Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings

That the agenda of the March 25, 2025 meeting of Council be confirmed as circulated.

That Council now move into closed session to consider  labour relations or employee negotiations - verbal update on CUPE labour relation negotiations  advice subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose - financial information related to the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre construction project pursuant to Section 239 2 (d) and (f) of the Municipal Act .

That Council ratify the tentative settlement reached between Loyalist Township and the Canadian Union of Public Service Employees Union (CUPE) - Local 2150 for a renewal collective agreement from January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027; and That the renewal collective agreement, to the satisfaction of the Chief Administrative Officer, between Loyalist Township and the Canadian Union of Public Service Employees Union (CUPE) - Local 2150 be executed by the Mayor and Clerk.

That the report from the Engineering & Environment division, dated March 25th, 2025 re: WJ Henderson Renewal – Cost Disputes, be received; and That Council provide pre-budget approval in the 2026 Budget in the amount of $54,000 to fund the Environmental Technician employment contract extension for an additional 7 months, for up to July 30, 2026.

That the report from the Clerk's Division, dated March 25, 2025 re: Emma Street Local Improvement Special Charge, be received; That Council enact By-law 2025-21, a by-law to impose special charges for the undertaking of Emma Street Servicing as a local improvement in accordance with Ontario Regulation 586/06; and That Council approve funding the cost of the Emma Street Local Improvement through an internal loan in the amount of $458,101.49 from the Impost Fee Reserve to be repaid by the local improvement charge at a rate of 2.5%.

That the report from the Development Services Division, dated March 25, 2025 re: Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Procurements and Municipal Support Resolutions be received; That Council endorse the proposed engagement plan for IESO energy projects that require a municipal support resolution; and That Council provide direction to staff on any additional engagement requirements that should apply to energy projects that require a municipal support resolution.

WHEREAS Ontario has expanded the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) framework to address the housing supply crisis, which includes the need to balance the interests of both tenants and small-scale landlords; WHEREAS small-scale landlords may face financial strain when tenants withhold rent in bad faith, and delayed dispute resolution systems can result in undue hardship for landlords, while also affecting tenants’ security and well-being; WHEREAS it is crucial to support the development of legal ADUs and secondary rentals while ensuring tenants’ rights are respected and upheld; WHEREAS proposed reforms could include: Accelerating dispute resolution for ADUs and secondary rentals at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) within 30 days, ensuring fairness for both tenants and landlords Introducing mediation services to resolve disputes quickly and amicably, reducing reliance on lengthy hearings Providing both landlords and tenants with enhanced tools for clear communication, such as standardized rental agreements and better screening practices Strengthening protections for tenants against unfair eviction while enforcing stricter penalties for tenants withholding rent in bad faith Ensuring law enforcement access to properties only under appropriate circumstances, respecting tenants’ rights while supporting landlords in the resolution of unpaid rent issues Establishing a hardship relief fund for landlords impacted by unpaid rent, while ensuring tenants are also supported in cases of fina

That all items except 14.2 in the Consent Agenda dated March 25, 2025 be approved as presented and that the necessary action be taken.

That the report from the Development Services Division dated March 25, 2025 re: Building Activity Report - February 2025 be received for information.

That By-law 2025-23 to confirm the proceedings of Council of Loyalist Township be enacted and passed and that the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign and seal.

That the meeting now adjourn at 6:44 p.m.