Council Meeting

THAT the Regular Council Meeting held on January 15, 2024 be called to order at 7:02 p.m.

THAT the Agenda as presented for January 15, 2024 be adopted.

THAT the Minutes of the December 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and the December 18, 2023 Special Council Meeting, be adopted as presented.

THAT Consent Agenda Item 9.1 be approved.

THAT Report COR-2024-01, Draft 2024 Operating, Utility and Capital Budgets be received and immediately

THAT Report CS 2024 – 01 Special Event and Facility Subsidies be received for information and further, THAT Staff be directed to continue facility use subsidies and in-kind staff costs for legacy facility bookings, by affiliated groups, excluding the Aces and special events taking place at Township facilities in 2024 and further, THAT Staff be directed to continue fully subsidizing the Mennonite Relief Sale, Moparfest and New Hamburg Fall Fair as directed per the Council Resolution dated March 20, 2023. A motion was brought forward by Councillor K. Wilkinson, seconded by Councillor L. Dunstall, THAT the Council of the Township of Wilmot refer Item 10.2 Special Event and Facility Subsidies, CS-2024-01 excluding the affiliated group the Aces to the Finance and Budget Committee for discussion. The motion

THAT the Council of the Township of Wilmot refer the subsidy for the affiliated group the Aces to the Finance and Budget Committee for discussion.

THAT By-Laws as attached to this Agenda be read a first, second and third time, and finally passed in Open Council.

WHEREAS the safety and well-being of our community's residents, pedestrians, and motorists are of utmost priority; and, WHEREAS there has been an increasing concern regarding road safety and vehicle speeds within the municipality, specifically in areas where significant roads feed into our communities and settlement areas; and, WHEREAS the jurisdiction of certain roads within our municipality falls under the responsibility of the Region of Waterloo; and, WHEREAS road safety and speed mitigation are concerns that extend beyond municipal boundaries and require a coordinated approach between different levels of government. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that staff be directed to report back to Council during the 2024 capital budget deliberations on undertaking a study to develop a road safety and speed mitigation strategy with the goal of enhancing the safety of all road users in our community, considering both residential and commercial areas. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the scope of such road safety and speed mitigation strategy should include, but not be limited to, the following elements: Assessment of current road safety conditions and high-risk areas; Review of best practices in speed mitigation and road safety measures; Consultation with local law enforcement, community groups, and other stakeholders; Consultation with upper-tier municipal government; Development of a range of effective speed mitigation options, including speed bumps; and, Cost analysis of proposed measures. BE

WHEREAS in 2020 the Township of Wilmot retained First Peoples Group to assist the Township with a consultation process on the future of the Prime Ministers Path Statues; and, WHEREAS on July 5, 2021 Wilmot Council received Report CAO-2021-03 Presentation of Findings and Recommendations First Peoples Group Prime Ministers Path Community Engagement recommending: THAT the report from First Peoples Group dated June 30, 2021, be endorsed, THAT staff arrange for the immediate removal and temporary storage of the four remaining statues on the Prime Ministers Path and discontinue any future expansion or investment in the Prime Ministers Path as it exists today; THAT staff work with the Township solicitor to activate the termination clause in the agreement with Createscape; AND FURTHER, THAT staff be directed to report back to Council with an implementation plan for the incorporation of the remaining recommendations from First Peoples Group, including; a) Creating a working group comprised of a balanced representation of the individuals and communities within Wilmot Township to discuss, develop and suggest plans for the implementation of next steps centred in community cohesion and healing. b) Commitment to transforming community engagement and consultation processes in Wilmot Township in a way that encourages greater openness, accountability, and citizen participation in decision-making; and further, WHEREAS on July 5, 2021 Wilmot Council voted in favor of the recommendation containe

THAT Council waive the Notice of Motion requirement.

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has released its electric vehicle sales mandate regulations encouraging the increased production and sales of electronic vehicles; and, WHEREAS the Province of Ontario is currently seeking applications for its Electronic Vehicle (EV) ChargeON Program by January 31, 2024; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that staff be asked to include two Level 3 chargers for the Township of Wilmot (New Hamburg and Baden) in the draft 2024 capital budget at an estimated cost of $50,000 each; and further, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that if recommended by the Budget and Finance Committee on January 27, 2024, that staff be directed to apply to the Electronic Vehicle (EV) ChargeON Program for provincial funding.

THAT the Confirmatory By-Law as attached to this Agenda be read a first, second and third time, and finally passed in Open Council.

THAT we do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Mayor.