Cochrane public meetings in 2024

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a largely procedural agenda. The main substantive item is a resolution to move into a closed session to discuss personal matters and labour relations related to an employment offer for the Treasurer position. The meeting also includes standard items like agenda approval, delegations, minutes, and a confirmatory by-law.

• Closed session under Municipal Act sections 239(2)(b) and (d) to discuss Employment Offer for the Treasurer Position
• Confirmatory By-law 1626-2024 to ratify proceedings of the December 19, 2024 meeting
• Hearing of delegations and/or presentations (maximum of three)

Special Council

The Special Council received an educational orientation presentation from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing covering municipal governance, roles, accountability, and legislation.

• Educational presentation by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for committees, boards, and council (Item 15.1)

Public Meeting

The Council of the Town of Cochrane held a public meeting under the Planning Act to discuss and consider the adoption of the Town of Cochrane Growth Community Improvement Plan (CIP). The plan aims to incentivize housing growth, redevelopment, and the creation of affordable and additional housing units through financial incentive programs. Council directed that the CIP and associated by-laws be presented for formal adoption at the regular council meeting on January 14, 2025.

• Town of Cochrane Growth Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
• Sale of municipally owned residential property at $10 per lot incentive program
• Tax Increment Equivalent Grant program providing up to a 100% municipal property tax increase rebate scaling down over 6 years
• Planning and Building Permit Fee Refund program rebating Planning Act and Ontario Building Code application fees

Regular Council

Cochrane Council is meeting to receive Ombudsman investigation reports on closed meetings, approve several by-laws including a parking amendment and agreements for water/wastewater evaluation and a daycare feasibility study, and consider a $45,646 cash contribution to the Hillcrest Park Enhancement Project. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes, consent agenda, and a request for donation from the MICs Healthcare Foundation.

• Ombudsman reports on closed meetings of Oct 10 & 16, 2023 and Feb 13, 2024
• By-law 1619-2024 to amend parking regulations (By-law 1026-2014)
• By-law 1622-2024 with DFA Infrastructure International for water/wastewater evaluation
• By-law 1623-2024 with Beam Group Inc. for daycare feasibility study
• $45,646 cash contribution to Hillcrest Park Enhancement Project (up to $175,646 overruns)

Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board

The Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board will hold a public meeting to consider three consent applications to sever rural lots, including two on Malherbe Road and one on Lot 8 Concession 6 Brower. Staff recommend approval for B2024-06 and B2024-07, subject to conditions. The agenda also includes routine items like adoption of minutes and declarations of interest.

• Consent application B2024-06: sever 2.52 ha from 781 Malherbe Road (Pine Stone Holdings)
• Consent application B2024-07: sever lot at 562 Malherbe Road (Pine Stone Holdings)
• Consent application B2024-08: sever lot at Lot 8 Concession 6 Brower (S. Malenfant)
• Porcupine Health Unit confirms septic suitability for B2024-06 and B2024-07
• MTO has no comments as lots are outside permit control area

Committee of Adjustment

The Committee of Adjustment is meeting to consider a minor variance application (A08-2024) for properties at 335 and 343 Tenth Street, but the applicant has indicated he will withdraw the application and revise his building plans. The committee will also review correspondence from the Fire Department objecting to a condition requiring flammable signage on containers from a previous application (A07-2024).

• Minor variance application A08-2024 for 335 & 343 Tenth Street (Lots 28 & 29) - applicant plans to withdraw and revise building dimensions
• Fire Department correspondence opposing flammable signage requirement for containers (related to A07-2024)
• Planning staff recommended against the variance, citing setback and snow storage concerns

Special Council

The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Cochrane is holding a special meeting on December 3, 2024. The agenda consists of opening remarks, adoption of the agenda, and a closed session regarding a notice of claim under the Municipal Act, 2001.

• Closed session under Section 239 (2) (f) of the Municipal Act, 2001 regarding a Notice of Claim

Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board

The Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board meets to discuss monthly reports, 2025 budget recommendations, chair appointments, and planning documents. The agenda includes reviews of the community profile, the Active Transportation Master Plan, and the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. The board also reviews past minutes from October 25, 2024.

• Proposed Budget Recommendations 2025
• Chair Appointment 2025
• Active Transportation Master Plan
• Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
• Economic Development Officer Monthly Report - November

Regular Council

Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on November 26, 2024, includes accepting the 2023 audited financial statements from KPMG, approving staff reports on Hillcrest Park funding, parking by-law amendments, recycling changes, and awarding contracts for water/wastewater evaluation and daycare feasibility study. Council will also consider by-laws for clerk services, a deputy clerk, and procedural amendments, plus a notice of motion on in-camera meeting scheduling.

• 2023 Audited Financial Statement presentation by KPMG
• $20,000 pledge for Hillcrest Park enhancement, contingent on NOHFC funding
• Amendment to Parking By-Law 1026-2014 for private lot enforcement, fire routes, towing
• Award RFP 2024-28 Water and Wastewater Services Evaluation to DFA Infrastructure International at $43,900 + HST
• Award RFP 2024-29 Feasibility Study for Municipal Daycare Operations to Beam Group Inc. at $45,000 + HST

Cochrane Well-Being Committee

The Cochrane Well-Being Committee met and heard presentations on restorative justice services from Nishnawbe-aski Legal Services and the Good Food Box program. They also received OPP statistics, discussed holiday activities, and agreed to alternate meeting times. The committee is coordinating community services and information sharing.

• Restorative justice program for adults 18+ offered by Nishnawbe-aski Legal Services
• Good Food Box now serving Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, and Val Gagne
• OPP Project Atlas warning about crypto scam calls
• Food bank food drive and winter apparel distribution after parade
• Lions Club telethon on December 1, 2024

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a motion to move into closed session under solicitor-client privilege to discuss a notice of claim. The agenda is otherwise procedural, covering roll call, agenda adoption, and a suspension of the 48-hour notice requirement.

• Motion to suspend 48-hour notice requirement for this special meeting
• Closed session under Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act for a notice of claim
• No public decisions or discussions listed on the agenda

Public Meeting

The Town of Cochrane is holding a public meeting to consider a zoning by-law amendment that would regulate storage containers and storage trailers across the entire municipality. The proposed changes would define these terms, allow them as temporary uses during moves or renovations, and set zone-specific rules on placement, appearance, and quantity. Council will hear public comments before making a decision.

• Proposed definitions for 'Storage Container' and 'Storage Trailer'
• Temporary use allowance for moving or renovation
• Residential zones: max 1 container, must have roof/siding, trailers prohibited
• Commercial C3/AC zones: max 4 containers/trailers, no stacking
• Rural/Agricultural zones: max 4 containers, no stacking

Regular Council

Cochrane Council is meeting to receive the final draft Growth Community Improvement Plan (CIP) and direct staff to finalize it, with a public hearing scheduled for December 10, 2024. Council will also consider several staff reports, including awarding contracts for water/wastewater evaluation and a daycare feasibility study, approving change orders for engineering and policy review, and passing by-laws for property deeming and acquisition. The agenda includes routine consent items, minutes, and a closed session for land, litigation, and personnel matters.

• Final draft Growth CIP presented; Council to direct finalization and set public hearing for Dec 10, 2024
• Award RFP 2024-28 Water and Wastewater Services Evaluation to DFA Infrastructure International at $43,900 + HST
• Award RFP 2024-29 Feasibility Study for Municipal Daycare Operations to Beam Group Inc. at $45,000 + HST
• Approve change order for Engineering Services 5th Ave-L&S Downstream project: $88,320 + HST
• Approve change order with VS Municipal Solutions for policy review: $17,062.50

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a motion to move into closed session to discuss a notice of claim under solicitor-client privilege. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including adoption of the agenda and a waiver of the 48-hour notice requirement for the special meeting.

• Closed session to discuss one item: Notice of Claim (Section 239(2)(f) of the Municipal Act)
• Motion to waive 48-hour notice for special meeting under Procedural By-Law

Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board

The Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board meets to discuss planning matters including case B2024-04 for S&R Frey on Highway 652, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing agreements and funding, and the ongoing Official Plan Review.

• Case B2024-04: S&R Frey land severance application on Highway 652
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Transfer Payment Agreement
• Submission Invitation for 2024-25 Special Business Case Funding
• Official Plan Review

Committee of Adjustment

The Town of Cochrane Committee of Adjustment is holding a meeting on November 6, 2024, at Town Hall to consider a minor variance application for 1356 Highway 11 South (Application A07-2024). The agenda also includes the adoption of the agenda, declaration of pecuniary interest, adoption of previous meeting minutes from August 28, 2024, and business arising from the minutes. Residents can participate in the public hearing by contacting municipal officials.

• Application A07-2024 for 1356 Highway 11 South to permit up to 43 individual self-storage units instead of the permitted 25, and a reduced building separation distance of 0.15 metres (0.49 feet) instead of 3 metres (9.84 feet).

Special Council

The Cochrane Town Council is holding a special meeting on November 4, 2024, to handle procedural matters and move into a closed in-camera session. The sole substantive item is receiving solicitor-client privileged advice regarding a notice of claim.

• In-camera session to receive legal advice on a Notice of Claim under Section 239 (2)(f) of the Municipal Act

Special Council

This agenda for the November 4, 2024 Special Council meeting in Cochrane, ON contains only portal navigation text and no listed agenda items. The document appears to be a blank or placeholder page with no decisions, discussions, or business items to report.

Cochrane Well-Being Committee

The Cochrane Well-Being Committee meets to discuss local well-being initiatives, including a presentation by Natalie Hallok from CDSB regarding the By-Name List and Coordinated Access system for tracking and addressing homelessness. The agenda also includes reviewing Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) statistics and previous meeting minutes.

• Presentation by Natalie Hallok from CDSB regarding the By-Name List, Homelessness Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS), and Coordinated Access system
• Review of OPP statistics
• Adoption of minutes from the September 26, 2024 meeting

Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board

The Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board is meeting to receive the Economic Development Officer's October monthly report, discuss the 2025 high-level strategy and action plan, and plan the November 18 Discover Cochrane event and Strategic Plan open house. The board will also hear a verbal report on the Route 11 initiative and the Think Local and Find Rudolph holiday campaign.

• 2025 High Level Strategy and Action Plan covering housing, transportation, tourism, agriculture, downtown revitalization, and partnerships
• Discover Cochrane Event and Strategic Plan Open House on November 18, 2024, 6-8 p.m. at the Tim Horton Event Centre
• Economic Development Officer October report: new family physician Dr. Mohamed joining Cochrane Family Health Team; NOHFC grant for Hillcrest Park in second round; first 2024 applicant for 2018 CIP grants
• Think Local and Find Rudolph campaign: regional shopping initiative along Highway 11 corridor, prizes up to $1,000, starting week of November 12, 2024
• Route 11 verbal report by Renée Vezeau-Beaulieu

Public Meeting

The Town of Cochrane is holding a public meeting to consider a zoning by-law amendment (ZBA-2024-01) that would rezone two vacant parcels on Lillabelle Lake Road from Rural (RU) to Special Rural (RU-xx) to permit a grain farm headquarters with machinery storage, workshop/office, and grain storage/handling/shipping facilities, including a rail siding. The application also seeks a reduced lot frontage of approximately 60.51 metres (198.52 feet) for one parcel. Staff recommend approval, subject to public input.

• Rezone South Part Lot 24, Concession 3, Glackmeyer (Parts 1 and 2 on 6R-8511) from Rural (RU) to Special Rural (RU-xx)
• Permit grain farm headquarters with machinery storage, workshop/office, and grain storage/handling/shipping facilities (including rail siding)
• Reduced lot frontage of approximately 60.51 metres (198.52 feet) for Part 2 on 6R-8511
• Public meeting scheduled for October 22, 2024 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers
• Staff recommend approval of By-law 1608-2024

Regular Council

The Cochrane Town Council is meeting on October 22, 2024, to discuss and decide on municipal business, including the adoption of the 2024 water and wastewater operating and capital budget and amendments to zoning and procedural by-laws. Council members will also review reports regarding the 2024 Emergency Management Program, the Official Plan Review Project, and a $1,000 investment in the Northern Corridor Chamber of Commerce's Think Local Campaigns.

• Approve a $1,000.00 investment for the Northern Corridor Chamber of Commerce Think Local Campaigns along Highway 11
• Adopt By-Law 1606-2024 for the 2024 Water and Wastewater Operating and Capital Budget
• Adopt the 2024 Emergency Management Program
• Support the Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board in initiating the Official Plan Review Project
• Pass By-Law 1608-2024 to amend Zoning By-Law 968-2013

Regular Council

Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on October 8, 2024, includes a delegation from the Ininew Friendship Centre about building a new community centre, several resolutions of support on provincial matters, and a final reading of the user fees by-law. Council will also move into closed session for staff matters, physician recruitment, a confidential agreement, and Ombudsman investigation items.

• Delegation: Tyler Beaton, Ininew Friendship Centre, on building a new community centre
• Resolution of support: Provincial updates to the Municipal Elections Act
• Resolution: Declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic (Bill 173)
• Resolution of support: Amend Ontario Regulation 391/21 (Blue Box)
• By-Law 1599-2024: User Fees and Service Charges (final reading)

Special Council

This special council meeting is primarily a training/education session featuring a presentation by Jason Ferrigan of J.L. Richards on the Town of Cochrane Growth Community Improvement Plan. No decisions are listed on the agenda; it is an informational item.

• Presentation by Jason Ferrigan (J.L. Richards) on Town of Cochrane Growth Community Improvement Plan

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a resolution to move in camera to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, specifically staff matters, under Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act. The rest of the agenda is procedural (roll call, declarations, adoption of agenda, adjournment). No decisions or public discussions are scheduled.

• Closed session under Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act for 1 item: Staff Matters

Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board

The Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board convened on September 27, 2024, at the Town Hall Council Chambers. The board reviewed monthly updates from the Economic Development Officer, verbal reports on Route 11 and the Community Improvement Plan, year-to-date budget figures, and the drafting of the 2025 Action Plan.

• Economic Development Officer September Monthly Report
• Route 11 Verbal Report by Renée Vezeau - Beaulieu
• 2025 Cochrane Economic Development Steering Board Action Plan Preparation Verbal Report
• Budget YTD report
• Strategic Plan document

Cochrane Well-Being Committee

The Cochrane Well-Being Committee is meeting to discuss community well-being issues, including reports on International Overdose Awareness Day, outreach team updates with the Porcupine Health Unit, and OPP's Operation Freeze. They will also review best practices for homeless individuals in buildings, OPP statistics, the Reaching Home program, and develop an action plan for 2024-2025.

• Report on International Overdose Awareness Day
• Update on outreach team with PHU
• Report on Operation Freeze - OPP
• Best practice for homeless people wandering in buildings
• 2024-2025 Action Plan

Regular Council

Cochrane's Regular Council meeting on September 24, 2024, includes a delegation from Segal Construction proposing a municipal housing development, several staff reports seeking approval for budgets and expenditures, and multiple by-laws adopting new policies. Council will also consider notices of motion on road paving standards, a review of daycare and water services, and attendance records.

• Delegation: Segal Construction housing development proposal (12 units, $4,755,205 estimated cost)
• Approve 2024 Water and Wastewater Operating and Capital Budget
• Approve change order to Active Transportation Master Plan ($5,040 + HST)
• Approve $12,500 for engineering services at 1 First Ave Warehouse
• By-laws: Code of Conduct, Staff and Council Relations, Municipal Complaint Policy

Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board

The Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board will consider a consent application (B2024-01) to sever a 3.5-hectare lot from 907 Highway 652 for future residential development, retaining the remainder for agricultural use. The board will also review the Provincial Planning Statement and minutes from previous meetings. The agenda includes a modification of conditions for B2024-01, which was previously approved in June 2024.

• Consent application B2024-01: sever 3.5 ha from 907 Highway 652, Lot 15 Concession 1, Glackmeyer, for residential lot; retained 49 ha for agriculture
• Modification of conditions for B2024-01 (agenda item 10.1)
• Review of Provincial Planning Statement (agenda item 8.1)
• Adoption of minutes from June 19 and August 28, 2024 meetings

Regular Council

The Town of Cochrane Council will meet to review presentations from the Cochrane Tourism Association and FoodCycler, consider delegations, and vote on staff reports. Key decisions include appointing ADR Chambers for municipal integrity commissioner services, entering into an easement agreement at 276 Fifth Avenue, and adopting a new user fees and service charges by-law.

• Agreement with ADR Chambers for Municipal Integrity Commissioner Services
• Easement agreement with homeowner at 276 Fifth Avenue
• Adoption of By-Law Number 1599-2024 for User Fees and Service Charges
• Appointment of Mike Bauman to James Bay OPP Detachment Board - Board 3
• Adoption of a new Municipal Complaint Policy and Defensive Tactics Policy

Emergency Council

The Town of Cochrane is holding an emergency council meeting. The only substantive item is a closed-session discussion about a proposal review, citing the security of municipal property. The meeting is expected to move in camera and then adjourn.

• Closed session under Section 239(2)(a) of the Municipal Act for a proposal review

Special Council

This special council meeting focuses on reviewing and potentially adopting a draft Code of Conduct for council members and local board members, along with a complaint protocol and a Council-Staff Relations Policy. The agenda also includes a proclamation for Terry Fox Week and two closed-session items: one about the Northeast Community Network and another about physician recruitment. No final decisions are noted in the agenda; items are listed for review and discussion.

• Draft Code of Conduct for Council Members & Members of Local Boards
• Draft Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol for Members of Council
• Draft Council and Staff Relations Policy
• Proclamation of Terry Fox Week (September 8-15, 2024)
• Closed session: Northeast Community Network (NeCN) and Physician Recruitment

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a resolution to move in camera to discuss personal matters about an identifiable individual, specifically management staff, under Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act. The rest of the agenda is procedural (roll call, declarations, adoption of agenda, adjournment). No decisions or public discussions are scheduled.

• Resolution to move in camera for personal matters about management staff (Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act)

Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board

The Cochrane and Suburban Planning Board met on August 28, 2024, to discuss Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing financial reporting requirements for 2023-2024 planning board funding. The board also addressed supporting the Town of Cochrane's request to the Ministry for delegation authority of Official Plan Amendments.

• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Financial Reporting Requirements for 2023-2024 Planning Board Funding
• Support of Council's Request to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Delegation Authority of Official Plan Amendments

Committee of Adjustment

The Cochrane Committee of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on August 28, 2024, to consider three minor variance applications under the Planning Act. The applications seek relief from zoning by-law requirements for properties at 151 Silver Queen Lake Road, 1141 Concession 2&3, and 885 Highway 652. The committee will decide whether to approve the variances, which involve setbacks and building separations.

• A04-2024: 151 Silver Queen Lake Road – variance for 1 m front yard setback (required 10 m), 1.68 m interior side yard (required 10 m), and 0 m building separation (required 3 m) for a pole shed and shipping container
• A05-2024: 1141 Concession 2&3 – variance application (details in agenda pages 27-48)
• A06-2024: 885 Highway 652 – variance application (details in agenda pages 49-70)
• Public hearing at Town Hall, 171 Fourth Avenue, Cochrane, at 6:30 PM

Regular Council

Cochrane Council is meeting to decide on several contracts for sidewalk, road, and library HVAC work, approve fee increases for clerk, cemetery, and recreation services, and adopt a new strategic plan. They will also consider a funding agreement with Indigenous Services Canada and various resolutions on provincial matters. The agenda includes a proclamation for International Overdose Awareness Day and a closed session for personnel and physician recruitment.

• Contract with Chad Hartman Construction Inc. for sidewalk replacement, up to $189,000
• Contract with Villeneuve Construction for mill and pave work, up to $884,000
• Contract with Gerry's Enterprises for HVAC replacement at Cochrane Public Library, $90,000
• Adoption of Town of Cochrane Strategic Plan and Economic Development Plan (By-Law 1595-2024)
• Fee increases for clerk services, cemetery services, and recreation/leisure/tourism

Special Council

This is a special council meeting with a single substantive item: a resolution to move in camera to discuss an organizational review under the personal matters exception of the Municipal Act. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including opening remarks, roll call, and adoption of the agenda.

• In-camera discussion of an organizational review (Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act)