Flowers in front of City Hall.

Council Briefs, October 17, 2023

Parks and Recreation Committee

Rotary Park Roof Tender

The roof of Rotary Park Clubhouse is past its lifecycle and is experiencing water damage. It is in need of replacement. Committee approved award of Tender T-23-16 – Roof Replacement for Rotary Park to Irvcon Limited.

Recreation Fee Update

With the City’s implementation of the online recreation booking software, the Recreation Department’s User Fee By-law required updating to harmonize with the City’s cancellation policy. The update was approved by Committee and the by-law that came forward later in the evening at the Council meeting was passed.

Draft Council Remuneration and Expense Policy

Council Remuneration and Expense Policy was discussed requesting feedback. Staff was directed not to include benefits for companions.

Ontario Regulation 284/09 2023 Budget Report

The Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, C.25 was amended and now permits a municipality to prepare and adopt budgets in two formats. One includes depreciation, post-employment benefits, solid waste landfill closure and post-closure expenses, and the other way does not. A resolution came forward at the Council meeting and was passed.

Pembroke On-Demand Consideration for a Transit Pilot Project

A report was presented regarding considerations for a transit pilot project. Discussion included the need for transit, the increased tax levy that would be incurred, and the aging City facilities that are in need of repairs that will cost significantly. The motion was tabled and staff was directed to report back with an anticipated timeline to prepare a more detailed plan and costing for the detailed survey requested.

Procedural By-law Amendment

A Procedural By-law amendment was presented requesting Committee direction regarding a suggested change in Section 8.4 regarding Electronic Participation. Staff was directed to remove the number of times a member of Council can participate electronically. A by-law will be prepared and will be before Council for its consideration at a future meeting.

Operations Committee

Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Emissions Report

The information report was presented outlining energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions indicating that the report will be posted on the City’s website and a hard copy will also be made available at City Hall.

Warming Centres

A report on warming centres was presented on September 19, 2023 regarding warming centres. Staff provided an update on the issue. Committee passed a motion to aid the homeless in the City for the winter season, as:

The municipality of the City of Pembroke declares a homelessness emergency to address the urgent need for a warming centre and support for individuals experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months;
The Council of the City of Pembroke requests financial support from the Renfrew County Council to establish and operate a warming centre within our municipality to provide a refuge for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions;
The City of Pembroke commits to working collaboratively with Renfrew County Council, local community organizations, and relevant stakeholders to develop a sustainable funding model for the ongoing operations of the warming centre.
The Council of the City of Pembroke authorizes a representative or representatives to appear before Renfrew County Council, advocating for their financial support in establishing the warming centre and highlighting the urgent need to address homelessness within our municipality.

And that the Council of the City of Pembroke will communicate this motion to Renfrew County Council, local community organizations, and relevant stakeholders to foster collaboration and garner support in addressing homelessness and ensuring the well-being of all residents.

Revised Indemnification Policy

A draft indemnification policy was brought to Committee on September 19, 2023. The revised policy was presented based on comments received.

Council

By-law 2023-76 Official Plan Amendment – 852 Pembroke St. W.

Council approved the by-law amending #20 to the Official Plan regarding 852 Pembroke St. W.

By-law 2023-77 Zoning By-law Amendment – 852 Pembroke St. W.

Council approved the Zoning By-law amendment for 852 Pembroke St. W.

By-law 2023-78 User Fee By-law Amendment

Council approved a by-law amending the User Fee By-law.

Resolution 2023-020 7 in 7 Regional Housing Plan

Council endorsed and supported a resolution whose goal is to deliver 7,000 new affordable community rental units over seven years across eastern Ontario.

Resolution 2023-021 Ontario Reg 284/09

Council endorsed and supported a resolution adopting the presented estimated Adjusted Accumulated Surplus for 2023 as presented.