Regular Meeting

Whereas Ontario Bill 17 centralizes decision-making authority and reduces the autonomy of local municipalities in planning and development approvals; Whereas the legislation limits public consultation and accelerates approvals at the expense of environmental, heritage, and safety assessments, posing risks to community well-being and sustainable development; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The Municipality of Casselman supports the resolution passed by the Town of Aurora and endorsed by the Town of Fort Erie, expressing significant concerns with Bill 17 and recommending the restoration of municipal autonomy, meaningful consultation, and the inclusion of climate change mitigation and affordable housing requirements in all development projects; And further that this resolution be forwarded to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

Whereas the continued reliance on landfilling municipal waste poses serious environmental risks, including groundwater contamination and methane emissions contributing to climate change; Whereas international models use of clean incineration and robust recycling programs, demonstrate the feasibility of sustainable waste management practices; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The Municipality of Casselman supports the resolution passed by the Municipality of Tweed, calling for the formation of a provincial working group to explore clean incineration, enhanced recycling, and other sustainable waste management solutions; And further that this resolution be communicated to the Premier of Ontario, opposition parties and relevant government ministries.

Whereas Canadian Armed Forces veterans have made enduring sacrifices in service to our nation and deserve comprehensive and modernized federal support; Whereas the current eligibility threshold for the Income Replacement Benefit (IRB) program administered by Veterans Affairs Canada is outdated and fails to reflect the economic realities faced by veterans today; Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of The Municipality of Casselman supports the resolution passed by the Township of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan and the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, advocating for an increase in the IRB eligibility threshold from $20,000 to no less than $40,000 annually for a single-person household; And further that this resolution be forwarded to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Acting Leader of the Official Opposition, relevant Members of Parliament, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

That Council approve the request from the Community Engagement Committee to use an amount of $5,000 from the 2026 UCPR fund to support the continuation of this year’s successful event next year.

That Council refer the request for consideration during the 2026 budget discussions.

That Council acknowledges the reception of administrative report GR-15-2025; and Adopts the amendment to the Procedural By-law 2025-1 as identified in item 11.1 on the agenda; and Adopts the list of documents (schedule B) currently available in both official languages in order to annex it to the communications and public relations policy.

That Council acknowledges the reception of administrative report GR-16-2026; and That the Municipal Council approve moving forward with the water consumption portal project on the Bciti+ platform, at a cost of $35,000 + HST, along with applicable monthly fees once the module is operational.

That Council acknowledges the reception of administrative report EN-4-2025; and Approves the scope change in the amount of $20,796.00 + HST.

That Council acknowledges the reception of administrative report EN-5-2025; and Agree to award the pumping station 1 upgrade contract to ASCO Construction in the amount of $5,562,837.00 + HST and authorizes the CAO to sign said contract.

That Council acknowledges the reception of administrative report RL-19-2025; and Approves submitting an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant application to support the expansion of existing municipal recreation programs and services in alignment with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including funding for project expenses, capital improvements, and the addition of a full-time Recreation Program Coordinator position for a term of two to three years.

That Council acknowledges the reception of administrative report URB - 9 -202 5.

That Council approve the agreement as presented in Schedule A and identified at item 11.2 to provide ice water rescue services to the Township of Russell.