Meeting: Combined Council Meeting - June 22 2026 (Minutes)

4.Recess to Closed Session - 4:00 p.m. Councillor Hall, Closed Session Chair
That Council moved into a Closed Session Meeting of Council pursuant to Section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons:
Proposed disposition of land by the municipality with regard to Offer to Purchase - PIN 00938 1076, 2nd Street, Erieau. Section 239(2)(c), Municipal Act, 2001.
Labour relations or contract negotiations with regard to EMS Contract Adjustment. Section 239(2)(d), Municipal Act, 2001
Labour relations or contract negotiations with regard to Fire Response in Wallaceburg. Section 239(2)(d), Municipal Act, 2001.
Litigation and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege with regard to OLT Appeal – 49 Taylor Ave. Chatham. Section 239(2)(e) & (f), Municipal Act, 2001

MovedCouncillor McDonaldSecondedCouncillor Wright"That
1. Consent application File B-24/26 to sever and convey two (2) new residential parcels, described as:
Severed Parcel 1: a 0.30 ha (0.75 ac.) vacant lot, shown as Part 1 on the applicant’s sketch; and,
Severed Parcel 2: a 0.30 ha (0.75 ac.) vacant lot, shown as Part 2 on the applicant’s sketch;
in Part of Lot 3, Plan 247, in the Community of Highgate, be approved, subject to the following conditions:
that the Chatham-Kent Zoning By-law be amended to:
rezone the severed parcels from Deferred Development (D) to site-specific Holding-Village Residential-1787 (H-VR-1787), to permit a Single Detached Dwelling and Bed and Breakfast Establishment after a new municipal water service is installed and a driveway access permit is obtained; and,
rezone the retained parcel from Deferred Development (D) to Village Residential (VR) zone, to recognize the existing residential use of the property.
b. that the severed parcels be assigned the civic addresses of:
Severed Parcel 1: 243 Queen Street
Severed Parcel 2: 231 Queen Street
c. that the applicant pay $1,000 cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication,
d. that a legible hard copy of the final reference plan be submitted to the municipality;
e. that the necessary deed(s), transfer or charges be submitted in triplicate; signed and fully executed (no photo copies), prior to certification. It will be necessary to allow up to three (3) working days after all conditions have been fulfilled and documentation filed for the issuance of the Certificate (stamping of deeds).
2. Zoning By-law Amendment application File D-14 HI/12/26/S, be approved, and the implementing by-law be adopted."
Yes (17)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, and Councillor McDonaldAbsent (1)Councillor StoreyMotion Carried (17 to 0)

MovedCouncillor DoyleSecondedCouncillor B. McGregor“That
Council convert the $1M loan previously approved at the May 9, 2022 Council meeting into a $1M grant payable at substantial completion of the new facility and the return of the 355 Lark Street property to the Municipality with funding from the Strategic Reserve (17266).
The Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre and Foundation enter into a grant agreement in a form satisfactory to the Director, Legal Services and the Chief Financial Officer.”
Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

MovedCouncillor DoyleSecondedCouncillor Anderson“That Council direct Administration to bring a report back to the August 10, 2026 Council meeting summarizing the options for Council regarding the potential transfer of 110 Sandys Street and 55 Croydon Street to the Peter and Cathy Quiring Foundation, along with recommendations regarding methods to ensure long term public benefit of those properties, and the costs associated with property tax exemption/relief for these properties, and other related costs; and
Administration include in a future report a review and analysis of other municipally owned, private and potential partner properties within Chatham-Kent that may be suitable for supportive housing.”Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

MovedCouncillor StoreySecondedCouncillor McDonald"That
The attached Professional Services Roster list (Appendix A) be approved for a period of one-year, with the option for one additional one-year term.
The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the necessary agreements.
The General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering Services and the Director of Legal Services be authorized to extend the roster for the one additional one-year term, subject to the same terms and conditions.".
Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

c.Tender Award – Contract T26-189 – Dufferin Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation over Running Creek
"That
The tender in the amount of $1,949,148.83 (excluding HST) for the Dufferin Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation over Running Creek be awarded to KB Civil Constructors Inc.
A Contract Amendment in the amount of $74,200.00 (excluding HST) for Contract Administration and Inspection Services, be approved for GEI Consultants Canada Ltd.
The project be partially funded by a transfer of $183,959.77 from the Lifeamp Bridge Lifecycle Reserve to the Dufferin Avenue Bridge over Running Creek project account (18ENG2061).
The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to enter into the recommended agreements."
This report was approved as part of the Consent Agenda.

MovedCouncillor CrewSecondedCouncillor Storey“That
Council direct administration to pursue advocacy efforts with the Province, recommending a province-wide approach to reducing renovictions; and
The proposed Rental Renovation Licence By-law (Attachment A) be approved effective October 1, 2026;
The User Fee By-law amendment (Attachment B) establishing a licence fee of $500 per unit be approved, effective October 1, 2026;
Administration be authorized to implement the program, including the recruitment of a Licensing Assistant for a 16 month contract and the development of an education campaign at a total cost of approximately $152,365 (plus any applicable COLA and labour burden changes) funded from the Strategic Development Reserve; and
The ongoing costs of the administration of the by-law be referred to the 2028-31 Multi-Year Budget for Council consideration."
Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

MovedCouncillor JubenvilleSecondedCouncillor Wright"That
The new Business Licensing By-law be approved.
The current Business Licensing By-law No. 151-2022 be repealed.
The set fines for the new Business Licensing By-law be approved, subject to final approval by the Ministry of the Attorney General’s office."
Yes (15)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldAbsent (3)Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, and Councillor McGrailMotion Carried (15 to 0)

MovedCouncillor B. McGregorSecondedCouncillor Jubenville"That
The Chatham-Kent Public Library Board Naming Rights & Sponsorships Policy be approved;
Administration be directed to pursue Naming Rights & Sponsorships for the Chatham-Kent Public Library and Chatham-Kent Museum, for the purpose enhancing the Library and Museum operations, subject to the terms of the Chatham-Kent Public Library Board Naming Rights & Sponsorships Policy, and the Municipal Corporate Sponsorship Policy;
The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute a Donation Agreement with the Myers Family Foundation, for a minimum donation of $250,000 annually for at least five years, with the donation being used for the museum and/or library at the Chatham-Kent Community Hub."
Yes (17)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, and Councillor McDonaldNo (1)Councillor StoreyMotion Carried (17 to 1)

MovedCouncillor ThompsonSecondedCouncillor Bondy"Whereas costs continue to rise across the municipality faster than the ability of taxpayers to shoulder the burden.
And whereas Council should always be looking for ways to trim tax increases.
Therefore, be it resolved that Chatham-Kent administration draft a report outlining the cost savings of moving Council Meetings to regular business hours and that that report return to the next Council."Yes (10)Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Hall, Councillor McGrail, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, and Councillor McDonaldNo (7)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Finn, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, and Councillor StoreyAbsent (1)Councillor AndersonMotion Carried (10 to 7)

MovedCouncillor CeccacciSecondedCouncillor Thompson"That
Administration be authorized to issue a procurement for the construction of an accessible kayak launch at the end of Third Street in the community of Erieau.
Administration discontinue the design and construction of an accessible kayak launch at the end of Stass Lane in the community of Erieau."
Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

e.Motion by Councillor Ceccacci re West Pier (Community of Erieau) Permanent Barrier and DFO Coordination "Whereas the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), as the owner of the West Pier in Erieau, has identified safety concerns related to vehicles parking near the edge of the break wall;
And whereas a temporary concrete block barrier has been proposed and installed with assistance from the Municipality solely to prevent vehicle access while maintaining pedestrian access;
And whereas this location is a valued and highly utilized destination for residents and visitors, and the current temporary solution may affect the visual appeal and user experience of the waterfront;
Now therefore be it resolved that Council requests the Mayor to formally correspond with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to advocate for the collaborative development of a permanent barrier solution that:
Maintains and enhances public safety;
Is effective in preventing unsafe vehicle access;
Is designed to be aesthetically appropriate and compatible with the Erieau waterfront; and
Reflects community interests and the importance of this public space.
And further that the Municipality engage with DFO in advance of any permanent installation to explore design options that balance safety, functionality, and visual quality."
This motion was approved as part of the Consent Agenda.

MovedCouncillor CeccacciSecondedCouncillor Thompson"Whereas, managing vehicular speeds in urban areas is critical to enhancing pedestrian safety, reducing traffic collision severity, and fostering walkable, vibrant communities; and
Whereas standard urban speed limits may not reflect the safety needs of high-density residential areas, school zones, and active transportation corridors; and
Whereas the Municipality contains unique natural habitats and wildlife corridors where vehicular traffic poses risks to biodiversity and animal welfare; and
Whereas modern, ecology-focused road design and traffic calming measures can reduce vehicle speeds and wildlife fatalities;
Now therefore be it resolved that Council direct Staff to report to the next term of Council on the feasibility, costs, and impacts of lowering default urban speed limits in designated residential and high-pedestrian areas; and
Be it further resolved that staff identify areas of significant wildlife activity and intersect this with traffic collision data to map “High-Risk Wildlife-Sensitive Areas and Vehicle Collision Zones”; and
Be it further resolved that staff investigate and recommend appropriate traffic calming measures for such areas; and
Be it further resolved that staff explore the development of a “Wildlife-Sensitive Road Design Policy” for consideration in future major road construction, reconstruction, and maintenance projects, including measures such as wildlife crossings and right-of-way vegetation management; and
Be it further resolved that that staff present this report with policy options recommendations and best practices from other municipalities for public consultation, with recommendations reflecting feedback to the next term of council."Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

a.Cooperative Purchase – Fire Records Management System (FirstDue) "That
Approve the cooperative purchase of a Fire Records Management System (RMS), FirstDue, through the Kinetic Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) RFSO 2112 – Information Technology Solutions and Services, with CDW Canada Corp., a Canadian vendor, as the supplier;
Authorize the award at a total cost of $123,278.90 (excluding HST) for Year One, which includes software licensing and implementation services, as part of a five (5)year agreement with options to extend for an additional two (2) years;
Approve Year One costs to be fully funded through approved Ministry of the Solicitor General / MNRF Grant funding;
Approve that ongoing annual software licensing costs in Years Two through Five be funded from existing, previously approved Fire Services base operating budgets, and formally adjusted through the 2027 budget maintenance process; and
Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute all necessary agreements."
This report was approved as part of the Consent Agenda.

MovedCouncillor AndersonSecondedCouncillor Allin"That
An economic adjustment of $2,325,000 (HST Exempt) be added to the existing contract with Medavie EMS to ensure continuance of the provision of EMS Services until December 31, 2029. The 2026 adjustment in the amount of $225,000 be funded from the Labour Relations reserve (17196), with the remaining years amount referred to the 2027 Budget Update and 2028-2031 Multi-Year Budget.
The Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign the necessary agreements.
Administration begin planning and preparation for a Request for Proposals (RFP) sufficiently in advance of the current contract’s expiry, including the development of an internal bid to be evaluated alongside external submissions. Planning should commence in 2027 to ensure full preparedness for the end of the current contract of December 31, 2029."
Yes (18)Mayor Canniff, Councillor Bondy, Councillor Ceccacci, Councillor Crew, Councillor Finn, Councillor Hall, Councillor Harrigan, Councillor McGrail, Councillor B. McGregor, Councillor C. McGregor, Councillor Thompson, Councillor Wright, Councillor Allin, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Doyle, Councillor Jubenville, Councillor Storey, and Councillor McDonaldMotion Carried (18 to 0)

a.Property Tax Grant – 2028 Dufferin Ave., Wallaceburg "That
The Chief Financial Officer be authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Bkejwanong Unceded Territory (Walpole Island First Nation) for an amount equal to the year’s municipal and education total tax payment on the property at 2028 Dufferin Avenue, Wallaceburg, commencing January 1, 2026 and for a period of the lesser of 5 years, or until such time that the Addition to Reserve Application to the Federal Government is concluded. The agreement shall include standard grant terms, as approved by the Director, Legal Services.
The 2026 grant be funded from the Strategic Development Reserve.
So long as the Addition to Reserve Application to the Federal Government has not concluded, the property tax grant be included in the 2027-2030 budgets as a one-time request funded from the Strategic Development Reserve."
This report was approved as part of the Consent Agenda.