Oshawa public meetings in 2023

Corporate and Finance Services Committee Meeting

The Corporate and Finance Services Committee recommended several funding allocations and budget referrals to City Council. Key actions included funding for city signage and infrastructure adjustments for Dieppe Court, as well as referring grant requests to the 2024 budget.

• Recommended $30,000 from 2023 operating budget for Welcome Gateway signs
• Recommended $152,203.99 from Infrastructure Reserve for Dieppe Court reconstruction
• Recommended referring Sunrise Seniors Place fence funding (CF-23-63) to 2024 budget
• Recommended referring Ontario Philharmonic grant request (CF-23-67) to 2024 budget
• Recommended referring Oshawa Power Board stipend increases (CF-23-65, CF-23-66) to staff for a report
• Recommended cancelling Harmony Creek Branch 3 Watercourse Improvement Study (Project 17540011)
• Recommended renaming Revolving Energy Fund to 'Energy Management Fund' and increasing expenditure cap to 25% (max $500,000)
• Removed support for Bill 5 from Outstanding Items Status Report after it was voted down by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Oshawa Active Transportation Advisory Committee

The Committee endorsed reports on the Stevenson Road and Central Oshawa transit studies. It also recommended specific infrastructure changes for the Wentworth Street reconstruction to the Economic and Development Services Committee. Additionally, a working group was formed to draft the 2024 budget and work plan.

• Created 2024 O.A.T.A.C. Budget and Work Plan Working Group (Motion Carried)
• Appointed Bob Astley, Mike Bennett, and Jim Bate to assist with the Winterize your Bike Event (Motion Carried)
• Endorsed Report OATAC-23-19 regarding Stevenson Road North Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study (Motion Carried)
• Endorsed Report OATAC-23-20 regarding Stage Two of the Integrated Major Transit Station Area Study for Central Oshawa (Motion Carried)
• Recommended reducing auto lanes from four to two on Wentworth Street from Ritson Road to Farewell Street (Motion Carried)
• Recommended micro-mobility lanes, a multi-use path on the north side, and a sidewalk on the south side for Wentworth Street reconstruction (Motion Carried)
• Recommended painted cross-ride intersections and traffic lights for safe cycling on Wentworth Street (Motion Carried)
• Received Report OATAC-23-22 regarding the 2023 budget and work plan update for information (Motion Carried)

Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee

The Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee approved funding for road salt awareness postcards and volunteer refreshments for a tree giveaway. The committee also established a working group to draft the 2024 work plan and operating budget.

• Recommended nominating Friends of Second Marsh for the 2023 Environmental Achievement Awards
• Approved road salt awareness postcard design and $300.00 for printing and shipping
• Recommended submitting comments on single-use plastics policy (Report OEAC-23-34)
• Scheduled Fall Film Night for October 18, 2023, featuring 'Seed: The Untold Story'
• Submitted comments on the Major Transit Station Area study
• Endorsed tree giveaway and allocated $200.00 for volunteer food and drinks
• Created 2024 Work Plan and Budget Working Group with four appointed members
• Approved the 2023 Fall Film Night movie poster for printing and advertising

Compliance Audit Committee Meeting

The Joint Compliance Audit Committee reviewed two applications for audits of candidate campaign finances. The committee granted an audit for Joe Ingino due to unanswered financial questions regarding advertising and a lack of receipts. An application for an audit of Dave Thompson's finances was rejected.

• Appointed Kelly Gravelle as Chair of the Joint Compliance Audit Committee (Motion Carried)
• Added correspondence JCAC-23-13 and JCAC-23-12 to the agenda (Motion Carried)
• Granted application JCAC-23-09 to audit Joe Ingino's campaign finances (Motion Carried)
• Rejected application JCAC-23-11 to audit Dave Thompson's campaign finances (Motion Carried)

City Council Special Meeting

City Council ratified a Memorandum of Settlement dated June 28, 2023, to renew the collective agreement with C.U.P.E. 251 (Inside) for the period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. Council also passed the associated confirming by-law.

• Ratified C.U.P.E. 251 (Inside) Collective Agreement renewal for Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2025 (6-0)
• Passed confirming by-law (6-0)

Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m. because quorum was not obtained. No substantive decisions were made.

City Council Meeting

City Council directed staff to proceed with the original scope of work for a new community centre in Northwood Business Park, including an increase to an eight-lane swimming pool. The project will use $5.5 million of previously approved funding for design and tender documents.

• Approved $5.5M for Northwood Business Park Community Centre design and tender (9-0)
• Directed staff to increase Northwood Community Centre swimming pool to eight lanes (9-0)
• Adopted minutes from May 29 and May 31, 2023
• Approved adding five delegations and two pieces of correspondence to the agenda
• Approved hearing six delegations in open session and five in closed session

Heritage Oshawa

The committee established working groups to prepare the 2024 budget and review the Stevenson Road North Environmental Assessment Study. It also approved an information booth and flag purchase for Canada Day celebrations at Lakeview Park.

• Created 2024 Work Plan and Budget Working Group (Motion Carried)
• Created Stevenson Road North Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study Working Group (Motion Carried)
• Approved information booth at Lakeview Park Canada Day celebration (Motion Carried)
• Approved purchase of small City of Oshawa flag via operating budget (Motion Carried)
• Requested staff investigate OnLand training for members (Motion Carried)
• Endorsed Heritage Oshawa Brochures Working Group report (Motion Carried)
• Received 2023 Q2 budget, work plan, and outstanding items reports for information (Motion Carried)
• Received report on demolition and alteration of inventory properties, including 154 Bruce Street, for information (Motion Carried)

Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee selected a specific planning solution for the Stevenson Road North study to improve safety and transportation. The committee also nominated an individual for a regional accessibility award and received working group reports.

• Preferred Alternative Planning Solution #3 (Reconstruct and Widen Right-of-Way) for Stevenson Road North Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study (Motion Carried)
• Recommended nominating David McKay for the 2023 Regional Municipality of Durham Accessibility Award (Motion Carried)
• Decided to continue monitoring the Major Transit Station Area Study for Central Oshawa for accessibility features (Motion Carried)
• Received Community Events Working Group Report OAAC-23-25 for information (Motion Carried)

Safety and Facilities Services Committee Meeting

The committee approved a reduction in peddler licence fees as an interim measure. It also directed staff to investigate accessible swings for parks and referred a proposal regarding lot maintenance penalties to staff for a report.

• Approved reducing the three classes of Peddler Licence fees to $25
• Directed staff to investigate adding wheelchair accessible swings to Lakeview Park and all new community level parks
• Referred motion to change Lot Maintenance By-law enforcement from education-based to penalties-based to staff for a report (4-1)
• Recommended that City Council receive the Q2 2023 Outstanding Items Status Report (SF-23-24) for information

Community and Operations Services Committee Meeting

The Committee recommended several safety and service improvements to City Council, including a speed limit reduction on Bridle Road and a new crosswalk on Glen Street. They also approved recommendations for animal services funding and membership, and directed staff to investigate a municipal textile recycling program.

• Recommended reducing speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h on Bridle Road between Conlin Road and Solar Gate/Woodbine Avenue
• Recommended installing a crosswalk on Glen Street near the Cordova Valley Park entrance
• Recommended applying for up to $10,000 in third-party funding for Pet Wellness day medications and supplies
• Recommended that Oshawa Animal Services apply for Associate Membership with Humane Canada
• Directed staff to investigate collaboration with Renewal Squared for a Municipal Textile Program
• Recommended authorizing staff to coordinate an enhanced green bin program with the Region of Durham
• Referred the Boulevard Grass Cutting Program motion to staff for a report
• Referred Report CO-23-35 regarding radar message board traffic data back to staff for a September report

Compliance Audit Committee Meeting

The Joint Compliance Audit Committee reconsidered a previous decision regarding an apparent overcontribution by Donald Jessome to Joe Ingino's 2022 campaign. After hearing evidence from Mr. Jessome and Mr. Ingino, the committee decided not to pursue litigation.

• Added correspondence JCAC-23-09 from Donald Jessome to the agenda (Motion Carried)
• Approved motion to reconsider the May 24, 2023 decision regarding Donald Jessome's apparent overcontribution (Motion Carried)
• Decided not to commence litigation against D. Jessome as a contributor to Joe Ingino's campaign (Motion Carried)

Oshawa Active Transportation Advisory Committee

The committee recommended that the Community and Operations Services Committee consider replacing unsafe catch basin covers. Two transit and environmental studies were referred to the Projects Working Group for further comment. The committee also received reports on City Council information and Bike Month activities.

• Recommended replacing unsafe catch basin covers to the Community and Operations Services Committee (Motion Carried)
• Referred Integrated Major Transit Station Area Study for Central Oshawa to Projects Working Group (Motion Carried)
• Referred Stevenson Road North Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study to Projects Working Group (Motion Carried)
• Received Report OATAC-23-16 regarding May 29, 2023 City Council information (Motion Carried)
• Received verbal report OATAC-23-17 on June 2023 Bike Month Working Group activities (Motion Carried)

Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee

The Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee recommended that staff investigate a municipal textile recycling collaboration with Renewal Squared. The committee also established working groups to review the Stevenson Road North Environmental Assessment and a potential single-use plastics ban. Additionally, the committee approved funding for a fall film event and a road salt awareness campaign.

• Recommended staff investigate collaboration with Renewal Squared for Municipal Textile Program (Carried)
• Created Stevenson Road North MCEA Working Group to report back September 5, 2023 (Carried)
• Created Mind Your Plastic Working Group to review single-use plastics ban and report back September 5, 2023 (Carried)
• Approved revised road salt awareness postcard for Corporate Communications review (Carried)
• Allocated $2,500 for 2023 Fall Film Night featuring the film 'Seaspiracy' (Carried)
• Endorsed Tree Planting Working Group activities for June 2023 (Carried)
• Approved registration for an information booth at the Canada Day celebration at Lakeview Park (Carried)
• Received reports on City Council information, 2nd Quarter Work Plan, and Budget update (Carried)

Corporate and Finance Services Committee Meeting

The Corporate and Finance Services Committee approved the 2022 audited financial statements and recommended a single-source contract for the Britannia Avenue West Bridge design. The committee also directed staff to investigate portable ramp accessibility and referred the Election Sign By-law replacement for further public and stakeholder consultation.

• Approved 2022 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
• Recommended single-source contract with WSP Canada Inc. for Britannia Avenue West Bridge design up to $369,000
• Recommended staff consult with other municipalities and StopGap regarding portable ramps for accessibility (6-0)
• Referred Election Sign By-law replacement to staff for consultation with public, school boards, and riding associations
• Referred Ritson Road North and Columbus Road East Roundabout Design back to staff to consult bidders and determine funding
• Recommended providing a link to Ontario Land Tribunal decisions on the Committee of Adjustment webpage (6-0)

Economic and Development Services Committee and Planning Act Meeting

The Economic and Development Services Committee recommended several zoning and planning approvals to City Council, including a new 12-storey apartment building and a Part II Plan for the Columbus Planning Area. The committee also approved new fundraising targets for the Landmark Oshawa Sign and the renaming of Bagot Street.

• Recommended approval of 12-storey, 140-unit apartment at 39 Athol Street West
• Recommended adoption of Part II Plan and Urban Design Guidelines for Columbus Planning Area
• Recommended renaming Bagot Street and establishing a Renaming Working Group
• Approved Option A as the preferred design for Northwood Business Park gateway signage
• Set new donation targets for Landmark Oshawa Sign: 75% of $500k by Jan 31, 2024, and 100% by March 8, 2024
• Recommended declaring City-owned land at 134 Park Road South as surplus
• Recommended approval of amendments to Pre-consultation By-law 22-2023 and General Fees and Charges By-law 13-2003
• Recommended approval of temporary outdoor photography exhibition in Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park

City Council Special Meeting

City Council held a special meeting to receive presentations and public delegations regarding accessibility and inclusion. No policy changes or budget allocations were decided; the session served as a forum for public views and committee updates.

• Approved motion to hear public delegations on diversity, inclusion or accessibility (Carried)
• Passed the Confirming By-law (Carried)

City Council Meeting

City Council approved $14,500 for signage to recognize the former Village of Cedar Dale as a historically significant area. The council also approved transferring over $3 million from the 2022 Operating Surplus into infrastructure and audit reserves.

• Approved $14,500 for 2024 Parks Operating budget to add 'Historic Village of Cedar Dale' to neighborhood park signs
• Approved transfer of $2,245,000 from 2022 Operating Surplus to Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Reserve
• Approved transfer of $808,230 from 2022 Operating Surplus to Conditions Audit Reserve
• Endorsed Report CO-23-32 regarding roundabout design and implementation of updates to existing roundabouts
• Denied motion to waive Rules of Procedure to introduce eScooter motion (2-8)
• Adopted minutes from May 1 and May 4, 2023

Heritage Oshawa

The committee recommended the denial of a Section 34 application to demolish the Robert McLaughlin House and a Section 33 application to alter 70 King Street East. Members also established working groups for 154 Bruce Street and Canada Day 2023 festivities.

• Recommended denial of demolition for Robert McLaughlin House at 195 Simcoe Street North (Motion Carried)
• Recommended denial of Section 33 application to alter 70 King Street East (Motion Carried)
• Created 154 Bruce Street Working Group consisting of Alan Willison, Robert Bell, and Chris Lapa (Motion Carried)
• Recommended installation of plaques for Harriet Cock, Trillium Horse Cemetery, and UOIT Centre Core Cemetery (Motion Carried)
• Approved up to $3,000 for Patty Davis and Diane Stephen to attend June 2023 Ontario Heritage Conference (Motion Carried)
• Created Canada Day 2023 Working Group consisting of Diane Stephen, Robert Bell, and Patty Davis (Motion Carried)
• Disbanded 4681 Old Simcoe Street and 70 King Street East working groups (Motions Carried)
• Received Stage Two of the Integrated Major Transit Station Area Study for Central Oshawa for information (Motion Carried)

Compliance Audit Committee Meeting

The Joint Compliance Audit Committee decided to commence legal proceedings against two individuals for violating municipal election contribution limits. The committee declined to pursue legal action against a third contributor after evidence of reimbursement was provided.

• Appointed Joe Brown as Chair of the Joint Compliance Audit Committee (Carried)
• Added correspondence JCAC-23-06 from Joe Ingino to the agenda (Carried)
• Approved commencing legal proceedings against contributor D. Jessome for apparent contravention of the Municipal Elections Act (Carried)
• Approved commencing legal proceedings against contributor Rosaldo Russo for apparent contravention of the Municipal Elections Act (Carried)
• Decided not to commence legal proceedings against contributor Quito Maggi (Carried)

Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee

The Oshawa Animal Care Advisory Committee recommended applying for up to $10,000 in third-party grants for Pet Wellness day supplies. The committee also recommended that Oshawa Animal Services apply for an Associate Membership with Humane Canada.

• Recommended applying for up to $10,000 in third-party grants or sponsorships for Pet Wellness day medications and supplies (Motion Carried)
• Recommended that Oshawa Animal Services apply for an Associate Membership with Humane Canada (Motion Carried)
• Withdrew recommendation to request by-law infraction information regarding the Leashing By-law (Motion Carried)