Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated September 25, 2023 be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addendum to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated October 10, 2023, to add delegations and receipt of correspondence to the Infrastructure, Transportation, and Safety Committee agenda, be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT the delegation by Jamie Frichitthavong be heard.

THAT the petition “Save the London-to-Toronto GO Train Route: Preserving Essential Connectivity” from Jamie Frichitthavong, be received.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims October 16 to 20, 2023 as "Ontario Public Library Week" in the City of Stratford and encourages all residents of Stratford to discover all of the services and resources the Library offers the community. Mayor Ritsma extended his thanks to the Stratford Public Library for all that they do in the community. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the resignation of Kiersten Hatanaka from the Downtown Stratford BIA Board of Management be accepted.

THAT direction be given on the issuance of a letter supporting a flyby by RCAF Aircraft as low as 500 feet, for the planned Remembrance Day – Stratford Cenotaph event being held in Stratford, ON for transit, practice and shows on November 11, 2023.

THAT the resolution expressing Council’s support for passenger rail, as appended to report COU23-117, be adopted; THAT staff be authorized to pursue alternatives to the discontinued GO Train Service and to investigate alternatives for connecting to passenger rail options; THAT this work be done in collaboration with other levels of government; AND THAT a copy of the resolution be sent to the CEO of Metrolinx. Discussion was held regarding the importance of the GO Train Service, and staff were thanked for their work in drafting the resolution. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the report titled, “Information on ECE Diploma Cohort” (COU23-118), be received for information.

THAT the report titled, “Huron Street Road Diet Extension” (COU23-119), be received for information.

THAT the motion be amended to appoint Barb Cottle as the Citizen at Large Representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025. Discussion took place with respect to:  there having been 59 applications received to serve on the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee (Ad-Hoc Committee);  there being support to approve the recommendation from the Chair of Ad-Hoc Committee;  the process having been developed so that a recommended list of candidates would be brought forward to Council; and  there being support for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion on the Ad-Hoc Committee which is why amendments were proposed. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the motion be amended to appoint Jamie Pritchard as the Economic Development Representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025. Discussion continued with respect to:  concerns being expressed with amending the recommendation; and  this being a major project for the City of Stratford. Mayor Ritsma called the question on the motion.

THAT the motion be amended to appoint Nic Flanagan as the Design Representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025. Discussion continued with respect to:  concerns being expressed with the proposed amendments;  the expertise of Mr. Cooper not being

THAT the motion be amended to appoint Danielle Ingram as the Chair of the Vision, Planning, and Architecture Working Group to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025.

THAT the motion be amended to appoint Andrew Hilton as a Co- Chair of the Communication, Advocacy and Civic Engagement Working Group to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025.

THAT Barb Cottle be appointed as the Citizen at Large representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Andy Bicanic be appointed as the Development representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Stephen Mitchell be appointed as the Accounting representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Trudy Jonkman be appointed as the Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association Member representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Regular Council Minutes 13 October 10, 2023 THAT Georgie Neely be appointed as the Youth representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Mark Vandenbosch be appointed as the Education representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Ron Dodson be appointed as the Theatre representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Nic Flanagan be appointed as the Design representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; THAT Paul Parlee be appointed as the Legal representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 202

THAT Franklin Famme be appointed as the Economic Development representative to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025; AND THAT Franklin Famme be appointed as Chair of the Real Estate, Legal and Finance Working Group to the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee for a two-year term to September 30, 2025.

THAT Stratford City Council send a letter to the Federal Government to request home heating bills be exempt from the Federal Carbon Tax; AND THAT Stratford City Council send a copy of the letter to the Prime Minister, local MP office, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and all Ontario municipalities. Discussion was held with respect to:  the importance of affordability for all being noted;  there being a rising cost of living and expenses;  there needing to be consideration given that residential heating is essential and not a luxury; and  an overview of the Carbon Tax program being provided. Mayor Ritsma called to question the motion.

THAT the Report of the Finance and Labour Relations Committee dated October 10, 2023, be adopted as printed.

THAT By-law 125-2023 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 125-2023 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the Council meeting adjourn to convene into Standing Committees as follows:  Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee [7:05 or thereafter following the Regular Council meeting] and to Committee of the Whole if necessary, and to reconvene into Council.

THAT By-law 126-2023 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 126-2023 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the October 10, 2023 Regular Council meeting adjourn.