Cochrane public meetings in 2021
69 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Special Council
Cochrane's Special Council meeting will consider the 2022 tax-based operating and capital budgets, which include a 5% property tax increase and a 3% user fee increase. Council will also review a report on the town's boards and committees, which recommends disbanding some and creating others. The agenda includes draft resolutions to approve the budgets and pre-approve several 2023 capital purchases.
- 2022 operating budget: $10,839,456 revenue requirement, $7,897,094 from property taxes (includes $375K from 5% tax increase)
- 2022 capital budget: $6,797,359 gross costs, $2,370,568 financed portion
- Pre-approval for 2023: Tandem Dump Truck ($210,000), Plow Truck ($300,000), Garbage Truck ($350,000), Boiler Replacement Phase 2 ($100,000)
- Capital adjustments to reduce long-term debt by $1.5M, including removing Concession 2/3 surface treatment ($800,000)
- Boards and Committees Review: recommendations to disband some committees and create new ones
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board is meeting to review its 2022 work plan and discuss upcoming events including the 2022 Carnival, Summerfest, and the 2022 meeting schedule. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from November 16, 2021, and standard procedural items. The board will also consider any business arising from previous minutes.
- 2022 Work Plan Review
- 2022 Carnival planning
- 2022 Summerfest planning
- 2022 Meeting Schedule
Regular Council
Council will hear a presentation from the Ministry of Transportation and Stantec on the Highway 652 extension to Highway 11 study, ahead of a public information centre. They will also consider several by-laws, including a heavy truck route by-law and an unopened road allowance by-law, plus staff reports on hiring volunteer firefighters and benefits renewal.
- Highway 652 Extension to Highway 11 study presentation (MTO/Stantec)
- By-Law 1478-2021: identify truck routes and restrict heavy trucks on non-truck routes
- By-Law 1480-2021: restrict right of passage over unopened road allowance
- By-Law 1470-2021: franchise agreement with Enbridge Gas Inc. (third reading)
- Staff report: Volunteer Fire Fighter hiring
Special Council
Cochrane's Special Council meeting on December 13, 2021, will consider the 2022 Tax Based Budget, including a recommendation to reduce new long-term debt by $1.5 million and increase the capital levy from 1% to 1.5% to stay within debt policy. Council will also vote on Community Partnership Fund applications and pre-approve equipment purchases for future budgets. The meeting includes closed sessions for confidential commercial and labour relations matters.
- Reduce 2022 new long-term debt by $1.5M, capping total new debt at $3.9M
- Increase 2022 capital levy from 1% to 1.5%, adding ~$45,000 to capital transfers
- Approve Community Partnership applications: Lee Golf Club ($4,000), Cochrane Curling Club ($4,000), Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders ($3,000), Sportsman Club ($3,500)
- Pre-approve 2023 budget items: Tandem Dump Truck ($210,000), Plow Truck ($300,000), Garbage Truck ($350,000)
- Adopt 2022 Tax Based Operating and Capital Budgets as presented
Special Council
Council is considering options for the continued operation of the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, including potential closure, divestment, or repurposing. The report highlights financial challenges, ethical concerns, and the need for public input. Council may direct further actions such as a survey or plebiscite.
- Discussion on continued operation of Polar Bear Habitat
- Options include divestment, repurposing, or graceful closure
- Potential survey of residents on financial support
- Capital infrastructure deficit noted
- Operating budget capped at $400,000 for 2021
Budget Meeting
The Town of Cochrane is considering its 2022 tax-based operating budget, which proposes a 5% property tax increase. The increase is driven by new long-term debt, outside agency costs, and a capital levy, partially offset by assessment growth and use of prior year surplus. The budget also includes new spending on a purchasing agent, election costs, and increased insurance.
- 5% property tax increase, $119 for average residential assessment of $160,000
- New long-term debt of just under $4 million for 2022 capital budget
- 3% increase to all user fees effective April 2022
- New Purchasing Agent position ($100K, offset by $80K grant)
- Increased crack sealing ($40K) and dust control ($80K) budgets
Budget Meeting
The Town of Cochrane council is meeting to review and potentially adopt the 2022 Tax Based Capital Budget, totaling $7,667,359. The budget includes major road and bridge projects, fleet and equipment replacements, and park improvements, with over $2.4 million in carryovers from 2021. Funding sources include dedicated reserves, special funding, own-source revenue, and financing.
- Nahma Road Bridge replacement: $1,070,000 (engineering and construction)
- Concession 2/3 surface treatment (Clute Rd to dead end): $800,000
- Genier Rd and Clute Rd surface treatment phase 2/2: $695,000
- Fleet replacements (loader, sidewalk tractor, 4 pickups, sander box): $930,000
- Multi-purpose trail (new): $700,000, funded at $500,000
Regular Council
Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on November 23, 2021, includes presentations from the OPP on municipal policing costs and from the Cochrane Tourism Association on recent activities. Council will also consider consent agenda items, including a speed limit request, a CUPE/OMERS performance review, and a child care fee increase.
- OPP presentation on 2022 billing and cost trends
- Cochrane Tourism Association report on marketing and events
- Speed limit request on Menard Lake Road
- Cochrane Child Care Centre user fee increase
- 2022 Regular Council Meeting Schedule
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee will consider a proposed Election Sign Policy that would regulate the placement, size, and removal of election signs on public and private property. The committee is also expected to adopt minutes from the October 26, 2021 meeting. The agenda includes only this one substantive item, with the rest being routine procedural matters.
- Proposed Election Sign Policy: no permit or fee required, but signs must be removed within one week after voting day
- Signs prohibited within 100 metres of polling places and in sight triangles
- Private property limits: max 2 signs per candidate on residential land, 3 on non-residential
- Town may remove signs posing immediate safety hazard without notice
- Adoption of minutes from October 26, 2021 meeting
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board is meeting to discuss plans for Carnival 2022 and Summerfest 2022, and to consider a $500 donation request from the Cochrane Figure Skating Club for a Star 1-4 competition. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes and a note on board resignations.
- Discussion of Carnival 2022 and Summerfest 2022 planning
- Cochrane Figure Skating Club requests $500 donation for February 5-6 competition
- Board resignations noted
- Adoption of October 5, 2021 minutes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is receiving departmental monthly reports and discussing a tourism funding update, including the 2021 Cochrane Tourism Association Business Plan and the town's use of Municipal Accommodation Tax proceeds. It will also consider a by-law to reduce the speed limit on Menard Lake Road. The agenda is largely routine, with most items being informational reports for recommendation to Council.
- Receive 2021 Cochrane Tourism Association Business Plan and MAT expenditure report
- Menard Lake Road speed reduction to 60 km/h between Little Menard Lake Road and Nahma Road
- Corporate Services monthly report includes 2022 budget work and fleet leasing proposal
- Cochrane Child Care seeking $90,000 in additional CDSSAB funding (received as of Nov 1)
- Monthly reports from Protective Services, Infrastructure, HR, Polar Bear Habitat, Community Services, CAO
Regular Council
Council will hear public delegations and written submissions regarding a proposed by-law to reduce the number of elected officials from 7 to 5. The agenda also includes routine approvals, consent items, staff reports on a bridge replacement RFP and community improvement plan applications, and notices of motion. The meeting is largely procedural, with the by-law change being the main substantive item.
- By-Law 1477-2021 to change the number of elected officials
- Delegations from Stuart Gilray, Frank Louvelle (Cochrane Board of Trade), Yvette Larabee, and 3 written submissions
- RFP 2021-23 for engineering services for Nahma Road Bridge Replacement
- Community Improvement Plan Applications review
- Notice of Motion to purchase turbidity curtain for Lake Commando
Cochrane Police Services Board
The Cochrane Police Services Board is meeting to receive OPP statistics for September to November 2021, hear a presentation on policing costs from an OPP specialist, and review the 2022 OPP annual billing statement estimating $1,415,497 in costs. The board will also consider correspondence on the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and set 2022 meeting dates.
- OPP 2022 annual billing statement: estimated total $1,415,497, monthly billing $117,958
- Presentation by Sgt Kelly Withrow on policing costs
- OPP statistics report for September to November 2021
- Correspondence: Office of the Solicitor General Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan
- Proposed 2022 meeting dates: Jan 20, Apr 21, Jul 21, Oct 20
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee will consider a volunteer recognition policy, memoriams, a temporary road closure, and a working alone policy. It will also adopt minutes from August and September meetings, which included directing staff to review several policies.
- Volunteer Recognition Policy review
- Memoriams discussion
- Temporary road closure request
- Working Alone Policy review
- Adoption of August 10 and September 28, 2021 minutes
Regular Council
Cochrane Council's regular meeting includes a delegation from Northern College President and CEO Dr. Audrey J. Penner with updates and a post-COVID review. Council will also consider several staff reports, including a draft by-law for logging trucks on municipal roads, site plan control, a management compensation review, and an SCBA replacement RFP. Consent agenda items include responses from the Ministry of Health and the City of Kingston, plus the ROMA annual report.
- Delegation from Northern College (Dr. Audrey J. Penner, President & CEO) with updates and post-COVID review
- Draft By-law for Logging Trucks on Municipal Roads & Unopened Road Allowances
- Site Plan Control report and By-law 1472-2021 to designate Town as Site Control Area
- SCBA replacement RFP 2021-21
- By-law 1476-2021 to regulate forestry purposes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive departmental monthly reports and discuss several operational items. Key topics include a speed reduction review for Menard Lake Road, log hauling on municipal roads, and results of public engagement on alternative voting methods for the 2022 municipal election. The agenda also includes a governance restructuring opportunity and unfinished business on reviewing council committees and boards.
- Menard Lake Road speed reduction and speed limit by-law review
- Log hauling on municipal road and open road allowance
- 2022 Municipal Election - alternative voting methods public engagement results
- Governance restructuring opportunity
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 9 - review of Council Committees and Boards
Regular Council
The Town of Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on October 12, 2021, will begin with a public input session on the 2022 budget. Council will also consider consent agenda items, including an OPP 2022 billing statement, a resolution on consolidating agencies to address the opioid crisis, and a notice of study commencement for the Highway 652 extension. The agenda includes reports on the Integrity Commissioner and unfinished business, such as the Integrity Commissioner inquiry decision report regarding Councillor Rodney Hoogenhoud and an amendment for the L&S Pumping Station downstream upgrades.
- 2022 Budget - Public Input Session
- OPP - 2022 Annual Billing Statement Package
- Highway 652 Extension to Highway 11 - Notice of Study Commencement
- Integrity Commissioner Inquiry Decision Report - Councillor Rodney Hoogenhoud
- L&S Pumping Station Downstream Upgrades Option Amendment
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board will discuss the 2022 workplan and budget, including allocations for events like the Winter Carnival, Summerfest, and Canada Day. They will also plan the 2021 Christmas Parade and select leads for the 2022 Carnival and Summerfest. The agenda includes a Parks & Recreation Master Plan update.
- 2022 budget draft shows $116,619.30 opening balance, with $15,000 for Recreation Master Plan and $10,000 for Hillcrest Revitalization
- 2021 Christmas Parade planning, including fireworks procurement up to $1,500
- Select leads for 2022 Carnival and Summerfest
- Parks & Recreation Master Plan update
- 2022 Workplan & Budget discussion
Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board
The Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board is meeting to consider one consent application (B2021-08) from D. & W. Dodds to sever land. The board will also receive correspondence about financial reporting requirements for 2020-21 planning board funding and an invitation to submit for 2021-22 special business case funding. The agenda includes standard procedural items like adopting the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
- B2021-08 - D. & W. Dodds consent to sever land application
- Financial Reporting Requirements for 2020-21 Planning Board Funding
- Submission Invitation for 2021-22 Special Business Case Funding
- Adoption of August 25, 2021 minutes
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee will discuss and potentially recommend policies on councillor ethics, sale and disposition of land, unopened road allowances, and tree canopy and natural vegetation. These are new business items for review and possible recommendation to Council.
- Code of Ethics for Town of Councillors Policy
- Sale and Disposition of Land
- Unopened Road Allowance
- Tree Canopy and Natural Vegetation
Regular Council
This regular Council meeting will consider staff reports on the 2022 budget framework, the Nahma Road bridge closure, and engineering services for municipal projects. Council will also address unfinished business including a Railway Street yield sign request, physician recruitment, and an Integrity Commissioner inquiry decision regarding Councillor Rodney Hoogenhoud. The agenda includes routine consent items and a closed session for a potential land acquisition or disposition.
- RFP 2021-20 Engineering Services for Various Municipal Projects
- Nahma Road Bridge Closure
- CSD - 2022 Budget Framework Report and Council Input Session
- Railway Street yield sign request
- Integrity Commissioner Inquiry Decision Report - Councillor Rodney Hoogenhoud
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will receive and discuss several financial and operational reports, including a review of rising sludge hauling costs and volumes, the 2020 year-end reserves and tax-based budget reports, and an interim financial report to June 30, 2021. They will also consider a report on alternative voting methods for the 2022 municipal election and continue a service delivery review. The agenda is largely routine, with most items being informational reports for approval.
- Review of sludge hauling costs, volumes, and pricing, with a request for an action plan to address rising volumes
- 2020 Year End Reserves Report
- 2020 Year End Financial Report - Tax Based Budget
- 2021 Interim Financial Report to June 30, 2021 - Tax Based Operating
- Alternative Voting Methods – 2022 Municipal Election
Regular Council
Cochrane Council is meeting to decide on several staff reports, including awarding a contract for water treatment plant remedial repairs, entering a transfer payment agreement for COVID-19 resilience infrastructure, and approving a letter of guarantee for CTS Inc. They will also consider unfinished business on a 16-unit housing complex proposal and an integrity commissioner inquiry report. The agenda includes consent items on various correspondence and reports, plus two by-laws: one on stop signs and one authorizing a franchise agreement with Enbridge Gas Inc.
- RFP 2021-03 Water Treatment Plant Remedial Repairs
- COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream transfer payment agreement
- CSD Modernization Funding Program municipal share
- Request by CTS Inc. for letter of guarantee
- By-Law 1470-2021: Franchise Agreement with Enbridge Gas Inc.
Cochrane Police Services Board
The Cochrane Police Services Board will meet to accept a resignation, elect a new chairperson, and receive presentations on the OPP Strategic Plan and OPP statistics. The board will also discuss a proposal for a James Bay Detachment Board, requests for yield signs and speed reduction on Railway Street, and lowering the speed limit on 6th Avenue.
- Resignation of board member Dianne Denault
- Election of new chairperson
- OPP Strategic Plan presentation
- OPP Statistics report
- Request to erect yield signs and reduce speed on Railway Street
Special Council
Council will hear a report from the Integrity Commissioner finding that Councillor Rodney Hoogenhoud breached the Town's Code of Conduct and Council-Staff Relations Policy, including making disparaging remarks about the CAO, questioning staff improperly, and failing to file pecuniary interest declarations. The report recommends penalties and governance training. Council will then move in camera for an ongoing investigation.
- Integrity Commissioner report on Councillor Hoogenhoud's conduct
- Findings of multiple Code of Conduct breaches
- Recommendation for penalties and governance training
- In-camera item on ongoing municipal investigation
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board is meeting to discuss several items, including the 2022 workplan, the 2021 Christmas Parade & Festival of Lights, and applications for vacant board positions. They will also hear petitions from the OSOR Race 2022 and Stardust Rocket Construction Event, and consider a fee reduction request from Le Rayon Franco de Cochrane.
- Discussion of 2022 workplan development, with focus on events and direct management of Carnival and Summerfest
- Planning for 2021 Christmas Parade & Festival of Lights
- Applications for vacant board positions (3 vacancies)
- Petition from OSOR Race 2022 for event discussion
- Fee reduction request from Le Rayon Franco de Cochrane for Pavilion rental on September 25, 2021
Special Council
This special council meeting will interview and appoint a candidate to fill a council vacancy. Council will also consider a resolution recognizing September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and review a tender for road reconstruction on Nakita Avenue, Aurora Avenue, and Second Street West.
- Council vacancy: candidate interviews and appointment
- Resolution to recognize September 30th as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- RFT 2021-18: 2021 Road Reconstruction for Nakita Avenue, Aurora Avenue, and Second Street West
Committee of Adjustment
The Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on August 25, 2021, to consider a minor variance application (A05-2021) from Y&S Incorporated to keep a shipping container at 80 Sixth Avenue. The container would be used for storage, which is not permitted in the Commercial Zone under the zoning by-law. The committee will also handle routine items such as adopting the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
- Minor variance application A05-2021 by Y&S Incorporated for a shipping container at 80 Sixth Avenue (Plan M114NB North Part Lot 333 PCL 2113LG)
- Proposed container: 8 feet by 20 feet, placed 1 foot from side lot line, 83 feet from front, 21.5 feet from rear
- Zoning By-law 968-2013 does not permit shipping containers for storage in Commercial Zone
- Public hearing to be held electronically due to COVID-19; written submissions accepted
- Ontario Northland and Porcupine Health Unit have no comments on the application
Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board
The Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board is meeting to decide on four consent-to-sever applications (B2021-02, B2021-03, B2021-04 by Yves Genier & Sons Ltd., and B2021-06 & B2021-07 by 2771527 Ontario Inc.) and to discuss a transfer payment agreement with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The agenda also includes appointing a secretary-treasurer and adopting previous minutes.
- B2021-02: Sever one 6-hectare lot at 461 Nahma Road, Lamarche Twp.
- B2021-03 and B2021-04: Additional severance applications by Yves Genier & Sons Ltd.
- B2021-06 & B2021-07: Consent applications by 2771527 Ontario Inc.
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing transfer payment agreement
- Appointment of Secretary-Treasurer
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board is meeting to discuss routine business, including fee reduction requests from the Cochrane Farmer's Market and Northern Lights Metis Council, a board member resignation, and the Town Beautification Program. The board will also review community outreach responses from local organizations and develop the 2022 workplan.
- Fee reduction request from Cochrane Farmer's Market for Nov. 6, 2021 pavilion rental
- Fee reduction request from Northern Lights Metis Council for Aug. 25, 2021 hall rental
- Board member resignation
- Town Beautification Program donation options: hanging baskets $100, planters $250, gardens $500
- Community outreach responses from Lions Club, Figure Skating Club, Agricultural Society, Second Mile Club
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to consider a new Volunteer Policy, which would establish rules for managing volunteers, including screening, training, and liability waivers. The committee will also adopt minutes from previous meetings. The agenda includes only this one substantive item for discussion.
- New Volunteer Policy: sets minimum volunteer age of 16, requires police record checks for some roles, and mandates a liability waiver
- Volunteers covered by Town general liability insurance, but not for personal vehicles or medical expenses
- Policy excludes volunteer firefighters
- Adoption of minutes from April 27 and May 25, 2021 meetings
Regular Council
Council will hear a delegation from the Ininew Friendship Centre requesting support and in-kind contributions for a 16-unit affordable housing complex, and receive an Integrity Commissioner's report finding former Councillor Shea Henderson breached the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. The meeting also includes consent agenda items, staff reports on a new stop sign and emergency repairs, and a by-law amendment.
- Delegation: Ininew Friendship Centre requests in-kind support for 16-unit affordable housing complex
- Integrity Commissioner report: former Councillor Henderson breached conflict of interest rules
- New stop sign at Silver Queen Lake Road intersection
- THEC emergency repairs to glycol piping system
- By-law 1467-2021: amending agreement with DS Management Services
Special Council
The Town of Cochrane's Special Council meeting on July 27, 2021, will consider adopting a Council Vacancy Policy. This policy outlines procedures for filling council vacancies, either by appointment or by-election, and includes detailed steps for a public appointment process. The agenda contains only this one substantive item, with the rest being procedural.
- Council Vacancy Policy (GO-008) under unfinished business
- Policy allows filling vacancies by appointment or by-election within 60 days of declaration
- Appointment process includes public advertisement, application forms, and ranked voting by Council
- By-election required if vacancy occurs after March 31 in a regular election year
- Policy includes procedures for Mayor and Councillor vacancies
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive departmental monthly reports for June/July 2021, including Corporate Services, Protective Services, Infrastructure, Human Resources, Polar Bear Habitat, Community Services, and Administration. They will also discuss unfinished business items such as the Train Whistle By-law, Service Delivery Review recommendations, and a preliminary report on yield signs on Railway Street. The agenda is largely routine, with most items being informational reports and recommendations to Council.
- Extension of Airport Contract
- Train Whistle By-law
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 6 and 7
- Yield Signs on Railway Street - Preliminary Report
- HR Department, Terms of Reference of Employment-Management Group
Regular Council
Cochrane Council will hear KPMG's 2020 financial statement review and audit report, consider several staff reports including engineering consulting, double surface treatment, and a parks master plan, and address a council vacancy. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval and a confirming by-law.
- KPMG 2020 audit: clean opinion, materiality $728,000, posting threshold $36,000
- RFP 2021-11 Double Surface Treatment contract
- RFP CS-21-02 Parks & Recreation Master Plan
- 2021 Engineering Consulting Services Contract Update
- Filing vacancy on Council
Special Council
This special council meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being a resolution to move in camera to discuss one item involving confidential trade, commercial, or labour relations information. The rest of the agenda consists of routine opening, adoption, and adjournment steps.
- Resolution to move in camera for one confidential item
- Closed session under trade secret or commercial information exemption
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to consider several policies: a Procurement Policy, a Proclamations and Flag-raising Ceremonies Policy, a Cultural Policy, and a final draft Municipal Election Recount Policy. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from the March 23, 2021 meeting. This is a policy review and decision-making session, not a public hearing.
- Procurement Policy: sets approval thresholds (Council for RFQ/RFP/RFT over $50,000; CAO up to $50,000; Directors up to $25,000) and prohibits splitting contracts to avoid limits
- Proclamations and Flag-raising Ceremonies Policy: new policy for consideration
- Cultural Policy: final draft to be presented for Council consideration
- Municipal Election Recount Policy: final draft for review
- Adoption of minutes from March 23, 2021 meeting
Regular Council
The Town of Cochrane Regular Council meeting on June 22, 2021 includes a presentation from the Integrity Commissioner, a staff report on RFP 2021-10 for a rural gravel lift, and a by-law to delegate authority under the Municipal Act. Council will also consider a notice of motion on yield signs on Railway Street, a motion on PSA testing for men, and the resignation of Councillor Shea Henderson. Several consent agenda items address external resolutions and letters, including physician shortage and firearms legislation.
- Presentation from Integrity Commissioner (E4M) - Peggy Young-Lovelace
- RFP 2021-10 Rural Gravel Lift (staff report requiring action)
- By-Law 1464-2021 to delegate authority pursuant to the Municipal Act
- Notice of motion - Yield Signs on Railway Street (Councillor Belisle) - Yellow Bars Preliminary Report
- Motion - Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test for Men (Councillor Hutchinson)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive departmental monthly reports and discuss recommendations from the Service Delivery Review, including revenue generation, cost savings, and organizational restructuring. The agenda includes routine adoption of minutes and reports, with no major decisions expected beyond these items.
- Delegated Authority By-Law discussion
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 2: Revenue Generation and Cost Saving Opportunities
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendations 5 and 6: Organizational Re-structuring and Functional Re-alignment
- Polar Bear Habitat Recommendation and Discussion Report
- Departmental monthly reports from Corporate Services, Protective Services, Infrastructure Services, Human Resources, Polar Bear Habitat, Community Services, and Administration
Regular Council
Cochrane Town Council is holding a regular meeting with delegations from Ontario Northland Railway on passenger rail service and a local farmer raising concerns about the town's grain facility. Council will also consider consent agenda items, by-laws on wildlife feeding and 2021 taxes, and other routine business.
- Delegation from Corina Moore, Ontario Northland Railway, on passenger rail service
- Delegation from Adrian Struyk raising concerns about the Town's grain facility
- By-Law 1460-2021 to prohibit feeding wildlife within the Town
- By-Law 1462-2021 to levy taxes for the Year 2021
- Consent agenda includes Jacobs Broule Creek Bridge replacement status update
Regular Council
Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on May 25, 2021, includes staff reports on the Cochrane Micro Grid and Sustainability Hub project, recreation fees and charges updates, a loan renewal for capital expenditures, and an administrative assistant position. Council will also consider consent agenda items such as resolutions on hospital funding, tax relief on CERB payments, and a podcast sponsorship, plus unfinished business on reopening Greenwater Provincial Park and wildlife feeding.
- Cochrane Micro Grid and Sustainability Hub Project (staff report)
- CSD - Fees and Charges update 2021 - Recreation
- CSD - Loan Renewal LN7 - 2018/2019 Capital Expenditures
- Resolution from Town of Perth on Provincial Hospital Funding
- Resolution from Township of McKellar: Tax Relief on CERB Payments
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to discuss municipal election policies for the October 2022 election, including potential changes due to COVID-19, and to review the final draft of the Policies Maintenance Framework and the Respect and Responsibility (Rzone) Policy. The committee will recommend the framework to Council for approval.
- Municipal Elections Policies: update on planning for October 2022 election, including potential alternative voting methods
- Policies Maintenance Framework - Final Draft: recommendation to approve policy establishing guidelines for policy development, review, and approval
- Respect and Responsibility (Rzone) Policy: review of policy (details not provided in agenda text)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive departmental monthly reports and discuss unfinished business, including two service delivery review recommendations. The agenda is largely procedural, with reports from corporate services, protective services, infrastructure, human resources, Polar Bear Habitat, community services, and administration. Notable items include a presentation on sewer and lime sludges, an anti-whistling by-law, and updates on the CTS sale and purchase.
- Presentation of sewer and lime sludges for the Town of Cochrane
- Anti-Whistling By-law
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 3: Define and Implement Service Level Standards
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 4: Prioritize and Invest in Core Services
- CTS sale and purchase of 30% CTS Inc. via CEDC (loan amounts up to $2.2 million)
Regular Council
Cochrane Council meets to hear a COVID-19 update from the Porcupine Health Unit and consider consent items, staff reports, and by-laws. Key actions include approving tenders for boiler and condenser replacements, a waste management by-law, and a land donation from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Corporation. The agenda also includes a notice of motion to lower the speed limit on 6th Avenue.
- THEC Boiler Replacement RFP 2021-05
- Condenser Replacement RFP 2021-06
- By-Law 1457-2021: waste and recyclable materials regulation
- Ontario Aboriginal Housing Corporation Land Donation
- Notice of Motion: Lower Speed Limit on 6th Avenue
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to consider new and revised administrative policies, including a Summer Student Recruitment and Internship Policy and a Workplace Accommodation Policy. They will also revisit old business items such as a Policy on Policies framework, a landfill by-law, surface treatment of Concession 2 & 3 Road, and a barring policy. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from February 23, 2021.
- Summer Student Recruitment and Internship Policy
- Workplace Accommodation Policy
- Policy on Policies Framework
- Infrastructure Services Department Landfill By-Law 2021-XX
- Surface Treatment of Concession 2 & 3 Road
Regular Council
Cochrane Council is meeting to consider routine administrative items, including consent agenda items, staff reports, and by-laws. Key items include two requests for proposals for equipment replacement (THEC boiler and condenser), a water and wastewater budget item on sludge hauling cost increases, and two notices of motion from Councillor Daniel Belisle. The agenda also includes several resolutions from other municipalities on topics like cannabis licensing and a suicide prevention hotline.
- THEC Boiler Replacement RFP 2021-05
- Condenser Replacement RFP 2021-06
- 2021 Water and Wastewater Budget - Sludge Hauling Costs Increase
- By-Law 1456-2021 to appoint a Provincial Offences Officer
- Notice of Motion - Reopening of Green Water Provincial Park
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board will discuss community outreach to local service organizations and clubs, including a needs assessment questionnaire to determine how COVID-19 has impacted them and how the Town could support them. The agenda also includes routine items like adopting minutes and declarations of interest, plus a discussion on virtual programming.
- Community outreach needs assessment for service organizations and clubs
- Discussion of virtual programming
- Adoption of February 25, 2021 minutes
- Declaration of pecuniary interest
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive departmental monthly reports and discuss unfinished business, including the Service Delivery Review recommendations on strategic realignment and revenue generation, and the Worker Bees Committee's physician recruitment efforts. The agenda is largely procedural, with reports from various departments for information and potential recommendation to Council.
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 1: Strategic Realignment
- Service Delivery Review - Recommendation 2: Revenue Generation and Cost Saving Opportunities
- Worker Bees Committee - Physician Recruitment
- Departmental monthly reports from Corporate Services, Protective Services, Infrastructure, Human Resources, Polar Bear Habitat, Community Services, and Administration
Regular Council
Cochrane Council is meeting to consider several staff reports and consent agenda items, including a lease for 86 Second Street, a banking authority resolution for Desjardins, and an intermodal grain facility project. They will also review correspondence on new OPP detachment boards and support for universal paid sick days, among other items.
- 86 Second Street Lease (staff report 12.1)
- CSD - Desjardins Banking Authority Resolution (12.2)
- Intermodal Grain Facility Project (12.3)
- By-Law 1453-2021: Fire Safety Grant Transfer Payment Agreement with Ontario
- Notice of Motion: Reopening Green Water Provincial Park (Councillor Belisle)
Cochrane Police Services Board
The Cochrane Police Services Board is meeting to discuss reports on new OPP detachment boards, OPP statistics, and a taxi-cab broker's licence application. They will also consider the OPP business plan and a staff sergeant recruitment process. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from December 2020 and January 2021 meetings.
- Report on new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment Boards
- OPP Statistics report (pages 13-31)
- Taxi-Cab Broker's Licence application
- OPP Business Plan discussion
- Staff Sergeant recruitment process
Special Council
This special council meeting includes a closed session to discuss the Polar Bear Habitat under solicitor-client privilege, followed by a public discussion of the final Service Delivery Review report. The report, prepared by MNP, assesses the town's operations and includes recommendations on core services, cost savings, and organizational structure.
- Closed session item: Polar Bear Habitat (solicitor-client privilege)
- Service Delivery Review final report presented by MNP
- Report notes 2019 revenues and expenditures of $14,220,242
- Recommendations include focusing on core services and shared services
- Identified issues: ageing infrastructure, communication gaps, lack of service standards
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to discuss new business including a wildlife feeding by-law, a sexual harassment policy, and a road resurfacing action plan for Concessions 2 and 3. They will also review the final report of the Service Delivery Review, which contains recommendations on organizational structure and service efficiency, and revisit the Cultural Policy.
- Feeding of Wildlife Animals discussion
- Sexual Harassment Policy discussion
- Concession 2 and 3 Road Resurfacing Action Plan
- Service Delivery Review - Final Report (confidential, presented by MNP LLP)
- Cultural Policy update
Regular Council
Cochrane Council is meeting to consider several routine items, including the 2021 water and wastewater budget, a new user fee schedule, and a fire permit by-law. The agenda also includes endorsing resolutions from other Ontario municipalities on topics like restaurant capacity limits and provincial vaccine rollout, plus a request for a letter of support for a tile drainage project. The meeting will close with in-camera discussions on senior management compensation and CAO performance measures.
- 2021 Water and Wastewater Budget (staff report requiring action)
- By-Law 1449-2021: schedule of User Fees and Service Charges
- By-Law 1450-2021: open air fire conditions and Fire Permits, repealing By-Law 045-2000
- By-Law 1451-2021: Transfer Payment Agreement with Ontario Ministry of Transportation
- Resolution on MeeQuam Youth Residence Closure
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will consider a request from Blair Templeton for a $100,000 incentive to redevelop the Cochrane Mall, in exchange for forgoing other town incentives. The agenda also includes departmental monthly reports, a fees and charges update, a financial impact report on the CTS share sale, an open air burning by-law, and the final Service Delivery Review report.
- Redevelopment of Cochrane Mall: $100,000 incentive request from Blair Templeton
- CSD - Fees and Charges update 2021
- CSD - Financial Impact of CTS Sale and Purchase of Shares
- Open Air Burning By-law
- Service Delivery Review - Final Report
Regular Council
Council will hear a delegation from Mayor Gilles Laderoute on behalf of the Worker Bees committee, which is requesting $15,000 to $20,000 annually for three years to fund a physician recruiter. The agenda also includes consent items on COVID-19 relief funding for provincial offences, a request to amend the Municipal Elections Act, and a loan agreement with Caisse Desjardins Ontario.
- Worker Bees committee requests $15,000-$20,000 annually for 3 years for physician recruiter
- Loan agreement with Caisse Desjardins Ontario
- Gore Bay Provincial Offences Board - COVID-19 Relief Funding for POA
- Township of the Archipelago - Requesting amendments to Municipal Elections Act
- Declaration of March as Brain and Epilepsy Awareness Month
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board is meeting virtually to discuss routine business, including a board member resignation, an update on the Skillshare program, and a review of the 2021 work plan. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.
- Board member resignation to be acknowledged
- Skillshare Program update
- Review of 2021 work plan
- Community outreach discussion
Regular Council
The Town of Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on February 23, 2021, will consider several staff reports, including the 2020 preliminary year-end financials, the 2021 budget update, and applications for the Community Partnership Program. Council will also discuss infrastructure contracts, a procedural by-law amendment, and a motion to reinstate the Northlander passenger rail service. The agenda includes consent items from other municipalities and a request for a tax exemption for Cadence Residence.
- 2020 Preliminary Year End Financials Tax Based Operating Budget
- 2021 Budget Update
- Community Partnership Program 2021 Applications
- RFP 2020-15 Buildings Audit Assessment
- Motion to reinstate the Northlander
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend several items to Council, including a policy for barring people from municipal facilities, a review of the reserve policy with new adequacy and target language, the fitness centre, and the removal of trees. The agenda also includes adoption of minutes from the December 15, 2020 meeting. This is a working session where recommendations may be forwarded to Council for final approval.
- Barring Policy: sets rules for barring individuals from Town property or facilities for infractions like harassment, violence, theft
- CSD Reserve Policy Review: staff recommend adding 'Adequacy and Targets' language, including a 30% overall reserve target
- Fitness Centre: item listed for discussion
- Removal of Trees: item listed for discussion
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive and recommend departmental monthly reports for January 2021, including infrastructure, protective services, human resources, and community services. The agenda also includes proposed amendments to the procedural by-law. The meeting is largely routine, with reports for information and recommendations to Council.
- Infrastructure report notes estimated $700,000-$800,000 budget increase for sewer/water upgrades on 2nd Street, Aurora and Nakia Avenues
- Protective Services report lists January emergency calls including fires at 66 Mondor Creek Road South and 70 Seventeenth Ave (RYAM)
- Building permit statistics for 2021: 280 permits issued, total value $8,115,416, permit fees $86,785.72
- Recycling contamination cost for January 2021: $1,011.00
- Procedural By-Law Amendments (pages 71-114) to be discussed
Regular Council
Cochrane Council is meeting to consider a by-law authorizing a funding agreement with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to construct a grain facility at the Cochrane Intermodal Terminal. The agenda also includes consent items on infrastructure funding, small business reopening, and fire college closure, plus a request from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services for a land donation.
- By-Law 1445-2021: authorize funding agreement with NOHFC for grain facility at Cochrane Intermodal Terminal
- Request from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services for land donation (unfinished business)
- Consent item: Town of Bracebridge resolution on infrastructure funding
- Consent item: South Stormont/North Glengarry resolution to reopen small businesses
- In camera item: negotiations for Grain Terminal
Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board
The Cochrane Recreation Events and Culture Board is meeting to discuss funding requests from the Cochrane Figure Skating Club and Cochrane Curling Club, as well as plans for the upcoming Carnival and a board application. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from the November 24, 2020 meeting, which approved $5,000 for the Curling Club and $500 for the Figure Skating Club.
- Cochrane Figure Skating Club funding request
- Cochrane Curling Club funding request
- Discussion of Carnival 2021
- Board application review
- Adoption of November 24, 2020 minutes
Policy and Priorities Committee
The Policy and Priorities Committee is meeting to review the Town of Cochrane's Waste Management By-law, which was directed at the previous meeting. The committee will consider a report from the Director of Infrastructure Services on the by-law, including potential fines, and may discuss other policy items. The agenda includes adoption of minutes from the November 17, 2020 meeting and a review of the waste management by-law under old business.
- Review of Town of Cochrane Waste Management By-law, including potential fines
- Adoption of minutes from November 17, 2020 meeting
- Discussion of waste management by-law amendments, including recycling collection frequency
Regular Council
Council will hear delegations from the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB) requesting a two-year property tax exemption extension for the Cadence Senior Retirement Living complex, and from Cathy Connor of Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation regarding a housing project. Council will also consider the 2021 interim tax levy by-law, a water financial plan, and other routine items. The tax exemption request was deferred from a previous meeting pending a staff report.
- CDSSAB requests 2-year property tax exemption extension for Cadence Residence (2021-2022); 2020 taxes would have been $55,043 if not exempt
- Delegation from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation on a housing project
- By-Law 1441-2021: interim tax levy for 2021
- Water Financial Plan 2021-2026 under O. Reg 453/07
- 2021 Census of Population correspondence from Statistics Canada
Budget Meeting
The Town of Cochrane is holding a budget meeting to discuss and potentially adopt its 2021 operating budget. The proposed budget includes a 3.5% property tax increase directed by council in September 2020, and faces a remaining operating deficit of $174,500. The agenda includes public input sessions and departmental reviews.
- Proposed 3.5% property tax increase plus $25K assessment growth
- Remaining 2021 operating deficit of $174,500 to be resolved
- OPP policing contract costs increase by 2.83% ($40,577)
- Building permit fees proposed to increase to make department self-sustaining
- Removal of $100,000 in budgeted evacuation revenues
Special Council
The Town of Cochrane's Special Council meeting will consider a by-law to appoint William Lorimer as a Provincial Offences Officer, enabling local enforcement of provincial COVID-19 measures. The agenda also includes a closed session for personal matters about an identifiable individual. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items.
- By-Law 1443-2021 to appoint William Lorimer as Provincial Offences Officer
- Discussion of COVID-19 enforcement measures under EMCPA and Reopening Ontario Act
- Closed session under Section 239(2)(b) for personal matters about an identifiable individual
Cochrane Police Services Board
The Cochrane Police Services Board is meeting to review reports on OPP call volumes for 2020, correspondence about a safety concern on Cote Laneway, and updates from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. The board will also discuss its meeting structure. The agenda is largely procedural, with the main substantive items being the call volume report and the laneway correspondence.
- OPP Cochrane Detachment 2020 call volume report: 1,391 total calls, down from 1,717 in 2019
- Violent Criminal Code calls rose to 152 in 2020 from 149 in 2019
- Drug trafficking calls more than doubled to 27 in 2020 from 12 in 2019
- Bernice Brunette requests signage or one-way restriction on Cote Laneway for child safety
- Ministry of the Solicitor General correspondence on Reopening Ontario Act regulations and local enforcement
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is meeting to receive departmental monthly reports and review the 2021 budget, including the Recreation Department budget. The agenda includes reports from Corporate Services, Protective Services, Infrastructure Services, Human Resources, Community Services, and the CAO, as well as a discussion on a proposed council remuneration increase.
- 2021 Budget - Recreation Department
- CSD - Council 2021 Remuneration Increase
- CSD - Departmental Monthly Report January 2021
- PS Department Monthly Report
- Infrastructure Services Monthly Report Dec. 2020
Regular Council
The Town of Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on January 12, 2021, includes staff reports on two grant applications (FEDNOR/NOHFC) for an intermodal grain elevator and a Highway 11 South sewer main, plus a physician recruitment update. Council will also consider adopting the minutes from December 2020 meetings, consent agenda items on childcare funding and poverty reduction, and a request from Brian and Vicky Bertrand regarding the Polar Bear Habitat. The agenda includes several routine items such as approval of the agenda, disclosure of pecuniary interests, and a move to closed session for personal and negotiation matters.
- Staff report on FEDNOR/NOHFC Grant for Intermodal Grain Elevator (agenda item 12.1)
- Staff report on FEDNOR/NOHFC Grant for Hwy 11 S Sewer Main Grant (agenda item 12.2)
- Physician Recruitment staff report (agenda item 12.3)
- Consent agenda includes Town of Carleton Place childcare funding and Ministry of Children's poverty reduction items
- Unfinished business: Faye McNay request regarding feeding wild animals within town limits
Special Council
This special Council meeting will hear two final reports: MNP's Service Delivery Review, which recommends focusing on core services, considering shared services, and re-aligning functions, and Arthur J. Gallagher's Senior Leadership Compensation Review. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items.
- MNP Service Delivery Review final report presented by Jovette Morin
- Arthur J. Gallagher Senior Leadership Compensation Review final report by Jane Mizanski
- Review identifies cost-saving opportunities, including divesting discretionary services like commercial waste collection
- Recommendations include optimizing council meetings and establishing service level standards and KPIs