THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

GENERAL COMMITTEE

M I N U T E S

GC-2008-11

The Regional General Committee met on November 13, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton.

Regional Chair E. Kolb presided.

A. ROLL CALL

B. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GC-239-2008:

That the agenda for the November 13, 2008, General Committee meeting be amended to bring forward Items Related to Management – Item MA-B1, to be dealt with as the first item of business;

And further, that the agenda for the November 13, 2008, General Committee meeting be amended to include a communication from Keith Ward, Commissioner of Human Services and General Manager, Peel Living, dated November 7, 2008, responding to an article published by the Toronto Star reflecting the 2008 increase in homicides in the Region of Peel, to be dealt with under Items Related to Human Services – Item HS-D1;

And further, that the agenda for the November 13, 2008, General Committee meeting be approved, as amended.

See also Items Related to Management – Item MA-B1 and Items Related to Human Services – Item HS-D1

Items Related to Management – Item MA-B1 was dealt with.

MA-B. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

MA-B1. Provincial Infrastructure Funding Update

Deferred to the December 4, 2008 General Committee meeting

See also Approval of Agenda and Items Related to Other Business – Item F1

Councillor Fennell requested that the report of the Acting Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, dated October 29, 2008, titled “Provincial Infrastructure Funding Update”, be referred to a future meeting to provide opportunity for the three area municipal Mayors and the Regional Chair to meet with the Regional and area municipal Chief Administrative Officers and Treasurers.

Councillor Iannicca arrived at 9:51 a.m.

D. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

D1. Dr. Janette Pelletier, Associate Professor, Human Development and Applied Psychology, Institute of Child Study, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, and Beverly Cousins, Family Literacy Program Specialist, Early Years Integration, Children’s Services, Region of Peel, Presenting Results from a Study Conducted by Dr. Janette Pelletier on the Family Literacy Program and Reporting on its Growth and Success

Received

Beverly Cousins, Family Literacy Program Specialist, Early Years Integration, Children’s Services, advised that the Family Literacy Program is a series of twelve language, literacy and numeracy workshops based on a curriculum for children aged 0 to 6 years and their families. The program has grown from serving 491 children in 24 school sites in 2004/05 to reaching 2,500 children at 76 sites in 2008.

Beverly Cousins reported that the program goals are to reach families of children 0-6 years of age in order to provide parents with skills to assist their children in learning early reading, writing and numeracy so they are prepared for entry into school. She noted that communication, literacy and numeracy skills are the foundation of effective social functioning and academic, occupational and life success. The Family Literacy Program invests in the lifelong success of children.

Dr. Janette Pelletier, Associate Professor, University of Toronto, provided an overview of the Family Literacy Research Project. The research project focused on both oral and print-based literacy through a questionnaire which asked parents a range of questions about how often they read to their children and the amount of time spent watching television. Using this questionnaire as a baseline, Dr. Pelletier enrolled the families in a program to enhance reading skills.

Dr. Pelletier reported that as a result of the program, the hours of television watching were reduced, the amount of time parents spent reading to their children increased and there was greater recognition among parents of children’s book titles and authors.

Councillor Groves thanked Beverly Cousins and Dr. Pelletier for the presentation and the work Regional staff and volunteers do in the field of literacy and stressed the importance of parents taking the time to read to their children in order for them to develop communication and reading skills.

Councillor Sanderson thanked Beverly Cousins and Dr. Pelletier for their presentation and noted the importance of parents reading to their children in order to enhance their overall development.

Dr. Pelletier noted that studies reveal that children who are read to on a regular basis develop literacy skills at a much faster rate than children who do not receive this type of intellectual stimulation.

Councillor Palleschi departed at 10:58 a.m.

D2. Rob Maclsaac, Chair, Leslie Woo, General Manager and Jason Thorne, Director, Metrolinx, Providing an Overview of the Draft Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) titled “The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the GTHA”

Received

See also Items Related to Environment, Transportation and Planning Services - Items ETP-C1 and ETP-E8

Councillor Fennell departed at 11:15 a.m.

Rob MacIsaac stated that the release of the Draft Regional Transportation Plan represents the beginning of a process and is not the final plan. It is expected that the draft plan, in its high-level, strategic form, will be submitted to the province for approval by the end of November, 2008. He noted that there is flexibility in the plan and it is subject to a comprehensive due diligence review by Metrolinx staff. The plan will need to be reviewed and amended from time to time as more information becomes available. Rob MacIsaac stated that some areas, such as goods movement, require additional information in order to have a comprehensive strategy. The next hurdle to overcome will be the development of a prioritized, rolling five year capital plan to fund the projects identified within the plan.

Councillor Paterak inquired if the provincial commitment to implement the transportation plan is secure in light of the current economic conditions. Leslie Woo advised that there has been no indication that the province will waiver from its commitment to transit, noting that if anything, the provincial commitment to infrastructure has been heightened as a result of the economic downturn.

Councillor Paterak noted that the rapid transit and related connections to Pearson International Airport includes all areas except the area to the northwest. Councillor Paterak questioned whether there are plans for express buses with long term parking availability to accommodate the large number of airline workers who live in Brampton, Caledon and Dufferin. Leslie Woo stated that the issue is being reviewed by Metrolinx staff.

Councillor Morrison inquired if the transportation plan includes a rapid transit system on Highway 10 to Caledon and was advised by Leslie Woo that such a link is included but noted that this is a high level strategic plan and further detailed discussion is required.

Councillor Morrison stated that the GTA West Transportation Corridor has been delayed for a considerable period of time to enable Ministry of Transportation (MTO) staff to consult with Metrolinx and inquired if the MTO has been engaged in discussions with Metrolinx. Leslie Woo confirmed that Metrolinx has been working with the MTO and undertook to follow up on the GTA West Corridor study.

Councillor Moore expressed concern with respect to the timing of the release of the draft transportation plan and its finalization, noting that there does not appear to be much opportunity to review the comments and suggestions submitted by municipalities. Leslie Woo responded that Metrolinx is working within a very aggressive timeframe but have been working with municipalities to incorporate their feedback. She noted that Metrolinx staff are reviewing municipal submissions as soon as they are received.

Councillor Moore expressed disappointment that the transportation plan does not designate the Mount Pleasant Village Mobility Hub as a “gateway hub”, adding that it meets the criteria outlined in the Mobility Hubs Backgrounder. She further expressed disappointment that the plan does not include provisions for enhancements to AcceleRide along Bovaird Drive to serve northwest Brampton and that Brampton staff were not invited to a Metrolinx Stakeholder Workshop the week of November 3, 2008. Leslie Woo committed to looking into the matter of Brampton staff not being invited to the Stakeholder Workshop.

Councillor Thompson inquired if Metrolinx is working with the federal government with respect to railways, noting that the need for a two lane rail bridge across the Credit River that was identified 40 years ago. Councillor Thompson stressed the need for federal participation to address the issue of movement of goods and people. Leslie Woo stated that Metrolinx have had discussions with federal staff, however, the dialogue was interrupted by the federal election. Metrolinx is now working on establishing a relationship with the new Minister of Transport and is committed to continue pursuing the issue.

Councillor Thompson stated his concurrence with the statements made by Councillor Moore regarding Mount Pleasant, noting that if affects Caledon residents and will have an even greater impact over the next twenty years of growth.

In response to a question from Councillor Whitehead, Leslie Woo confirmed that the rail link to Bolton, included in the Metrolinx 25 year plan, will utilize the existing Canadian Pacific Railway right-of-way.

Councillor Whitehead noted that the Metrolinx map depicting the approved settlement area does not accurately reflect approved settlement areas in Caledon.

Items Related to Environment, Transportation and Planning – Item ETP-C1 was dealt with.

ETP-C. TRANSPORTATION

ETP-C1. Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan – Comments on the Draft Plan and Draft Investment Strategy

RECOMMENDATION GC-240-2008:

That the comments of Regional and area municipal staff as outlined in the report of the Acting Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, dated November 5, 2008, titled "Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan - Comments on the Draft Plan and Draft Investment Strategy" be endorsed and that Metrolinx be requested to consider the comments in finalizing the Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy;

And further, that given the Mount Pleasant Transit Village in the City of Brampton will meet the criteria used to define a Gateway Hub, that Metrolinx be requested to designate it as such in the Regional Transportation Plan;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to include in the Regional Transportation Plan a third level of mobility hubs (and relevant selection criteria) better suited to the emerging and future growth areas of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and that the Bolton GO Rail Station Area be identified as such a mobility hub;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to recognize the North-South Transportation Corridor in the Regions of Halton and Peel as an important link in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area’s transportation network and include this corridor in the Regional Transportation Plan;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to work with the Province and Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area municipalities to develop the necessary strategy, tools and mechanisms to protect corridors for future transportation needs in a timely manner;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to include in the Regional Transportation Plan the following elements of the regional rapid transit network: the extension of the Hurontario Street rapid transit corridor to the planned Mayfield West development in the Town of Caledon; the extension of the Highway 407 Transitway from the Peel-Halton border to Markham Centre; and the inclusion of the Bovaird Drive, Steeles Avenue and the Bramalea to Toronto Pearson International Airport/Renforth Gateway rapid transit corridors in the City of Brampton;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to develop, well in advance of 2013 and in collaboration with other levels of government, a suite of financial tools to address the long-term, sustainable funding of the Regional Transportation Plan and of transit operating costs for new regional rapid transit services;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to work with Regional and area municipal staff on the implementation of the Regional Transportation Plan and on further development of the Plan to address the issues raised in the subject report;

And further, that Metrolinx be requested to work with the Province to provide clear direction to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area municipalities on the need, and expected timing, for municipalities to align their Official Plans with the Regional Transportation Plan;

And further, that a copy of the subject report be forwarded to Metrolinx, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, City of Hamilton, City of Toronto, Region of Durham, Region of Halton, Region of York, City of Brampton, City of Mississauga, and Town of Caledon for information.

See also Item ETP-E8 and Delegations/Presentations – Item D2

Items Related to Management – Item MA-A3 was dealt with.

MA-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

Received

Janet Menard, Executive Director, Human Services Transition and Integration and Judith McWhinney, Economist, Financial Policy and Strategic Analysis, Corporate Finance provided an overview on the current status and trends of the Canadian economy and its implications on the Region of Peel programs and residents of Peel.

Key indicators point to an extended downturn in the economy which is expected to significantly impact Peel residents, businesses and agencies. It is expected that there will be increased pressure on human and health services to support residents.

Councillor McFadden departed at 12:30 p.m. due to a personal matter.

ETP-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

ETP-A1. Rockfort Quarry Status Update

Received

RECESS

General Committee recessed at 12:55 p.m.

General Committee reconvened at 1:29 p.m.

E. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

ETP-B. ENVIRONMENT

ETP-B1. Regional Road 8 (Gore Road) Sewage Pumping Station and Regional Road 8 (Gore Road) Sanitary Forcemain, Capital Projects 04-2983 and 05-2197, Document 2006-364P – City of Brampton, Ward 10

RECOMMENDATION GC-241-2008:

That the contract (Document 2006-364P) between the Region of Peel and Gamsby and Mannerow Limited be extended to provide additional engineering services in the estimated amount of $150,000 (excluding applicable taxes), for a total commitment of $407,493 (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008.

ETP-B2. Local Improvement Project, Proposed Construction of Sanitary Sewer on Portway Avenue, Including 1500 Ifield Road, Capital Project 08-2706 – City of Mississauga, Ward 8

RECOMMENDATION GC-242-2008:

That a 250 mm (10 inch) diameter sanitary sewer be constructed on Portway Avenue, from 2018 Portway Avenue to 2144 Portway Avenue, including 1500 Ifield Road, in the City of Mississauga, Ward 8, at a total estimated cost of $698,194 (excluding applicable taxes), as a local improvement under Ontario Regulation (O.Reg.) 586/06;

And further, that Capital Project 08-2706 be established for the proposed sanitary sewer construction;

And further, that total funding to cover the Region of Peel portion of the work in the amount of $334,426 (excluding applicable taxes), be allocated from the Wastewater Capital Financing Stabilization Reserve (R0242) under Capital Project 08-2706;

And further, that the portion allocated to the property owners in the amount of $363,768 (excluding applicable taxes), be set up as an external recovery, under Capital Project 08-2706, and collected as a special charge;

And further, that these actions will not affect the debt capacity of the Region, as this type of financing is considered “self liquidating” by the Province of Ontario;

And further, that the necessary by-law be presented to Regional Council authorizing the undertaking of the work under the Local Improvement Charges – Priority Lien Status Regulation O.Reg.586/06, filed under the Municipal Act, 2001, and the imposition of sanitary sewer frontage rate of $450 per metre ($137.15 per foot) and a mandatory connection fee of $2,100 per lot, will be due and payable at the completion of construction;

And further, that notice of the intention to pass a local improvement construction by-law be given in accordance with O.Reg.586/06;

And further, that the benefiting property owners be charged annually for 15 years, including an interest rate which shall be determined at the time the by-law is enacted;

And further, that those property owners be given the opportunity to commute the special charge by advance payment at any time during the 15 year period;

And further, that the Regional Clerk forward a copy of the report of the Acting Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, dated October 23, 2008, titled “Local Improvement Project, Proposed Construction of Sanitary Sewer of Portway Avenue, Including 1500 Ifield Road, Capital Project 08-2706 – City of Mississauga, Ward 8” to the City of Mississauga;

And further, that following the Committee of Revision, a “Notice to Amend” the tax rolls of the affected owners be sent to the City of Mississauga for appropriate action.

ETP-B3. Battleford Road Watermain Replacement and Derry Road West Watermain Installation, Capital Projects 08-1303 and 08-1322, Document 2008-583T – City of Mississauga, Wards 5 and 9

RECOMMENDATION GC-243-2008:

That the contract (Document 2008-583T) for the Battleford Road 400mm (16 inch) watermain replacement and Derry Road West 300mm (12 inch) watermain installation be awarded to Rymall Construction Inc. in the estimated amount of $639,436 (excluding applicable taxes), under Capital Projects 08-1303 and 08-1322, in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008;

And further, that additional funds in the amount of $250,000 be provided to Capital Project 08-1303, and $150,000 be provided to Capital Project 08-1322, both financed from Water Capital Financing Stabilization Reserve R0241.

ETP-B4. Municipal Drinking Water License Program

Received

ETP-C. TRANSPORTATION

ETP-C1. Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan – Comments on the Draft Plan and Draft Investment Strategy

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

ETP-D. PLANNING

RECOMMENDATION GC-244-2008:

That the report of the Acting Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, dated October 24, 2008, titled “2006 Census Highlights”, be received;

And further, that the presentation by Arvin Prasad, Director and Ron Jaros, Planning Manager, Research and Information, Planning Policy and Research Division, regarding the 2006 Census Highlights be referred to the November 20, 2008 Regional Council meeting.

ETP-D2. Peel Region Official Plan Review – Results of Managing Growth Stakeholder Workshop

Received

See also Item ETP-E1

ETP-E. COMMUNICATIONS

ETP-E1. John Stillich, General Manager, Sustainable Urban Development Association (SUDA), Letter dated October 8, 2008, Regarding Allocation of Population and Employment Targets

Received

See also Item ETP-D2

ETP-E2. Member Communication – Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 15, 2008, Regarding the Proposed Amendments by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Ontario Water Resources Act Related to the Brownfield Redevelopment

Received

ETP-E3. Member Communication – Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 17, 2008, Notifying that the Ministry of the Environment is Launching a Review of the Blue Box Program and the Waste Diversion Act

Received

ETP-E4. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated October 27, 2008, Providing a Copy of City of Brampton Resolution PDD223-2008 and a Report titled “Mayfield West Secondary Plan (Town of Caledon)”

Received

ETP-E5. Dean Young, Watershed Planning Coordinator, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Letter dated October 28, 2008, Providing a TRCA Resolution and Report titled “Etobicoke Creek Headwaters Subwatershed Study Synthesis Report”

Received

ETP-E6. Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Letter dated October 28, 2008, Regarding Initiatives Undertaken by the Ministry for Planning Reform, Changes to the Planning Act and Providing Contact Information for the Central Municipal Services Office

Received

ETP-E7. Member Communication – Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 29, 2008, Regarding the Proposed Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2008, Introduced by the Minister of Transportation that will Ban the Use of Hand-Held Electronic Communications Devices by Drivers

Received

ETP-E8. Debbie Thompson, Legislative Services Supervisor/Deputy Clerk, Town of Caledon, Letter dated October 30, 2008, Providing a Copy of the Town of Caledon Report PD-2008-067 titled “Review of Metrolinx Draft Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy” Outlining Caledon’s Position on the Metrolinx Papers

Received

See also Item ETP-C1 and Delegations/Presentations – Item D2

ETP-E9. Debbie Thompson, Legislative Services Supervisor/Deputy Clerk, Town of Caledon, Letter dated October 30, 2008, Providing a Copy of the Town of Caledon Resolution W-570-2008 and a Report titled “Mr. Henry Kiri – Delegation Regarding Speeding and Road Damage to Kennedy Road South from King Street”

Received

HE-A. LONG-TERM CARE

HE-A1. Sheridan Villa Redevelopment

RECOMMENDATION GC-245-2008:

That the Regional Chair write to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) to request funding from the “B and C” redevelopment fund designated for long-term care homes, to offset the cost of Sheridan Villa’s capital project to achieve an “A” classification.

HE-B. PUBLIC HEALTH

HE-B1. Infant Feeding: Informed Decision Making Campaign

Received

HE-C. COMMUNICATIONS

HE-C1. David Caplan, Minister, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Letter dated October 31, 2008, Announcing the Release and Transmittal of the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS), 2008 and Attaching a List of Background Questions and Answers

Received

HE-C2. Emil Kolb, Regional Chair, Region of Peel, Letter dated October 23, 2008, Responding to a Letter from Dr. Leonard Bajcer, President, Halton Peel Dental Association, dated October 15, 2008, Regarding Peel Region Seniors’ Dental Care Program

Received

See also Item HE-C3

HE-C3. Dr. Leonard Bajcer, President, Halton-Peel Dental Association, Letter dated October 15, 2008, Responding to a Letter from Chair Kolb dated September 22, 2008, Regarding Peel Region Seniors’ Dental Care Program

Received

See also Item HE-C2

HS-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

HS-A1. The Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) Subsidy Cash Flow Methodology Change

RECOMMENDATION GC-246-2008:

That the Acting Chief Financial Officer be directed to transfer the actual 2008 Children’s Services’ surplus to the Best Start Reserve R1258.

HS-B. DEPARTMENTAL

HS-B1. Report of the Grants Ad hoc Committee (GAC-2008-2) meeting held on October 30, 2008

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GAC-1-2008:

That the agenda for the October 30, 2008, Grants Ad hoc Committee meeting be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS - Nil

4. REPORTS

	a)	2009 Community Programs Funding Update
			Presentation by Sandra Solonik, Acting Manager, Community Services and Special Projects

Received

RECOMMENDATION GAC-2-2008:

That the proposed funding levels as outlined in the report of the Commissioner of Human Services, dated September 26, 2008, titled “2009 Community Programs Funding Update”, be included in the 2009 budget submission.

HS-C. CHILDREN’S SERVICES

HS-C1. Amendment to the Learn.Play.Care. Child Care Centres Food Services Contract

RECOMMENDATION GC-247-2008:

That the contract (Document 2007-534Q) between the Region of Peel and the Palmer Group Distributors Ltd. for the provision of Food Services to the Learn.Play.Care. Child Care Centres be extended for each of the two optional periods in the amount of $500,000 (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008.

HS-C2. Region’s Services for Children with Special Needs

Received

Additional Item – Item HS-D1:

HS-D. COMMUNICATIONS

HS-D1. Keith Ward, Commissioner of Human Services and General Manager, Peel Living, Letter dated November 7, 2008, to the Editor of the Toronto Star, Responding to an Article dated October 16, 2008, titled “We Need to Fix This”, Published by the Toronto Star Reflecting The 2008 Increase in Homicides in the Region of Peel

Received

See also Approval of Agenda

MA-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

MA-A1. Transfer of Easement to Hydro One Networks Inc. at Palgrave Well Number 4 and Pumping Station Located at 17511 Highway 50 - Town of Caledon, Ward 4

RECOMMENDATION GC-248-2008:

That a permanent easement interest in the lands described as Part of Lot 28, Concession 7, Town of Caledon (formerly Township of Albion), Regional Municipality of Peel, more particularly identified as Part 1 on Reference Plan 43R-32520 be declared surplus to the needs of the Regional Corporation.

RECOMMENDATION GC-249-2008:

That a permanent easement interest be transferred gratuitously to Hydro One Networks Inc. for the purpose of installing and maintaining a hydro switching volt kiosk and appurtenances thereto on the lands described as Part of Lot 28, Concession 7, Town of Caledon (formerly Township of Albion), more particularly identified as Part 1 on Reference Plan 43R-32520.

Regional Chair Kolb departed at 1:36 p.m.

Councillor Carlson assumed the Chair.

MA-A2. Reinvestment of WSIB Surpluses

RECOMMENDATION GC-250-2008:

That the Acting Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer and the Chief of Peel Regional Police, be authorized to redeploy up to $1.4 million WSIB reserves to fund wellness and safety initiatives as set out in the joint report of the Acting Chief Financial Officer, the Commissioner of Health Services and the Commissioner of Employee and Business Services, dated October 28, 2008, titled “Reinvestment of WSIB Surpluses”;

And further, that the Acting Chief Financial Officer report back to Regional Council on actions undertaken;

And further, that the Acting Chief Financial Officer bring back a comprehensive report in 2010 following the next actuarial review of WSIB costs, with attention on tracking the impacts of actions undertaken in accordance with the aforementioned approval to redeploy surplus WSIB reserve balances.

Councillor Miles advised that she had recently attended a World Health Organization (WHO) Community Safety meeting where it was revealed that the leading cause of death in the world is injury – with the majority of injuries occurring in the home. Councillor Miles suggested that the Region of Peel, as an employer, consider emphasizing injury prevention in the home as part of its Healthy Workplace program.

Councillor Miles indicated that she would provide a summation of the WHO Community Safety meeting at a future General Committee meeting.

Councillor Mullin noted that Long Term Care Centre nurses and Peel Regional Paramedics are often required to perform physically demanding tasks and reinvestment of the WSIB surplus to fund wellness and safety initiatives would benefit the employees.

Councillor Mahoney advised that she shared the report titled “Reinvestment of WSIB Surpluses” with the Chair of WSIB noting that it is a fine example for other municipalities to follow.

	MA-A3.	Economic Update and Impact on the Economy (Oral)
			Presentation by Janet Menard, Executive Director, Human Services Transition and Integration and Judith McWhinney, Economist, Financial Policy and Strategic Analysis, Corporate

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

MA-A4. International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3, 2008

RECOMMENDATION GC-251-2008:

That December 3, 2008, be proclaimed “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” in the Regional Municipality of Peel;

And further, that the members of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) be commended for their dedication and commitment to improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

MA-B. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

MA-B1. Provincial Infrastructure Funding Update

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

MA-C. CORPORATE SERVICES

MA-C1. Report of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC-2008-9) meeting held on October 21, 2008

1. CALL TO ORDER


2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RECOMMENDATION AAC-26-2008:

That the minutes of the September 23, 2008 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION AAC-27-2008:

That the agenda for the October 21, 2008 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, Letter dated October 10, 2008, Providing an Update on the Progress Being Made in Making Ontario Accessible to Everyone

Received

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. Bart Jaworski, Eco Chic Inc. and John D’Angelo, President, Martinway Contracting Ltd., Providing Options on LED Lights that could be Used in Apartment Buildings under the Proposed Universal Design Standards

Received

b. Susan Fisher, Coordinator, Regulatory Compliance, Providing an Update on the Accessibility Plan Development and Approval Process Project

Received

6. REPORTS - Nil

7. REPORT FROM THE ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING SPECIALIST

a. Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, Monthly Activity Report (October, 2008)

Received

b. Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on the Activities for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Oral)

Received

8. REPORT OF THE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR AND MEMBERS

a. Wiliam Goursky, Chair, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Discussing Options Regarding an Access Ontario Conference in the Region of Peel (Oral)

Received

b. Naz Husain, Vice-Chair, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Employment Accessibility Standards Development Committee (EASD) (Oral)

Received

c. Harvinder Bajwa, Member, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Joint Municipal AAC Meeting (Oral)

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting under Report from the Accessibility Planning Specialist Item – Item 7b

d. William Goursky, Chair, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Universal Design Work Group (Oral)

Received

9. OTHER BUSINESS

Additional Items – 9a to 9c inclusive

a. Social Housing Conditions in Peel (Oral)

Received

b. Handling Maintenance Requests in Peel Living Buidings (Oral)

Received

c. October 29, 2008 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Meeting (Oral)

Received

MA-C2. Report of the Government Relations Committee (GRC-2008-9) meeting held on November 6, 2008

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil

2. ELECTION OF CHAIR

RECOMMENDATION GRC-15-2008:

That Councillor Thompson be appointed Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the term ending November 30, 2010 or until a successor is appointed;

And further, that Councillor Carlson be appointed Vice Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the term ending November 30, 2010, or until a successor is appointed.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GRC-16-2008:

That the agenda for the November 6, 2008, Government Relations Committee meeting be approved.

4. ITEMS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETINGS

a) Town of Markham Second Suites and Strategy Options Information Summary Report

Received

5. REQUESTS FROM REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SUPPORT

a) AMO Immigration Paper, report from the Commissioner of Human Services and General Manager of Peel Living dated October 6, 2008 and a Draft Report from AMO titled “Putting Out the Welcome Mat: Why Immigration Matters to Ontario’s Municipalities”

Deferred to the December 18, 2008 Government Relations Committee meeting

6. REPORTS

Items 6b and 6c were dealt with.

	b)	Government Relations Status Report
			Discussion led by A. Irving, Devon Group

Received

	c)	MPP Peel Caucus Update
			Discussion led by A. Irving, Devon Group

Received

a) Principles to Guide the Government Relations Committee’s Future Focus and Short and Medium Term Strategies

RECOMMENDATION GRC-17-2008:

That the principles and strategies, as set out in the report of the Director, Strategic Innovation and Policy dated October 14, 2008 and titled “Principles to Guide the Government Relations Committee’s Future Focus and Short and Medium Term Strategies” be approved.

	b)	Government Relations Status Report
			Discussion led by A. Irving, Devon Group

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

	c)	MPP Peel Caucus Update
			Discussion led by A. Irving, Devon Group

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

	d)	MP Reception
			Discussion led by L. Rubin, Project Leader, Strategic Projects

Received

	e)	Update from November 4, 2008 Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO) Meeting
			Discussion led by Regional Chair Kolb

Received

7. COMMUNICATIONS

a) Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Letter dated October 9, 2008 Expressing his Appreciation for the Support of the Region of Peel for the Efforts to Narrow the Wide Gap between what Ontarians Contribute to Federal Revenues and What they Get Back in Federal Spending

Received

Councillor McCallion noted her objection to the ongoing use of a consultant for Government Relations Committee matters in light of the current economic pressures.

MA-D. COMMUNICATIONS

MA-D1. Member Communication – Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 22, 2008, Providing Highlights of the Fall Economic Statement Delivered by Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance

Received

See also Items MA-D2 and MA-D3

MA-D2. Member Communication – Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 31, 2008, Providing Results of the Report of the Provincial Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review

Received

See also Items MA-D1 and MA-D3

MA-D3. Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Letter dated October 31, 2008, Addressed to all Heads of Council, Regarding the Report of the Provincial Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review, “Facing the Future Together” which was Released at Queen’s Park on October 31, 2008

Received

See also Items MA-D1 and MA-D2

MA-D4. Member Communication: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated November 3, 2008, Announcing that the Province of Ontario is Investing $9 Million Towards the Celebrate Ontario Initiative to Assist Communities with Festivals and Events

Received

MA-D5. Federation of Canadian Municipalities, E-mail dated November 3, 2008, Providing an Update for Municipalities Receiving Federal Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) for Properties Owned by the Federal Government and its Crown Corporations

Received

F. OTHER BUSINESS

Additional Item – Item F1:

F1. Provincial Infrastructure Funding Update (Oral)

RECOMMENDATION GC-252-2008:

That all Members of Regional Council be advised of the dates of meetings scheduled for the purpose of discussing the Region of Peel portion of provincial infrastructure funding, so that interested Members may attend as observers;

And further, that any written materials considered at provincial infrastructure funding meetings, be provided to all Members of Regional Council.

See also Items Related to Management – Item MA-B1

G. IN CAMERA MATTERS

Council opted not to move into closed session to consider the following item:

• Proposed Lease Amending Agreement (A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board)

RECOMMENDATION GC-253-2008:

That the recommendation contained within the confidential report related to Item G1 be forwarded to the November 20, 2008 meeting of Regional Council for approval.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:51 p.m.