Council Briefs, April 2, 2024

Future of Taxi Services 

Mayor Gervais hosted a taxicab owner meeting on March 4, 2024 and a discussion was had on the possible new transit service in the community and its potential impacts to taxicab services. Angela Smith, co-owner of Danny’s taxi was in attendance at the meeting to speak to the future of taxi services should a transit service be introduced.

By-law Enforcement Request for 315 Pembroke St. E., 137 Peter St., and 150 Peter St. – 315 Pembroke Street East Holdings Inc., Algonquin House Inc. and 137147 Peter Street Holdings

Committee was presented with a signed agreement from Concorde Properties allowing appointed By-law Officers to ticket vehicles at the parking lots associated with 315 Pembroke St. E., 137 Peter St. and 150 Peter St. (previously the Algonquin College site). Committee accepted the recommendation to grant Concord Properties By-law Enforcement Officers authority to issue parking tickets for the requested properties.

Municipal Accommodation Tax

In November 2017, the Province of Ontario issued Ontario Regulation 435/17 (Transient Accommodation Tax) underneath the Municipal Act, which authorizes single-tier and lower-tier municipalities to impose a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). This tax is applied to visitors on stays of fewer than 30 days and can be added to accommodations at hotels, motels, short-term rentals (Airbnb, Verbo), and campsites at the municipality’s discretion. The program was designed and implemented to incentivize municipalities to invest in the tourism industry. At the January 29, 2024 meeting of the Pembroke Tourism and Culture Advisory Committee, the Committee directed staff to bring forward a report examining the potential implementation and impact of a Municipal Accommodation Tax. This evening, Committee was presented with a report requesting direction. Committee directed staff to implement a MAT at 4%, with proceeds split with the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association, and the MAT be applied to hotels, motels, short-term rentals, and campgrounds.

PFD Monthly Report – January 2024

Committee received the March 2024 Monthly Pembroke Fire Department Report.

Procurement By-law: Proposed Update

Suggested changes to the Procurement By-law were presented for Committee’s review. The amendments to the by-law were approved.

Striking Committee Report – Appoint Members to the Pembroke Beautification and Climate Action Committee and the Pembroke Police Services Board

Council approved the report appointing Pola Hallquist to the Pembroke Beautification and Climate Action Committee for this current council term ending November 14, 2026; and Dez Bair-Patel to the Pembroke Police Service Board, for this current council term ending November 14, 2026 or until such time as the Striking Committee of Council is able to meet following the 2026 Municipal Election to appoint the membership of the Police Service Board.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month – April 2024 Proclamation

Mayor Gervais proclaimed April 2024 Parkinson’s Awareness Month bringing awareness to the disease.

Cancer Awareness Month – April 2024 Proclamation

Mayor Gervais proclaimed April 2024 Cancer Awareness Month bringing awareness to the disease.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) – April 14-20, 2024 Proclamation

Mayor Gervais proclaimed April 14-20, 2024, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in the City of Pembroke to acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional service and commitment of our local Ambulance Communications Officers.  

By-law 2024-24 Parking By-law 

Council passed this by-law in response to a report brought forward March 5, 2024 regarding Parking By-law Fee changes.

Resolution 2024-010 – Procedural By-law Amendment

A resolution was brought forward to amend the Procedural By-law to include references that any member of Council who wishes to request staff to bring forward a report, would follow additional steps to ensure the report is relevant and a necessary to be added to a meeting agenda. The motion was defeated.

Resolution 2024-011 – Mental Health and Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Facility

Council passed this resolution to urgently request the Province of Ontario to allocate funding specifically for the establishment of a mental health, addiction, and residential drug treatment and rehabilitation facility serving the County of Renfrew.

Resolution 2021-012 – Rideshare

Council passed this resolution requesting the Government of Ontario initiate the transfer of responsibilities in the interest of creating a more coherent and standardized regulatory framework for ridesharing services across the province.

Notice of Motion – Renaming of Indian River

Councillor Kuehl gave notice of a motion to rename the Indian River.

Notice of Motion – Illegal and Toxic Drug Enforcement Measures

Councillor Kuehl gave notice of a motion to address illegal and toxic drug enforcement measures.