Oshawa City Council - Special Meeting

Minutes

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Council Chamber
Present:
  • Mayor Carter
  • Councillor Giberson
  • Councillor Gray
  • Councillor Kerr
  • Councillor Lee
  • Councillor Marimpietri
  • Councillor McConkey
Absent:
  • Councillor Chapman
  • Councillor Marks
  • Councillor Neal
  • Councillor Nicholson

Mayor Carter called the meeting to order and stated that the purpose of this meeting is to allow the public an opportunity to provide their views and/or concerns to City Council regarding accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

All members of Council participating from the Council Chamber except Councillors Chapman, Marks, Neal and Nicholson who were absent.

The City of Oshawa is situated on lands within the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg and the signatories of the Williams Treaties, which include the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations.

We are grateful for the Anishinaabeg who have cared for the land and waters within this territory since time immemorial.

We recognize that Oshawa is steeped in rich Indigenous history and is now present day home to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. We express gratitude for this diverse group of Indigenous Peoples who continue to care for the land and shape and strengthen our community.

As a municipality, we are committed to understanding the truth of our shared history, acknowledging our role in addressing the negative impacts that colonization continues to have on Indigenous Peoples, developing reciprocal relationships, and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.

We are all Treaty people.

Mayor Carter presented the 2025 Business/Community Accessibility Award to the following recipients: 

  • Born This Way Dance Inclusion Program
  • Canadian Mental Health Association (C.M.H.A.) Durham
  • Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+
  • Unifor 222

Mayor Carter presented the 2025 Resident Accessibility Award to Dot McFarlane.

Dorothy McFarlane, Chair, Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee provided an update regarding the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee and achievements made by the City towards improving accessibility programs. 

Members of Council questioned Dot McFarlane. 

Pam Reines and Nadea Clarke, Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee provided an update regarding the activities of the Committee and their ongoing work plan.

Members of Council questioned Pam Reines and Nadea Clarke.

Michael Rendazzo from Community Living Oshawa/Clarington provided a presentation on National AccessAbility Week.

  • Moved byCouncillor Marimpietri
    Seconded byCouncillor McConkey

    That any member of the public wishing to address City Council concerning diversity, inclusion or accessibility issues be heard.

    Carried

Kelly Ng, Outreach and Inclusion Manager, Autism Home Base, addressed City Council concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

Emily Noel addressed City Council concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

Pauline Mwangi addressed City Council concerning on behalf of Kenyan Women in Canada Association (KWICA) and the AIDS Committee of Durham Region Board concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

Members of Council questioned Pauline Mwangi.

Gary Fertile addressed City Council concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

Members of Council questioned Gary Fertile.

Michael Rendazzo addressed City Council concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

Dorothy McFarlane addressed City Council concerning accessibility, diversity and inclusion issues.

  • Moved byCouncillor Marimpietri
    Seconded byCouncillor McConkey

    That the confirming by-law be passed.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Lee

    That the meeting adjourn at 7:59 p.m.

    Carried
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