Ottawa City Council

Minutes

Meeting #:

23

Date:

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Time:

10:00 A.m. - 1:00 P.m.

Location:

Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and by electronic participation

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1.

Call to order and moment of reflection

The Council of the City of Ottawa met at Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 beginning at 10:21 a.m. The Mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, presided over the meeting from Council Chambers with some Members attending in person and the remaining Members participating remotely by Zoom.

Please note that due to technical issues the meeting start time was delayed, the Council meeting began 10:21 a.m. 

The Mayor read the Faith Leaders statement and noted that it has been signed by a number of clergy and encouraged other faith leaders to add their voice to the message.

Mayor Sutcliffe led Council in a moment of reflection. 

2.

National Anthem

The National Anthem was performed by the Guitar Recess Club from W. Erskine Johnston Public School.

3.

Public notices and meeting information

Notices and meeting information are attached to the agenda and minutes, including: availability of simultaneous interpretation and accessibility accommodations; in camera meeting procedures; information items not subject to discussion; personal information disclaimer for correspondents; notices regarding minutes; and remote participation details.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

4.

Announcements / Ceremonial Activities

There were no Announcements or Ceremonial Activities.

5.

Roll Call

All Members of Council were present.

6.

Confirmation of Minutes

6.1

Minutes of the Council meeting of October 11, 2023

• Carried

7.

Declarations of Interest Including Those Originally Arising from Prior Meetings

7.1

S. Desroches - Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. - 2022 Annual Report

I, Councillor Steve Desroches, declare a potential, deemed indirect pecuniary interest on matters related to ‘Item 11 Postponements and Deferrals – 11.1.1 Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. - 2022 Annual Report’ on the agenda for meeting #23 of the Ottawa City Council meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, as my spouse is an employee with Hydro Ottawa. 

7.2

L. Johnson - 229, 231, 241, 245 and 247 Beechwood Avenue – Demolition Control exemption

I, Councillor Laine Johnson, declare a potential, deemed indirect pecuniary interest on the following item to be considered by City Council Agenda of October 25, 2023:

Item 19 – Motions Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure, specifically the King/ Plante Motion regarding demolition of 229, 231, 241, 245 and 247 Beechwood Avenue, as my spouse has a financial relationship with the owners of the properties.

8.

Communications

The communications were received.

8.1

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Communications

The communications from AMO were received.

8.2

Responses to Inquiries

8.2.1

OCC 21-14 - Panda Games

9.

Regrets

No regrets were filed. 

10.

Motion to Introduce Reports

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-01
  Moved by C. Kelly
  Seconded by T. Kavanagh

  That the report from the Selection Panel, Planning Advisory Committee entitled “Appointments to the Planning Advisory Committee”; the report from the Selection Panel, French Language Services Advisory Committee entitled “Appointments to the French Language Services Advisory Committee”; Audit Committee Report 3; Built Heritage Committee Report 8; Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee Report 6; Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 6; Planning and Housing Committee Report 15; Transit Commission Report 7; and the report from the City Clerk entitled “Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions for Items Subject to the Planning Act ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council Meeting of September 13, 2023” be received and considered.

   

  Carried

11.

Postponements and Deferrals

11.1

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Deferred from the City Council meeting of 13 September, 2023, report revised.

11.1.1

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. - 2022 Annual Report

ACS2023-OCC-HOH-0001A - Citywide

• S. Desroches declared a conflict on this item. (I, Councillor Steve Desroches, declare a potential, deemed indirect pecuniary interest on matters related to ‘Item 11 Postponements and Deferrals – 11.1.1 Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. - 2022 Annual Report’ on the agenda for meeting #23 of the Ottawa City Council meeting on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, as my spouse is an employee with Hydro Ottawa. ;)

• Report recommendations

  That Council:

  1. Receive the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2022 as set out in the Annual Report at Document 1 (issued separately and on file with the City Clerk);
  2. Appoint KPMG LLP as the auditor for Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. for the year ending December 31, 2023;
  3. Approve the recommendation of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc., specifically, that Council
     1. appoint the persons identified at Document 2 (immediately follows the report) to serve as members of the Board of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. and Hydro Ottawa Limited for the corresponding terms as specified;
     2. request that the Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. Board of Directors elect Bernie Ashe as Chair of the Boards of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. and Hydro Ottawa Limited; and
  4. Authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to sign a written resolution on behalf of the City of Ottawa as shareholder of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. setting out the resolutions approved by City Council.
  Carried

12.

Integrity Commissioner

12.1

Report to Council on an Inquiry Respecting the Conduct of Members of the Manotick BIA Board of Management

ACS2023-OCC-GEN-0013 - Citywide 

• Report recommendations

  The Integrity Commissioner recommends that City Council:

  1. Receive this report, including the finding that:
     1. Respondent 2 contravened Section 7; and
     2. Respondent 3 contravened Sections 4 and 7 of the Code of Conduct for Members of Local Boards; 
  2. Direct the City’s Economic Development Office to work with OCOBIA to develop additional training materials for BIA Board members on matters including Procedure By-law, open and closed meeting procedures, and human resource management including procedure for the hiring of BIA staff.
  Carried

13.

City Clerk

13.1

Status Update - Council Inquiries and Motions for the period ending October 20, 2023

ACS2023-OCC-CCS-0145 - Citywide

• Report recommendation 

  That Council receive this report for information.

   

  Received

14.

Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 7

14.1

Motion - Service Line Warranties of Canada - Next Steps

File No. ACS2023-OCC-CCS-0143 - Citywide

• Committee Recommendations

  That Council:

  1. Direct staff to engage with SLWC before Q2 2024 to negotiate an amendment to the agreement to prohibit any further direct mail to residents during the term of the agreement, and if the negotiation is not successful, to terminate the agreement for convenience pursuant to the terms of the agreement; and
  2. Approve that the agreement not be further renewed past the expiry in 2027 should the agreement be successfully amended as directed herein; and
  3. Approve that the City undertake a public information campaign to educate residents about the options available to protect the private portion of water and sewer services, which are the residents’ sole responsibility; and
  4. Approve that these communications differentiate between options that may address damage to property from sewer backups related to new significant rain events which are not covered by SLWC, and failure of private service lines as a result of wear and tear.
  Carried

14.2

Residents’ Petition for the Installation of Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure as a Local Improvement in Taunton Place

File No. ACS2023-IWS-AM-0003 – Beacon Hill-Cyrville (Ward 11)

• Committee Recommendation

  That Council approve the draft by-law in the general form as attached (Document 3) to undertake construction of the sanitary sewer system extension within Taunton Place as petitioned Local Improvement works, in accordance with the cost apportionment outlined in this report.

  Carried

15.

Bulk Consent Agenda

15.1

Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee Report No. 7

15.1.1

Minor Amendments of Various By-laws

ACS2023-EPS-PPD-0003 - Citywide

• Committee recommendation

  That Council approve the minor amendments to various by-laws described in this report and set out in Document 1.

  Carried

15.2

Environment and Climate Change Committee Report No. 7

15.2.1

Commemorative Tree in Capital Park

File No. ACS2023-OCC-CCS-0124 – Capital (17) 

• Committee Recommendations

  That Council approve:

  1. The installation of a commemorative tree and plaque in Capital Park to honour the birth of Ms. Martha Bowers’ grandchild; and
  2. That all costs related to the tree and plaque be funded by the requester; and
  3. That Public Works, Parks Maintenance and Forestry Services, install the city standard flat black polished granite marker flush to the ground; and
  4. That the plaque read “This tree was planted in honour of Myla Kamala Hooper Krishnan” in English, and French.
  Carried

15.3

City Clerk – Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions

15.3.1

Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions for Items Subject to the Planning Act ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council Meeting of October 11, 2023

• Recommandation du rapport

  That Council approve the Summaries of Oral and Written Public Submissions for items considered at the City Council Meeting of October 11, 2023, that are subject to the ‘Explanation Requirements’ being the Planning Act, subsections 17(23.1), 22(6.7), 34(10.10) and 34(18.1), as applicable, as described in this report and attached as Documents 1-6.

  Carried

16.

In Camera Items

There were no in camera items.

17.

Motion to Adopt Reports

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-02
  Moved by C. Kelly
  Seconded by T. Kavanagh

  That the report from the Selection Panel, Planning Advisory Committee entitled “Appointments to the Planning Advisory Committee”; the report from the Selection Panel, French Language Services Advisory Committee entitled “Appointments to the French Language Services Advisory Committee”; Audit Committee Report 3; Built Heritage Committee Report 8; Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee Report 6; Environment and Climate Change Committee Report 6; Planning and Housing Committee Report 15; Transit Commission Report 7; and the report from the City Clerk entitled “Summary of Oral and Written Public Submissions for Items Subject to the Planning Act ‘Explanation Requirements’ at the City Council Meeting of September 13, 2023” be received and adopted as amended. 

  Carried

18.

Motions of Which Notice Has Been Previously Given

18.1

Councillor Carr – City response to Flooding Events

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-03
  Moved by M. Carr
  Seconded by R. Brockington

  WHEREAS August 10, 2023 saw significant flooding throughout the city; and

  WHEREAS the City has an Emergency Management Plan designed to provide an enhanced and co-ordinated level of planning and readiness to better respond to the needs of the community during a major emergency; and

  WHEREAS the City is experiencing an increasing number of extreme weather events, and with the ongoing climate change emergency the frequency is expected to continue to increase; and

  WHEREAS in Canada, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster, causing approximately $1.5 billion in damage to households, property, and infrastructure annually, with residential property owners bearing approximately 75% of uninsured losses each year; and

  WHEREAS under Canada's Emergency Management Framework, municipalities have a role in leading local response and recovery; and

  WHEREAS the provincial Auditor General’s November 2022 report found that municipal assessment and reporting on stormwater infrastructure and flood resilience is not standardized, with potential impacts on long-term planning and funding decisions; and

  WHEREAS the Province and the City have already taken steps to improve our understanding of the impacts of climate change and to help municipalities prepare and protect communities, including public infrastructure; and

  WHEREAS the Province, through Ontario’s Flooding strategy, states that local governments hold the primary responsibility for identifying and managing flood risks; and 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT staff ensure that ottawa.ca provides clear information on, and the appropriate way to report, different types of flooding events; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City’s website have a centralized location for flood resources including flooding preparedness and mitigation methods, updates on ongoing studies, and updates to infrastructure. 

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff review and report back to council with findings on improvements that can be made to preventative flood and water management programs including the compassionate grant program and the residential protective plumbing program; and 

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT staff explore a system for better data sharing, communication, timely response, and coordination in relation to major weather events, their impacts on infrastructure, and communicating with affected residents.

  Carried

18.2

Councillor Brockington – Budget Identification - Non Mandated Items

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-04
  Moved by R. Brockington
  Seconded by D. Brown

  WHEREAS, the 2024 Budget will bring a set of challenges and under-resourced budget lines; and

  WHEREAS, City Council is expected to fund core priorities that residents rely on; and

  WHEREAS, City Council has declared two emergencies related to Housing and Homelessness and Climate Change; and

  WHEREAS, to better inform Council’s decision making and to be transparent with the public, it is beneficial to understand what budget pressures are core mandated items for the City and which are not;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that as part of the draft 2024 Budget release, the Acting City Treasurer provide a memo identifying what portions of the Budget are resourcing non-mandated items.

  Carried

19.

Motions Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure

19.1

Closure of Part of Bayswater Avenue on October 31, 2023

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-05
  Moved by J. Leiper
  Seconded by A. Troster

  That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to consider the following Motion as the event will occur prior to the next City Council meeting.

  WHEREAS historically Bayswater Avenue has been closed between Hickory St. and Beech St. to allow for safe trick-or-treating on October 31st; and

  WHEREAS residents have obtained a Residential Block Party Permit for October 31, 2023, for this event; and

  WHEREAS the Special Events on City Streets (By-law No. 2001-260) allows for road closures starting after 6:00 PM on weeknights; and  

  WHEREAS many families with younger children start trick-or-treating before 6PM and would benefit from an earlier road closure; 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council approve an amendment to the conditions of Residential Block Party Permit T07-15-23-0472 to allow for the closure of Bayswater Avenue between Hickory Street and Beech Street beginning at 5:00 PM.

  Carried

19.2

Road Closure - École élémentaire publique Trille des Bois Costume Parade

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-06
  Moved by S. Plante
  Seconded by R. King

  That the rules of procedure be suspended to consider the following motion, as the event will occur prior to the next Council meeting on Wednesday, November 08, 2023.

  WHEREAS students at École élémentaire publique Trille des Bois will be celebrating Halloween on October 31 2023; and

  WHEREAS there is limited space for a costume parade within the school building; and

  WHEREAS École élémentaire publique Trille des Bois and the Ward 12 Office has requested to close Alice Street between St Charles Street and Marier Avenue (local access maintained) between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. to facilitate a student costume parade; and

  WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s Special Events on City Streets By-law (2001-260) prohibits road closures before 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday; 

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council approve the above-noted road closure to facilitate the event between 8:00 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday 31 October 2023, providing it meets the requirements, conditions, and approval of Traffic Services. 

  Carried

19.3

229, 231, 241, 245 and 247 Beechwood Avenue – Demolition Control exemption

• L. Johnson declared a conflict on this item. (I, Councillor Laine Johnson, declare a potential, deemed indirect pecuniary interest on the following item to be considered by City Council Agenda of October 25, 2023: Item 19 – Motions Requiring Suspension of the Rules of Procedure, specifically the King/ Plante Motion regarding demolition of 229, 231, 241, 245 and 247 Beechwood Avenue, as my spouse has a financial relationship with the owners of the properties.)

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-07
  Moved by R. King
  Seconded by S. Plante

  That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to consider the following Motion, in order that the property owner may address these issues as soon as possible.

  WHEREAS the buildings on the parcels of land known as 229, 231, 241, 245 and 247 Beechwood Avenue are owned by Smart Living Properties, respectively; and

  WHEREAS the buildings are currently vacant and subject to Site Plan Control, Heritage Permit for Demolition and New Construction, and Building Permit processes; and

  WHEREAS the buildings are in an uninhabitable state, and pose a risk to public safety, including a recent fire at 229 Beechwood Avenue; and

  WHEREAS the standard approval process under demolition control could take a considerable amount of time; and

  WHEREAS Site Plan application D07-12-21-0001 is nearing approval, the Heritage Permits (D09-04-22-0022) have been issued in response to the Ontario Land Tribunal Decision (OLT-22-004483) and the Owner(s)have submitted for the corresponding building permits for the replacement residential buildings;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, given the unique circumstances, Council waive demolition control approval, and allow the owners to proceed directly to applying for a demolition permit for 229, 231, 241, 245 and 247 Beechwood Avenue, without the requirement for Demolition Control, making the site safe for the public.

  Carried

19.4

Fee relief for flood-affected buildings and structures

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-08
  Moved by C. Kelly
  Seconded by M. Luloff

  That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to consider the following motion as the application deadline for the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is November 10, 2023.

  WHEREAS several areas within the City of Ottawa were directly affected by flooding along the Ottawa River in May of 2023 and repair or reconstruction of affected buildings and structures is required; and 

  WHEREAS in response to the flooding, the Province of Ontario activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in affected parts of the City (known as the “DRAO Activation Area” in documents provided on the Province’s DRAO website, as attached in Document 1, held on file with the City Clerk), which provides for eligible applicants to recover certain costs after a natural disaster, as described in a memorandum issued to Members of Council by the General Manager, Finance and Corporate Services Department, on July 14, 2023; and

  WHEREAS following previous flooding events in 2019 and 2017, City Council provided relief for properties in flood-affected areas by way of amendments to the Zoning By-law (Section 73) as well as delegating authority, for a limited time period, to suspend application fees with respect to development applications, demolition permits and building applications; and 

  WHEREAS similar fee relief following the May 2023 flooding would assist the repair and reconstruction efforts of individuals in the City of Ottawa who have applied, or will apply, to the provincial DRAO program by the program application deadline of November 10, 2023;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the General Manager of the Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department be authorized to suspend the application fees, and issue rebates for application fees already paid, with respect to development applications submitted to the City of Ottawa by Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program applicants for repair or reconstruction related to the May 2023 Ottawa River flooding event in the City of Ottawa, as described in this motion; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chief Building Official be authorized to suspend the application fees, and issue rebates for application fees already paid, with respect to demolition permits and building applications submitted to the City of Ottawa by DRAO program applicants for repair or reconstruction related to the May 2023 Ottawa River flooding event in the City of Ottawa, as described in this motion.

  Carried

20.

Notices of Motion (for Consideration at Subsequent Meeting)

20.1

Council Sponsors Group – Climate Change

• Moved by S. Menard
  Seconded by M. Carr

  WHEREAS a Climate Change Council Sponsors Group was established during the 2018-2022 Term of Council; and

  WHEREAS the role of the Council Sponsors Group is to provide advice to staff, integrate climate considerations into committee work, and champion implementation of the Climate Change Master Plan; and 

  WHEREAS at the City Council meeting of April 26, 2023, Council considered the report entitled "Climate Change Master Plan – Annual Status Update" and approved that the Climate Change Council Sponsors Group be re-established for the 2022-2026 Term of Council; and

  WHEREAS members were not appointed to the Sponsors Group at that time, pending the completion of the Advisory Body Review report, which was considered and approved by Council on July 12, 2023; and 

  WHEREAS it is anticipated that the Sponsors Group will need to begin meeting late in 2023; and 

  WHEREAS the general procedural guidance for Council Sponsors’ Groups approved by Council in the Advisory Body Review report provides that the Mayor or designate, and Chair and Vice-Chair of the relevant Standing Committee shall recommend to Council the membership of the Council Sponsors Group following a circulation for expressions of interest from Members of Council by the relevant department in consultation with the Office of the City Clerk.

  WHEREAS a circulation for expressions of interest is currently underway in anticipation of Members being appointed at the November 8, 2023, Council meeting;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Climate Change Council Sponsors Group be established with up to five Members of Council with representation from the urban area (inner and outer urban), suburban area and rural area, as well as the General Manager Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development, or a designate, and other City staff as required.

21.

Motion to Introduce By-laws

21.1

Three Readings

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-09
  Moved by C. Kelly
  Seconded by G. Gower

  That the by-laws listed on the Agenda under Motion to Introduce By-laws, Three Readings, be read and passed.

   

  2023 - 437    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 50 Fieldcrest Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 438    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 805 Kingsmere Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 439    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 1171 Plante Dr (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 440    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 21 Wendover Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 441    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 2331 River Rd (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 442    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 14 Kadeer Way (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 443    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 1308 Notting Hill Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 444    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 1163 Shillington Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 445    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 5 Chesley St (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 446    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 192 Marier Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 447    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 180 Primrose Ave (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 448    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 325 St. Andrew St. (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 449    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 4415 Rainforest Dr (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 450    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 25 River Bend Dr (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 451    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 105 Lanigan Crescent (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 452    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 758 Sherbourne Rd (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 453    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 18 Rockwood St (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 454    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 2754 Rowatt St (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 455    A by-law to authorize the imposition of special charges on 16 Winslow Ct (the "benefitting property")

  2023 - 456    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at cour Succession Court, Plan 4M-1696 as being exempt from Part Lot Control.

  2023 - 457    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2017-180 respecting the appointment of Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in accordance with private property parking enforcement.

  2023 - 458    A bylaw of the city of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2003-499 respecting the designation of fire routes.

  2023 - 459    A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands at privé Montauk Private as being exempt from Part Lot Control.

  2023 - 460     A by-law of the City of Ottawa to authorize the installation of public sanitary sewer infrastructure within Taunton Place as a Local Improvement. 

  Carried

22.

Confirmation By-law

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-10
  Moved by C. Kelly
  Seconded by G. Gower

  That the following by-law be read and passed:

  To confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting of October 25, 2023.

  Carried

23.

Inquiries

There were no Inquiries.

24.

Adjournment

• Motion No. 2023 - 23-11
  Moved by C. Kelly
  Seconded by G. Gower

  That the proceedings of the City Council meeting of October 25, 2023 be adjourned.

  Carried
• The meeting adjourned at 12:43 pm.