THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

GENERAL COMMITTEE

M I N U T E S

GC-2009-4

The Regional General Committee met on April 16, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton.

Acting Regional Chair S. Fennell presided.

A. ROLL CALL

B. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GC-35-2009:

That the agenda for the April 16, 2009, General Committee meeting be amended to include a presentation regarding a Peel Goods Movement Task Force, to be dealt with under Items Related to Environment, Transportation and Planning - Item ETP-D5;

And further, that the agenda for the April 16, 2009, General Committee meeting be amended to include an additional item regarding the banning of handguns in the Province of Ontario, to be dealt with under Other Business – Item F1;

And further, that the agenda for the April 16, 2009, General Committee meeting be approved, as amended.

See also Items Related to Environment, Transportation and Planning – Item ETP-D5 and Other Business – Item F1

D. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

D1. Lola Vaz-Rafearo, Senior Project Engineer, Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO), and Michael Chiu, Consultant Project Manager, McCormick Rankin Corporation, Providing an Overview of the Progress of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Highway 427 Transportation Corridor in Advance of the Public Information Centres Scheduled for April, 2009

Received

Councillor Sanderson arrived at 9:53 a.m. due to other municipal business.
Councillor Adams arrived at 10:03 a.m.
Councillor McCallion arrived at 10:08 a.m.
Councillor Mullin arrived at 10:10 a.m.
Councillor Prentice arrived at 10:10 a.m.

Michael Chiu, Consultant Project Manager, McCormick Rankin Corporation, reviewed the current status of the 427 Transportation Corridor Environmental Assessment noting that key issues with landowners and stakeholders at the north end of the corridor have been resolved; preliminary design work is underway, and; the refined technically preferred route and preliminary design are now ready for review with agencies and the public as part of the Round 3 consultations.

He informed that the next steps include consultations with municipalities and agencies, prior to the next Public Information Centres scheduled in April, 2009; completion of the preliminary design; pre-submission review of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) report, and; filing of the EA report by the end of 2009.

Councillor Groves noted that Canadian Pacific (CP) plans to expand its operations will result in more truck traffic through the Bolton area and expressed concern that this was not considered by the Province during the EA process.

Councillor Sprovieri reiterated the need for the Province to start planning for the future northerly extension of Highway 427.

Councillor Whitehead inquired when staff will be reporting to Regional Council on the future extension of Major Mackenzie and its connections as it goes north to Mayfield Road.

Tom AppaRao, Director, Transportation Planning advised that the Peel 427 Extension Area Master Plan study identified the need for a Major Mackenzie/Mayfield Road connection and that study is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. Upon Regional Council endorsement of the study, a Class Environmental Assessment will be initiated. He also clarified that Major Mackenzie would not be extended; the 427 will be extended to Major Mackenzie.

Acting Regional Chair Fennell requested that staff compile all previous Regional Council resolutions regarding the design of the 427 extension and provide them to Metrolinx. She further suggested that the presentation on the progress of the EA for the Highway 427 transportation corridor be provided to the area municipalities for information.

D2. Sharon Flloyd, Manager of Community and Program Services, Interim Place, Presenting a Citizen Proclamation with Respect to the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Referred to Human Services

Sharon Floyd, Manager of Community Programs and Services, Interim Place, provided details of the March 21, 2009 events that took place to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Interim Place, in partnership with the East Mississauga Community Health Centre, hosted over 200 members of the community at the South Common Community Centre to mark the occasion. On March 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, 69 black demonstrators were killed and 180 were wounded by armed police in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid laws. In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly honoured the victims of the Sharpeville massacre by designating March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Sharon Floyd stated that it is important for everyone in the Region of Peel to work together to eliminate racism and discrimination and celebrate the various cultures that make up the community.

Sharon Floyd asked Regional Council to commit to proclaiming the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on an annual basis starting on March 21, 2010 and called upon the Region of Peel to begin a process of community engagement to develop a comprehensive community plan to deal with the issues of racial discrimination.

Councillor Groves thanked Sharon for her presentation and stated that the Canadian society has come a long way towards the elimination of racism but there is still much more to be done.

Councillor Prentice asked if the Region of Peel had proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in the past and why the Region did not proclaim the 2009 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Jeff Payne, Deputy Clerk, reported that the Region of Peel had not proclaimed this day in the past. When a request for a proclamation is received, Regional policy requires that the request be forwarded to the appropriate department for endorsement which, in this case, was Human Services. Although staff did not have sufficient time to generate a report for the March 2009 General Committee meeting, they have committed to work with Interim Place to proclaim this day in 2010.

D3. Nick Acocella, Greg Pannia and John Folino, Coalition of Concerned Residents and Businesses of Bolton (CCRB), Regarding Population Allocation and its Impact on Bolton Businesses

Received

Nick Acocella, Vice Chair, Coalition of Concerned Residents and Businesses of Bolton (CCRB) advised that the CCRB has been actively seeking assistance from Region of Peel Council to solve the population allocation concerns which are forcing many Bolton area businesses to suffer economically and in some cases, close their doors. He stated that the Bolton community cannot survive without additional population allocation and a community plan. He indicated that to date, the CCRB has not received an adequate response to the concerns raised.

John Folino owner of Caesar’s Event Centre, stated that 50 per cent of the Caledon population resides in Bolton and 80 per cent of Caledon businesses are located in Bolton yet Bolton is represented by only two of the nine Caledon Councillors. Mr. Folino noted that balanced growth is needed now and waiting until 2021 to increase population levels would result in Bolton becoming a “ghost town”.

Councillor Groves thanked the members of CCRB for their presentation, noting that the Region is the appropriate body to deal with the concerns as it is currently going through a conformity exercise to distribute its allocated growth.

Councillor Morrison clarified that the current conformity exercise is for the allocation of growth to 2031 and any additional growth allocated to the Bolton area would not be available until 2031. She noted that in the 1990’s, Caledon received additional growth to result in a population of 84,444 by 2021. The growth allocated to Caledon was distributed to its three growth nodes – Bolton, Caledon East and Mayfield West. However, the population in Bolton grew faster than anticipated and reached its 2021 growth target in 2008. Councillor Morrison stated that the Town of Caledon does not have any growth numbers to allocate to the Bolton area at this time.

Councillor Thompson clarified that Bolton currently contains approximately 46 per cent of the Caledon population and that 69 per cent of Caledon businesses are located in Bolton.

D4. William Goursky, Chair, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee; Richard Ngun, Project Manager, Real Property Asset Managemet, and Drew Goursky, Manager, Housing Initiatives, Presenting the Universal Design Standard for New Region of Peel Affordable Housing Projects and an Update on the Chapel View Project, City of Brampton

Received

William Goursky, Chair, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee stated that in 2005, the Provincial Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act which legislates the removal of all physical barriers by 2025. In response to this legislation, the Region of Peel on April 2, 2009 adopted the 2008 Universal Accessibility Standards for Affordable Residential Properties which requires preferred development standards for inclusion in design and development of future Region of Peel affordable housing projects. William Goursky thanked Regional Council for taking a leadership role in developing universal accessibility standards.

Drew Goursky, Manager, Housing Initiatives, stated that Universal Accessibility is the creation of products, services and environments that can be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaption or specialized design. The Ontarians With Disabilities Act will require that accessibility standards be implemented and the opportunity exists for the Region of Peel to become a leader in setting standards. Drew Goursky reported that with the growing aging and disabled population, there is a requirement for more accessible features. From a cost perspective, it is easier and cheaper to incorporate universal accessibility standards during the construction process rather than to retrofit housing units after construction.

Acting Regional Chair Fennell complemented staff on the Accessible Design Standards interactive webpage and asked if it was available to the public. Drew Goursky responded that the interactive webpage will be added to the www.peelbuilds.ca website in order to make it available to the public.

D5. Arvin Prasad, Director, Planning Policy & Research and Christine Pacini, Principal, SHS Consulting, Presenting Information on Regional Official Plan Amendment 23, the Regional Housing Strategy

Received

Councillor Parrish departed at 12:14 p.m.

Arvin Prasad, Director, Planning Policy and Research reviewed the process undertaken for the Peel Region Official Plan Review to achieve provincial policy conformity and introduced Christine Pacini, Principal, SHS Consulting.

Christine Pacini provided an overview of the proposed Housing Strategy, stating that the purpose of the strategy is to prepare a comprehensive and in-depth assessment of the full continuum of housing needs in the Region of Peel and to develop policies, programs and initiatives aimed at meeting the full range of identified needs. The strategy was developed subsequent to a consultation strategy that sought input from key stakeholders and the community and included issues surveys, housing inventory surveys, workshops and focus groups, interviews and meetings.

Eleven key housing issues were identified that relate to four themes: adequate and diverse housing supply; affordable housing supply; housing options for diverse and special needs groups, and; sustainable, compact, complete communities. The strategy framework includes goals, objectives and actions associated with each of the four themes. The next steps for the Housing Strategy includes completion of Housing Strategy papers in consultation with the area municipalities; development of a draft Regional Official Plan Amendment and completion of a Housing Strategy Implementation and monitoring plan; public open houses and a public meeting which will lead to the adoption of the Regional Official Plan Amendment by Regional Council.

Councillor Saito stated that the Regional Official Plan should have specific goals and responsibilities that align with Regional responsibilities noting that the Housing Strategy goes beyond Regional responsibility and infringes upon area municipal responsibilities. Councillor Saito further stated that the strategy is too specific for the Regional level and suggested that the role of the Region is to support and encourage the inclusion of policies at the local level.

Councillor Saito requested that the strategy be amended, prior to the hosting of public open houses, to clearly state that the Region will encourage and/or support its area municipalities.

Councillor Mahoney concurred with the statements made by Councillor Saito noting that the City of Mississauga is undertaking its affordable housing strategy and there needs to be an understanding of the role of the Region and the responsibilities of the lower tier municipalities.

Councillor Prentice expressed her agreement with the comments of the previous speakers and suggested that the strategy is incorrect with respect to its references to assisted housing. Councillor Prentice stated that long term assistive housing is the appropriate term.

Councillor Mullin stated that builders may be receptive to building assistive housing if they are not subject to the payment of development charges. She further noted that basement apartments are currently providing relief for those in need of housing.

Acting Regional Chair Fennell noted that housing is a priority of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and requested that the housing strategy be forwarded to the FCM Ontario Caucus for information.

D6. Rob Harrison, Vice President, Valleywood Resident Association, Providing Evidence of Highway 410 Phase III Design Safety Concerns which may have an Influence on the Rockfort Quarry Application

Referred to Environment, Transportation and Planning Services

Rob Harrison, Vice President, Valleywood Residents Association, outlined concerns of the Valleywood Residents Association with respect to the design of Phase III of Highway 410 noting that information provided by Ministry of Transportation (MTO) staff at the Public Information Centre held in 2005 was incorrect; and that the incorrect information was provided to the Ministry of the Environment.

Rob Harrison noted that the Phase III design calls for Highway 410 to exit onto a residential road and this portion of the highway will be accommodating aggregate trucks from the proposed Rockfort Quarry. Mr. Harrison stated that he was unable to identify another instance where a 400 series highway exits onto a residential road. Mr. Harrison provided documentation related to the concerns of the Valleywood Residents Association.

Mr. Harrison requested that the Region of Peel advocate for human safety by challenging the Ministry of the Environment to invoke its authority under the Environmental Assessment Act to reconsider the application for the 410 as submitted by MTO. Mr. Harrison further requested that the Region of Peel identify land between Dixie Road and Heart Lake Drive, north of Mayfield Road to Old School Road, that could provide an alternate route for Phase III.

Councillor Thompson requested that Regional staff review the concerns raised by the Valleywood Residents Association with staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of the Environment and report to a future meeting with the findings.

General Committee recessed at 1:15 p.m.

General Committee reconvened at 1:48 p.m.

Acting Regional Chair C. Corbasson presided.

E. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

HS-A. CHILDREN’S SERVICES

HS-A1. 2009 Multinational Corporate Child Care in Peel

RECOMMENDATION GC-36-2009:

That new and expansion to current fee subsidy purchase of service agreements be restricted to the non-profit child care service providers;

And further, that for-profit child care providers that have a fee subsidy purchase of service agreement with the Region of Peel as of December 31, 2007 be ‘grand parented’ by the Region.

HS-A2. Enhancing Quality Child Care in Peel

Received

HS-B. HOUSING

HS-B1. Rental Market Conditions in Peel, 2008

Received

HS-C. COMMUNICATIONS

HS-C1. Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Letter dated March 2009, Providing Information on the Lincoln M. Alexander Award 2009 and Requesting that the Region of Peel Support the Program by Nominating Young Ontarians Believed to be Deserving of Recognition

Received

HS-C2. Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Letter dated March 2, 2009, Confirming the Award of a Grant in the amount of $20,000 to the Region of Peel as Part of the Municipal Immigration Information Online Program Marketing Initiative 2008-2009

Received

HS-C3. Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Letter dated March 18, 2009, in Response to a Letter from Keith Ward, Commissioner of Human Services and General Manager, Peel Living, Regarding an Extension of the Deadline for the Home Ownership Component of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP)

Received

HS-C4. Member Communication - Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated March 20, 2009, Reporting that the Province has Announced Poverty Reduction Measures by Providing New Housing Funding and Increasing the Provincially Funded Ontario Child Benefit

Received

MA-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

MA-A1. Proposed Road Closure and Transfer of Easements, Future Carpool and Transit Lot at the Southwest Corner of Regional Road 14 (Mayfield Road) and Regional Road 50 (Highway 50), Capital Project 01-4007 - Town of Caledon, Ward 5 and City of Brampton, Ward 10

RECOMMENDATION GC-37-2009:

That the lands described as Part of Lot 1, Concession 6, Town of Caledon (formerly Township of Albion) and Part of the Road Allowance between the Township of Albion and the Township of Toronto Gore, Town of Caledon and Part of Broken Lot 17, Concession 12, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Toronto Gore) and Part of the Road Allowance between the Township of Albion and the Township of Toronto Gore, City of Brampton, all in the Regional Municipality of Peel, being more particularly identified as Parts 1, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 on Reference Plan 43R-32648 be stopped up, closed and deprived of its character as public highway or street;

And further, that the necessary by-law be presented to Regional Council for enactment;

And further, that the notice of the proposed by-law be advertised in accordance with Regional Policy.

RECOMMENDATION GC-38-2009:

That permanent easement interests in the lands described as Part of Lot 1, Concession 6, Town of Caledon (formerly Township of Albion) and Part of Broken Lot 17, Concession 12, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Toronto Gore), all in the Regional Municipality of Peel, being more particularly identified as Parts 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13 and 25 on Reference Plan 43R-32648 be declared surplus to the needs of the Regional Corporation.

RECOMMENDATION GC-39-2009:

That a permanent easement interest be transferred gratuitously to Hydro One Networks Inc. for the purpose of entering onto, operating and maintaining hydro poles, anchors and overhead electric wires on and over the lands described as Part of Lot 1, Concession 6, Town of Caledon (formerly Township of Albion), Regional Municipality of Peel, being more particularly identified as Parts 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 13 on Reference Plan 43R-32648.

RECOMMENDATION GC-40-2009:

That a permanent easement interest be transferred gratuitously to Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. for the purpose of entering onto, operating and maintaining a gas pipeline in the lands described as Part of Broken Lot 17, Concession 12, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Toronto Gore), Regional Municipality of Peel, being more particularly identified as Part 25 on Reference Plan 43R-32648.

MA-B. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND CORPORATE SERVICES

MA-B1. Report of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC-2009-3) meeting held on March 24, 2009

1. CALL TO ORDER

A quorum of voting members was not present, and in accordance with section III-4(g) of the Region of Peel Procedural By-law 57-2006, the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) received information.

Items 4a, 4b and 4c were dealt with.

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. Business Takes Action, February 2009 Newsletter

b. Disability News Asia, Article titled “Emoti-chair Allows Deaf People to Experience Music through Vibrations”

c. Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, Letter addressed to Accessibility Advisory Committee Members, Providing an Update on the Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

A quorum of voting members was achieved.

Item 5a was dealt with.

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. John Austin, Manager, Workplace Health and Safety, and Anubha Mehta, Specialist, Diversity, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, Providing an Overview on the Strategy and Communication Plans for the Diversity Network to Regional Staff and Other Stakeholders

Received

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RECOMMENDATION AAC-8-2009:

That the minutes of the February 24, 2009 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION AAC-9-2009:

That the agenda for the March 24, 2009 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be amended to include a communication item from the Toronto Star titled “Toronto’s Diversity Not as Perfect as We Think”, to be dealt with under Communication Items - Item 4d;

And further, that the agenda for the March 24, 2009 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be amended to include an update from Harvinder Bajwa on the 2009 Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event, to be dealt with under Other Business – Item 7a;

And further, that the agenda for the March 24, 2009 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved, as amended.

See also Items 4d and 7a

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. Business Takes Action, February 2009 Newsletter

Received

b. Disability News Asia, Article titled “Emoti-chair Allows Deaf People to Experience Music through Vibrations”

Received

c. Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services, Letter addressed to Accessibility Advisory Committee Members, Providing an Update on the Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

Received

Additional Item – Item 4d:

d. Toronto Star, Article dated March 12, 2009, titled “Toronto’s Diversity Not as Perfect as We Think”

Received

See also Item 3

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. John Austin, Manager, Workplace Health and Safety, and Anubha Mehta, Specialist, Diversity, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, Providing an Overview on the Strategy and Communication Plans for the Diversity Network to Regional Staff and Other Stakeholders

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

b. Janet Menard, Executive Director, Human Services, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on Social Housing Conditions in the Region of Peel

Received

c. Lisa Jones, Transportation Accessibility Specialist, and Melanie Stone, Transportation Resource Coordinator, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel, Accessible Transportation Coordination Office Project Status Update

Received

d. Kristina Liivoja Hatton, Coordinator, Peel Children’s Water Festival, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel, Providing Information on the 2009 Peel Children’s Water Festival

Received

6. REPORTS

	a.	Monthly Activity Report - March 2009 (Oral)
			Update Provided by Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel

Received

	b.	Employment Accessibility Standards Development Committee Update (Oral)
			Update Provided by Naz Husain, Vice-Chair, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee

Received

c. Accessible Transportation Standards Development Committee (Oral)

Deferred to the April 21, 2009 AAC meeting

7. OTHER BUSINESS

Additional Item – Item 7a:

	a.	2009 Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event (Oral)
			Update Provided by Harvinder Bajwa, Member, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee

Received

See also Item 3

MA-B2. Internal Audit Awareness Day – May 7, 2009

RECOMMENDATION GC-41-2009:

That May 7, 2009 be proclaimed “Internal Audit Awareness Day” in the Regional Municipality of Peel.

Councillor Adams departed at 1:46 p.m. due to other municipal business

MA-C. EXECUTIVE OFFICE

MA-C1. Proposed Future Direction of the Government Relations Committee

Referred to the Government Relations Committee

Councillor Prentice inquired as to the rationale for dissolving the Government Relations Committee (GRC) and replacing it with an Intergovernmental Relations (IR) section of General Committee (GC). Councillor Prentice expressed concern that committees of Council at the Region have inconsistent processes and stated she will not support this proposal.

Councillor Thompson, Chair, Government Relations Committee, responded that issues need to be acted upon in a quick manner which has proved difficult due to a constant lack of quorum at GRC meetings. Also, there are many issues which need to be collaborated on between the area municipal Mayors and the Regional Chair, therefore the proposed structure of GC would streamline and enhance the effectiveness of the Committee.

Councillor Prentice recommended that intergovernmental issues be directed to the Management Section of GC in the absence of a GRC meeting. She suggested that GRC meetings be scheduled on an as needed basis instead of scheduling meetings every month.

Councillor McCallion acknowledged that intergovernmental issues require background reports in order for Council resolutions to be effective at the Provincial and Federal level. Resolutions without background information do not receive the recognition or action requested by Council. Councillor McCallion noted that the Committee should have the opportunity to prepare reports and that there should be priority setting of the issues to be advanced at the Federal and Provincial levels.

Councillor Saito suggested that the membership of the GRC be reviewed to see if other members of Council are interested in participating on the Committee which may alleviate quorum deficiencies.

Councillor Miles supported the staff recommendation in the report, noting that there was a duplication of issues at the GRC and at GC. Councillor Miles concurred that there needs to be priority setting of issues to be advanced at the Federal and Provincial governments. She suggested that the proposed direction be supported as a pilot project.

Councillor Moore indicated that reports forwarded to GC are presented by a Regional department, authored by Commissioners and their staff, whereas reports from the IR may span the whole organization. Councillor Moore stated that she does not support the recommendation.

Councillor Prentice requested that the report be referred to the GRC for consideration of the suggestions put forth by Members of Council.

Councillor Mullin raised concern regarding the management of GC agendas. She noted that there are too many delegations, some of which are repetitive, which frequently take the majority of the time allotted for the meeting, thereby leaving little time to deal with other Regional business. Councillor Mullin supported the work of the GRC and agreed that the matter be referred back to the Committee.

MA-D. COMMUNICATIONS

MA-D1. Coralia Bulhoes, Director, Finance and Administration and Chief Elections Officer, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Memo dated February 19, 2009, Regarding a Consent Form for Members Interested in Running for a Position to the FCM National Board

Received

MA-D2. Bill Manderson, President, Riverbend Legal Group and Smelly-Welly.com, Letter dated March 20, 2009, Calling for Regional Council to Support his Request for Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to Conduct a Forensic Audit for Implementation Against the Corporation for the Township of Puslinch and the Corporation for the County of Wellington

Received

MA-D3. John Mohle, Wellington Construction Inc., Email dated March 26, 2009, Requesting a Written Response from Regional Council, Regarding Concerns of the Region of Peel Purchasing Policy

Referred to Employee and Business Services

MA-D4. James M. Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Letter dated March 31, 2009, Responding to a Correspondence from Regional Chair Kolb Regarding the 2009 Budget

Received

MA-D5. Frederick Biro, Executive Director, Peel Police Services Board (PPSB), Letter dated April 1, 2009, Providing a Copy of a Report titled “2008 External Funding Assistance – Public Police Programs”

Received

MA-D6. Member Communication – Alert: Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated April 3, 2009, Advising that George Smitherman, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure has Extended the Deadline for Public Sector Regulated Price Plan Eligibility to November 1, 2009

Received

MA-D7. Letter and Backgrounder: Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Government of Canada, dated April 3, 2009, Providing an Update to Municipal Governments on the Development and Implementation of New Federal Infrastructure Programs from John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Jean Perrault, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

Received

MA-D8. Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Calling for Submissions for the 2009 Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Awards

Received

ETP-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

ETP-A1. Provincial Ban on Cosmetic Pesticide Use

Received

ETP-A2. Municipally Treated Water Versus Bottled Water

RECOMMENDATION GC-42-2009:

That the Medical Officer of Health, Commissioner of Health Services and Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services be directed to promote drinking municipally treated tap water as a healthy alternative to other beverages in the market place;

And further, that the proposed directions contained in the report of the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Health Services and the Medical Officer of Health dated March 4, 2009, titled “Municipally Treated Water Versus Bottled Water”, be endorsed.

ETP-B. ENVIRONMENT

ETP-B1. Construction of 400mm Watermain on McLaughlin Road between Regional Road 6 (Queen Street West) and Holtby Avenue, Capital Project 08-1375, Document 2009-116T – City of Brampton, Ward 5

RECOMMENDATION GC-43-2009:

That the contract (Document 2009-116T) for the construction of a 400mm watermain on McLaughlin Road between Regional Road 6 (Queen Street West) and Holtby Avenue be awarded to Dom Meridian in the estimated amount of $1,605,403 (excluding applicable taxes), under Capital Project 08-1375, in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008;

And further, that additional funds of $856,000 be provided to Capital Project 08-1375, financed from Water Capital Financing Stabilization Reserve, R0241.

ETP-B2. York-Peel Water Supply and Woodbridge Area Sewage Servicing Agreements, Capital Projects 04-1205, 04-1999 and 14-1999

Deferred to the May 7, 2009 General Committee meeting for a staff presentation

ETP-B3. Greenpath Inc. – Processed Bottom Ash Supply Agreement

RECOMMENDATION GC-44-2009:

That the Region of Peel enter into a directly negotiated agreement with Greenpath Inc. for the supply of processed bottom ash for beneficial usage for a term to commence upon the execution of a final agreement between the parties and ending April 2012, at an estimated cost to the Region of Peel of approximately $4.35 million (excluding applicable taxes), pursuant in accordance with the Purchasing By-law 63-2008;

And further, that the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services be delegated authority to exercise any extension options provided for in the agreement, as the Commissioner deems appropriate;

And further, that staff be authorized to increase the quantities where actual tonnages differ from estimates, to the limit of the approved budget;

And further, that the required documents be executed by the duly authorized signing officers of the Regional Corporation.

ETP-C. TRANSPORTATION

ETP-C1. Posted Speed Limit Reduction Regional Road 5 (Derry Road) from McLaughlin Road to Regional Road 1 (Mississauga Road) – City of Mississauga, Ward 11

RECOMMENDATION GC-45-2009:

That the existing posted speed limit on Regional Road 5 (Derry Road) be reduced from 80 km/h to 70 km/h from McLaughlin Road to Regional Road 1 (Mississauga Road) in the City of Mississauga;

And further, that the necessary by-law be enacted to amend By-law 57-2005 be presented to Regional Council for enactment;

And further, that the Peel Regional Police be so advised.

ETP-C2. Northbound Dual Left Turn Lane Designation, Regional Road 15 (Steeles Avenue) at Rutherford Road/First Gulf Boulevard, Removal of a Southbound Dual Left Turn Lane Designation, Regional Road 7 (Airport Road) at Driver Road – City of Brampton, Wards 3, 8 and 10

RECOMMENDATION GC-46-2009:

That the northbound through lane, the second lane from centre median, be designated as a shared north to west left turn and northbound through lane at the intersection of Regional Road 15 (Steeles Avenue) at Rutherford Road/First Gulf Boulevard, in the City of Brampton;

And further, that the southbound dual left turn lane designation at the intersection of Regional Road 7 (Airport Road) at Driver Road in the City of Brampton be removed from the Region’s Traffic By-law 57-2005;

And further, that the necessary by-law be presented to Regional Council for enactment;

And further, that the Peel Regional Police be so advised.

ETP-D. PLANNING

ETP-D1. Rezoning Application File Number RZ-09-6W12-2B of Brampton Brick to Develop a Shale Quarry (Norval Quarry), City of Brampton, Ward 6

Received

See also Item ETP-E2

ETP-D2. GTA West Corridor Task Force

RECOMMENDATION GC-47-2009:

That a Greater Toronto Area (GTA) West Corridor Task Force be established with representation from the Regional Municipalities of Peel, Halton and York, Wellington County and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to help expedite the GTA West Corridor Environmental Assessment process; help identify critical issues, constraints and pinch points for the corridor; address municipal planning issues associated with the project; and work with the Province towards streamlining and shortening the Environmental Assessment process for Provincial transportation corridors;

And further, that the membership of the GTA West Corridor Task Force include at least one Councillor from each of the City of Brampton and the Town of Caledon;

And further, that the Regional Chair and/or Warden of member municipalities be ex-officio members of the GTA West Corridor Task Force;

And further, that a copy of the report of the Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services dated March 18, 2009 titled “GTA West Corridor Task Force” be forwarded to the Ontario Minister of Transportation, the Ontario Minister of the Environment, the Regional Municipalities of Halton and York, Wellington County, Town of Caledon, the City of Brampton and the City of Mississauga for information.

RECOMMENDATION GC-48-2009:

That Regional Chair Kolb (ex officio), Councillor Sprovieri and Councillor Whitehead be appointed to the Greater Toronto Area West (GTA-W) Corridor Task Force for a term ending November 30, 2010 or until their successors are appointed by Regional Council;

And further, that Councillor Morrison be appointed as alternate to Regional Chair Kolb;

And further, that Councillor Thompson be appointed as alternate to Councillor Whitehead;

And further, that Councillor Fennell be appointed as alternate to Councillor Sprovieri.

ETP-D3. Report of the Greenlands Securement Subcommittee (GSSC-2009-1) meeting held on April 2, 2009

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST – Nil

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GSSC-1-2009:

That the agenda for the April 2, 2009 Greenlands Securement Subcommittee meeting be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Don Prince, Director of Land Securement, Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust In Support of the Greenlands Securement Project – 2009 Project Proposals

This item was dealt with in closed session

Withdrawn

Councillor Saito departed at 2:35 p.m.

Additional Item – Item ETP-D5:

RECOMMENDATION GC-49-2009:

That the presentation by Tom AppaRao, Director, Transportation Planning and Murray McLeod, Manager, Transportation Planning regarding a Peel Goods Movement Task Force be received;

And further, that the appointment of members to the Peel Goods Movement Task Force be referred to the April 23, 2009 Regional Council meeting.

See also Approval of Agenda

ETP-E. COMMUNICATIONS

ETP-E1. Don Lobb, Professional Agrologist, Letter dated March 9, 2009, Regarding the Region of Peel, Peel-Caledon Significant Woodlands and Significant Wildlife Habitat Study that was Prepared for the Peel Region Official Plan Review

Referred to the Peel Agricultural Advisory Working Group and Environment, Transportation and Planning

ETP-E2. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated March 13, 2009, Providing a Copy of the City of Brampton Resolution and Report titled “Norval Quarry Rezoning Application and Establishment of a Brampton Aggregate Review Committee – North West Brampton – Old Pine Crest Road and Winston Churchill Boulevard – Ward 6”

Received

See also Item ETP-D1

ETP-E3. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated March 13, 2009 Providing a Copy of the City of Brampton Resolution and Report titled “Fletchers Creek Trail – Region of Peel: Class Environmental Assessment – Fletchers Creek Trunk Sewer between Queen Street and Steeles Avenue – Ward 4”

Received

ETP-E4. Rob MacIsaac, Chair, Metrolinx, Letter dated March 13, 2009 Providing a Copy of the Regional Transportation Plan titled “The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)”

Received

ETP-E5. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated March 17, 2009, Providing a Copy of the City of Brampton Resolution and Report titled “City of Brampton Comments on the Draft Regional Official Plan Amendment Number 20 (ROPA 20) Policies for Sustainability and Energy”

Referred to Environment, Transportation and Planning Services

ETP-E6. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, dated March 17, 2009 Advising that the Federal Government is Moving Forward with a Two-Year Rule Change for Environmental Assessments (EA) for Projects that have Completed Provincial and Municipal Environmental Approvals

Received

ETP-E7. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated March 17, 2009, Providing a Copy of the City of Brampton Resolution and Report titled “Natural System and Conservation Policy Review Discussion Paper (Part of Brampton’s Response to the Growth Plan)

Referred to Environment, Transportation and Planning Services

ETP-E8. Association of Municipalities of Ontario, dated March 26, 2009 Inviting Municipal Representatives to Attend a Meeting and Provide Feedback on the Draft Vision, Goals and Strategies for the Great Lakes

Received

ETP-E9. Piero Carbone, Garden Foods, Letter dated March 31, 2009 Expressing Concern with the Growth of Commercial Retail Development in Comparison to that of Residential Growth

Received

HE-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

HE-A1. Peel Children’s Water Festival 2009

Received

HE-A2. Provincial Roots of Youth Violence Report

RECOMMENDATION GC-50-2009:

That the Provincial Report of the Review of the Roots of Youth Violence be endorsed;

And further, that the Regional Chair write to the Honorable Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services, supporting Ontario’s “Review of the Roots of Youth Violence and ask that the Province of Ontario move quickly to implement and provide funding for the 12 Structural Recommendations presented in this report i.e. Report Recommendations numbered 1 to 12.

Implementation of these Structural Recommendations will:

• Ensure that a youth policy framework and governance structure are put into place to align government ministries and to support an effective collaborative approach between government (all levels) and communities in addressing the root causes of youth violence;
• Establish the infrastructure and mandate needed to carry out the remaining eighteen recommendations of the report; and
• Effectively support the four recommendations presented by the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network to the provincial Roots of Youth Violence Prevention Committee for specific action in the Region of Peel; those being:
• Keeping our public buildings and schools open after hours;
• Sustainable funding for youth programs and community groups;
• Development of a seamless support for children of all, ages and;
• Shared advocacy for youth safety.

Councillor Miles stated that the Provincial Roots of Youth Violence report is important to the work being undertaken by the Peel Youth Violence Prevention Network (PYVPN) Committee and relates to the www.connect2endviolence.ca website that was launched in April, 2009. The four recommendations the PYVPN made to the provincial government were all included in the final Roots of Youth Violence document. Councillor Miles requested that Regional Council endorse the report noting that local municipal governments have also supported the report.

Councillor Sprovieri requested clarification on a recommendation in the report which requests the Provincial government to find ways to reduce the over-criminalization of Ontario youth, compared with larger jurisdictions. Keith Ward responded that under the current legal system in Ontario, more young offenders are placed in the criminal justice system. Other jurisdictions are using alternate methods of dealing with young offenders that address the root causes of their behaviour.

Councillor Sprovieri asked if the Provincial Roots of Youth Violence report addresses additional policing requirements to deal with youth crime. Janette Smith responded that the report to Regional Council was a summary of the extensive Provincial Roots of Youth Violence report and undertook to provide Councillor Sprovieri with the sections of the Provincial report which dealt with additional policing needs prior to the April 23, 2009 Regional Council meeting.

Councillor Prentice departed at 2:50 p.m.

HE-B. DEPARTMENTAL

HE-B1. Recognizing Canada Health Day, Nursing Week and Paramedic Week in the Region of Peel

RECOMMENDATION GC-51-2009:

That May 12, 2009 be proclaimed “Canada Health Day” in the Regional Municipality of Peel;

And further, that all Health Services staff be commended for their dedication to providing long term care, pre-hospital emergency medical services and public health programs to over 1.2 million residents in Peel.

RECOMMENDATION GC-52-2009:

That May 11 to 17, 2009 be proclaimed “Nursing Week” in the Regional Municipality of Peel;

And further, that all Health Services staff be commended for their dedication to providing long term care, pre-hospital emergency medical services and public health programs to over 1.2 million residents in Peel.

RECOMMENDATION GC-53-2009:

That May 17 to 23, 2009 be proclaimed “Paramedic Week” in the Regional Municipality of Peel;

And further, that all Health Services staff be commended for their dedication to providing long term care, pre-hospital emergency medical services and public health programs to over 1.2 million residents in Peel.

Councillor Groves thanked the 2300 health care providers in the Region of Peel for their dedicated service to the community.

HE-C. PUBLIC HEALTH

HE-C1. Vector-Borne Disease Prevention Plan

Received

Councillor Morrison expressed concern with the reduction in Provincial government funding for West Nile Virus testing and surveillance. Dr. David Mowat, Medical Officer of Health advised that he had contacted the Assistant Deputy Minister regarding the funding levels and was advised that after a number of years of lower West Nile rates across the province, a reduction in the Vector-Borne disease prevention plan was possible without additional risk to the public.

HE-D. COMMUNICATIONS

HE-D1. David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Letter to Regional Chair Kolb dated March 19, 2009, Expressing Appreciation for the Region of Peel’s Continuing Effort and Co-operation in Working with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to Improve Ontario’s Health Care System and Announcing that the Ministry is Providing a One-time Funding of up to $416,667 to Negotiate Agreements for Dedicated Nurses to Receive Ambulance Patients at Locally Selected Hospitals for the Fiscal Year 2009/2010

Received

Councillor Mullin expressed concern that the correspondence from Health and Long-Term Care Minister David Caplan indicates that the Provincial government will be providing one-time funding for dedicated nurses to receive ambulance patients in local hospitals. Janette Smith confirmed that the $416,667 commitment from the Provincial government is one-time funding. The Provincial government has undertaken a broad strategy to reduce emergency room wait times that will address paramedic off-load delays. The nurse dedicated to receiving ambulance patients is a temporary solution until the Emergency Room strategy is implemented. Janette Smith reported that Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) representatives would be making a presentation to Regional Council on April 23, 2009. Regional Council will have an opportunity to question the LHIN representatives on a wide variety of Emergency Room issues including the dedicated nurses program.

F. OTHER BUSINESS

Additional Item – Item F1:

F1. Banning of Hand Guns in the Province of Ontario (Oral)

Received

Councillor Miles advised that the Attorney General plans to introduce legislation to ban handguns in the Province of Ontario. Councillor Miles requested that Regional Council pass a motion supporting such a ban at the April 23, 2009 Regional Council meeting.

G. IN CAMERA MATTERS
Chaired by Acting Regional Chair C. Corbasson

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

	G1.	City of Mississauga, Ward 9 (A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board)
	G2.	Proposed Property Acquisition, Regional Road 50 (Highway 50) Widening from Queen Street to Castlemore Road – City of Brampton, Ward 10 (A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board)
	G3.	In Camera Report of the Greenlands Securement Subcommittee (GSSC-2009-1) meeting held on April 2, 2009

RECOMMENDATION GC-54-2009:

That the recommendations contained within the confidential reports related to Items G1, G2 and G3, be forwarded to the April 23, 2009 meeting of Regional Council for approval.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:31 p.m.