The Corporation of the County of Northumberland
County Council Meeting
Agenda

-
Council Chambers
555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg, ON K9A 5J6

Hybrid Meeting (In Person and Virtual)

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1.

  

1.a

  

If you require this information in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at [email protected] or 1-800-354-7050 ext 2327.

1.b

  

This Council meeting will be held using a hybrid meeting model. The public is invited to attend in-person in Council Chambers. Alternatively, the public may view the Council meeting via live stream, join online, or join by phone using Zoom Conference technology. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

  • Attend in-person in Council Chambers, located at 555
    Courthouse Road, Cobourg
  • Watch a livestream by visiting Northumberland.ca/Council
  • Join online using Zoom
  • Join by phone using Zoom

2.

  

2.a

  

3.

  

3.a

  
  • Recommended Motion

    "That the County Council agenda for Wednesday, April 16, 2025 be approved."

4.

  

5.

  
  • Moment of silence for the passing of Northumberland County employee Stewart Hayden

6.

  

6.a

  

Warden Brian Ostrander

7.

  
  • Recommended Motion

    "That the minutes of the County Council Session of March 19, 2025 be approved as distributed and the determinations contained therein be deemed those of Council."

8.

  

9.

  
  • Hon. David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland Peterborough-South and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
  • Northumberland Hills Hospital
  • Recommended Motion

    "That County Council receive the correspondence from the Honourable David Piccini (MPP for Northumberland Peterborough-South and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development) and Northumberland Hills Hospital regarding 'Northumberland Hills Hospital Funding' for information."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That County Council receive the correspondence from Wood Bull LLP regarding 'CBM Aggregates - Official Plan Amendment (OPA) Appeal' for information; and

    Further That Council direct staff to prepare a report for a future Committee / Council meeting regarding the OPA Appeal."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That Council adopt all recommendations from the five Standing Committees, as contained within the Committee Minutes (meetings held March 31, April 1 and 2, 2025), with the exception of the following items (referenced from the Standing Committee Minutes), that will be held for discussion:

    •  

     

    And Further That the items listed above and held for separate discussion each require a separate resolution."

  • Recommended Motion

    "Whereas the Economic Development, Tourism and Land Use Planning Committee (April 2, 2025) received the correspondence from the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus (EOWC) regarding 'Alto High Speed Rail Network Project Cutting Through Eastern Ontario' for information, and recommended that County Council identify this item for separate discussion at the April 16, 2025 County Council meeting;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That County Council adopt the following:

    • That County Council receive this correspondence for information."
  • Recommended Motion

    "Whereas the Finance and Audit Committee (April 1, 2025) considered Report 2025-060 'Downloaded Programs and Services Summary' and recommended that County Council identify this item for separate discussion at the April 16, 2025 County Council meeting;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That County Council adopt the following:

    • That County Council direct staff to advocate to the Province for additional funding to offset the costs of provincial downloads, up to and including $37.7M."

[Item will be considered in Closed Session]

12.b

  

[If required]

13.

  

Matthew Nitsch, Director Finance / Treasurer


[Presentation was added to the agenda prior to the meeting]

  • Recommended Motion

    "That County Council receive the Quarter 1, 2025 Financial Update presentation for information."

CAO Jennifer Moore

  • Recommended Motion

    "That County Council receive the verbal update regarding the Northumberland CAOs' Committee for information."

Warden Brian Ostrander

  • Recommended Motion

    "That County Council receive the verbal update regarding the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus for information."

14.

  
  • Recommended Motion

    "That By-law 15-2025 being a By-law to Set Tax Ratios for Prescribed Property Classes and the Treatment of Subclasses for County Purposes and Lower Tier Municipal Purposes for the Year 2025 be introduced, deemed to be read a first, second and third time, passed, signed and sealed this 16th day of April, 2025."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That By-law 16-2025 being a By-law to Establish the 2025 Tax Rates to be Levied Against the Lower Tier Municipalities be introduced, deemed to be read a first, second and third time, passed, signed and sealed this 16th day of April, 2025."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That By-law 17-2025 being a By-law to Designate Certain Volunteers as Employees for the Purposes of By-law 55-08 be introduced, deemed to be read a first, second and third time, passed, signed and sealed this 16th day of April, 2025."

15.

  
  • Recommended Motion

    That County Council proclaim the following proclamations at the April 16, 2025 County Council meeting:

    • Earth Day - April 22, 2025;
    • Administrative Professionals' Day - April 23, 2025;
    • National Volunteer Week - April 27 - May 3, 2025;
    • National Day of Mourning - April 28, 2025;
    • First Responders Day - May 1, 2025;
    • Emergency Preparedness Week - May 4 - 10, 2025;
    • Safety and Health Week - May 5 - 10, 2025;
    • National Nursing Week - May 12 - 18, 2025;
    • National Public Works Week - May 18 to 24, 2025;
    • Paramedic Week - May 18 - 24, 2025; 
    • Community Living Month - May 2025; and
    • Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2025."
  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas Earth Day is celebrated each year on April 22, serving as a global reminder of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability; and

    Whereas environmental challenges and the impacts of climate change are evident on both a global and local scale, requiring collective action to address these critical issues; and

    Whereas Northumberland County is committed to protecting and preserving our distinct and stunning natural environments through responsible stewardship and sustainable practices; and

    Whereas it is imperative for communities to unite and advocate for a sustainable future, safeguarding our natural landscape and resources for generations to come; and

    Whereas Northumberland County aims to be a best practice leader in municipal government that prioritizes goals and initiatives related to ‘Propelling Sustainable Growth’ and the preservation of our environmental resources, as outlined in our 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan; and

    Whereas Northumberland County is a registered municipal partner with Earth Day Canada and will be organizing local community-based initiatives to help make a positive impact on the environment in celebration of Earth Day;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim April 22, 2025 to be ‘Earth Day’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas administrative professionals provide essential support in the operations of government, businesses and organizations; and

    Whereas administrative professionals require knowledge and skills in a range of areas handling a variety of responsibilities with professionalism, skill and dedication; and

    Whereas Administrative Professionals’ Day is observed annually to recognize the important contributions of administrative professionals in achieving organizational goals;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim April 23, 2025 to be ‘Administrative Professionals’ Day’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas volunteers are the heart our communities, generously dedicating their time, energy and skills to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others; and

    Whereas Volunteers in Northumberland County mentor children, enhance our green spaces, improve patient and client experiences, support those facing isolation, promote equity and inclusion, and raise funds for charitable organizations; and

    Whereas Our community is strengthened by the dedication of volunteers of all walks of life – families, individuals, workers, retirees, and community members of all ages and backgrounds – who help make Northumberland County a more vibrant and welcoming place to live, work, and visit; and

    Whereas Northumberland County is fortunate to benefit from the commitment of volunteers who support our County Archives and Museum, our Food 4 All Warehouse, our Waste and Recycling programs, the Golden Plough Lodge, and the Northumberland County Forest; and

    Whereas National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers who help build a stronger, more connected community;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim April 27 to May 3, 2025 to be ‘National Volunteer Week’ in Northumberland County.”

  • County headquarters will be lit in yellow and flags half-masted on April 28, 2025
  • Provided for information only
  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas the Mourning Day Act recognizes April 28 as a day for Canadians to remember workers killed, disabled or injured in the workplace and workers afflicted with industrial disease; and

    Whereas the Corporation of the County of Northumberland recognizes the importance of Health and Safety through the Occupational Health & Safety Policy passed by By-Law 01-2025; and

    Whereas the Corporate Mission “To be a best practices leader of County government and a collaborative partner with our member municipalities and community partners” includes the commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace through the elimination of workplace hazards causing injury, illness, harassment, and violence for all its employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors; and

    Whereas the Corporation believes that all services provided are of extreme importance, however, no job is so urgent that time and care cannot be taken to conduct work safely;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim April 28, 2025 to be ‘National Day of Mourning’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas first responders are the frontline heroes who arrive in the critical early moments of an emergency, working to protect lives, property, and the environment while preserving public safety and evidence; and

    Whereas first responders encompass a wide range of dedicated professionals including paramedics, police officers, firefighters, doctors, medical evacuation pilots, community emergency managers, road maintenance personnel, and military personnel; and

    Whereas these individuals selflessly answer the call to duty with courage, compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment, often placing themselves in harms way to safeguard the well-being of others; and

    Whereas their service, sacrifice and dedication deserve public appreciation and recognition for the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe; and

    Whereas in 2013 the Ontario Legislature proclaimed that May 1st of each year would be proclaimed First Responders Day to honour these courageous professionals and their contributions to society;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim May 1, 2025 to be ‘First Responders Day’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative supported by Public Safety Canada, working closely with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and private sector who support activities at the local level; and

    Whereas the Corporation of the County of Northumberland recognizes the importance of Emergency Management in Ontario; and

    Whereas the goal of Emergency Preparedness Week is to increase awareness of individual, family, and community preparedness for the possibility of an emergency; and

    Whereas Emergency Preparedness Week encourages everyone to take simple steps to become better prepared and remain safe when facing a range of emergencies: Know the risks; Make a plan; Get an emergency kit; and

    Whereas the safety of our community is the responsibility of each and every one of us, we must prepare and practice now and learn how to secure a strong and healthy tomorrow; 

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim the week of May 4 to 10, 2025 to be Emergency Preparedness Week in Northumberland County, and encourage all citizens to participate in educational activities on emergency preparedness.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas the Corporation of The County of Northumberland recognizes the importance of Safety and Health across Canada; and

    Whereas the goal of Safety and Health Week is to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community; and

    Whereas the Corporate Mission "To be a best practices leader of County government and a collaborative partner with our member municipalities and community partners" includes the commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace through the elimination of workplace hazards causing injury, harassment, and violence for all its employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim May 5 to May 10, 2025 to be ‘Safety and Health Week’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas National Nursing Week recognizes the essential contributions of nurses across all healthcare sectors, who tirelessly advocate for their patients to receive exemplary care, achieving substantial improvements in health and well-being; and

    Whereas the Canadian Nurses Associations theme for 2025 ‘The Power of Nurses to Transform Health’ highlights the remarkable ability of nurses to drive meaningful change in healthcare for individuals and communities; and
    Whereas Nurses are pivotal to healthcare, making a profound impact through their dedication, compassion, and expertise; and

    Whereas Northumberland County expresses deep gratitude to the dedicated nursing staff at the County’s Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home for their commitment to supporting residents in living lives of purpose, choice and dignity, and respect;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim May 12 to 18, 2025 to be ‘National Nursing Week’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of the County of Northumberland; and

    Whereas these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for re-building, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and 

    Whereas it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders, and children in the County of Northumberland to gain knowledge of and to maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and

    Whereas the year 2025 marks the 65th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the Canadian/American Public Works Association;    

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council, do hereby proclaim May 18 to 24, 2025 to be ‘National Public Works Week’ in Northumberland County, and urge all citizens to join with representatives of the Canadian Public Works Association / American Public Works Association and government agencies in paying tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees, and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas one week in May of each year is recognized across North America as ‘Paramedic Services Week’ by municipalities, Paramedic organizations and associations, as well as other levels of government; and

    Whereas the 2025 Paramedic Services Week is May 18-25, 2025; and

    Whereas the theme for this year is We Help, Everyone; and

    Whereas paramedics dedicate their lives to public service, and their skills often make the difference between life and death; and

    Whereas the services, dedication and commitment of our highly trained Paramedics deserves to be recognized and honoured; and

    Whereas Northumberland County wishes to recognize the important contribution of the 140 full-time, part-time Paramedics, and Superintendents who work out of six bases across the County, and the Community Paramedic program, as well as recognize the Paramedics across Ontario and Canada;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council, do hereby proclaim May 18-25, 2025, as ‘Paramedic Services Week’ in Northumberland County, and urge our fellow community members to recognize the vital contributions provided by all Paramedics in Northumberland.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas May is Community Living Month, a province-wide annual awareness campaign created to promote authentic community inclusion for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families; and

    Whereas for more than 60 years Community Living & Respite Northumberland have been committed to providing a range of supports and services, that are individualized as possible and meet the needs of children, youth, adults and families to live inclusive and fulfilling lives in their community; and

    Whereas Community Living & Respite Northumberland has been helping families navigate various services and plans, community supports, employment support and supported living throughout Northumberland County; and

    Whereas Community Living & Respite Northumberland envisions a society where people who have an intellectual disability belong and have equal rights, respect, acceptance, a sense of self-worth and opportunities for growth;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim May 2025 to be ‘Community Living Month’ in Northumberland County.”

  • Recommended Motion

    Whereas May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, and promote mental health resources; and

    Whereas mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, affecting individuals, families, and communities across Canada and around the world; and

    Whereas one in five Canadians will experience a mental health challenge or illness in any given year; and
    Whereas mental illness can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, education levels, and income groups, while systematic inequalities – such as racism, poverty, homelessness, discrimination and gender-based violence – can further impact mental health and impact access to necessary support; and

    Whereas Northumberland County recognizes the importance of mental wellness and remains committed to fostering awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting programs and initiatives that support mental health for all;

    Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council do hereby proclaim the month of May 2025 to be ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’ in Northumberland County.”

16.

  

17.

  

17.a    Matters pertaining to the security of the property of the municipality and personal matters about an identifiable individual (Golden Plough Lodge Fire) (Item going direct to Council) 

    Municipal Act, Sections 239.(2.a) and (2.b)


17.b    Matters pertaining to litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege for the purposes of receiving solicitor/client advice with respect to potential litigation against the county (Community & Social Services) (Item going direct to Council) 

   Municipal Act, Sections 239.(2.e) and (2.f) 


17.c.   Social Services Committee Meeting (April 2, 2025), Closed Session Item 5.b, Matters pertaining to labour relations or employee negotiations regarding 'Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3725 - 2025 Bargaining (Community & Social Services)' (Item from Standing Committee Requiring Separate Discussion)


            Municipal Act, Section 239.(2.d)


17.d.  Finance and Audit Committee (April 1, 2025), Item 9.a. 'Director Salaries' Matters pertaining to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees and labour relations or employee negotiations (Item from Standing Committee Requiring Separate Discussion)

  Municipal Act, Sections 239.(2.b) and (2.d)

  • Recommended Motion

    "That this Council proceed with the next portion of the meeting being closed to the public at _______a.m./p.m.; and 

    Further That the meeting is closed to the public as permitted under the Municipal Act Sections 239. (2.a) and (2.b) in order to address matters pertaining to the security of the property of the municipality and personal matters about an identifiable individual (Golden Plough Lodge Fire), and that Jennifer Moore, Glenn Dees, Alanna Clark, Darrell Mast, Maddison Mather, and Cheryl Sanders remain present; and

    Further That the meeting is closed to the public as permitted under the Municipal Act Sections 239.(2.e) and (2.f) in order to address matters pertaining to litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege for the purposes of receiving solicitor/client advice with respect to potential litigation against the county (Community & Social Services), and that Jennifer Moore, Glenn Dees, Rebecca Carman, Darrell Mast, Maddison Mather, and Cheryl Sanders remain present; and

    Further That the meeting is closed to the public as permitted under the Municipal Act Section 239.(2.d) in order to address matters pertaining to labour relations or employee negotiations regarding 'Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3725 - 2025 Bargaining (Community & Social Services)', and that Jennifer Moore, Glenn Dees, Lisa Ainsworth, Maddison Mather and Cheryl Sanders remain present; and

    Further That the meeting is closed to the public as permitted under the Municipal Act Sections 239.(2.b) and (2.d) in order to address matters pertaining to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees and labour relations or employee negotiations (Director salaries), and that Jennifer Moore, Lisa Ainsworth, Matthew Nitsch, Maddison Mather and Cheryl Sanders remain present."

     

    [If required, for any business held from discussion from the Standing Committees]

    Further That the meeting is closed to the public as permitted under the Municipal Act Section 239.(_____) in order to address matters pertaining to _________________________, and that Jennifer Moore, ____Name(s)_____,
    Maddison Mather, and Cheryl Sanders remain present."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That this Council rise from Closed Session at _____ a.m./p.m.; and

    Further That the confidential resolution moved in Closed Session regarding matters pertaining to the security of the property of the municipality and personal matters about an identifiable individual (Golden Plough Lodge Fire), is hereby referred to this open session of Council for adoption."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That the confidential resolution moved in Closed Session regarding matters pertaining to litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege for the purposes of receiving solicitor/client advice with respect to potential litigation against the county (Community & Social Services), is hereby referred to this open session of Council for adoption."

  • Recommended Motion

    "That the confidential resolution moved in Closed Session regarding matters pertaining to labour relations or employee negotiations regarding 'Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 3725 - 2025 Bargaining (Community & Social Services)' is hereby referred to this open session of Council for adoption."

Reporting out: 

  • Recommended Motion

    "That the confidential resolution moved in Closed Session regarding matters pertaining to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees and labour relations or employee negotiations (Director salaries), is hereby referred to this open session of Council for adoption.”

3.

  

[If required]

20.

  
  • Recommended Motion

    "That By-law 18-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of a meeting of County Council held on April 16, 2025 be introduced, be deemed to be read a first, second and third time, be passed, signed and sealed."

21.

  
  • Recommended Motion

    "That Council adjourn at ___________ p.m."

No Item Selected