Minutes

Committee of Council

The Corporation of the City of Brampton

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

9:30 A.m. - 4:30 P.m.

Hybrid Meeting - Virtual Option & In-Person in Council Chambers – 4th Floor – City Hall

Members Present:

• Mayor Patrick Brown (ex officio)
• Regional Councillor R. Santos
• Regional Councillor P. Vicente
• Regional Councillor N. Brar
• Regional Councillor M. Palleschi
• Regional Councillor D. Keenan
• Regional Councillor M. Medeiros
• Regional Councillor P. Fortini
• City Councillor R. Power
• Regional Councillor G. Toor
• Deputy Mayor H. Singh (left at 10:30 am – other municipal business)

Staff Present:

• Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, and Acting Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering
• Steve Ganesh, Commissioner, Planning, Building and Growth Management
• Rick Conard, Acting Commissioner, Corporate Support Services
• Bill Boyes, Fire Chief, Fire and Emergency Services, and Acting Commissioner, Community Services
• Jean-Pierre Maurice, Director, Enforcement and By-law Services, and Acting Commissioner, Legislative Services
• Alex Milojevic, General Manager, Brampton Transit
• Sameer Akhtar, City Solicitor
• Peter Fay, City Clerk
• Charlotte Gravlev, Deputy City Clerk
• Sonya Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator

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1.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:31 a.m. and adjourned at 11:16 a.m.

   

2.

Approval of Agenda

Committee discussion took place with respect to proposed amendments to the agenda.

The following motion was considered.

• CW154-2023

  That the agenda for the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023 be approved, as amended, as follows:

  To add:

  6.1       Delegation from Mauro Peverini, Vice President, Planning and Land Development, Solmar Development Corporation, re: Request to Reduce a Zoning By-law Amendment Application Fee for a Development Proposal at 241 Queen Street East

  9.3.3.   Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Palleschi re: Cannabis Store Location Advocacy Motion

  9.3.4    Discussion Item at the request of Mayor Brown re: Banning of Caste Classifications

  10.3.2. Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Fortini re: Damages from Fiber Optic Infrastructure Digging

  12.3.2  Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Palleschi re: Property Standards Order for 11722 Mississauga Road

  Carried

3.

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

Nil  

   

4.

Consent

The following items listed with a caret (^) were considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Committee and were approved at one time.

(8.2.1, 9.2.1, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.2.3, 10.2.4, 10.2.5, 12.3.1, 12.4.1)

The following motion was considered.

• CW155-2023

  That the following items to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023 be approved as part of Consent:

  8.2.1, 9.2.1, 10.2.1, 10.2.2, 10.2.3, 10.2.4, 10.2.5, 12.3.1, 12.4.1

  Carried

5.

Announcements

5.1

Announcement - United Way Campaign Updates

Presenters: 

Steve Ganesh, Commissioner, Planning, Building and Growth Management

Junaid Saleem Khan, Supervisor, Energy Management, Public Works and Engineering

Raj Chandegra, Manager, Corporate Donor Relations, United Way Greater Toronto

Ruth Crammond, VP, Community Investment and Development, United Way Greater Toronto

Council Sponsor: Mayor P. Brown

Steve Ganesh, Commissioner, Planning, Building and Growth Management, Junaid Saleem Khan, Supervisor, Energy Management, Public Works and Engineering, and Ruth Crammond, VP, Community Investment and Development, United Way Greater Toronto, provided a presentation, which included information regarding the following:

• Overview of the 2022 United Way fundraising campaign
• Roadmap for the 2023 United Way fundraising campaign
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic 
• United Way Greater Toronto programs/services
• Community needs
• Key takeaways

The delegations thanked Members of Council and staff for their efforts and support of the United Way, and presented Committee with a ceremonial cheque for the 2022 campaign. 

Committee thanked the delegations and the United Way staff core team for their fundraising efforts. 

 

6.

Public Delegations

6.1

Delegation from Mauro Peverini, Vice President, Planning and Land Development, Solmar Development Corporation, re: Request to Reduce a Zoning By-law Amendment Application Fee for a Development Proposal at 241 Queen Street East

Mauro Peverini, Vice President, Planning and Land Development, Solmar Development Corporation, addressed Committee regarding the matter of a Zoning By-law amendment application fee for a development proposal at 241 Queen Street East. The delegation provided information regarding the subject development and application fees in the Cities of Vaughan and Mississauga, and requested Committee's consideration to reduce the application fee.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Comparison of Zoning By-law amendment application fees in other municipalities
• Brampton's by-law pertaining to planning fees
• Application fee for the subject development
• Indication that staff is undertaking a comprehensive review of planning fees
• Request that staff meet with the applicant to review this matter
• Indication that staff is processing the application in the absence of payment

The following motion was considered.

• CW156-2023

  That the delegation from Mauro Peverini, Vice President, Planning and Land Development, Solmar Development Corporation, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Request to Reduce a Zoning By-law Amendment Application Fee for a Development Proposal at 241 Queen Street East, be referred to staff for review and report back to the May 17, 2023 Council Meeting.

  Carried

7.

Government Relations Matters

7.1

Staff Update re: Government Relations Matters

C. Ethier, Manager, Government Relations and Public Liaison, Office of the CAO, provided a presentation, which included information and updates on matters relating to the Regional, Provincial and Federal Governments, and the Ontario Big City Mayors 2023 AGM and Conference.

Committee discussion included the following:

• New urban area phasing strategy by the Region of Peel
• Need to ensure Brampton has adequate servicing to support growth, and communication with Regional staff in this regard
• Bill 5, Stopping Harassment and Abuse by Local Leaders Act, and related policies in Brampton

The following motion was considered.

• CW157-2023

  That the presentation from C. Ethier, Manager, Government Relations and Public Liaison, Office of the CAO, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Government Relations Matters, be received.

  Carried

8.

Economic Development Section

8.1

Staff Presentations

Nil 

  

8.2

Reports

8.2.1

^ Staff Report re: Update - Altitude Accelerator Agreement Renewal

• CW158-2023

  1. That the report from Jasmine Danial, Coordinator, Innovation and Technology, Economic Development, Office of the CAO, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Update - Altitude Accelerator Agreement Renewal, be received; 

  2. That the City of Brampton renew the funding agreement with Altitude Accelerator (formerly known as RICC) for four (4) additional years with a declining scale of financial assistance;

  3. That the CAO be authorized to execute the grant agreement renewal with Altitude Accelerator based on content approved by the Director, Economic Development, and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor or designate; and

  4. That staff report back to Council on achievements and results of the Altitude Accelerator on an annual basis. 

  Carried

8.3

Other/New Business

Nil 

  

8.4

Correspondence

Nil 

  

8.5

Councillors Question Period

Nil 

  

8.6

Public Question Period

The public was given the opportunity to submit questions via e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office regarding any decisions made under this section of the agenda. P. Fay, City Clerk, confirmed that no questions were submitted.

 

9.

Corporate Services Section

9.1

Staff Presentations

Nil 

  

9.2

Reports

9.2.1

^ Staff Report re: Tax Adjustments, Cancellations and Reductions Pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001

• CW159-2023

  1. That the report from Martin Finnegan, Senior Manager, Revenue, Corporate Support Services, to the Committee of Council Meeting April 26, 2023, re: Tax Adjustments, Cancellations and Reductions Pursuant to the Municipal Act, 2001, be received; and,

  2. That the tax account adjustments as listed on Appendix A of this report be approved.

  Carried

9.2.2

Staff Report re: Downtown Brampton – 5G Pilot Status Update

Item 9.3.2 was brought forward and dealt with at this time.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• The need for more dialogue with telecommunication service providers for 5G servicing
• Barriers to 5G network service in the downtown core and the need to support downtown businesses
• The need to work with Alectra and telecommunication service providers to resolve issues

A motion was introduced to add the following clause to the recommendations in the staff report:

That staff also report back with an update, to include communications undertaken and potential mitigation of 5G related costs to businesses in the downtown core.

Further Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Options to mitigate 5G related costs to businesses in the downtown core
• Request that staff provide a progress report on this matter in June or July 2023
• Importance of this infrastructure for Brampton

The motion, in its entirety, was considered as follows.

• CW160-2023

  1. That the staff report re: Downtown Brampton – 5G Pilot Status Update, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, be received; 

  2. That the City of Brampton work collaboratively with Alectra and telecommunication services providers to resolve power supply issues and payment arrangements between telecommunication services providers and Alectra;

  3. That the City of Brampton clearly communicate to telecommunication services providers the need to enter into and sign the Municipal Access Agreement (MAA) with the City;

  4. That the Planning, Building and Growth Management, and Economic Development Departments champion 5G initiatives corporately including intake, review and execution of telecommunication services providers’ requests that leverage City passive assets; and

  5. That staff also report back with an update, to include communications undertaken and potential mitigation of 5G related costs to businesses in the downtown core.

  Carried

9.3

Other/New Business

9.3.1

Discussion Item at the request of Mayor Brown re: Official City of Brampton Community Garba in Downtown Brampton and Chinguacousy Park (with Humans for Harmony Organization) – September 2023

Mayor Brown addressed Committee with respect to the addition of a City of Brampton Community Garba to the 2023-2026 Corporate Events Listing. The Mayor advised that staff are exploring various locations for this event.

The following motion was considered.

• CW161-2023

  Whereas, the City hosted a Garba event in 2019;

  Whereas, Council has already approved the 2023-2026 Corporate Event Listing in March 2023, which includes an accommodation for new event opportunities, as approved by Council, including appropriate resourcing;

  Whereas, Brampton is a Mosaic and Garba is a key celebration of Gujarati culture;

  Therefore Be It Resolved That the City add Garba to the 2023-2026 event listing, with an additional budget of $70,000, to take place in September 2023, with the source of funding to be identified by the Treasurer.

  Carried

9.3.2

Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Santos re: Brampton’s 5G Pilot Program and Network

Dealt with under Item 9.2.2 - Recommendation CW160-2023   

  

9.3.3

Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Palleschi re: Cannabis Store Location Advocacy Motion

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• The need to advocate the province for additional provisions when licensing cannabis retail stores
• Concerns regarding:
  • the influx of applications received, and the need for more authority and control by municipalities
  • the proximity of cannabis stores to schools, parks, recreation centres, etc.
  • the removal of provincial funding to support municipalities with costs associated with recreational cannabis legislation
• Decision by the City of Mississauga to allow cannabis retail stores

The following motion was considered.

• CW162-2023

  Whereas after several weeks of public consultation, Brampton City Council voted to allow privately-owned cannabis retail stores in Brampton in January 2019; and

  Whereas the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has the responsibility for regulating Ontario’s cannabis retail stores including the licensing, renewals and enforcement of private cannabis retail stores; and

  Whereas in 2018 the Provincial government created the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund to assist municipalities with implementation costs associated to recreational cannabis legislation; and

  Whereas in 2022, the City was advised that the Provincial funding through the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund is no longer available; and

  Whereas as per the Province’s guidelines, legal retail stores cannot be located near a school or private school, as defined in the Education Act, if the proposed retail store is 150 meters away from the school; and

  Whereas the distance between a proposed retail store and a school or private school is measured by a straight line from the closest point of the school property or boundary to the closest point of the proposed retail store; and

  Whereas if either the store and/or the school is located on a floor other than the ground floor or main level in its respective building, the measure of the 150 meter distance may take into account the vertical distance in assessing compliance with this requirement; and

  Whereas the applicant is not required to seek permission from or notify the City of its intention to open a retail cannabis store; and

  Whereas the City proactively generates a map that shows a 150 meter buffer zone surrounding the proposed address highlighting schools, parks, public facilities, places of worship and group homes;

  Therefore be it resolved:

  That the Mayor send correspondence to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario advocating for additional provisions when licensing legal cannabis retail stores to expand the 150 meter requirement from schools and private schools to also include parks, public facilities, places of worship and group homes; and

  That a copy of the correspondence be sent to the Premier of Ontario and Brampton MPPs and include a request to the Province that the Ontario Cannabis Legalization Implementation Fund be reinstated to support municipalities with costs associated to recreational cannabis legislation. 

  Carried

9.3.4

Discussion Item at the request of Mayor Brown re: Banning of Caste Classifications

Committee discussion took place with respect to caste classification discrimination, including a motion passed by the Toronto District School Board, and the possibility of adding caste discrimination in Brampton's anti-discrimination policies.

The following motion was considered.

• CW163-2023

  That the following item be referred to the May 3, 2023 Council meeting:

  Discussion Item at the request of Mayor Brown re: Banning of Caste Classifications

  Carried

9.4

Correspondence

Nil 

  

9.5

Councillors Question Period

Nil 

  

9.6

Public Question Period

The public was given the opportunity to submit questions via e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office regarding any decisions made under this section of the agenda. P. Fay, City Clerk, confirmed that no questions were submitted.

 

10.

Public Works and Engineering Section

10.1

Staff Presentations

Nil  

  

10.2

Reports

10.2.1

^ Staff Report – Activate Downtown Brampton - Status of Year 1

• CW164-2023

  1. That the report from Shahinaz Eshesh, Policy Planner III, Downtown Revitalization, Planning, Building and Growth Management, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Activate Downtown Brampton - Status of Year 1, be received; and,

  2. That Council receive the 8 80 Cities report, attached to the report as Appendix A titled “Activate Downtown Brampton – Summary Report & Recommendations for Future Placemaking Initiatives”.

  Carried

10.2.2

^ Staff Report re: Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy

• CW165-2023

  1. That the report from Pam Cooper, Environmental Planner, Environment and Development Engineering, Planning, Building and Growth Management, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy, be received;

  2. That the Peel Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy (Attachment 1), be received.

  Carried

10.2.3

^ Staff Report re: Traffic By-law 93-93 – Administrative Update

• CW166-2023

  1. That the report from Maurice Abu-Nassar, Traffic Operations Technologist II, Road Maintenance, Operations and Fleet, Public Works and Engineering, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Traffic By-law 93-93 – Administrative Update, be received; and,

  2. That a by-law be passed to amend Traffic By-law 93-93, as amended, as outlined in the subject report.

  Carried

10.2.4

^ Staff Report re: Traffic Related Issues - U-Turn Restrictions at Williams Parkway and Whitewash Way (Ward 5)

• CW167-2023

  1. That the report from Domenic Barranca, Traffic Operations Technologist II, Road Maintenance, Operations and Fleet, Public Works and Engineering, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Traffic Related Issues - U-Turn Restrictions at Williams Parkway and Whitewash Way (Ward 5), be received; and,

  2. That a by-law be passed to amend Traffic By-law 93-93, as amended, to implement eastbound to westbound U-Turn restrictions at the intersection of Williams Parkway and Whitewash Way.

  Carried

10.2.5

^ Staff Report re: Request to Begin Procurement - CCTV Camera Services for Storm Sewer Systems

• CW168-2023

  1. That the report from Olivia Sparrow, Manager, Stormwater Programs, Planning, Building and Growth Management, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Request to Begin Procurement - CCTV Camera Services for Storm Sewer System, be received; and 

  2. That the Purchasing Agent be authorized to begin the procurement of CCTV Camera Services for Storm Sewer Systems.

  Carried

10.3

Other/New Business

10.3.1

Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Santos and Regional Councillor Keenan, re: Update on Traffic Calming Measures

Committee discussion on this matter included, and staff responded to questions regarding, the following:

• Speeding concerns in residential neighbourhoods
• Priority list and timelines for the implementation of traffic calming measures and the related RFP
• Types of traffic calming measures (e.g. flexible traffic calming signs, speed humps/bumps/cushions)
• Differences between, and appropriate use of, speed humps, speed bumps and speed cushions 
• Exploring options for traffic calming measures (e.g. types of speed humps) on larger arterial roads, in consultation with Fire and Emergency Services, to ensure no impact on emergency response times
• Public education and communication regarding traffic calming measures

 

10.3.2

Discussion Item at the request of Regional Councillor Fortini re: Damages from Fiber Optic Infrastructure Digging

Regional Councillor Fortini outlined resident concerns relating to property damages and messy conditions resulting from fiber optic infrastructure digging, and concerns relating to the location of boxes. 

Staff responded to questions from Committee regarding the issuance of permits for this work, cleanliness of the work being undertaken by the telecommunications service providers, and increased inspections by City staff. In addition, staff advised that the location of boxes would be reviewed. 

  

10.4

Correspondence

Nil 

  

10.5

Councillors Question Period

Nil 

  

10.6

Public Question Period

The public was given the opportunity to submit questions via e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office regarding any decisions made under this section of the agenda. P. Fay, City Clerk, confirmed that no questions were submitted.

 

11.

Community Services Section

11.1

Staff Presentations

Nil 

  

11.2

Reports

Nil 

  

11.3

Other/New Business

Nil 

  

11.4

Correspondence

Nil 

  

11.5

Councillors Question Period

Nil 

  

11.6

Public Question Period

The public was given the opportunity to submit questions via e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office regarding any decisions made under this section of the agenda. P. Fay, City Clerk, confirmed that no questions were submitted.

 

12.

Legislative Services Section

12.1

Staff Presentations

Nil 

  

12.2

Reports

Nil 

 

12.3

Other/New Business

12.3.1

^ Notice of Motion - To Repeal Designation By-Laws 198-2017 and 199-2017 for 164-166 Main Street North

• CW169-2023

  Whereas Downtown Brampton is identified as a specific action item in the 2040 Vision, to “realize the full potential of Brampton’s historic Downtown as an advance education, arts, and life sciences hub”, and a vibrant centre with quality jobs, a rich range of activities, and integrated living; 

  Whereas Downtown Brampton is the focus of significant infrastructure and private sector investment to support growth and intensification consistent with the 2040 Vision; 

  Whereas the province’s Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act directs the City to achieve 113,000 new housing units by 2031, and the City has signed a Municipal Housing Pledge to work towards this objective;

  Whereas 164-166 Main Street North are designated heritage properties under Designation By-laws 198-2017 and 199-2017, and are therefore on Brampton’s Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources which serves to protect the heritage and character of Brampton;

  Whereas, due to significant long-term neglect, the subject buildings are derelict and in significant disrepair, and have become unsafe;

  Whereas, the subject property is located on the City’s Main Street and gateway into the Downtown that is designated in the draft Brampton Plan as a Secondary Urban Boulevard that is approximately 200 metres from the Metrolinx GO-Line and future Transit Hub including the future Hurontario Light Rail Transit line; and

  Whereas the existence of these properties in their current state has been raised as a concern by area residents, in that they detract from the character and attractiveness of the Downtown and deter reinvestment and revitalization potential;

  Therefore Be It Resolved That:

  1. Staff be directed to complete a Heritage Impact Assessment for the properties identified as 164-166 Main Street North that addresses the deteriorated state of the buildings;

  2. Staff be directed to report to the Brampton Heritage Board meeting of June 20, 2023, regarding the repeal of Designating By-Laws 198-2017 and 199-2017 for 164-166 Main Street North and the removal of the property from the City of Brampton’s Municipal Register of Cultural Heritage Resources (“Designated” Heritage Properties) and report back to the City Council Meeting of June 28, 2023; and 

  3. Staff be directed to report back to Council by the fourth quarter of 2023 on a process for property standards enforcement on designated heritage properties to proactively address issues of neglect or disrepair. 

  Carried

12.3.2

Discussion Item at the Request of Regional Councillor Palleschi re: Property Standards Order for 11722 Mississauga Road

Regional Councillor Palleschi addressed Committee regarding the matter of a Property Standards Order issued for 11722 Mississauga Road. The Councillor provided information regarding:

• the condition of the barn and house
• previous Council direction pursuant to Recommendation HB020-2021, regarding the demolition and removal of the barn and house, subject to various conditions including a salvage plan for timbers
• Potential future use of this land for employment
• The need to provide new direction to staff regarding the demolition of structures on this property and the relocation of salvageable timber, prior to the Property Standards Hearing taking place on April 27, 2023

The following motion was considered. 

• CW170-2023

  1. That the Commissioner of Planning, Building and Growth Management be authorized to remove the conditions from HB020-2021, to issue a permit for the demolition of the structure on the property at 11722 Mississauga Road; and

  2. That the salvageable timber be relocated to the Siemens property, at the expense of the applicant. 

  Carried

12.4

Correspondence

12.4.1

^ Correspondence from Rose-Marie Grycaj, President, Brampton CARP, dated April 17, 2023, re: Decision to Not Re-establish the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee

• CW171-2023

  That the correspondence from Rose-Marie Grycaj, President, Brampton CARP, dated April 17, 2023, to the Committee of Council Meeting of April 26, 2023, re: Decision to Not Re-establish the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee, be received.

  Carried

12.5

Councillors Question Period

Nil  

  

12.6

Public Question Period

The public was given the opportunity to submit questions via e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office regarding any decisions made under this section of the agenda. P. Fay, City Clerk, confirmed that no questions were submitted.
  

13.

Referred Matters List

Nil  

  

14.

Public Question Period

The public was given the opportunity to submit questions via e-mail to the City Clerk’s Office regarding any decisions made during this meeting. P. Fay, City Clerk, confirmed that no questions were submitted.

  

15.

Closed Session

Nil  

  

16.

Adjournment

The following motion was considered.

• CW172-2023

  That the Committee of Council do now adjourn to meet again on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. or at the call of the Chair.

  Carried