Regional Council Minutes

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Council Chambers
Members Present:
  • N. Salonen 
Members Absent:
  • K. Redman, 
  • D. Craig, 
  • R. Deutschmann, 
  • J. Erb, 
  • S. Foxton, 
  • M. Harris, 
  • C. Huinink, 
  • C. James, 
  • J. Liggett, 
  • D. McCabe, 
  • J. Nowak, 
  • S. Shantz, 
  • B. Vrbanovic, 
  • K. Williams, 
  • and P. Wolf 

Should you require an alternative format or a copy of the official minutes please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: 519-575-4400, TTY: 519-575-4605, or regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca


1.
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Regional Chair K. Redman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2.
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Regional Chair K. Redman provided a land acknowledgement.

3.
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  • Moved byJ. Erb
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That a closed meeting of the Council be held on November 20, 2024 at 6:35 p.m. in the Waterloo County Room , in accordance with Section 239 of the “Municipal Act, 2001”, for the purposes of considering the following subject matters:

    1. Personal matters about identifiable individuals regarding nominations for the Jack Young Civic Award
    In Favor (12)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, D. Craig, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (12 to 0)
D. Craig left the meeting at 6:55 PM. ()
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That Council reconvene into Open Session.

    In Favor (11)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (11 to 0)

R. Deutschmann noted that he had a pecuniary interest with respect to report TRS-TRP-24-016 when it was discussed at the Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee on November 5, 2024, due to his law firm being involved with the case, but he was not present to declare it at the meeting. He further declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the recommendation from the report which is item 5 on the summary from the Committee. 

S. Shantz declared a pecuniary interest with respect to the delegation from Tri-County Mennonite Homes due to her husband is working as a consultant on the project.

6.
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Regional Chair K. Redman presented the award to the University of Waterloo and provided an overview of the work that they undertook which is saving 64.3 cubic metres of water per day. 

7.
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There were no petitions.

8.
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Julie Walder, Executive Director of Marillac Place; Tracy Elop, CEO of Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health; and Jenn Holbrook Executive Director of the Pregnancy Centre appeared before Council to provide a presentation about the work done by the Side by Side Collaborative to improve housing and services for low-resourced women and their children to age 4. They shared what has been learned noting that affordable housing is vital for mental health and wellbeing. They encouraged the Region to increase housing that has access to supports 24/7 and establish new rental subsidies.

N. Salonen joined the meeting at 7:07 PM. ()

8.3
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M. Radlein spoke to Council as the former Co-Chair of the Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group. She shared that racialized members of the community are concerned about shelving the well thought-out recommendations from the Working Group in favour of the Community Safety Wellbeing Plan. She provided a background of the Working Group and noted that they recommended anti-racist actions that will create change. M. Radlein expressed hope that Council is aware of the recommendations and will be accountable for seeing the recommendations through.

In response to a question from Council, M. Radlein stated that she does not see the Community Safety Wellbeing Plan as a vehicle for improvement in the community. She encouraged Council to follow through on the commitment from the previous Council to develop a plan that is informed by community input and applied.

Council asked staff to bring back an update on the recommendations from the Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group.

S. Harrison appeared on behalf of Tri-County Mennonite Homes noting they are 50 years old and the only long-term care provider in Wilmot Township. He provided an overview of their planned expansion and requested that the Region exempt them from the development charges that apply to the expansion. He highlighted other municipalities that don’t charge development charges to non-profit long-term care providers and stressed that non-profit providers don’t have the same options to offset the charges as for profit, or municipally owned, homes.

N. Salonen noted that she will be bringing forward a motion on final budget day to approve the request from the delegation. 

L. Laepple informed Council that their farm is located next to Regional wells. She noted that test results can take two years to get to decision makers and that population growth is lowering the water table. L. Laepple expressed her concern with the rezoning behind Shingletown to allow for aggregate extraction, noting that there will be damage to the drinking water. 

8.6
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P. Clarke appeared on behalf of the Nith Valley EcoBoosters, noting they are very concerned about the Wilmot land assembly. She expressed that they are not opposed to development unless it is in an improper area. She stressed that the land assembly does not align with the Regional Official Plan, has inadequate waste water, and will mean that a majority of people will have to travel more than 25 km, at a time when the Region has committed to reduce emissions. 

8.7
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L. Noble informed Council that his family moved to Kitchener in 1986 from Newfoundland. He noted that Canadians are suffering and there are more homeless people. He stated that the various programs designed to help are not working and that throwing money at the problem isn’t working.

9.
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  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the following minutes be approved.

    In Favor (12)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (12 to 0)
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That Council go into Committee of the Whole to consider reports.

    In Favor (12)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (12 to 0)

12.
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12.1
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S. Shantz noted that her pecuniary interest also applies to this report.

Wayne Steffler, Commissioner, Corporate Services/Chief Financial Officer, introduced the report noting that long-term care homes do not qualify for an exemption under the current by-law. He further explained that no grants to the development charges by-law have been granted by Council in the past and highlighted that Council recently passed a resolution directing that any grants to go through a defined process.

In response to a question from Council, Mathieu Goetzke, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, noted that if Council wanted to provide a grant, Council would need to fund the development charges reserve an amount that is equal to the grant.

N. Salonen highlighted that Wilmot Township provided a grant for their portion of the development charges over a four-year period in order to spread the costs out. 

  • Moved byN. Salonen
    Seconded byC. Huinink

    That the recommendation under 12.1.1 be referred to the to Strategic Plan and Budget Committee on December 11, 2024 including further information on how granting of the exemption could be achieved.

    In Favor (7)J. Nowak, K. Redman, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Opposed (4)J. Erb, S. Foxton, C. James, and R. Deutschmann
    Conflict (1)S. Shantz
    Carried (7 to 4)

12.2
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In response to a question from Council, Julian Kingston, Director, Cultural Services, stated that a timeline for the report has not been established, but noted that he expects it sometime in the spring. 

  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That the following recommendation from the Library Committee be approved:

    1. That the Library Committee directs staff to provide a report on the potential costs and benefits of transferring the Region of Waterloo Library branches to the respective Townships.

      And that Township Staff be consulted in the evaluation process.
    In Favor (11)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Opposed (1)R. Deutschmann
    Carried (11 to 1)
  • Moved byP. Wolf
    Seconded byC. James

    That the following recommendation from the Community and Health Services Committee be approved:

    1. WHEREAS the Canada Disability Benefit Act received royal assent in June, 2023 with a commitment to begin providing payments for the Canada Disability Benefit to eligible Canadians starting in July 2025, following successful completion of the regulatory process and consultations with persons with disabilities.

    WHEREAS the  Canada Disability Benefit is expected to be $200/month to eligible recipients.

    WHEREAS the Low Income Measure (LIM) is used by Statistics Canada to define the poverty line was $2,330/month in 2022.

    WHEREAS the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Waterloo Region in 2023 was $1,359/month.

    Be it resolved that the Regional Municipality of Waterloo call on the Province of Ontario to raise, or at least maintain, ODSP rates for qualified individuals once the new Canada Disability Benefit begins in 2025.

    And that the motion be circulated to area municipalities and AMO.

    In Favor (12)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, N. Salonen, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (12 to 0)

Regional Chair K. Redman noted that item 5 would be taken separately due to R. Deutschmann's pecuniary interest. 

N. Salonen left the meeting at 8:02 PM. ()
  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byK. Williams

    The Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Development Committee recommends as follows:

    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the installation of an All-Way Stop Control at the intersection of Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) and Roseville Road (Regional Road 46), and amend the Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023, as required, to include the following:
      • Remove from Schedule 12, Intersection Stop Signs on Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) at Roseville Road (Regional Road 46) Southbound
      • Remove from Schedule 12, Intersection Stop Signs on Fischer-Hallman Road (Regional Road 58) at Roseville Road (Regional Road 46) Southbound
        in the Township of North Dumfries, as outlined in Report TSD-TRP-24-013 dated November 5, 2024.
    2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo reduce the posted speed limit along Weber Street from Allen Street to 20 m south of King Street to 50 km/hr, in the City of Waterloo, by amending the Traffic and Parking By-Law 16-023, required, to remove from Schedule 17, Maximum Speed 60 km/hr on Weber Street (Regional Road 8) between Allen Street to 20 m South of King Street (Regional Road 15) in the City of Waterloo as outlined in Report TSD-TRP-24-014, dated November 5, 2024.

    3. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the current preferred alternative designs for the following corridors as outlined in report TSD-TRP-24-015 dated November 5, 2024:
      • King Street – between University Avenue and Weber Street N
      • University Avenue – between Westmount Road and Albert Street
      • Bridgeport Road – between Lancaster Street and Lang Crescent
      • Bridgeport Road – between Goldbeck Lane and Albert St
      • Caroline St – Between Albert St and Erb St W
      • Erb Street E – between Caroline Street and Goldbeck Lane

    4. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the proposed pedestrian bridge over the Conestogo River on the Kissing Bridge Trailway as set out in report EES-DCS-24-007, dated November 5, 2024:
      1. Amend the Draft 2025-2034 Transportation Capital Program by advancing the construction timing of the Guelph to Goderich Bridge 2 – Conestogo River Crossing project #07622 to 2025/2026 and amend the budget to $500,000 in 2025 and $7,500,000 in 2026 to be funded from provincial grant funding ($4,000,000), municipal and third party financing ($3,500,000) and levy supported debentures ($500,000);
      2. Authorize the Region to enter into an agreement with the County of Wellington stipulating that the County will not bear costs in relation to the proposed bridge;
      3. Authorize the Region to enter into funding agreements with the Township of Wellesley and a community member;
      4. Direct Staff to initiate the environmental assessment immediately after the Township of Wellesley funding agreement is finalized;
      5. Direct Staff to return to Council for further direction on whether or not to proceed with the project in the event that the net share of Region costs is anticipated to exceed $500,000; and
      6. Approve a new FTE in Design and Construction for a project manager 2- year contract position to lead this project and avoid the need for deferrals of other projects within the Transportation Capital Program.
    In Favor (11)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byK. Williams

    That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approve the commencement of the process to transfer Township of Wilmot’s portion of:

      • Oxford Road 5, lying between Punkeydoodles Ave/ Oxford Road 24/ Perth-Oxford Road (Regional Road No. 1) and Oxford-Waterloo Road (4.7 centerline kms)
      • Road 101 A, lying between Perth Road 101 and Punkeydoodles Ave/ Oxford Road 24/ Perth-Oxford Road (0.1 centerline kms), and
      • Perth Road 101, lying between Road 101 A and Concession Road (0.27 centerline kms)

        from the Township of Wilmot to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo as described in report TRS-TRP-24-016, dated November 5, 2024:
        1. Provide notice to the public of the proposed transfer of the above noted three road segments from the Township of Wilmot in accordance with the Region’s Notice Policy;
        2. Commence the process to amend the Road Consolidation By-Law 01-059 (Regional Road System) to assume the above noted three road segments from the Township of Wilmot, effective upon passing of the by-law;
        3. Commence the process to amend Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023 to reflect the addition of existing traffic regulations on the section of road to be assumed by the Region of Waterloo; and
        4. Approve an upset limit of $200,000 for the Region’s share of works related to safety improvements at the Punkeydoodles intersection.
    In Favor (10)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Conflict (1)R. Deutschmann
    Carried (10 to 0)
  • Moved by
    Seconded byS. Shantz

    That the following recommendations from the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee be approved:

    1. Whereas the City of Toronto and Queens Park have reached a historic agreement to ease Toronto's ongoing budget crisis,
      And whereas the agreement includes the uploading of the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway,
      And whereas the province will deliver 9 billion dollars to the city over the next ten years,
      And whereas Ottawa has been gifted $543 million dollars to be split between cash for capital projects and ongoing operating expenses, 
      Therefore be it resolved that the Region of Waterloo ask through the Regional Chair's office that our five area MPP's work in concert to request a fair and equitable monetary deal,
      And that this agreement be reflective of those reached between Queens Park and the cities of Toronto and Ottawa.
      And that this resolution be shared with the area municipalities.
    In Favor (11)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That the following recommendations from the Administration and Finance Committee be approved:

    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo approves the By-Law and Code of Conduct for the Region’s Lobbyist Registry as outlined in report PDL-CAS-24-006 dated November 5, 2024
    2. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2024 third quarter update as set out in report COR-CFN-24-021 dated November 5, 2024:  
    1. Receive the 2024 Third Quarter Update that shows implementation and financial progress towards delivery on the Region’s Annual Business Plan, in support of achieving the vision set out by Council in the Growing with Care 2023-2027 Strategic Plan; and 
    2. Amend the 2024 Capital Budget and 2025-2035 Capital Forecast as set out in Appendix D.
    In Favor (11)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (11 to 0)

12.3
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12.3.1
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Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Commissioner, Public Health & Paramedic Services/Medical Officer of Health, noted that Public Health continues to monitor respiratory and gastrointestinal outbreaks and managing is them with community partners. She explained that they expect to see increased respiratory illnesses over the holidays and that now is the time to get vaccinations. She further noted that Public Health will be sending out notifications to students with outstanding vaccination records, and due to the labour disruption at Canada Post they are working with the school boards to notify students. 

Danielle De Fields, Director, Regional Growth, Development and Sustainability, provided a presentation that is appended to the agenda outlining the impact of Bill 23 on the Region and the work being done to ensure a seamless transition of planning responsibilities to the area municipalities. She noted that the Region will be a commenting body in the new system and highlighted what responsibilities the Region will still have to comment on. D. De Fields noted that there will be a joint presentation on December 6th at the All Councils meeting.

In response to a question from Council, D. De Fields explained that, for a period of time, the Regional Official Plan will be an area municipal plan. 

  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    That Committee of the Whole rise and Council resume.

    In Favor (11)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, J. Liggett, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (11 to 0)
J. Liggett left the meeting at 8:16 PM. ()
  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Erb

    That Council adopt the proceedings of Committee of the Whole.

    In Favor (10)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (10 to 0)

R. Deutschmann spoke to the motion noting that the provincial legislation is an overreach into municipal jurisdiction, will delay much needed infrastructure, and will decrease safety for cyclists. 

  • Moved byR. Deutschmann
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    Whereas the Government of Ontario has announced legislation requiring provincial approval for new cycling lanes that would remove vehicular traffic lanes;

    And whereas this legislation would compel municipalities to demonstrate that proposed cycling lanes will not negatively impact vehicle traffic;

    And whereas cycling infrastructure is crucial for urban transportation planning, road safety, and public health, and provincial oversight in this matter represents an unwarranted intrusion into municipal authority;

    And whereas the Region of Waterloo has developed a comprehensive active transportation plan to enhance walking and cycling facilities;

    And whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has strongly criticized this proposed legislation as a "significant overreach" into municipal jurisdiction;

    And whereas the AMO has stated that none of its 444 member municipalities were consulted or shown evidence justifying the province's proposed veto power over new bike lanes;

    Therefore, be it resolved:

    1. That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo strongly opposes the proposed provincial legislation governing bicycle lanes and affirms its support for maintaining municipal jurisdiction over cycling infrastructure decisions.
    2. That the Region of Waterloo endorses the AMO's position that municipalities are better positioned than the Ministry of Transportation to make decisions about local transportation matters based on local knowledge and community input.
    3. That the Region of Waterloo calls on the Government of Ontario to withdraw the proposed legislation and respect the established authority of municipalities to make informed decisions about local transportation needs, including the implementation of cycling lanes.
    4. That the Region of Waterloo reaffirms its commitment to its active transportation plan and the continued development of safe, efficient cycling infrastructure for the benefit of all residents.
    5. That the Regional Clerk be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Transportation, all Members of Provincial Parliament representing constituencies within the Region of Waterloo.
    6. That the Region of Waterloo calls upon other municipalities across Ontario to adopt similar resolutions in defense of local decision-making authority and sustainable transportation planning.
    In Favor (10)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (10 to 0)

C. James introduced the motion noting that while the program recognizes the service of veterans, nothing has been put in place to recognize the sacrifice of spouses who have stayed at home. She noted that work on the GRT business plan is underway and the program could be looked at in the business plan.

Council provided unanimous consent to adding “widows” to the motion along with widowers and spouses. 

  • Moved byC. James
    Seconded byP. Wolf

    Whereas the Regional Municipality currently has a program which allows for Veterans aged 65 and over to apply for a lifetime GRT pass for unlimited use of the transit system in Waterloo Region; 

    And whereas the current program leaves out widows, widowers, and spouses from this program as well as veterans under 65;  

    And whereas providing spouses of war veterans 65 and older the ability to utilize the transit service to access programs and services, thus limiting isolation and promoting health and wellness for individuals often on a fixed income, assists in providing them a peace of mind;

    Therefore, be it resolved that Regional Municipality of Waterloo include a thorough review of the current veterans pass as part of current GRT Business Plan to ensure program equity and proper scope. The review will include estimated budget requirement for administration and operational costs should the program be updated or refined.

    In Favor (10)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (10 to 0)

R. Deutschmann noted that as the service provider there may be some legal concerns with the motion regarding the notwithstanding clause, and that he will bring the motion back in the new year after a legal opinion has been provided.  

17.
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There were no notice issued for a future motion. 

18.
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There was no unfinished business. 

19.
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There was no other business. 

20.
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There were no questions. 

  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byS. Shantz

    That the following by-laws be approved.

    In Favor (10)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (10 to 0)

21.1
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  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byS. Shantz

    That a By-law to Amend By-law 16-023, as amended, being a By-law to Regulate Traffic and Parking on Highways Under the Jurisdiction of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Accessible Parking, Pedestrian Crossovers, Through Highways, Intersection Stop Signs, Lane Designations, Rates of Speed), be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 24-042, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

21.2
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  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byS. Shantz

    That a By-law to establish and maintain a Lobbyist Registry, be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 24-043, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

21.3
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  • Moved byC. Huinink
    Seconded byS. Shantz

    That a By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo at this Meeting Held on November 20, 2024, be read a first, second and third time, finally passed and numbered 24-044, be signed by the Regional Chair and Regional Clerk and sealed with the Regional Seal.

    Carried

22.
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  • Moved byS. Foxton
    Seconded byJ. Nowak

    That the meeting adjourn at 8:27 p.m.

    In Favor (10)J. Erb, J. Nowak, K. Redman, S. Shantz, S. Foxton, P. Wolf, C. James, R. Deutschmann, C. Huinink, and K. Williams
    Carried (10 to 0)