HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Meeting - December 14, 2021 CAPE BRETON REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY
Council Meeting Minutes
Tuesday,
December 14, 2021
6:06 p.m.
Council Chambers
2nd Floor, City Hall
320 Esplanade Sydney, NS
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall called the meeting to order.
Council: Mayor Amanda M. McDougall
Councillor Gordon MacDonald
Deputy Mayor Earlene MacMullin
Councillor Cyril MacDonald
Councillor Steve Gillespie
Councillor Eldon MacDonald
Councillor Glenn Paruch
Councillor Steve Parsons
Councillor James Edwards
Councillor Ken Tracey
Councillor Darren Bruckschwaiger
Councillor Darren O'Quinn
Councillor Lorne Green
Staff. Marie Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer
Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer
John MacKinnon, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
Deborah Campbell Ryan, Municipal Clerk
Demetri Kachafanas, QC, Regional Solicitor
Wayne MacDonald, Director of Engineering &Public Works
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning & Development
Allan Clarke, Manager of Buildings and Parks
Karen Neville, Senior Planner/Heritage Officer
Mike Targett, Community Consultation Coordinator
Sharon MacSween, Senior Administrative Assistant
Tanya Nicholson, Recording Secretary
Absent: N/A
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 18, 2022 2 of 19
The Council met In Camera on November 22, 2021 and on November 25, 2021 pursuant
to Section 22 (2) (d) and(e) of the Municipal Government Act.
Summary of Decisions
Land Acknowledtement
O' Canada
Roll Call
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion to approve minutes from:
➢ Special Council Meeting—October 26, 2021
Carried.
Motion to approve minutes from:
➢ Council Meeting—November 9, 2021
Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to approve the December 14, 2021 Council Agenda and Addendum as presented.
Carried.
3. PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 RETT Syndrome Awareness (for ratification):
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and CBRM Council hereby proclaim the
month of October 2021 as RETT Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness within
our community. Carried.
ADDENDUM:
3.2 Salvation Army Week:
Motion that Mayor Amanda M. McDougall and Council of the CBRM hereby support the
efforts of The Salvation Army and proclaim the week of December 20'h—24h, 2021 as The
Salvation Army Week in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and encourage all citizens
and community members to join the army of givers by donating at a Christmas Kettle to
support this campaign. Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 3 of 19
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
4. PRESENTATION:
4.1 Wolfpack Team Recognition:
Councillor Cyril MacDonald recognized the achievements of Special Olympics Floor
Hockey players Wolfpack Team.
5. DELEGATION:
5.1 Munro Academy — Municipal Government Student Leadership Pilot
Proiect Proposal:
Motion to accept the proposal and facilitate a pilot "Student Municipal Leadership
Experience" as presented. Carried.
6. PLANNING ISSUES:
6.1 FINAL APPROVAL —PUBLIC HEARING:
a) Zoning Amendment Application—1085: Harbourside Business
Park Zone Sydney:
Motion for final approval of application 41085 amending the zoning for the properties
identified on Attachment A from Harbourside Business Park-1(HBZ-1) Zone to
Harbourside Business Park-2 (HBZ-2) Zone as outlined in the staff report dated December
6, 2021. Carried.
6.2 APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE: N/A
7. REPORTS:
7.1 Economic Development Update—CBRM REN:
The Cape Breton Partnership provided an Economic Development Update on the CBRM
REN.
For information only.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 4 of 19
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
REPORTS (Cont'd):
7.2 "Vision to Action"—Report on Strategic Vision:
It was agreed to have a workshop to review CBRM Strategic Vision points of interest,
CBRM goals and strategies to prepare for the CBRM Budget/Strategic Vision
Consultations that will be held at the end of January.
8. BUSINESS ARISING:
8.1 Council—November 19, 2019 and General Committee—February 4,
2020:
a) Financing Water, Septic and Energy Efficiency Upgrades:
Motion to reach out to the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing and ask for a
discussion around options for water, septic, and energy efficiency upgrade financing programs.
Carried.
8.2 Council—July 6, 2021 and November 9, 2021:
a) CBRM Asset Naming:
Motion that Council continues renaming municipal assets by resolution (motion) until a
municipal asset naming policy is developed within the future Parks&Open Space Master Plan.
Carried.
8.3 Council—October 12, 2021:
a) Request to Relocate Memorial Plaque from Jail Field
Playground to Atlantic Street Playground:
Motion to direct staff to carry out the relocation of the memorial monument which will rename
the Atlantic Street playground to David's Playground. Carried.
8.4 Council—November 9, 2021:
a) North Sydney Food Bank:
Motion that CBRM contribute $50,000 to the demolition of the old wing at Seton School
which will reduce operating cost for the Food Bank(which CBRM covers) and that CBRM
also has the potential to recoup this amount from the sale of the old property. Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 5 of 19
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
Business Arising(Cont'd):
8.5 Nominating Committee—November 17,2021:
a) Citizen Vacancy on Accessibility Advisory Committee:
Motion to approve the Nominating Committee recommendation that the vacant seat on the
Accessibility Advisory Committee not be filled, leaving the composition of the Committee
at nine (9) members. Carried.
8.6 Heritage Advisory Committee—November 24,2021:
a) Municipal Heritage Registration Requests:
i) Menelik Hall (88 Laurier Street Whitney Pier
Motion to initiate the process for registering Menelik Hall(88 Laurier Street,Whitney Pier)
as a Municipal Heritage Property. Carried.
ii) The Cedars Club(30 MacKenzie Street, Sydney):
Motion to initiate the process for registering the Cedars Club (30 MacKenzie Street,
Sydney) as a Municipal Heritage Property. Carried.
iii) 8399 Grand Narrows Highway, Christmas Island:
Motion to initiate the process for registering 8399 Grand Narrows Highway, Christmas
Island as a Municipal Heritage Property. Carried.
9. CORPORATE SERVICES ISSUES:
9.1 Surplus Schools and Properties:
Motion to declare Portage School (PID 415039860) as surplus to the needs of the
Municipality. Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 6 of 19
Summary of Decisions (Cont'd)
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
10.1 Review of the Taxi Bylaw:
Councillor Gillespie provided a report on the Committee reviewing the Taxi Bylaw.
For Information Only.
11. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
11.1 CBRM to October 31, 2021:
For Information Only.
11.2 Port of Sydney Development Corporation to October 31, 2021:
For Information Only.
12. Review of Action Items from the Meeting:
Mayor McDougall reviewed action items from this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 18, 2022 7 of 19
The Council met In Camera on November 22, 2021 and on November 25, 2021 pursuant
to Section 22 (2) (d) and(e) of the Municipal Government Act.
Land Acknowledgement
O' Canada
Mayor McDougall welcomed Councillor Darren Bruckschwaiger back to Council.
Councillor Bruckschwaiger thanked Staff, Councillor Ken Tracey, Mayor Amanda M.
McDougall, Toni DeLorenzo, and Stacy Boutilier for all their help and assistance while he
was on a leave of absence.
Roll Call
Mayor McDougall noted that after Friday December 17'', 2021, Council will be reverting
to zoom meetings and potentially meetings at Centre 200, once approval is received from
the Province.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor O'Quinn, seconded by Councillor Tracey, approval of the Minutes
from:
➢ Special Council Meeting—October 26, 2021
Motion Carried.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Edwards, approval of the Minutes
from:
➢ Council Meeting—November 9, 2021
Motion Carried.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor O'Quinn, to approve the December
14, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda and Addendum as presented.
Motion Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 8 of 19
3. PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 RETT Syndrome Awareness (for ratification):
Motion:
Moved by Councillor O'Quinn, seconded by Councillor Tracey, that Mayor Amanda M.
McDougall and CBRM Council hereby proclaim the month of October 2021 as RETT
Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness within our community.
Motion Carried.
ADDENDUM:
3.2 Salvation Army Week:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Bruckschwaiger, seconded by Councillor Paruch, that Mayor
Amanda M. McDougall and Council of the CBRM hereby support the efforts of The
Salvation Army and proclaim the week of December 20'h — 24h, 2021 as The Salvation
Army Week in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and encourage all citizens and
community members to join the army of givers by donating at a Christmas Kettle to support
this campaign.
Motion Carried.
4. PRESENTATION:
4.1 Wolfpack Team Recognition:
Councillor Cyril MacDonald provided a presentation recognizing the achievements of
Special Olympics Floor Hockey players Wolfpack Team highlighting:
• The team was selected to compete on the National stage in Thunder Bay, Ontario
Won Gold medal at Provincials to qualify for National games
Only mixed team at the games consisting of males and females
Wolfpack Team was named "Team of the Year" for 2020 Special Olympics Nova
Scotia and recognized at the annual Special Olympics Gala.
Councillor Cyril MacDonald noted with the new COVID-19 restrictions, he and Mayor
McDougall will present a plaque to the team at a later date.
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 9 of 19
5. DELEGATION:
5.1 Munro Academy—Municipal Government Student Leadership Pilot
Proiect Proposal:
Munro Academy Students Naomi Barrett and Sarwat Naeem provided a presentation for a
Municipal Government Student Leadership Pilot Project Proposal highlighting the
following:
• About Us
Small Class Sizes
• International Students
Christian Worldview
• Project Goal
• Envisioned Approach
Suggested Process
Following the presentation, Deputy Mayor MacMullin and Councillor Parsons volunteered
for the shadowing experience with the students. The following motion was then put
forward:
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Gordon MacDonald, to
accept the proposal and facilitate a pilot "Student Municipal Leadership Experience" as
presented.
Motion Carried.
Mayor McDougall thanked the students for their presentation and noted she would be in
contact with Principal Beane to help facilitate the Student Municipal Leadership
Experience.
6. PLANNING ISSUES:
6.1 FINAL APPROVAL —PUBLIC HEARING:
b) Zoning Amendment Application—1085: Harbourside Business
Park Zone Sydney:
Karen Neville, Senior Planner, provided background information on this issue and noted
that at the time the report was prepared,no written comments were received by the Planning
and Development Department.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 10 of 19
FINAL APPROVAL — PUBLIC HEARING: Zoning Amendment Application — 1085:
Harbourside Business Park Zone Sydney(Cont'd):
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Parsons, final approval of
application 41085 amending the zoning for the properties identified on Attachment A from
Harbourside Business Park-1(HBZ-1)Zone to Harbourside Business Park-2(HBZ-2)Zone
as outlined in the staff report dated December 6, 2021.
Public Hearin,:
The Mayor asked if there was anyone present to speak for or against the amendments,
seeing that there was no one, Mayor McDougall then called for the vote
Motion Carried.
6.2 APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE: N/A
7. REPORTS:
7.1 Economic Development Update—CBRM REN:
Tyler Mattheis, Acting President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, thanked
Council for the opportunity to provide the Economic Development Update for the CBRM
REN and introduced the members of his team in attendance to assist with the presentation:
• Mickey Freeman, CBRM Business Development Officer
• Lan Zheng, CBRM Business Growth Advisor
• Kelly MacKinnon, Labour Market and Immigration Advisor / Immigration
Consultant
Jessica MacDonald, Human Resources Consultant
• Ayha El-Darahali, Cape Breton Connector Program Coordinator
Their presentation highlighted the following:
CBRM's Dedicated Economic Development Team
Cape Breton Partnership: Vision, Promote, Grow and Connect
• Regional Enterprise Networks
• 2021 CBRM REN Board of Directors
• 2021 Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors
• Promoting, Growing and Connecting Business in CBRM
Supporting CBRM Businesses in 2021
• Attracting New Business and Investment
• Economic Development Projects
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 11 of 19
REPORTS—Economic Development Update—CBRM REN (Cont'd):
Supporting the Creative Economy
• Economic Development Plan
• Human Resources and Immigration Support
• The Role of Post-Secondary Institutions
• Human Resources & Immigration Support
Settlement, Integration and Inclusion
Following the update, Council discussed the following:
• Breakdown of urban to rural startups and exploring entrepreneurs
• Lists of businesses seeking to locate, buy or sell a business in the CBRM
Concentration on HR and Immigration
Connector Program
WelcometoCapeBreton.ca website
• QR codes
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program —can CBRM become a designated employer?
Mayor McDougall thanked the Cape Breton Partnership for their presentation.
For information only.
7.2 "Vision to Action"—Report on Strategic Vision:
Mike Targett, Community Consultation Coordinator,provided a report on Strategic Vision
—"Vision to Action" highlighting the following:
Vision, Mission and Values
Strategic Vision Priorities:
o Economic Development—priorities identified by Dillon Consulting
through CBRM Forward:
1. Affordable Housing
2. Employment
3. Public Transit
4. Addictions & Mental Health
5. Environment
6. Downtown Revitalization
7. Family-Orientated Recreation
8. CBRM's Brand
o CBRM Charter
o Development of Harbours
o Population Growth& Inclusivity
o Municipal Revenue Streams
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 12 of 19
REPORTS: "Vision to Action"—Report on Strategic Vision (Cont'd):
Steps on how to get from strategic vision to an action plan:
1. Survey - Engagement and trust
2. Meet with staff individually or in small groups
3. Meet with community organizations that are already working on these issues
4. From consultations, produce a workbook or agenda that will be a synthesis of
brainstorming sessions
5. Hold a workshop with Council, staff and community organizations to review
how to collectively and collaboratively reach goals outlined in the strategic
vision
6. Execute the plan
7. Communicate the plan and progress
Mr. Targett advised that the plan has been designed to encompass the expertise of staff,
expertise of community organizations, input from the broader community, leadership and
decision making from Council, combined to achieve common community goals. The plan
will accomplish the key learnings and next step recommendations from the initial draft
report including:
Give CBRM residents a mechanism for holding CBRM accountable to the actions
laid out in the Strategic Vision.
Create open channels of communication regarding progress.
Gather residents' ideas and feedback.
• The strategic vision should be a living document, and progress be monitored and
adjustments be made in the process.
Create a mechanism for implementing the actions outlined in the Vision and assign
a staff person as lead.
• Mayor, Council and staff should be united in the creation of the Strategic Vision
and their desire for positive change in the CBRM, and should use the Strategic
Vision, and the priorities set within, to leverage partner funding and support.
• Add a review of the Strategic Vision to the Council agenda for every quarter to
assess progress.
The Mayor thanked Mr. Targett for his report and advised that if Council wants to endorse
this project and reach out to the communities, Council direction is required.
Following the report, Council discussed the following:
• Feedback from Mayor, Staff, and consultants that facilitated the development of the
Strategic Vision.
• Housing is a Provincial responsibility and was never a Municipal Government
responsibility.
• During the CBRM Forward exercise, it was recognized that some residents felt that
they were over-consulted but under-listened.
• Focus on the goals that can be dealt with now and then look at the long term.
• Strategic vision is a system for engaging the community and as soon as possible,
have a workshop with the REN and staff to identify goals.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 13 of 19
REPORTS—"Vision to Action"—Report on Strategic Vision (Cont'd):
• More than half of the points in Economic Development are not Municipal
responsibilities.
• Assigning staff or councillor as a leader on a Vision taskforce.
Strike an ad hoc committee of Council to work with the Community Consultation
Coordinator and a staff member to implement the Strategic Vision.
Community consultation to take place during Community Budget consultations.
• Most municipalities cannot afford new enabling legislations (i.e., housing).
Concerns of creating a strategic vision for something that is not a municipal
responsibility
• Keep an open mind and remember what Council has the ability to influence
New fees for new and existing services
At this point in the discussion, Mayor McDougall noted that all the priorities that were
listed on Page 51 in the agenda package came from the Strategic Vision exercise.
Mr. Wayne MacDonald, Director of Engineering & Public Works, advised there are
numerous options for disposal of waste from the ships that enter the Port. Discussion took
place on waste energy and how to transport and dispose of waste efficiently.
Council then discussed the following:
• To first have a workshop to bring the action items forward that can be completed
in a short time period
• Public consultation survey to seek input on what should be prioritized
It was agreed to have a workshop to review CBRM Strategic Vision points of interest,
CBRM goals and strategies to prepare for the CBRM Budget/Strategic Vision
Consultations that will be held at the end of January.
8. BUSINESS ARISING:
8.1 Council—November 19, 2019 and General Committee—February 4,
2020:
a) Financing Water, Septic and Enemy Efficiency Upgrades:
Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer,provided background information on this issue
and noted that based on CBRM's experience with the tax financing program, feedback
from other municipal units, and considering CBRM's continued high risk assessment
respecting uncollected taxes, staff recommend against establishing a bylaw to provide
financing for Water, Septic, and Energy Efficiency Upgrades at this time.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 14 of 19
BUSINESS ARISING—Financing Water, Septic and Energy Efficiency Upgrades (Cont'd):
Council discussed the following:
Update on outstanding receivables
Other municipalities experiences with PACE program
• Emergency grants available for low-income families
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Bruckschwaiger, seconded by Councillor Parsons, to reach out to the
Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing and ask for a discussion around options for water,
septic, and energy efficiency upgrade financing programs.
Motion Carried.
8.2 Council—July 6, 2021 and November 9, 2021:
a) CBRM Asset Naming:
Michael Ruus, Director of Planning and Development reviewed his report included in the
agenda package regarding the issue of naming municipal parks, facilities and other assets,
together with various options for Council consideration.
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin,seconded by Councillor Green,that Council continues
renaming municipal assets by resolution (motion) until a municipal asset naming policy is
developed within the future Parks &Open Space Master Plan.
Discussion:
Timeline for submission of renaming resolution requests would be same as agenda item request
process.
Motion Carried.
8.3 Council—October 12, 2021:
a) Request to Relocate Memorial Plaque from Jail Field
Playground to Atlantic Street Playground:
Allan Clarke, Manager of Buildings and Parks, provided background information on this
issue.
Continued....
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 15 of 19
BUSINESS ARISING—Request to Relocate Memorial Plaque from Jail Field Playground to
Atlantic Street Playground(Cont'd):
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Green, to direct staff to carry out the
relocation of the memorial monument which will rename the Atlantic Street playground to
David's Playground.
Discussion:
• No requirement for a resolution; a motion is sufficient
• Public consultation
• Naming the playground does not change the name of the Atlantic Street field
• Current David's Playground will have repairs carried out in the spring to make it safe until
the decision is made regarding the future of that playground
• A Park in Glace Bay was renamed, and public consultation did not take place
• Phase 1 is to move the plaque;phase 2 is to upgrade playground
Motion Carried.
Council agreed to continue the Council meeting beyond 9:00 p.m.
8.4 Council—November 9, 2021:
a) North Sydney Food Bank:
Marie Walsh, Chief Administrative Officer, provided background information on this
issue.
Motion:
Moved by Deputy Mayor MacMullin, seconded by Councillor Paruch, that CBRM
contribute $50,000 to the demolition of the old wing at Seton School which will reduce
operating cost for the Food Bank (which CBRM covers) and that CBRM also has the
potential to recoup this amount from the sale of the old property.
Discussion:
• $25,000 of this could be funded from sustainability program as a capital contribution
and the remaining $25,000 could be funded from surplus.
• Similar process was done with the Town Hall in Louisbourg where the proceeds from the
sale went back into the community
• Evaluate each proposition on its own merit
• The demolition will save CBRM money and attract investment with the road work and the
commercial tax base
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 16 of 19
BUSINESS ARISING—Council—November 9,2021: North Sydney Food Bank (Cont'd):
Motion Cont'd:
At this point in the discussion, Jennifer Campbell, Chief Financial Officer, advised that the
North Sydney Food Bank applied for a Municipal Grant this year and received$20,000 toward
kitchen upgrades, and if they wanted to apply for another grant this year, it would require
Council's approval because it puts the grand to the one organization over the threshold within
the policy. A motion of Council is warranted in this case to give them permission to apply and
for the Municipal Grants Committee to consider their application.
• Within 90 days of the fiscal year end, all approved Municipal Grants are published on the
CBRM webpage
• $90,000 used for roadwork upgrade would be funded from capital budget
Motion Carried.
8.5 Nominating Committee—November 17,2021:
a) Citizen Vacancy on Accessibility Advisory Committee:
Deborah Campbell Ryan,Municipal Clerk,provided background information on this issue and
noted that in terms of a replacement for the citizen vacancy, on the Accessibility Advisory
Committee can operate with nine (9) members and still be in compliance with the Terms
of Reference for the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Accessibility Act.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Green, to approve the
Nominating Committee recommendation that the vacant seat on the Accessibility Advisory
Committee not be filled, leaving the composition of the Committee at nine (9) members.
Motion Carried.
8.6 Heritage Advisory Committee—November 24,2021:
a) Municipal Heritage Registration Requests:
Karen Neville, Senior Planner / Heritage Officer, provided background information on the
following requests for Municipal Heritage Registrations, noting that Menelik Hall is being
considered for its cultural significance and not its architectural design.
i) Menelik Hall (88 Laurier Street Whitney Pier
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Green, seconded by Councillor O'Quinn, to initiate the process for
registering Menelik Hall (88 Laurier Street, Whitney Pier) as a Municipal Heritage
Property.
Motion Carried.
Continued...
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 17 of 19
BUSINESS ARISING—Municipal Heritage Registration Requests (Cont'd):
ii) The Cedars Club(30 MacKenzie Street, Sydney):
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Paruch, seconded by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, to initiate the
process for registering the Cedars Club (30 MacKenzie Street, Sydney) as a Municipal
Heritage Property.
Motion Carried.
iii) 8399 Grand Narrows Highway, Christmas Island:
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Cyril MacDonald, seconded by Councillor Paruch, to initiate the
process for registering 8399 Grand Narrows Highway, Christmas Island as a Municipal
Heritage Property.
Discussion
• Deregistering versus demolition process of a Heritage Property
Motion Carried.
9. CORPORATE SERVICES ISSUES:
9.1 Surplus Schools and Properties:
Allan Clarke, Manager of Buildings and Parks, advised that in 1982, the Municipality of
the County of Cape Breton, City of Sydney, Town of Glace Bay, Town of New Waterford,
Town of Dominion, Town of Louisbourg and the Minister of Education for the Province
of Nova Scotia entered into an Interim District School Agreement. As a result of this
Agreement, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) retains schools closed by
Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board(the Board) in those former municipal units.
The staff report outlines the schools that have already been approved as surplus by Council,
noting that Portage School is the only school remaining to be dealt with by Council.
Staff is requesting that Portage School be declared surplus to the needs of the Municipality.
Motion:
Moved by Councillor Parsons, seconded by Councillor Eldon MacDonald, to declare
Portage School (PID 415039860) as surplus to the needs of the Municipality.
Motion Carried.
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 18 of 19
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
10.1 Review of the Taxi Bylaw:
Councillor Steve Gillespie provided a report on the Committee reviewing the Taxi Bylaw,
highlighting the following:
• To date the committee had three meetings.
• The first meeting was held in September and it was designed to introduce the
committee members, present the current bylaw and to seek input from the
Committee members on possible changes and what CBRM can do to help facilitate
improved taxi service for CBRM.
• The second meeting was held in October which included more discussion many
topics.
• A third meeting was held in November with the taxi owners to gather input,
opinions, and information from the owners themselves. Taxi owners expressed their
concerns regarding misinformation on the Committee's role and provided input into
what could be a very good new and progressive Taxi bylaw.
Topics of conversation with taxi owners included:
o Rising insurance rates
o Need for changes -passenger rates
o Changing taxi zones
o Inspections
o Safety concerns
o Communications
o Creating a taxi app
o The owners creating an association to work with the CBRM
• The aim of this Committee is to have recommendations from the taxi industry,
drivers, and the public to bring to Council within a six-month period (from
September).
Following the report, Council discussion included:
• Two committee members are taxi company owners
• All available taxi company owners participated in the November meeting
• Committee discussion is public information
• Uber and petty cab service in CBRM
Mayor McDougall thanked Councillor Gillespie and noted the importance of Committee
Reports.
For information only.
Council Meeting- Minutes
December 14, 2021 Approved January 22, 2022 19 of 19
11. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
11.1 CBRM to October 31, 2021:
Council discussion included:
• Decrease in transit revenue due to reduced student ridership
• Extraordinary revenue—safe restart program in CBRM
Central Division Engineering— infrastructure issues
• Equalization grant allocation over 12 months
For information only.
11.2 Port of Sydney Development Corporation to October 31, 2021:
Council discussed the following:
• Professional fees
• Mi'kmaq flag for the Council Chambers
For information only.
12. Review of Action Items from the Meeting:
At the conclusion of the Council meeting, Mayor McDougall advised that the following
items would be addressed:
1. Follow up on the Atlantic Immigration Pilot to inquire about CBRM becoming a
designated employer.
2. Workshop to review CBRM Strategic Vision points of interest, CBRM goals and
strategies to prepare for the CBRM Budget/Strategic Vision Consultations that will be
held at the end of January.
3. Request to the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to discuss Provincial
capacity to help CBRM with financing projects in regard to the PACE program, water,
septic, and energy efficiency Upgrades.
Meeting adiourned at 9:35 p.m.
Mayor Amanda M. McDougall Deborah Campbell Ryan
Municipal Clerk
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