Representative to the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  THAT direction be given on the appointment of a representative from Climate Momentum to the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  AND THAT staff be directed to re-advertise for a citizen representative on the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee.

7.14

Resolution - Appointments to the Stratfords of the World (Ontario) Advisory Committee (COU24-099)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of two citizens to the Stratfords of the World (Ontario) Advisory Committee to November 30, 2025, or until a successor is appointed by Council;

  AND THAT the composition of the Stratfords of the World (Ontario) Advisory Committee be amended by reducing the number of citizen representatives from 9 to 8.

7.15

Resolution - Re-appointment to Festival Hydro Inc. and Festival Hydro Services Inc. (COU24-100)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the re-appointment of Mark Henderson to the Festival Hydro Inc. Board of Directors for a four-year term from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2028;

  AND THAT direction be given on the re-appointment of Tony Ciciretto to the Festival Hydro Services Inc. Board of Directors for a four-year term from December 1, 2024 to November 30, 2028.

7.16

Resolution - Mid-term Appointment to the Committee of Adjustment (COU24-106)

• Motion by

  Staff Recommendation: THAT direction be given on the appointment of one (1) citizen representative to the Committee of Adjustment for the remainder of a four-year term to November 14, 2026, or until successors are appointed by Council.

7.17

Resolution - Municipal Significant Request from Spottydawg Productions Inc.

Applicants Ralph Spoltore and Julia Blowes of Spottydawg Productions Inc. will be in attendance to answer questions.  

Spottydawg Productions Inc. has requested designation of the Big Wreck Concert to be held October 19, 2024 and the Washboard Union Concert to be held November 2, 2024 at the Stratford Rotary Complex as municipally significant events for the purpose of obtaining a liquor licence. 

The Building Division, Huron Perth Public Health and Police Services have indicated no concerns with the events.

Fire Prevention Services advised they have no concerns provided the following is adhered to:

• Front foyer means of egress to remain unobstructed at all times.
• An onsite fire inspection will be conducted prior to the start of the events.
• Fire prevention to be contacted to arrange for LLBO Special Occasion Permit Inspection.

• Motion by

  THAT City Council hereby designates the Big Wreck Concert to be held October 19, 2024 and the Washboard Union Concert to be held November 2, 2024 at the Stratford Rotary Complex as having municipal significance for the purpose of obtaining liquor licences from the AGCO, subject to the necessary permits being obtained, compliance with the City's Municipal Alcohol Risk Policy, compliance with the conditions outlined by Fire Services are adhered to at all times during the event, and the required certificates of insurance being provided prior to the event.

7.18

Correspondence - Conservation Authority Fee Freeze

Brian Petrie, Chair of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority has requested support in signing the attached letter to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry asking for a reversal of the direction to freeze the fees for planning, development, and permitting. 

For the consideration of Council. 

8.

Business for Which Previous Notice Has Been Given:

None scheduled.

9.

Reports of the Standing Committees:

There are no Standing Committee reports to be considered by Council.

10.

Notice of Intent:

None scheduled.

11.

Reading of the By-laws:

​The following By-laws require First and Second Readings and Third and Final Readings and could be taken collectively upon unanimous vote of Council present:

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.7 be taken collectively.

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.7 be read a First and Second Time.

• Motion by

  THAT By-laws 11.1 to 11.7 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

11.1

Fees and Charges 2025

To establish fees and charges to be collected by The Corporation of the City of Stratford in 2025 and to repeal By-law 117-2023 as amended.

11.2

Award Tender for Accessible Ramp at Administration of Justice Building

To authorize the acceptance of a tender from Uniqueco Building Restoration Inc. for the installation of an accessible entrance ramp at the Administration of Justice Building (T-2024-23).

11.3

Appoint a Deputy Chief Building Official

To appoint a Deputy Chief Building Official and repeal By-law 71-2023.

11.4

Encroachment Agreement - 96 Huron Street

To authorize the entering into and execution of an encroachment agreement with The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London in Ontario to permit the existing concrete steps, sidewalk and handrail to encroach onto the Huron Street municipal road allowance at 96 Huron Street.

11.5

Appointments to Advisory Committees and Boards

To amend By-law 4-2023, as amended, to make appointments to advisory committees and boards.

11.6

Zoning By-law Amendment Z02-24  - 3188 Vivian Line 37 

To amend By-law 10-2022 as amended, with respect to Zoning Bylaw Amendment application Z02-24 by GSP Group to amend the zoning at 3188 Vivian Line 37 to be Institutional Community Special  (“IN1-_____”), and to amend the zoning at future parcel 3184 Vivian Line 37 to be Institutional Community Special with a Site Specific Holding Provision (“IN1-_____ (H_____)”), as described herein.

11.7

Adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 34

To adopt Official Plan Amendment No. 34 to add special policies to the “Residential Area” designation that applicable to the Subject Lands at 3188 Vivian Line 37 (north portion) and 3184 Vivian Line 37 (south portion) respectively.

12.

Consent Agenda: CA-2024-140 to CA-2024-150

Council to advise if they wish to consider any items listed on the Consent Agenda.

13.

New Business:

14.

Reading of the Confirmatory By-law:

The following By-law requires First and Second Readings and Third and Final Readings:

By-law 11.8 Confirmatory By-law

To confirm the proceedings of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford at its meeting held on September 9, 2024.

The next Regular Council meeting is September 23, 2024 in the Council Chamber, City Hall.

• Motion by

  THAT By-law 11.8 be read a First and Second Time. 

• Motion by

  THAT By-law 11.8 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed. 

15.

Adjournment of Council Meeting

Meeting Start Time:
Meeting End Time:

• Motion by

  THAT the September 9, 2024 Regular Council meeting adjourn.