Lambton County public meetings in 2021
29 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council is meeting to consider correspondence, including a CUPE Ontario request for an independent review of OMERS' investment performance and a Chatham-Kent resolution urging provincial and federal governments to declare homelessness a crisis. Council will also receive information reports on the 2022 budget, homelessness response to COVID-19, and child care workforce funding, and will vote on a report regarding an investment with Bioindustrial Innovation Canada.
- CUPE Ontario letter requesting independent third-party review of OMERS' investment performance over past decade
- Chatham-Kent resolution supporting Huron County's request to declare homelessness a provincial and national crisis
- Information report on 2022 County Budget Deliberations: Future Capital Needs/Provincial Downloading
- Information report on Homelessness System Response to COVID-19
- Report regarding investment with Bioindustrial Innovation Canada
Committee A.M.
Lambton County's Committee A.M. is meeting to discuss infrastructure, public health, and cultural services. Key items include a report on using consultant services for major policy projects, updates on COVID-19 activities and vaccine planning for children, and a report on public health staffing requirements. The committee will also receive various information reports and correspondence.
- Report on Use of Consultant Services - Major Policy Projects
- COVID-19 Activities Update - November 2021
- Results of Parent Surveys to Inform COVID-19 Vaccine Planning for Children
- Lambton Public Health Staffing Requirements Report
- Library Donations, July 1 to September 30, 2021
Committee P.M.
This Committee P.M. meeting covers long-term care, corporate services, finance, and social services. Members will receive updates on COVID-19 in county homes, enhanced provincial funding for staffing, and progress on the Lambton Meadowview Villa master plan. They will also consider reports requiring motions, including a 10-year capital asset management plan, IT staffing levels, third-quarter monitoring, and an affordable housing capital plan. The meeting includes an in-camera session on a previously reported cyber incident.
- 10 Year Capital Asset Management Plan and Forecast (report requiring motion)
- Affordable Housing Capital Plan (report requiring motion)
- Enhanced Funding for long-term care: staffing supplements for RN/RPN/PSW, allied health, and professional growth (e.g., Lambton Meadowview Villa $374,680 for staffing)
- Villa Master Program and Master Plan progress for Lambton Meadowview Villa (up to $250,000 authorized)
- In-camera discussion on security of municipal property arising from a cyber incident
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council will consider a report on a COVID-19 vaccination policy for council members, following a closed-session discussion on legal advice. The council will also review correspondence from member municipalities, including requests to support affordable internet, anti-hate measures, and action on 'renovictions'. Several items tabled from previous meetings, including the structure of the Board of Health and resuming in-person committee meetings, are on the agenda.
- Report dated October 6, 2021 regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Policy - Council Members
- Correspondence from Sarnia requesting proof of double vaccination for council members by Oct. 31, 2021
- Correspondence from Plympton-Wyoming supporting affordable internet for all Canadians
- Correspondence from Sarnia requesting Ontario address 'renovictions'
- Tabled motion on structure of Lambton County Board of Health
Committee P.M.
The Committee P.M. will receive information reports on COVID-19 updates in long-term care, a scheduling modernization project, debt management, and the child care and early years service system. No decisions are scheduled; all items are for information only.
- COVID-19 update: fourth wave planning, visitor screening, third vaccine dose for residents
- Scheduling modernization: 42 new full-time positions across three homes, $500K savings expected
- Debt management information report
- Child care and early years service system report
Committee A.M.
The Committee A.M. is meeting to receive updates on COVID-19, food safety, cultural services reopening, and library statistics. It will also consider a report on illuminating the intersection of Kings Hwy 40 and County Road 2 (Bentpath Line), and review the status of the County of Lambton Agricultural Advisory Committee, which has been inactive since 2016.
- Report on Kings Hwy 40 and County Road 2 (Bentpath Line) intersection illumination
- COVID-19 Activities Update from Lambton Public Health
- Food Safety Program Update
- Libraries 2nd Quarter 2021 Statistics and Donation Report
- Agricultural Advisory Committee overview (inactive since 2016)
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council's open session includes a delegation from the Lambton Federation of Agriculture on farmland loss and Minister's Zoning Orders, plus a tabled motion on the Medical Tiered Response Agreement with the City of Sarnia that requires a vote to lift from the table. Council will also adopt minutes, receive correspondence on capital gains tax exemptions and a 988 crisis line, and pass three by-laws.
- Delegation from Lambton Federation of Agriculture on Home Grown campaign, MZOs, and land use planning
- Tabled motion on Medical Tiered Response Agreement with City of Sarnia (update #4)
- Correspondence from Sarnia, Oil Springs, Petrolia opposing elimination of capital gains tax exemption on primary residences
- Correspondence from Plympton-Wyoming on rising building material costs
- By-laws: appoint Chief Building Official, amend By-Law 33 of 2014, confirm council resolutions
Committee A.M.
Lambton County's Committee A.M. is meeting electronically to receive updates and decide on several items. Key topics include a COVID-19 immunization update, planning department work in progress, building statistics, and a request to donate a surplus land ambulance. The committee will also consider reports on inspector appointments, planning staffing, and federal gas tax top-up funds.
- Medical Officer of Health update on COVID-19
- Report on Canada Community-Building Fund/Federal Gas Tax 2021 Top-up Funds
- Request for Surplus Land Ambulance Donation
- Update Appointment By-Law for Inspectors
- 2nd Quarter Statistics, Approval Authority Activity and Planning Staffing Adjustments
Committee P.M.
The Committee P.M. is meeting to receive information reports and discuss items related to long-term care, corporate services, finance, and social services. Key topics include COVID-19 updates, funding reductions for long-term care homes, a proposed policy on electronic meeting participation, and updates on affordable housing developments. The committee will also move in-camera to discuss a personnel matter.
- COVID-19 update: vaccination rates at Lambton County Homes (92-98% residents, 77-90% staff fully immunized)
- Funding reductions: CMI funding $85,000 below budget; High Wage Transition Fund and Structural Compliance Premium ended
- Report on electronic (online) meeting participation/attendance requiring a motion
- 2021 Budget Review and COVID-19 Impacts Update
- Maxwell Park Place Affordable Housing Development Update #2
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council will hear a delegation from Stephanie Cattrysse requesting immediate safety measures at the Forest Road (County Road 8) and London Line (County Road 22) intersection, where two fatal collisions occurred since 2016. Council will also consider correspondence, including support from local municipalities and MPPs, and a tabled motion on the Medical Tiered Response Agreement with the City of Sarnia. The meeting includes routine items like by-laws for long-term financing up to $2,000,000 and confirmation of council resolutions.
- Delegation by Stephanie Cattrysse requesting safety measures at Forest Road and London Line intersection
- Correspondence from Town of Petrolia requesting St. Clair Region Conservation Authority committee restructure from 20 to 11 or 13 members
- Correspondence from City of Sarnia seeking endorsement of resolution on rent limits for OW and ODSP recipients
- Tabled motion on Medical Tiered Response Agreement with City of Sarnia (update #3)
- By-law #15 of 2021 to authorize long-term financing for capital projects up to $2,000,000
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee will hear from BDO Canada LLP on the draft audited 2020 financial statements, review the auditor's correspondence and management letter, and consider recommendations to accept the statements and direct staff to respond to the management letter.
- Receive BDO Canada LLP presentation on draft audited 2020 financial statements
- Review auditor's letter on fraud and error risks and draft response letter
- Review 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements and Trust Funds Statements
- Recommendation to accept and authorize release of 2020 financial statements
- Direct staff to review Auditor's Management Letter and prepare response to Council
Committee A.M.
This Committee A.M. meeting covers infrastructure, public health, and cultural services. Key items include an update on the Blue Box recycling transition to producer responsibility and a report on the Oversize Load Corridor project, which may require a motion. The committee will also receive public health updates and consider resuming in-person meetings.
- Blue Box recycling transition to producer responsibility, scheduled 2023-2025
- Oversize Load Corridor update: $1.2M County commitment, $17M total project estimate
- Air Quality and Extreme Temperature Initiatives update
- Vector-Borne Disease Program update
- Opioid Trends update
Committee P.M.
This Committee P.M. meeting covers long-term care, corporate services, finance, and social services. Members will consider tabling a report on resuming in-person committee meetings to October 6, 2021, and receive updates on COVID-19 in long-term care, the 2021 budget, and housing/homelessness. The meeting also includes an in-camera session on property security.
- Tabled motion to further table resuming in-person committee meetings to October 6, 2021
- COVID-19 update for Lambton County Homes, including new immunization policy for staff
- 2021 Budget Review and COVID-19 Impacts Update
- Housing and Homelessness Plan Progress Report
- Circles® Update (social services program)
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council is holding an open session with three delegations: Lambton College presenting its Post-COVID Strategy (Project Momentum), Peacekeeper Park seeking land to relocate its memorial and outdoor training centre, and the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) discussing its operations and governance. Council will also receive an update on homelessness prevention and consider a memorandum of understanding with Lambton College, plus adopt by-laws including the 2021 tax rate amendment.
- Delegation from Lambton College on Post-COVID Strategy: Project Momentum
- Peacekeeper Park delegation seeking land to relocate Memorial/Outdoor Training Centre
- SLEP delegation on operations and governance
- Homelessness prevention update from Social Services
- By-law #13 of 2021 to amend 2021 tax rates for upper tier purposes
Committee A.M.
This Committee A.M. meeting covers updates from the Medical Officer of Health on COVID-19, quarterly statistics for building, planning, and libraries, and several correspondence items. It will also consider reports requiring motions, including a woodland conservation by-law compensation update and an ancestral lands acknowledgement. The agenda is largely informational, with no major decisions listed.
- Medical Officer of Health update on COVID-19
- Resolution from Township of St. Clair requesting illumination at Highway 40 and Bentpath Line intersection
- Building Services 1st Quarter 2021 statistics: 172 permits, $38.2M value
- Report on Woodland Conservation By-law Compensation In-lieu Update
- Report on Acknowledgement of Ancestral Lands
Committee P.M.
The Committee P.M. is receiving information reports on COVID-19 in long-term care homes, an Auditor General report on pandemic readiness, first-quarter court services statistics, and housing services data. No decisions are being made; all items are for information only.
- COVID-19 update for Lambton County Homes, including vaccination status and visiting changes
- Review of Auditor General of Ontario's report on long-term care pandemic response
- Court Services Q1 2021 statistics: 2,011 charges, $260,598 in new fines ordered
- Housing Services Statistical Report for Q1
- Service Manager Annual Information Return
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council's open session includes a COVID-19 update, a delegation from BASES, and several by-laws setting 2021 tax rates and fees. Council will also consider lifting a tabled motion on the Medical Tiered Response Agreement with the City of Sarnia, following staff negotiations.
- By-law #7: Increase County Official Plan Amendment Fees and authorize cost recoveries
- By-laws #8-11: Set 2021 tax rate reductions, tax ratios, and upper-tier tax rates
- Tabled motion: Medical Tiered Response Agreement with City of Sarnia (update #2)
- Delegation: Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment, and Sustainability (BASES)
- Correspondence: Proposed Ontario Works Act amendments and municipal accountability consultation
Committee A.M.
The Committee A.M. is reviewing infrastructure, public health, and cultural services items, including the 2021-2025 Roads Construction Program, a proposed fee amendment for official plan amendments, and updates on COVID-19 activities. The committee will also consider correspondence from member municipalities and other bodies, and reports on ambulance response times and community paramedicine funding.
- 2021-2025 Roads Construction Program: ~$12M budget for road and bridge work, including CR 31 (Kimball Road) resurfacing and CR 7 (Lakeshore Road) reconstruction
- County Official Plan Amendment Fees report (requires motion)
- Community Paramedicine in Long-Term Care Funding report (requires motion)
- Grant Funding for Older Adult Care Pathway Development report (requires motion)
- Correspondence from Township of St. Clair requesting traffic control changes at Kimball Road intersections
Committee P.M.
The Committee P.M. is meeting electronically to receive updates on COVID-19 in long-term care homes, first-quarter occupancy, Bayside Centre renovations, and council remuneration, and to consider motions on the 2020 fourth-quarter monitoring report, 2021 tax policy, and homelessness prevention team staffing.
- COVID-19 update: 82% of long-term care staff received first vaccine dose; outbreaks contained with no deaths
- 2021 Tax Policy report requiring a motion
- 2020 4th Quarter Monitoring Report requiring a motion
- Homelessness Prevention Team Staffing report requiring a motion
- Maxwell Park Place Affordable Housing Development information report
Woodlands Hearings Board
The Woodlands Hearings Board will hold a public hearing on an amended application from Francis Leyten Farms Ltd. to clear 2.25 acres of woodland at 7525 Churchill Line, Brooke-Alvinston, for agricultural production. The applicant originally sought to clear 8.5 acres but reduced the request after a deferral. Staff recommend approval with compensation of planting 3.0 acres of trees on another property.
- Application W-002-21 for exemption from Woodlands Conservation By-Law No. 4 of 2012
- Amended removal area: 2.25 acres (down from 8.5 acres)
- Compensation: planting 3.0 acres of trees on another Leyten property in Spring 2022
- Public hearing held electronically due to COVID-19
- Staff recommendation: approve amended application
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council is meeting to consider two motions from Councillor Bird: one to immediately eliminate the AM and PM Committee meetings, and another to instruct staff to write to Premier Ford and PM Trudeau asking that all businesses be fully opened immediately. Council will also receive updates on COVID-19, a medical tiered response agreement with the City of Sarnia, and a proposed redevelopment of Lambton Meadowview Villa.
- Motion to eliminate AM and PM Committee meetings and hold full Council meetings from January to November
- Motion to write to Premier Ford and PM Trudeau to fully open all businesses immediately
- Update on Medical Tiered Response Agreement with City of Sarnia
- Proposed Lambton Meadowview Villa re-development
- By-law to regulate parking on County Road No. 28 (Holt Line)
Woodlands Hearings Board
The Woodlands Hearings Board is deciding on two applications for exemptions from the County of Lambton Woodlands Conservation By-Law No. 4 of 2012, which would allow the removal of 7.5 and 8.5 acres of woodland. Staff recommend approval for both, with compensation of $22,500 and $25,500 respectively. The board will also hear public comments and applicant statements.
- W-001-21: D-Line Farms Ltd. seeks to clear 7.5 acres in Warwick Township (Concession 1 SER, Lot 25); staff recommend approval with $22,500 compensation.
- W-002-21: Francis Leyten Farms Ltd. seeks to clear 8.5 acres in Brooke-Alvinston (Concession 14, Lot 14); staff recommend approval with $25,500 compensation.
- Public comment opposing W-001-21 from Peter Van Kessel, citing wildlife and windbreak benefits.
- Both applications were posted with Schedule 'D' Public Notice on February 23, 2021.
Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council will hold its 2021 budget deliberations, deciding on referred items including a $10 million request from Bluewater Health, a $1.8 million roundabout project, and a $100,000 library relocation. The council will also consider a report on future capital needs and provincial downloading pressures, and vote on by-laws to adopt the budget and confirm meeting resolutions.
- Bluewater Health Foundation requesting $10,000,000 over 10 years for capital works
- Roundabout at County Road 4 and County Road 31 estimated at $1,800,000
- Mallroad Branch Library relocation costs up to $100,000
- Information report on future capital needs and provincial downloading
- By-laws to adopt 2021 cash requirements budget and confirm resolutions
Committee A.M.
The Committee A.M. will receive updates on COVID-19 and various departmental statistics, and will consider reports requiring motions, including a no-parking restriction on County Road 28, student nutrition program funding, and a collections management report. The committee will also discuss correspondence, including a request from Sarnia City Council regarding the SCITS property for affordable housing.
- Medical Officer of Health update on COVID-19
- Report on County Road 28 (Holt Line) no parking restriction
- Report on Student Nutrition Program food funding
- Report on Collections Management and Donation Report, May 1 to December 31, 2020
- Correspondence from Sarnia City Council regarding purchase of SCITS property for affordable housing
Committee P.M.
The Committee P.M. is meeting to receive updates on COVID-19 in long-term care, quality improvements, and various reports. A key item is a letter from Sarnia City Council requesting Lambton County Council to consider dividing the SCITS property to address affordable housing and public transit needs. The committee will also review year-end reserve fund reports and other operational updates.
- Letter from Sarnia City Council requesting County to consider dividing SCITS property for affordable housing and public transit
- Information report on COVID-19 update in long-term care homes
- Information report on quality improvement in long-term care, including restraint reduction
- Annual year-end report on reserves and reserve funds
- Information report on changes to child care funding
Special Joint Meeting of the Standing Committees
This special joint meeting of both standing committees is being held to release the 2021 County of Lambton Draft Budget. The Treasurer, Larry Palarchio, will present the draft budget to the committees. The meeting is electronic and accessible online due to COVID-19 precautions.
- Release of the 2021 County of Lambton Draft Budget
- Presentation by Larry Palarchio, Treasurer
Committee A.M.
This is the Committee A.M. meeting for Lambton County, covering Infrastructure & Development, Public Health, and Cultural Services. Members will receive updates on 2020 road and bridge construction, off-road vehicle legislation, and cultural services, and will vote on reports including gypsy moth impacts, planning staffing levels, a medical tiered response agreement with Sarnia, seniors' advisory recommendations, and student nutrition funding. The meeting is held electronically due to COVID-19.
- 2020 road and bridge construction update: ~$12M budget, 29 km paved, projects completed and carried over to 2021
- Gypsy moth impacts on County lands - follow-up report requiring motion
- Planning and Development Services staffing levels report (PD 02-05-21, PD 02-06-21, PD 02-07-21)
- Medical Tiered Response Agreement with City of Sarnia
- Seniors' Advisory Committee recommendations report
Committee P.M.
The Committee P.M. is reviewing information reports and motions, including a $9 million capital repair estimate for Lambton Meadowview Villa, a COVID-19 update, and a motion to purchase the Bayside Centre reserve. The agenda also includes updates on affordable housing and a settlement strategy, plus a request to endorse the Warden's application to the SWIFT Board.
- Lambton Meadowview Villa requires $9M in repairs over five years; elevators alone cost $650,000
- COVID-19 update: outbreaks at Lambton Meadowview Villa and North Lambton Lodge, vaccine planning underway
- Motion regarding Bayside Centre - Option to Purchase Reserve
- Affordable Housing Update information report
- Warden seeks Council support for SWIFT Board member application
Special Meeting of Lambton County Council (OPEN SESSION)
Lambton County Council is meeting to receive an update from the Medical Officer of Health on COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout. The main item is an information report on COVID-19 vaccine distribution planning, which outlines a three-phase immunization plan. The plan prioritizes long-term care and retirement home residents and staff, then health care workers and older adults, and finally the general population. The report notes that the first vaccine shipment is expected the week of January 25 or February 1, 2021.
- COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan presented by Medical Officer of Health
- Three-phase rollout: Phase 1 (Feb-Mar) long-term care and retirement homes, Phase 2 (Mar-May) health care workers and older adults, Phase 3 (Jun-Aug) general population
- Approximately 101,000 Lambton County residents eligible for vaccine; 18,400 are 70 or older
- First vaccine shipment expected week of January 25 or February 1, 2021
- Vaccination is voluntary; local plan based on Ontario Vaccination Program