Regular Council

THAT the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated July 21, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of Council of The Corporation of the City of Stratford dated July 28, 2025, be adopted as printed.

THAT the Addendum to the Regular Agenda of Council and Standing Committees dated August 11, 2025, be added to the Agenda as printed.

THAT Barb Shaughnessy be heard.

THAT the motion be amended to refer the proposed increase to the Stratford Agriplex - Indoor (All 4 courts for sport tournament use) fee to staff for further review. Members of Council and staff held a discussion regarding the amendment as follows:  the Director of Community Services noting that the increase is partly due to the increase in sports tourism for the City and to provide a rate that is sustainable but also competitive;  local groups already receiving a special discounted rate for their rentals; and  the fee increase being proposed following a review of rates from other municipalities and the proposed increased fee being well under average cost. The Mayor called the question on the motion.

THAT Councillor Burbach, Councillor Nijjar, and Mayor Ritsma be appointed to act as the Licensing Appeal Committee under the Bed & Breakfast Licensing By-law 180-2004 and the Accommodation Licensing By-law 130-2022; AND THAT a by-law be adopted to establish the Licensing Appeal Committee and appoint members.

THAT the review of the composition of the Licensing Appeal Committee be

THAT the report titled, “Contracted Human Resources Support Services Update” (COU25-099), be received for information; THAT in accordance with the City’s Procurement Policy, Council authorize the continuation of transitional support services with Ward & Uptigrove Human Resources Solutions for a term concluding December 31, 2025; AND THAT the expenditures for this service continue to be recorded under HR consulting costs within the departmental budget.

THAT Council support changing the staffing model at Anne Hathaway Day Care Centre; AND THAT the Director of Social Services / Interim Director of Human Resources be authorized to implement the changes in staffing model as noted, removing 4,500 hours of teaching assistant supply hours and adding two full time Teaching Assistant positions.

THAT John Hoo be appointed to the Festival Hydro Services Inc. Board of Directors for a four year term commencing December 1, 2025; AND THAT a by-law be adopted to appoint John Hoo to the Board effective December 1, 2025.

THAT the proposal (RFP-2025-45) for the supply and delivery of two (2) High Floor Mobility Buses be awarded to Girardin Ontario Inc. in the amount of $345,600.10 (including HST).

THAT the resignation of Linda Wakenhut from the Communities in Bloom Advisory Committee and the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee effective December 31, 2025, be accepted.

THAT the resignation of Zach Schultz from the Ad-Hoc Grand Trunk Renewal Committee be accepted.

THAT Stratford City Council hereby proclaims September 15 to 21, 2025 as "Rail Safety Week" in the City of Stratford to raise awareness of rail safety, save lives and prevent injuries in communities including the City of Stratford.

THAT the Report of the Social Services Committee dated August 11, 2025, be adopted as printed.

THAT By-laws 95-2025 to 101-2025 be taken collectively.

THAT By-laws 95-2025 to 101-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-laws 95-2025 to 101-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT By-law 102-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 102-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT CA-2025-100, being a resolution from The Corporation of the City of St. Catherines regarding the Elect Respect Pledge, be endorsed.

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

THAT Items 6.2 and 6.3 of the Finance and Labour Relations Committee meeting dated August 11, 2025, be adopted as follows: 6.2 Appointment of Deputy Mayor (FIN25-023) THAT the process to appoint a deputy mayor continue to be completed by the Mayor and Council. 6.3 2026 Municipal and School Board Election Alternative Voting Methods (FIN25-024) THAT the use of internet and telephone voting in the 2026 municipal and school board election be approved; AND THAT free transit on election day be approved to support access and remove barriers to voting for the 2026 municipal and school board election; AND THAT the Clerk be directed to prepare a by-law authorizing the use of internet and telephone voting in the 2026 municipal and school board election.

THAT By-law 103-2025 be read a First and Second Time.

THAT By-law 103-2025 be read a Third Time and Finally Passed.

THAT the August 11, 2025, Regular Council meeting adjourn.