Date: December 20, 2022
Location: Council Chambers, 7 Broadway Street West, Paris, ON
Present: Mayor Bailey, Councillors MacAlpine, Howes, Bell, Peirce, Chambers, Miller, Coleman, Oakley, Kyle, Garneau
Agenda
- City of Brantford – Draft Social Services Budget
- Kelly Bernstein – County of Brant Public Library Board Presentation
- Kimberly Earls & Alison Warwick – SCOR EDC Annual Member Update
- Ruchika Angrish – 649 Colborne Street West Re-Zoning Application
- Michael and Linda Slaman – Ellis Avenue Unopened Road Allowance
- Landon Wieske and John Mulder – Ellis Avenue Unopened Road Allowance
- Mike Robinet – Water and Wastewater Servicing for Burford
- Richard Kennedy – Water and Wastewater Servicing for Burford
- John Waters – Water and Wastewater in Burford
- Maryanne Bell – Burford Water/Sewer/Drainage
- Rick Leach – Water and Wastewater in Burford
- Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings
- Consent Items to be Received
- Town of Aurora – Resolution Opposing Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
- Town of Aurora – Resolution Regarding Modifications to York Region Official Plan
- Planning and Development Committee Report – December 6, 2022
- Administration and Operations Committee Report – December 13, 2022
- Review of Fence By-law 54-03 – Referred Back to Committee
- RPT-328-22 – ZBA 28/22/SL – 649 Colborne Street West (Referred from Planning and Development Committee)
- RPT-710-22 – Physician Recruitment
- RPT-711-22 – Bill 23 More Homes Built Faster Act Update
- Tyler Pelton – Resignation from the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Committee
- ROMA Board of Directors Nomination Endorsement – Councillor Miller
- Other Business – Retirement of Volunteer Firefighters
- In Camera Session and Recommendations
- By-laws
Votes at a Glance
Full Minutes
4.1. City of Brantford – Draft Social Services Budget
The City of Brantford presented its draft 2023 Social Services Budget for Council's consideration. Council discussed the County's growing financial share, noting that the County's contribution to the Social Services budget was doubling within just 2–3 years. Council approved the draft budget in principle and directed that the resolution be forwarded to the City of Brantford for their 2023 Budget Deliberations. Councillor Garneau declared a conflict and did not participate.
Approve Social Services Draft 2023 Budget in principle and forward to City of Brantford
4.2. Kelly Bernstein – County of Brant Public Library Board Presentation
The CEO and Chair of the County of Brant Public Library Board provided a council orientation presentation covering the library's structure, staff, locations, mission, and 2022–2025 strategic plan. It was noted that the County funds 95–97% of the library's budget. Discussion touched on library usage per capita compared to similar communities and programming changes made during the pandemic.
Hold an in-person town hall meeting with Zoom option in Burford for residents in the spring
4.3. Kimberly Earls & Alison Warwick – SCOR EDC Annual Member Update
The Executive Director of SCOR Economic Development Corporation provided an annual update on regional activities, highlighting focus areas including community transportation, rail, broadband, housing, and energy. The SCOR workforce development program was noted for supporting local businesses and education. Council discussed efficiencies in community transportation and the significance of recent provincial rail investment.
Forward letter to Province opposing Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) following Town of Aurora format
4.4. Ruchika Angrish – 649 Colborne Street West Re-Zoning Application
A representative from the Angrish Group presented on behalf of the applicant seeking a zoning change at 649 Colborne Street West. The application had previously been deferred from the Planning and Development Committee. Key discussion centred on the appropriate tree setback, with the applicant arguing for 2.5 metres while staff recommended 10 metres in line with the Good Forestry Practices By-law. The presentation was referred to agenda item 9.2 for decision.
Approve Planning and Development Committee report of December 6, 2022
4.5. Michael and Linda Slaman – Ellis Avenue Unopened Road Allowance
Michael and Linda Slaman, neighbouring farm owners, addressed Council regarding the potential sale of an unopened road allowance on Ellis Avenue. They raised concerns that selling the property could leave nearby lands landlocked, questioned what zoning would apply, and expressed interest in purchasing the land if it became available. Councillor Garneau declared a conflict and did not participate.
Approve Administration and Operations Committee report recommendations 1-13 and 15-18 (Dec 13, 2022)
4.6. Landon Wieske and John Mulder – Ellis Avenue Unopened Road Allowance
John Mulder addressed Council regarding the Ellis Avenue unopened road allowance, explaining that he purchased adjacent land in May 2022 and relies on the road allowance for access. He indicated support for the County selling the property, provided that an easement is registered on title to preserve his access rights. He confirmed he was not interested in purchasing the land himself. Councillor Garneau declared a conflict and did not participate.
Refer Fence By-law review (item 14) back to Administration and Operations Committee re: temporary pools
4.7. Mike Robinet – Water and Wastewater Servicing for Burford
Burford resident Mike Robinet spoke in opposition to changes to the village's water supply, arguing that water access is not a problem since the area sits on an aquifer and that bringing treated water would impose unaffordable costs on homeowners. He also raised concerns that development would follow water infrastructure and requested that future public consultations be held in person rather than via Zoom.
Amendment to ZBA28/22/SL (649 Colborne St W): reduce setback to 2 metres
4.8. Richard Kennedy – Water and Wastewater Servicing for Burford
Richard Kennedy spoke in opposition to water upgrades in Burford and requested in-person public meetings, noting he was unable to join the previous Zoom consultation. He raised concerns that non-Burford residents dominated the small group meetings. Staff confirmed the Zoom meeting was part of the Environmental Assessment process and that further consultation formats would be discussed at a Council training session in February.
Amendment to ZBA28/22/SL (649 Colborne St W): set setback at 10 metres
4.9. John Waters – Water and Wastewater in Burford
John Waters expressed frustration with the public consultation format, noting that in-person meetings were held during the day limiting participation, and that only conceptual plans with no cost figures were shared with residents. He indicated that most community members oppose water and sewer upgrades and acknowledged that several local wells have known problems which may eventually require the County to act.
Approve ZBA28/22/SL – rezone 649 Colborne Street West (AE to C2/NH) with 10m setback as amended
4.10. Maryanne Bell – Burford Water/Sewer/Drainage
Maryanne Bell told Council that water and drainage have long been issues in Burford, and that residents also need stormwater drainage and road improvements. She raised affordability concerns and presented a draft resident petition to the Clerk, with a final version to be submitted to a future agenda. Staff confirmed no costing had been presented to residents yet and that a tax levy would likely be required for such a project.
Refer $200,000 Physician Recruitment Program decision package to 2023 Budget deliberations
4.11. Rick Leach – Water and Wastewater in Burford
Rick Leach requested that an in-person public meeting be scheduled at the Burford Agricultural Hall in early spring to allow for open community discussion about proposed water and wastewater changes. He criticized the virtual format and daytime scheduling of previous meetings, and confirmed that most residents are opposed to the plan primarily due to cost concerns. Council subsequently passed a motion to hold an in-person town hall with a Zoom option in Burford in the spring.
Amendment to Bill 23 report motion: add resident communication and treasurer budget summary clauses
Approve Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act) report RPT-0711-22 with comments forwarded to Province as amended
5. Adoption of Minutes from Previous Meetings
Council approved the minutes from three previous meetings: the regular Council meeting of November 22, 2022, the Special Council meeting of November 29, 2022, and the Special Council Training Session of December 6, 2022.
Receive Tyler Pelton resignation from Sports Hall of Fame Committee and recruit replacement
7.2. Consent Items to be Received
Council received a package of informational items including minutes from the Police Services Board, Long Point Region Conservation Authority, John Noble Home Committee of Management, and Nomination Committee, as well as various provincial memos. Two items were pulled for separate discussion: a Town of Aurora resolution opposing Bill 23, and a resolution regarding provincial modifications to York Region's Official Plan.
Endorse nomination of Councillor David Miller for ROMA Zone 3 Board of Directors 2023-2027
7.2.6. Town of Aurora – Resolution Opposing Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022
Councillor Howes spoke in support of the Town of Aurora's resolution opposing Bill 23 and moved that the County of Brant send a similar letter to the Province. Council agreed to forward a letter opposing Bill 23, following the same format as Aurora's resolution, to the Province and to the three Members of Provincial Parliament representing the County of Brant.
Approve Administration and Operations Confidential In Camera Report recommendations 1 and 2
7.2.5. Town of Aurora – Resolution Regarding Modifications to York Region Official Plan
Council discussed the significant number of changes the Province made to York Region's Official Plan and received the Town of Aurora's resolution on the matter as information.
Receive RPT-722-22 and undertake review of two-step planning approval process with staff report back
8.1. Planning and Development Committee Report – December 6, 2022
Council approved the recommendations from the Planning and Development Committee meeting of December 6, 2022. The report included nine zoning by-law amendment applications covering properties in Paris, Brantford Township, Burford, Cainsville, and other locations, approving changes for uses such as medical offices, industrial operations, residential intensification, and a temporary sales trailer. Councillor Garneau did not vote due to previously declared conflicts of interest.
8.2. Administration and Operations Committee Report – December 13, 2022
Council approved the bulk of 18 recommendations from the Administration and Operations Committee, covering a wide range of topics including a $45,000 Community Improvement Plan grant for a St. George property, a four-year extension of the solid waste facilities operations contract with Future Waste Systems Inc., approval of the 2023 proclamation and flag-raising calendar, a 2023 Interim Tax Levy By-law, a tax write-off totalling over $56,000, a vehicle purchasing process, a Harley Municipal Drain engineer appointment, heritage designation of Paris Plains Cemetery, amendments to the Good Forestry Practices By-law, a new Nuisance Odour and Lighting By-law for cannabis facilities, 2023 fees and charges, an update to the County's Strategic Plan process, creation of an Ad Hoc Committee on urban intensification, and a food waste reduction pilot project referral. Item 14 (Fence By-law review) was separated for further discussion.
8.2 (Item 14). Review of Fence By-law 54-03 – Referred Back to Committee
Council considered a proposal to repeal and replace the existing Fence By-law and create a new Swimming Pool Enclosure By-law. Councillor Garneau raised concerns about unintended consequences for temporary pools under the new by-laws. Council voted to refer item 14 back to the Administration and Operations Committee for further discussion before proceeding.
9.2. RPT-328-22 – ZBA 28/22/SL – 649 Colborne Street West (Referred from Planning and Development Committee)
Staff presented the zoning change application for 649 Colborne Street West, reiterating concerns about slope stabilization, drainage, impervious surfaces, and tree protection. A key debate arose over the required setback from the woodlot at the rear of the property: an amendment to reduce it to 2 metres was defeated, while an amendment setting it at 10 metres (consistent with the Good Forestry Practices By-law) was carried. The application was ultimately approved with the 10-metre setback.
9.3. RPT-710-22 – Physician Recruitment
Council discussed the need to develop a Physician Recruitment Program to address the fact that approximately 16% of County residents lack a primary care physician, and to prepare for upcoming physician retirements. Staff indicated the goal is to recruit 4–5 physicians in the short term, with a budget developed in collaboration with Ontario Health. Council approved a $200,000 decision package to be referred to the 2023 Budget Deliberations.
9.4. RPT-711-22 – Bill 23 More Homes Built Faster Act Update
Staff provided an overview of Bill 23, covering its impacts on development charges, affordable housing definitions, conservation authority powers, and wetland setbacks. Council debated the Province's definition of affordable housing versus the County's own definition. An amendment was added directing staff to create a plain-language resident communication about Bill 23's impacts and directing the Treasurer to summarize the financial implications at an upcoming budget presentation. The amended motion was carried, including forwarding the County's comments to the Province, Conservation Authorities, and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
10.1. Tyler Pelton – Resignation from the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Committee
Council received notice of Tyler Pelton's resignation from the Brantford and Area Sports Hall of Fame Induction Committee. Council directed staff to recruit a new County appointee for the Committee and instructed the Clerk to notify the City of Brantford of the resignation.
11.1. ROMA Board of Directors Nomination Endorsement – Councillor Miller
Council passed a resolution endorsing Councillor David Miller's nomination for the position of ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipalities Association) Zone 3 representative on the 2023–2027 ROMA Board of Directors, as required by ROMA's policies and procedures.
12. Other Business – Retirement of Volunteer Firefighters
Councillor Miller brought forward a motion to recognize three retiring volunteer firefighters — Jim Pasick, Mike Slayman, and Flint Barket — who collectively had 90 years of firefighting experience. Council passed a congratulatory motion in their honour.
13. In Camera Session and Recommendations
Council convened in a closed (In Camera) session to discuss litigation, solicitor-client privileged matters, potential land transactions, and personal matters about identifiable individuals. Upon returning to open session, Council approved two recommendations from the Administration and Operations Confidential In Camera Report, and also approved a review of the two-step development approvals process with staff directed to report back to Council.
14. By-laws
Council gave three readings to and passed a series of by-laws implementing decisions made during the meeting. These included zoning amendments for multiple properties, an interim tax levy, amendments to the Good Forestry Practices By-law, a new Nuisance Odour and Lighting By-law for cannabis facilities, a Fees and Charges By-law, a reserve by-law, a fence by-law amendment, and the confirming by-law. By-laws 124-22 and 129-22 were voted on separately due to Councillor Garneau's declared conflict of interest.
This post was automatically generated by BrantVotes from the official County of Brant council minutes. Always refer to the official minutes for authoritative records.
