Draft Special 
Council
Meeting Minutes
Electronic Meeting
July 15, 2025 - 02:00 PM
Chair: Mayor Ashe

 

 

 

Present:

 

Mayor K. AsheCouncillor M. BrennerCouncillor S. ButtCouncillor L. CookCouncillor M. NagyCouncillor D. PicklesCouncillor L. Robinson

 

Regrets:

 

None

Also Present:

 

M. Carpino - Chief Administrative Officer
K. Bentley - Director, City Development & CBO
P. Bigioni - Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
S. Boyd - Fire Chief
K. Heathcote - Director, City Infrastructure
L. Gibbs - Director, Community Services
R. Holborn - Director, Engineering Services
F. Jadoon - Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects
S. Karwowski - Director, Finance & Treasurer
S. Cassel - City Clerk
V. Plouffe - Division Head, Facilities Management & Construction
D. Quaife - Division Head, Information Technology
A. Jagdeo - Senior Project Manager, Digital Services
R. Perera - Deputy Clerk

-

The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating electronically.

No disclosures of interest were noted.

  • Resolution #786/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Cook
    Seconded ByCouncillor Robinson

    That Council move into closed session in accordance with the Municipal Act and the Procedure By-law to receive advice subject to solicitor-client privilege, and to consider matters pertaining to a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality; litigation or potential litigation; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board. The matters being discussed in closed session pertain to the potential divestiture of the City of Pickering’s interest in Elexicon Corporation, an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal by Tribute (Brookdale) Limited, a cost contribution agreement for the Notion Road/Squires Beach Road overpass project, and the expropriation of lands required for the construction of a new fire station at 1521 Bayly Street.


    Carried

Mayor Ashe reminded Members of their confidentiality obligations under the Procedure By-law and the Council Code of Conduct.

Council took a brief pause to allow the livestream of the Meeting to be severed.

Re: Potential Divestiture of City of Pickering’s Interest in Elexicon Corporation & Next Steps

 

This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In Camera minutes.]

Re: Appeal by Tribute (Brookdale) Limited of Failure to Make a Decision on applications for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment
Property Address: 1101A, 1105 and 1163 Kingston Road
City File Numbers: OPA 24-002/P and A 02/24
OLT Case Numbers: OLT-25-000437 and OLT-25-000438

 

This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In Camera minutes.]

Cost Contribution Agreement for the Notion Road/Squires Beach Road Overpass Project

 

This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In Camera minutes.]

Re: Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report LEG 06-25
Expropriation of Lands Required for the Construction of a New Fire Station at 1521 Bayly Street, Pickering

 

This portion of the meeting was closed to the public. Refer to the In Camera meeting minutes for further information. [City Clerk has custody and control of the In Camera minutes.]


  • Resolution #787/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Robinson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cook

    That Council rise and resume into the open session of the Special Meeting of Council.


    Carried

Council took a brief pause to allow the livestream of the Meeting to be resumed.

Mayor Ashe stated that during the closed portion of the meeting, Council considered matters pertaining to the potential divestiture of the City of Pickering’s interest in Elexicon Corporation, an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal by Tribute (Brookdale) Limited, a cost contribution agreement for the Notion Road/Squires Beach Road overpass project, and the expropriation of lands required for the construction of a new fire station at 1521 Bayly Street. These matters were discussed in closed session to receive advice subject to solicitor-client privilege, and to consider a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality; litigation or potential litigation; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.

Re: Potential Divestiture of City of Pickering’s Interest in Elexicon Corporation & Next Steps

 

  • Resolution #788/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Nagy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cook

    That the confidential direction provided to staff through Report CAO 13-25, be approved.


    Carried

Re: Appeal by Tribute (Brookdale) Limited of Failure to Make a Decision on applications for Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment Property Address: 1101A, 1105 and 1163 Kingston Road
City File Numbers: OPA 24-002/P and A 02/24
OLT Case Numbers: OLT-25-000437 and OLT-25-000438

 

  • Resolution #789/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Nagy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cook
    1. That Council authorize City staff, its outside legal counsel and outside experts in the fields of planning, transportation, urban design and other specialties, as may be required, to present and defend Council’s position on OPA 24-002/P and A 02/24 at the OLT; and,
    2. That Council authorize City staff and its outside legal counsel to negotiate with Tribute(Brookdale) Limited to address planning matters related to, but not limited to, building heights, floor space index, affordable housing, parking, pedestrian and street network, parkland, and commercial and office space, and report back with a revised concept plan for Council’s consideration.

    Carried

Cost Contribution Agreement for the Notion Road/Squires Beach Road Overpass Project

 

  • Resolution #790/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Nagy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cook

    That the confidential direction provided to staff through Report CAO 12-25, be approved.


    Carried

Re: Report CLK 03-25
2025 Ward Boundary Review
Re-evaluation Report from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.
(Refer to Item 6.8)

 

M. Bentley, Pickering Resident, appeared before Council via electronic connection to speak to Item 6.8, Report CLK 03-25. M. Bentley stated that they were speaking on behalf of over 1,000 residents who had signed a Ward Boundary Review petition in 2021. M. Bentley expressed concern over the ward boundary option that was recommended in Report CLK 03-25 due to the anticipated growth in Ward 3. M. Bentley stated that while the Cherrywood issue should be resolved that there was no reason to change the wards. M. Bentley requested to instead adopt 'Option B’, which was more in line with the existing ward structure, and to move a motion to review the ward boundaries again in 8 years. M. Bentley compared the review that was conducted in 2021 with the 2025 review advising that it was not of the same magnitude. M. Bentley noted that adopting 'Option A' was against the principle of effective representation as Ward 3 was seeing the largest growth in the City. M. Bentley asked Council to fix the Cherrywood issue by adopting 'Option B' in keeping with the comprehensive review done in 2021.


A brief question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and M. Bentley regarding:

  • clarification regarding the request to revisit the boundaries in 8 years and the reasoning pertaining to the timeframe of 8 years; and,
  • specific concerns for Ward 3 in adopting 'Option A' as it relates to north Pickering.
  • Resolution #791/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Brenner
    Seconded ByCouncillor Robinson

    That the order of the agenda be changed to hear Item 6.8, Report, CLK 03-25 as the next item of business.


    Carried

2025 Ward Boundary Review

Re-evaluation Report from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.

 

J. Valenti, Manager, Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. and Dr. R. J. Williams joined the meeting via electronic connection to present the 2025 Ward Boundary Review Re-evaluation Report. Dr. R. J. Williams stated that this review was not a fulsome ward boundary review as it was a re-evaluation of the Review conducted in 2021. Through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Dr. R. J. Williams provided an overview of the previous review that was conducted in 2021 and the timeline of events that led to the re-evaluation review. J. Valenti provided an overview of the recommended ‘Option A’ and the three associated changes to the existing ward structure. Dr. R. J. Williams stated that putting the Brock Road corridor into Ward 3 brought population parity for a short period time. Dr. R. J. Williams stated that ‘Option B’ would take the City back to the existing ward structure while only fixing the Cherrywood issue which would then contain the limitations of the existing ward system as it would be a minimal change. Dr. R. J. Williams concluded the presentation by stating the next steps of the process including legislated timelines.


Discussion and a question and answer period ensued between Members of Council, staff, Dr. R. J. Williams, and J. Valenti regarding:

  • clarification that ‘Option A’ was the best option to address population imparity;
  • when the next ward boundary review could take place and the need to conduct the next review prior to the 2034 Municipal Election;
  • whether the City could look at the number of wards in the City and how this would affect the composition of Regional Councillors;
  • how ‘Option B’ measured against the principle of effective representation;
  • what the population of Ward 3 was during the 2022 Municipal Election;
  • the projected population numbers for Ward 3 used during the 2021 Review being higher than the actual population numbers used for Ward 3 during this Review;
  • ‘Option A’ fixing the division of the Cherrywood Community issue;
  • when the Region of Durham would be conducting a Regional Council composition review and the associated impacts of that review on the City’s wards;
  • three ward options being presented during the public consultation sessions and the rationale for only bringing forward two options for Council approval;
  • whether the recommended 'Option A' was based on survey responses;
  • the need to have firm wording in the motion to conduct the next ward boundary review following the 2030 Municipal Election;
  • concern regarding adding a timeline now instead of waiting until the Policy came forward to Council for approval; and,
  • when Council would be provided the opportunity to comment on the proposed policy for ward boundaries. 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Cook
    Seconded ByCouncillor Nagy
    1. That the 2025 Ward Boundary Review Re-evaluation Report, prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. dated July 15, 2025, provided as Attachment 1 to Report CLK 03-25, be received;
    2. That Final Option A, as outlined in the Ward Boundary Review Re-evaluation Report, for the City of Pickering be approved;
    3. That the draft By-law included as Attachment 3 to this report be approved and enacted;
    4. That staff be directed to present a Ward Boundary Review Policy for Council’s consideration during the 2026-2030 Term of Council; and,
    5. That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to give effect to this report.

    Carried later in the Meeting (See Following Motions)
  • Resolution #792/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Brenner
    Seconded ByCouncillor Nagy

    That Item 4 of the main motion be amended to read as follows:

    That staff be directed to present a Ward Boundary Review Policy for Council’s consideration during the 2026-2030 Term of Council requiring the next Review to take place following the 2030 Municipal Election. 


    Motion Lost
  • Resolution #793/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Nagy
    Seconded ByCouncillor Brenner

    That Item 4 of the main motion be amended to read as follows:

    That staff be directed to present a Ward Boundary Review Policy for Council’s consideration during the 2026-2030 Term of Council to align with the next Regional Council Composition Review conducted by the Regional Municipality of Durham.


    Motion Lost

  • The Main Motion was then before Council for Adoption
  • Resolution #794/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Cook
    Seconded ByCouncillor Nagy
    1. That the 2025 Ward Boundary Review Re-evaluation Report, prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. dated July 15, 2025, provided as Attachment 1 to Report CLK 03-25, be received;
    2. That Final Option A, as outlined in the Ward Boundary Review Re-evaluation Report, for the City of Pickering be approved;
    3. That the draft By-law included as Attachment 3 to this report be approved and enacted;
    4. That staff be directed to present a Ward Boundary Review Policy for Council’s consideration during the 2026-2030 Term of Council; and,
    5. That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to give effect to this report.

    VotersYesNoAbstainConflictAbsent
    Mayor AsheX
    Councillor BrennerX
    Councillor ButtX
    Councillor CookX
    Councillor NagyX
    Councillor PicklesX
    Councillor RobinsonX
    Results61000


    Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)

Expropriation of Lands Required for the Construction of a New Fire Station at 1521 Bayly Street, Pickering

 

Brief discussion ensued regarding concerns about expropriating land and ensuring that all alternative options were exhausted prior to commencing the expropriation.


  • Resolution #795/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That the total cost of the expropriation as determined by the Expropriations Act (Ontario) and as detailed in the Confidential Memo to Council dated July 15, 2025 be approved;
    2. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the total acquisition costs asset out in the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor’s Confidential Memo dated July 15, 2025 from the Casino Reserve (408037); and,
    3. That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.

    VotersYesNoAbstainConflictAbsent
    Mayor AsheX
    Councillor BrennerX
    Councillor ButtX
    Councillor CookX
    Councillor NagyX
    Councillor PicklesX
    Councillor RobinsonX
    Results61000


    Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)

Consulting Services for Design of New Fire Hall (Replacement of Fire Station #5) RFP2025-7

 

Brief discussion ensued regarding concern about approving the RFP for Fire Hall #5 and Report LEG 06-25 regarding expropriating the lands for Fire Hall #5 at the same meeting.


  • Resolution #796/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-7 for Consulting Services for the Design of a new Fire Hall (Replacement of Fire Station #5), as submitted by ZAS Architects in the amount of $590,208 (net HST), be accepted;
    2. That the total gross project cost of $755,970 (HST included) for design and associated costs, and the total net project cost of $680,774 (net HST) be approved;
    3. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of $680,774 as approved in the 2020 and 2025 Capital Budgets and funded from a transfer from a 10 Year Internal Loan and the Casino Reserve;
    4. That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the OAA_600-2021-A_ V1.2_Contract with the above-mentioned consultant pursuant to Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-7; and,
    5. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in the report.

    VotersYesNoAbstainConflictAbsent
    Mayor AsheX
    Councillor BrennerX
    Councillor ButtX
    Councillor CookX
    Councillor NagyX
    Councillor PicklesX
    Councillor RobinsonX
    Results61000


    Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)

Licence Agreement for Pro Shop Services at Don Beer Arena

 

  • Resolution #797/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Don Beer Arena Pro Shop Licence Agreement set out in Attachment 1 to which XPRT Marketing & Promotions will be permitted to operate the Don Beer Arena Pro Shop for a two year term beginning September 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2027, subject to minor revisions acceptable to the Director, Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and,
    2. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report.

    Carried

Consulting Services for the Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan and Public Art Plan

 

A brief question and answer period ensued with staff regarding whether there was a need to approve Report CS 20-25 at this meeting with L. Gibbs, Director, Community Services advising that it was timely and efficient to approve the three plans at the same time as the consultant would be undertaking the work at the same time. 


  • Resolution #798/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That RFP2025-2 for Consulting Services for the Cultural Strategic Plan, Museum Strategic Plan and Public Art Plan submitted by Patricia Huntsman Culture + Communication in the amount of $164,850.00 (net HST) or $186,280.50 (HST included) be accepted;
    2. That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the Form of Agreement with the above mentioned consultant pursuant to Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-2;
    3. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of $167,752.00 to be funded from Property Taxes as approved in the 2025 Current Budget; and,
    4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in the report.

    Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote

Council Chambers Renovation

Tender No. T2025-5

 

Discussion and a question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and staff regarding:

  • a breakdown of the costs related to the new A/V sound systems and the redundancies of the systems that would be in place;
  • whether there would be any other functions or events that would take place in the Council Chambers;
  • concern that Members of Council were not consulted properly on the design option;
  • concern that only the staff recommended option was presented to Council from the three schematics that were created;
  • concern regarding the design of the seating area for Members of Council and the Chair;
  • concern that the Project was not a necessity in comparison to other City projects;
  • the importance of the Chamber being welcoming for everyone and the need to build a safe barrier free space for all;
  • the proposed set up of the seating area being consistent with most other municipalities; and,
  • the importance of the Council Chambers being a significant setting for democracy and the funds allocated for the Project being reasonable.

  • Resolution #799/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That the bid submitted by Century Group Inc. in response to Request for Tender No. T2025-5 for the Council Chambers Renovation located in the Pickering Civic Complex, in the amount of $2,874,451.00 (excluding HST) or $3,248,129.63 (HST included) be accepted;
    2. That the bid submitted by AVI-SPL Canada Ltd. in response to Request for Quote No. RFSQ2025-4 for the Council Chambers Audio Visual System Replacement, in the amount of $485,041.91 (net HST) or $548,097.35 (HST included) be accepted and assigned as a subcontract to tender T2025-5, under the cash allowance included in that bid price;
    3. That the total gross project cost of $3,666,230.00 (HST included), including the amount of the tender, construction contingency, and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of $3,301,554.00 (net HST) be approved;
    4. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of $3,301,554.00 to be funded as follows:
      • Rate Stabilization Reserve: $2,991,685.00
      • Casino Reserve: $109,869.00
      • CCBF (formerly Federal Gas Tax): $170,000.00
      • Public Art Reserve: $30,000.00
    5. That the Director, Community Services be authorized to execute the CCDC-2, 2020 Stipulated Price Contract with the above-mentioned contractor pursuant to Request for Tender No. T2025-5;
    6. That the update regarding Public Art be received and the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Letter of Understanding between Dorsay James and the City of Pickering as set out in Attachment 1, subject to minor revisions acceptable to the Director, Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and,
    7. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in the report.

    VotersYesNoAbstainConflictAbsent
    Mayor AsheX
    Councillor BrennerX
    Councillor ButtX
    Councillor CookX
    Councillor NagyX
    Councillor PicklesX
    Councillor RobinsonX
    Results61000


    Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)

The Esplanade South Asphalt Resurfacing & Municipal Parking Lot Replacement

Request for Tender No. T2025-9

 

  • Resolution #800/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That the bid submitted by IPAC Paving Limited in response to Request for Tender No. T2025-9 for The Esplanade South Asphalt Resurfacing & Municipal Parking Lot Replacement, in the amount of $649,280.09 (net HST) or $720,996.95 (HST included), be accepted;
    2. That the total gross project cost of $960,090.00 (HST included), including the tendered amount, engineering design, a contingency, and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of $864,591.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved;
    3. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of $864,591.00 as approved in the 2024 and 2025 Capital Budget as follows:
      1. That the sum of $282,376.00 to be funded from the CCBF Reserve Fund for The Esplanade South Resurfacing as approved in the 2025 Capital Budget;
      2. That the sum of $582,215.00 to be funded from the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund as approved in the 2024 Capital Budget for Municipal Parking Lot Replacement; and,
    4. That the appropriate officials of City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report.

    Carried

Digital Transformation Implementation - Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Relationship Management Solution

Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-12

 

  • Resolution #801/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Butt
    1. That the proposal submitted by Endeavour Solutions Inc. in response to Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-12 for Digital Transformation Implementation - Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Relationship Management solution in the amount of $890,400.00 (net HST) or $988,750.00 (HST included) be accepted;
    2. That the total gross project cost of $988,750.00 (HST included) and the total net project cost of $890,400.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved;
    3. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the total net project cost of $890,400.00 from the previously approved 2023 Capital Budget C.10405.2305 Digital Strategy and Website Refresh;
    4. That Council provide authorization to the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor to proceed with procurement of required software licenses in accordance with the Procurement Policy PUR 010 for a cost not to exceed to $312,000 (net of HST) and this cost to be funded from 2023 Capital Budget C. 10405.2305 Digital Strategy and Website Refresh;
    5. That the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor be authorized to execute the Form of Agreement with Endeavour Solutions Inc. pursuant to Request for Proposal No. RFP2025-12; and,
    6. That the appropriate officials of City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.

    Carried

Being a by-law to change the ward boundaries in the City of Pickering. 

  • Resolution #802/25
    Moved ByCouncillor Pickles
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cook

    That By-law Number 8196/25 be approved.


    VotersYesNoAbstainConflictAbsent
    Mayor AsheX
    Councillor BrennerX
    Councillor ButtX
    Councillor CookX
    Councillor NagyX
    Councillor PicklesX
    Councillor RobinsonX
    Results61000


    Carried on a Recorded Vote (6 to 1)
  • Moved ByCouncillor Brenner
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cook

    That By-law 8197/25, to confirm the proceedings of the July 15, 2025 Special Council Meeting be approved.


    Carried
  • Moved ByCouncillor Butt
    Seconded ByCouncillor Nagy

    That the meeting be adjourned.


    Carried

The meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.