Oshawa City Council

Minutes

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

Councillor Marimpietri called the meeting to order and stated that all members of Council were participating from the Chamber except Councillor Neal who participated electronically and Mayor Carter and Councillors Chapman and Lee 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.

Various announcements were made relating to activities and events.

  • Moved byCouncillor Giberson
    Seconded byCouncillor McConkey

    That the Rules of Procedure be waived to introduce a time sensitive item. (Requires 2/3 vote of members present)

    Affirmative (3)Councillor Giberson, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Neal
    Negative (5)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (3)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, and Councillor Lee
    Lost (3 to 5)

Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest on the 2025 Community Organization Volunteer Award from April 28, 2025, City Council meeting as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+). Councillor Neal was absent from the April 28, 2025, meeting and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Councillor Marimpietri declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Councillor Marimpietri presented the following 2025 Oshawa Culture Counts Awards:

Oshawa Culture Counts Professional Artist Award is awarded to Keisha “Keysha Freshh” Fanfair. 

Oshawa Culture Counts Emerging Artists Award is awarded to Danielle Alexander.

Oshawa Culture Counts Innovation and Creation Champion Award is awarded Oshawa Museum for “Untold Oshawa: An Expanded History”.

Councillor Marimpietri presented City staff with the following awards from Festivals and Events Ontario

  • Top 100 Events Award for the Indigenous Cultural Celebration, Canada Day celebration, Peony Festival and Kars on King
  • Best New Event – Indigenous Cultural Celebration
  • Impact Award – Indigenous Cultural Celebration
  • Top 100 Award for Convergence 

Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health provided an annual update on Lakeridge Health and the health of Durham Region.

Members of Council questioned Cynthia Davis.

Mark Snaper, Eye Candy Ads, was not in attendance to address City Council. 

  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Gray

    That all items listed under the heading of Public Consent Agenda for the City Council Meeting dated May 26, 2025, be adopted as recommended for the following: 

    Item CO-25-23 from the Twenty-seventh Report of the Community and Operations Services Committee; and,

    Item CF-25-36 from the Twenty-ninth Report of the Corporate and Finance Services Committee; and, 

    Item ED-25-53 from the Forty-eighth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee; and,

    Item SF-25-30 and SF-25-31  from the Twenty-fifth Report of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee; and

    Item CNCL-25-29. 

    Carried

    Councillor Neal left the meeting at 10:18 a.m.


  • That the minutes of the City Council meeting held on April 28, 2025, be adopted.

  • That based on Report CO-25-17 dated May 7, 2025, concerning the Parking Utilization Survey for the On-Street and Off-Street Parking Components in the Downtown Oshawa Urban Growth Centre (“D.O.U.G.C.”), staff be directed to implement Option 4 as set out in Section 4.6 of said Report. 

  • That based on Report CO-25-18 dated May 7, 2025, the Quality Standards for Traffic Operations as set out in Attachment 1 to said Report be approved. 

  • Whereas the Region of Durham has requested dedicated parking permits for the on-street parking spaces on Centre Street North and Richmond Street West, in front of and adjacent to the Durham Regional Police Services (D.R.P.S.) station (see Attachment 1); and,

    Whereas the D.R.P.S. station, located at 77 Centre Street North, is bordered by a total of nine (9) on-street parking spaces, including four (4) located on Centre Street North and five (5) located on Richmond Street West; and,

    Whereas the D.R.P.S. station is situated adjacent to a grocery store and an apartment building, both of which have dedicated private parking lots; and,

    Whereas the hourly rate for on-street parking is $1.25/hr, with a maximum time limit of two (2) hours; and,

    Whereas nine (9) on-street parking permits would generate approximately $657 per month; and,

    Whereas licencing nine (9) on-street parking spaces will increase the forecasted long-term utilization percentage for on-street parking as reported in CO-24-60 dated December 4, 2024, from 49% to 50%,

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item CO-25-19 dated May 12, 2025:

    1. That the request from the Region of Durham dated April 10, 2025, to permanently licence nine (9) on-street parking spaces bordering the D.R.P.S. station be approved, increasing the forecasted 2034 utilization of 49% to 50% of the 85% critical threshold; and,
    2. That the City of Oshawa enter into an agreement with the Region of Durham to licence up to nine (9) on-street parking spaces bordering the D.R.P.S. station at the monthly rate applicable for the spaces in accordance with the City’s Fees and Charges By-law 109-2024, as amended; and,
    3. That the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, be authorized to execute the licence agreement in a final form and content satisfactory to the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, the Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services Department and the City Solicitor.
  • Whereas, Farhi Holdings Corporation has requested to licence up to sixty (60) parking spaces at the McMillan Parking Garage for prospective tenants and current professional tenants at 78 Richmond Street West (see Attachment 1); and,

    Whereas, 78 Richmond Street West has a private parking lot with approximately forty-nine (49) parking spaces; and,

    Whereas, the City operates three (3) Municipal Parking Public Garages within walking distance of 78 Richmond Street West; and,

    Whereas, the licencing of sixty (60) parking permits would generate approximately $4,437 per month; and,

    Whereas, the forecasted long-term utilization percentage for off-street parking as reported in Report CO-24-60 dated December 4, 2024 was 52%; and,

    Whereas, previous requests for new and amending agreements decreases the long-term utilization percentage of 52% to 51%; and,

    Whereas, licencing sixty (60) parking spaces in the City’s Municipal Parking Lots will increase the forecasted long-term utilization percentage from 51% to 54%,

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item CO-25-20 dated May 12, 2025:

    1. That the request from Farhi Holdings Corporation dated April 15, 2025, to license up to sixty (60) parking spaces within the City’s Municipal Parking System be approved, increasing the forecasted 2034 utilization of 51% to 54% of the 85% critical threshold; and,
    2. That the City of Oshawa enter into an agreement for a period of five (5) years with Farhi Holding Corporation to licence up to sixty (60) parking spaces in the City’s Municipal Parking System at the monthly rate applicable for the spaces in accordance with the City’s Fees and Charges By-law 109-2024, as amended; and,
    3. That the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, be authorized to execute the licence agreement in a final form and content satisfactory to the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, the Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services Department and the City Solicitor.
  • Whereas the Skateboards and Bicycles By-law 78-91, as amended ("Skateboard and Bicycle By-law") regulates the use of skateboards, bicycles, and similar devices including e-scooters within the City of Oshawa ("City") to ensure public safety and proper usage; and,

    Whereas on June 20, 2022, City Council considered Report DS-22-163 dated June 8, 2022, authorizing the City’s participation in the Province of Ontario’s an E-scooter Pilot Program and the implementation of a shared micromobility pilot program (“Shared E-mobility Program”); and,

    Whereas on January 27, 2025, in accordance with Report ED-25-14 dated January 8, 2025, City Council approved the extension of the Shared E-mobility Program for a further thirty (30) months, or until June 30, 2027; and,

    Whereas Report ED-25-14 identified enhancements to the Shared E-mobility Program in order to improve e-mobility devices service providers’ accountability which included the ability to charge fees and/or fine those service providers for improperly parked e-mobility devices; and,

    Whereas to ensure that an Administrative Monetary Penalty (“A.M.P.”) can be issued against Micromobility Service Providers of the City’s Shared E-mobility Program for the improper parking of “Electric Kick Scooters” on the sidewalk, an amending by-law to the Skateboard and Bicycle By-law 78-91 is required to include the definition of a "Person" (see Attachment 1);

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item CO-25-21 dated May 7, 2025, City Council pass an amending by-law to the Skateboard and Bicycle By-law 78-91, as amended to add the definition of a “Person” in a final form and content satisfactory to the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services, Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Departments and the City Solicitor as generally set out in Attachment 1 to said Item.

  • That based on Report CO-25-22, dated May 7, 2025, the Oshawa Second Marsh Management Plan, the Oshawa Second Marsh Invasive Species Management Plan and the Oshawa Second Marsh Forestry Management Plan be endorsed.

  • Whereas Community Care Durham is a multi-service registered charitable organization providing a broad range of support services for individuals over the age of 16 and their caregivers; and,

    Whereas in 2023, Community Care Durham piloted a Mobile Food Market in partnership with Durham College that provides fruits and vegetables sourced from a variety of local partners in Durham Region including The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, the W. Galen Weston Center for Food, Common Ground Food Share, Pingles Farm, Algoma Orchards and The Veggie Shack to address the rising rate of Food Insecurity across Durham Region; and,

    Whereas the 2023 Mobile Food Market pilot occurred in the Town of Ajax at Ajax Community Centre; and,

    Whereas in 2024, the Mobile Food Market was expanded to include a location in Whitby at   Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre on Brock Street South; and,

    Whereas Community Care Durham would like to expand in 2025 to include a location in Oshawa in the parking lot of North Oshawa Park near where many individuals reside whom already receive services offered by Community Care Durham such as Meals on Wheels and the Community Food Box; and,

    Whereas the footprint of the Mobile Food Market will require the use of a total of six (6) parking spaces on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. from June to October 2025; and,

    Whereas the Fees and Charges By-law 109-2024 has a user fee for the facility rental of a Parking Lot of $300 per day and does not contain a user fee for the facility rental of a limited area of a Parking Lot; and,

    Therefore be it resolved:

    1. That staff be directed to collaborate with Community Care Durham to introduce the Mobile Food Market in 2025 to provide produce at below-market prices to residents facing food insecurity; and,
    2. That the facility user fees for Community Care Durham’s use of the parking lot at North Oshawa Park on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. from June to October 2025, be waived; and,
    3. That staff be authorized to issue a Rental Permit for use of a portion of the Parking Lot.
  • That Report CO-23-11 concerning Memorials, Recognizing Unmarked Graves be referred to staff for an updated report. 

  • That Correspondence CF-25-30 be referred to staff to investigate and report back in Quarter 3 for funding and support options for the Spay Neuter Initiative Association. 

    1. That in accordance with Report CF-25-31 dated April 30, 2025, the 2025 Exceptional Student Achievement Award in the amount of $1,000 be awarded to the student from O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute as outlined in Confidential Attachment 2; and,
    2. That the Award be presented to the recipient at the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting.
  • That Report CF-25-32, dated April 30, 2025, concerning the Financial Position as of March 31, 2025, be received for information.

  • That based on Report CF-25-33 dated April 30, 2025 concerning an updated Social Media Policy:

    1. That the new Social Media Policy be approved as set out in Attachment 3 to said Report; and,
    2. That Corporate Communications staff be authorized to implement minor housekeeping updates to the Social Media Policy, as required.
  • Whereas, on October 13, 2020, the Corporation of the City of Oshawa (“City”) and the Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. (“Oshawa Power”), entered a five (5) year agreement dated October 13, 2020 (“Agreement”) to aid Oshawa Power in their refueling requirements of fleet vehicles and equipment at City-owned refueling stations; and,

    Whereas the original term of the Agreement was for a period of five (5) years, from September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2025, with an option that this agreement may be renewed via joint agreement of the parties in writing; and,

    Whereas the City operates two refueling stations at the Consolidated Operations Depot (“COD”) and Howden Depot, both of which are used by the City’s vehicle and equipment fleet; and,

    Whereas Oshawa Power also operates a fleet of vehicles and equipment which require refueling; and,

    Whereas the City wishes to make its facilities available to Oshawa Power in a manner that does not create additional expenses for the City, and that Oshawa Power desires reliable refueling facilities made available at a lower cost, as opposed to operating their own facilities; and,

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item CF-25-34 dated May 5, 2025, requesting to Renew a Licence Agreement to Permit the refueling of Oshawa Power Fleet Vehicles and Equipment:

    1. That the Agreement between the City of Oshawa and Oshawa Power be renewed for an additional two (2) years, with the terms and conditions of the current Agreement to remain the same; and,
    2. That the Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services Department be authorized to execute an Agreement, or an amending Agreement, in a final form and content satisfactory to the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, the Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services Department and the City Solicitor.
  • That Correspondence CF-25-35 from the Living Room Community Art Studio requesting to lease units at 1 Mary Street as in-kind services be referred to Economic and Development Services staff for review and report back to the Corporate and Finance Services Committee.

  • That the proposed amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 as generally set out in Attachment 1 to Report ED-25-50 dated April 30, 2024 be adopted, and that the appropriate amending by-laws be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor.

  • That based on Report ED-25-51 dated April 30, 2025, the name Irv Harrell be added to the City’s Street Name Reserve List.

  • That based on Report ED-25-52 dated April 30, 2025, the name George Weisz be added to the City’s Street Name Reserve List.

  • Whereas, the property owners of 450-452 Simcoe Street South submitted a Simcoe Street South Renaissance Community Improvement Plan (“S.S.S.C.I.P.) application to the City of Oshawa on August 31, 2022 with proposed work for the Façade and Accessibility Improvement Grant with respect to the property located at 450-452 Simcoe Street South (the “Subject Property”); and,

    Whereas, the grant application was to assist in financing improvements to the Subject Property, including siding to be replaced by stucco (“Proposed Work”); and,

    Whereas, the Community Improvement Plan (“C.I.P.”) Application Review Team approved a Façade and Accessibility Improvement Grant (the “Grant”) under the S.S.S.C.I.P. in the amount of $5,424 (the “Grant Amount”) and extended a formal Committal Letter to the property owners on October 12, 2022; and,

    Whereas, the property owners signed and entered into an agreement with the City on December 1, 2022, which included a deadline for completion of the Proposed Work funded by the grant for October 12, 2023, among other Conditions of Approval outlined in Appendix 1 of the Committal Letter; and,

    Whereas, following multiple unsuccessful attempts to communicate with the property owners, a letter of final notice was sent digitally via email and physically via mail on November 14, 2024, outlining that all remaining requirements, including the completion of the Proposed Work and all business and fire inspections, must be submitted no later than February 28, 2025, or the City would cancel the Grant it its entirety, including a report to the Economic and Development Services Committee recommending the grant be cancelled; and,

    Whereas, Clause 11 of Appendix 1 – Conditions of Approval within the C.I.P. Committal Letter stipulates that “The Property Owner agrees that if the Proposed Work is not fully completed by the Completion Date, which determination shall be in the City’s sole and absolute discretion, the City reserves the right to cancel or reduce the Grant in its entirety, at no objection from the Property Owner”; and,

    Whereas, the property owner has not yet completed the required work or submitted the necessary documentation to the City as of the final deadline;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item ED-25-60 concerning the cancellation of the Simcoe Street South Renaissance Community Improvement Plan Grant at 450-452 Simcoe Street South:

    1. That the Façade and Accessibility Improvement Grant under the Simcoe Street South Renaissance Community Improvement Plan in the amount of $5,424 for the property located at 450-452 Simcoe Street South be cancelled due to failure to meet the Conditions of Approval outlined in the grant agreement; and,
    2. That the Director, Business and Economic Development Services, be delegated authority to execute cancellation of the grant and associated actions, resulting in the Grant Amount being released to the Community Improvement Plan Program Budget uncommitted balance.
  • Whereas Report CNCL-23-54 dated May 24, 2023 requested direction from City Council to enter into agreements with Post-Secondary Institutions with campuses in downtown Oshawa regarding banners on allocated light standards; and,

    Whereas the endorsed recommendation in Report CNCL-23-54 directed staff to enter into a two year agreement with Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA for exclusive use of designated light standards within the downtown for institutional banner installations; and,

    Whereas Attachment 2 to Report CNCL-23-54 indicates which designated light standards are assigned to each Post-Secondary Institution; and,

    Whereas Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA continue to welcome students, faculty and staff to multiple locations across downtown Oshawa; and,

    Whereas the banner installations of Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA add to vibrant placemaking in the downtown area and there is no financial obligation required by the City as all costs pertaining to the installations are managed by the Post-Secondary Institutions; and,

    Whereas the current agreements are set to expire in June 2025;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item ED-25-61 concerning the Downtown Oshawa Banner Program Agreement Renewal: 

    1. That the Director, Business and Economic Development Services, be delegated the authority to renew the agreements with Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA for exclusive use of designated light standards within the downtown for institutional banner installations in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor; and,
    2. That the agreements are reviewed and renewed every three (3) years and that the authority to renew the agreements between the City of Oshawa and Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA be delegated to the Director, Business and Economic Development Services, in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services Department, the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor.
  • That Report SF-25-29 dated May 7, 2025 concerning the implementation of Tablet Command software be received for information. 

    1. That the Manager, Procurement be authorized to award contracts, as detailed in Report CNCL-25-31 dated May 26, 2025, being the low compliant bids meeting specifications as follows:
      1. Request for Tender (R.F.T.) C2025-045 Computer Equipment to Lenovo, in the amount of $218,364 excluding all taxes (leasing company CCA Financial Company Limited, formerly Macquarie Equipment Finance Ltd. to pay equipment supplier directly);
      2. Request for Tender (R.F.T.) C2025-046 Microsoft Surfaces and Accessories to 2164154 Ontario Inc./CIT Technologies, in the amount of $515,904 excluding all taxes (leasing company CCA Financial Company Limited, formerly Macquarie Equipment Finance Ltd. to pay equipment supplier directly);
    2. That additional funding of $30,000 excluding all taxes be made available from the Information Technology Reserve to cover other miscellaneous components as required for the computer hardware rollout; and,
    3. That, pursuant to the requirements of Ontario Regulation 653/05, the Treasurer of the Regional Municipality of Durham be advised that the City will be entering into a financing lease with CCA Financial Company Limited, formerly Macquarie Equipment Finance Ltd. on the terms stated in Report CNCL-25-31.

(Implements direction of December 16, 2024 through Item CO-24-26 of the Twenty-first Report of the Community and Operations Services Committee to establish rules and regulations for all cemeteries owned and operated by the City of Oshawa, and to repeal and replace By-Law 76-2012, as amended.)

(Implements direction of March 31, 2025 through Item SF-25-14 of the Twenty-fourth Report of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee to further amend the Pool Enclosure By-law 79-2006, as amended to implement minor technical amendments to support the continuous improvement of standards to meet the intended outcome of Pool Enclosure By-law)

(Implements direction of March 31, 2025 through Item SF-25-16 of the Twenty-fourth Report of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee to further amend the Open Air Burning By-law 73-2012, as amended, to allow for Sacred Fires to recognize their cultural and spiritual significance while ensuring proper safety measures.) 

(Implements direction of May 26, 2025 through Item CO-25-21 of the Twenty-seventh Report of the Community and Operations Services Committee to further amend the Skateboard and Bicycles By-law 78-91 by including a new definition of “Person” in order to allow for the ability to issue penalties to companies providing scooters, skateboards, bicycles and similar devices in the City of Oshawa) 

(Implements direction of May 26, 2025 through Item ED-25-50 of the Forty-eighth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee to amend Schedule ‘A’, Land Use, of the Oshawa Official Plan to reflect the Province’s removal of certain lands at the north west corner of Ritson Road North and Winchester Road East from the Greenbelt Protected Countryside Area.)

(Implements direction of May 26, 2025 through Item ED-25-50 of the Forty-eighth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee to make a number of City-initiated amendments to Zoning By-law 60-94.)

  • Consent Motion:

    Whereas the City of Oshawa is proud to celebrate the individuals, collectives and organizations that contribute to making Oshawa a great place to live, work and play; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa has two award programs that are administered by Recreation Services; the Community Legend Award and the E.P. Taylor Windfields Farm Champion Award; and,

    Whereas the Community Legend Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose everyday actions make a positive impact on Oshawa and is awarded on an annual basis; and,

    Whereas the E.P. Taylor Windfields Farm Champion Award celebrates someone who exemplifies innovation and has overcome adversity and is awarded every four years; and,

    Whereas each award has specific eligibility criteria that must be met by the individuals being nominated; and,

    Whereas the general eligibility criteria for both awards do not indicate whether self-nominations are permitted, and the criteria for the Community Legend Award does not indicate whether posthumous nominations are permitted;

    Therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to undertake a review and update of the Community Legend Award and the E.P. Taylor Windfields Farm Champion Award process to clarify the eligibility criteria to include exclusions regarding self-nominations and posthumous nominations.  

    Carried

    A request was made to divide the motion to vote on the exclusions regarding self-nominations and posthumous nominations separately.


  • The vote on the recommendation contained in Item CO-25-30 concerning the review of self-nomination.

    Carried
  • The vote on the recommendation contained in Item CO-25-30 concerning the review of Posthumous nominations.

    Affirmative (6)Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (1)Councillor Kerr
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (6 to 1)
  • Consent Motion:

    Whereas Election Sign By-law 42-2014, as amended (“Election Sign By-law 42-2014”) sets out requirements and restrictions for the erection, placement, maintenance and display of Election Signs; and,

    Whereas the Election Sign By-law 42-2014 sets out one size of signs on most City or Regional Roads but permits alternative sizes of signs north of Winchester Road provided they are not on lands zoned R1-A, R1-F, R1-G or R1-H pursuant to the City’s Zoning By-law 60-94, as amended; and;

    Whereas it is beneficial for candidates as well as Municipal Law Enforcement and the public to harmonize the sign size standards to be consistent throughout the City;

    Therefore be it resolved that Election Sign By-law 42-2014 be amended to not permit election signs facing that:

    1. Exceed a maximum height of 1.2 metres; or
    2. Exceed a maximum width of 1.2 metres.
  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item CF-25-36.

    Carried
  • Consent Motion:

    That based on Report ED-25-53 dated April 30, 2025, the application for a variance to Sign By-Law 72-96, as amended, submitted by Eye Candy Ads to permit one (1) pylon sign with a one-sided digital read-o-graph display for non-accessory (third party) advertising at 649 King Street East, be approved. 

  • Amendment:
    Moved byCouncillor Giberson
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That the recommendation contained in Item ED-25-53 be amended to add the following:

    “and that the exemption be subject to a 5-year review at which time Oshawa City Council may opt to extend the exemption for a further period of time.”

    Affirmative (3)Councillor Giberson, Councillor Marks, and Councillor McConkey
    Negative (4)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Lost (3 to 4)
  • Moved byCouncillor McConkey
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That Item ED-25-53 be referred to staff for the inclusion of wording to ensure the use of solely local Ads

    Affirmative (2)Councillor Giberson, and Councillor McConkey
    Negative (5)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Lost (2 to 5)
  • The vote on the recommendation contained in Item ED-25-53.

    Affirmative (5)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (2)Councillor Giberson, and Councillor McConkey
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (5 to 2)
  • Consent Motion:

    Whereas on June 10, 2024, Safety and Facilities Services Committee (“Committee”) was presented with correspondence Item SF-24-32 from Laura Barton requesting that the City of Oshawa (“City”) implement a by-law and standards to regulate maximum allowable temperatures in residential rental dwellings; and,

    Whereas on June 24, 2024, City Council (“Council”) referred Item SF-24-32 and additional correspondence (Item CNCL-24-97) to staff with direction to explore, examine and report back to the Committee with a detailed review of the City’s ability to regulate maximum temperatures; and,

    Whereas staff have undertaken an investigation into maximum allowable temperature regulations which includes the review of enabling legislation, existing City standards, benchmarking of comparator municipalities as well as tracking developments at the provincial level to address maximum allowable temperatures in residential rental dwellings; and,

    Whereas generally, at a minimum, municipalities regulate the maintenance of buildings and respective service systems (heating and cooling) through property standards by-laws with some municipalities (including the City) taking a further regulatory step establishing adequate or minimum heat by-laws to regulate the temperatures during the colder months, in parallel with vital services standards found in Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 (“Residential Tenancies Act”); and,

    Whereas in addition to the aforementioned regulatory scope of adequate or minimum heat by-laws, some municipalities, including the City of Toronto, City of Mississauga and the Town of Ajax, have implemented regulations for maximum allowable temperatures in warmer months for residential rental dwellings with existing air conditioning systems; and,

    Whereas Bill 97, Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act (“Bill 97”) was passed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (“Provincial Parliament”) and received Royal Assent on June 8, 2023 (Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, S.O. 2023, c. 10), which enabled amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act to permit tenants to install and use a window or portable air conditioner in a rental unit where the landlord does not supply air conditioning; and,

    Whereas Residential Tenancies Act amendments enabled by Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, S.O. 2023, c. 10 have been drafted and embedded into said Act as not-yet-in-force provision 36.1, requiring proclamation by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (“Lieutenant Governor”) to be put into force and law; and,

    Whereas on November 27, 2024, Bill 230, Housing Equity and Rental Transparency Act, 2024 (“Bill 230”) was introduced for First Reading and heard by Provincial Parliament, which among several legislative updates, proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act requiring landlords to maintain an indoor temperature of twenty-six (26) degrees Celsius or less from May 15 to September 15 in the common areas of residential rental complexes; and,

    Whereas the Residential Tenancies Act amendments contemplated in Bill 230 would establish provincial regulatory standards for maximum allowable temperatures in residential rental complexes, requiring local municipalities to appoint inspectors for the purposes of compliance and complaint response with the authority to compel landlords to complete remedial work to comply with established maximum allowable temperature standards; and,

    Whereas while Bill 230 was ordered for Second Reading and debate, the dissolution of Provincial Parliament on January 29, 2025 and subsequent election on February 27, 2025 began a new sitting of Provincial Parliament, with bills not receiving Royal Assent in the previous sitting not being scheduled for further proceedings, unless reintroduced by Provincial Parliament; and,

    Whereas should the Lieutenant Governor proclaim Residential Tenancies Act not-in-force provisions 36.1 into force and law, and the Provincial Government address previously proposed provincial regulatory standards contemplated in Bill 230, there would be a clearer legislative environment to advise and report on potential municipal regulatory frameworks pertaining to maximum allowable temperatures in residential rental dwellings;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item SF-25-30 dated May 7, 2025 concerning maximum temperature regulations and provincial legislation:

    1. That the Lieutenant Governor be requested to proclaim Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 not-in-force provisions 36.1 into force and law, pursuant to Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants Act, 2023, S.O. 2023, c. 10; and,
    2. That the Provincial Government be requested to address the previously proposed provincial regulatory standards contemplated in Bill 230 Housing Equity and Rental Transparency Act, 2024, specifically the proposed amendments to Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17 to regulate the indoor air temperature of common areas in residential complexes; and,
    3. That staff be directed to track the ongoing developments with provincial legislation related to maximum allowable temperatures in residential rental dwellings and report back to the Safety and Facilities Services Committee in Q1 2026 or sooner, should the Provincial Government provide clearer legislative direction for the cooling of air in residential rental settings.
  • Moved byCouncillor McConkey
    Seconded byCouncillor Nicholson

    That Item SF-25-30 be referred back for wording of a policy to implement similar to the City of Ajax maximum residential multi-unit facility that have central air conditioning.

    Affirmative (3)Councillor Giberson, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (4)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, and Councillor Marks
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Lost (3 to 4)
  • The vote on the recommendation contained in Item SF-25-30.

    Carried
  • Consent Motion:

    That Report SF-25-31 dated May 7, 2025 concerning Community Safety Day be received for information. 

  • The vote on the recommendation contained in Item SF-25-31.

    Carried
  • Consent Motion:

    Whereas, the Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund through ED-24-41 was recommended by the Economic and Development Services Committee on April 8, 2024, and adopted by City Council on April 29, 2024; and,

    Whereas, the Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund was formally launched publicly on May 2, 2024, accepting applications retroactive to January 1, 2024, and reviewed on a first come, first serve basis until the fund is fully exhausted; and,

    Whereas, the Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund has received (13) applications as of April 2025 and committed $38,189.18 of the one-time fund of $100,000; and,

    Whereas, ED-24-41 Attachment 1, Types of Rebates outlines “The grant program offers two (2) types of rebates. A property owner or business owner can apply to one or both programs. Each municipal address is only able to apply to each grant one time for the life of the grant program”; and,

    Whereas, Oshawa Economic Development staff have been advised by Municipal Law Enforcement staff, business owners, and property owners that several municipal addresses have been subject to multiple graffiti or vandalism incidents during the eligible time period; and,

    Whereas, the Oshawa Strategic Plan 2024-2027: Innovate. Belong. Care. Lead. identifies the mission of “Committed to delivering exceptional services, spaces, and experiences”, including Section 5 within the Lead priority area, “Embrace innovation and advance continuous improvement initiatives and actions”; and,

    Whereas, exploring alterations to the program to allow multiple applications per municipal address is a proactive approach to ensure a high level of service and support is extended to impacted properties; and,

    Whereas, criteria will be added to the program for municipal addresses submitting additional applications which will include but not be limited to: confirmation of the submission of a police report of the incident; mandatory meeting with City Security representatives to review the subject property through a lens of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design; requirement of enhancements through the Preventative portion of the fund to ensure appropriate steps have been taken to mitigate repeat vandalism or graffiti offences; and others considered necessary by the Application Review Team;

    Therefore be it resolved:

    1. That City Council reconsider its previous decision regarding Attachment 1 of Report ED-24-41 that allowed for only one application per municipal address; and,
    2. That the Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund be modified to allow each municipal address eligibility to be considered for the rebates more than one time; and,
    3. That the Director, Business and Economic Development Services, be delegated authority to execute modification of eligibility and associated actions, resulting in the ability for municipal addresses to submit multiple applications subject to review and approval by the Application Review Team.
  • The vote on Part 1 of the recommendation contained in Item CNCL-25-29 to reconsider Council's decision of April 29,2024, concerning Item ED-24-41 regarding the Graffiti and Vandalism Remediation Fund.  (Requires 2/3 vote of members present) 

    Carried
  • The vote to adopt the remainder of the recommendation contained in Item CNCL-25-29

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That based on Correspondence CNCL-25-28 being the resolution of the Town of Whitby concerning impacts of international student program changes to local post-secondary programs be endorsed.

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That, notwithstanding the process and requirements for the Oshawa Community Grants Program, the request for waiving of fees for the AQUINO Tank Weekend event as set out in Correspondence CNCL-25-30 dated May 6, 2025 from the Canadian Tank Museum be approved. 

    Affirmative (7)Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (7 to 0)
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That all items listed under the heading of Closed Consent Agenda for the City Council Meeting dated May 26, 2025, be adopted as recommended except for the following: 

    Items ED-25-56, ED-25-57 and ED-25-58 from the Forty-ninth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee. 

    Carried
  • That Closed Report ED-25-54 dated April 30, 2025 concerning real estate acquisitions and dispositions by the City of Oshawa from January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 be received for information.

  • That based on Closed Report ED-25-59 dated April 30, 2025, City staff be directed to advance the recommendation as set out in Section 2.0 of said Closed Report in response to the Durham District School Board’s request for an extension to its existing licence agreement with the City for non-exclusive use of parking spaces at various City-owned parks.

  • That based on Closed Report ED-25-63 dated April 30, 2025 concerning an update regarding the expropriation of lands known municipally as 33 and 45 Simcoe Street North, City staff be authorized to proceed in accordance with section 2.0 of said Closed Report. 

  • That based on Closed Report ED-25-64 dated April 30, 2025 concerning the conveyance of certain lands to the City, as generally identified in Attachments 1 and 2, the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, be authorized to proceed as outlined in said Closed Item.

  • That based on Closed Report ED-25-65 dated April 30, 2025 concerning an update on disposition of surplus City-owned lands located west of 1190 Keith Ross Drive: 

    1. That the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, in coordination with the Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Department, be authorized to advance the approach as generally set out in Section 4.3 of said Closed Report; and,
    2. That the Operating and Options Agreement between the City and “His Majesty” represented by the Minister of Transportation, the lands described as Part 3 and part of Part 5 on Plan 40R-19499 and a portion of Part 1 of Plan 40R-12222 as outlined on Attachment 2 of said Closed Report, be deemed not necessary for the management, maintenance, or operation of the airport as an undertaking.
  • Moved byCouncillor Gray
    Seconded byCouncillor Nicholson

    That based on Closed Item CNCL-25-32 regarding the South Oshawa Community Centre Sprinkler Access & Pool Facility Reconstruction, Council select Option 2 as set out in said Item. 

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That the meeting recess and reconvene in a session closed to the public pursuant to Section 239 (2)(c)(i)(j)(k) of the Municipal Act consider to consider Item ED-25-56 which concerns the proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land; A trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the City, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons or organization; a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the City and has monetary value or potential monetary value; a position, plan, procedure, criterion or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the City; and,

    Items ED-25-57 and ED-25-58  which concern the proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land.  

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Giberson
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That the meeting recess. 

    Carried

    The meeting recessed at 11:25 a.m. and reconvened at 11:50 a.m. with all members of Council present in the Chamber except Mayor Carter and Councillors Chapman, Lee, McConkey and Neal who were absent.

    Also in attendance were the Director, Legislative Services/City Clerk; Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy City Clerk; the Chief Administrative Officer; the Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services Department; the Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Department; the Commissioner, Community and Operations Services; the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department; the City Solicitor; the Director, Planning Services; the Manager, Policy; C. Leherbauer, Principal Planner;  and,  K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinator. 

    All other staff and members of the public left the meeting.

    Council entered closed session at 11:50 a.m.

    Closed meeting discussions took place.  


  • Moved byCouncillor Nicholson
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That Council rise from closed session and report. 

    Carried

    Council rose from closed session at 12:09 p.m.


The following is a summary of the closed portion of the meeting.

Members of Council discussed Item ED-25-56 regarding the Results of the Request for Proposal Process (Reference Number C2024-113) for the Potential Redevelopment of the City-owned Land at 47 Bond Street West.

Members of Council questioned the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services and the City Solicitor concerning Item ED-25-56.

The Commissioner, Economic and Development Services, and City Solicitor responded to questions from Council.

No closed meeting discussions took place on Items ED-25-57 and Item ED-25-58. 

  • Councillor McConkey re-entered the meeting electronically at 12:12 p.m.

    Consent Motion: 

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee select Option 2 as set out in Section 4.3 of Closed Report ED-25-56 dated April 30, 2025 concerning next steps in the request for proposal process for the City-owned land located at 47 Bond Street West.

  • The vote on the recommendation as contained in Item ED-25-56.

    Affirmative (5)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (2)Councillor Giberson, and Councillor McConkey
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (5 to 2)
  • Councillor Marimpietri declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Marimpietri declared a conflict of interest and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.)
  • Councillor Nicholson assumed the Chair.

    Councillor Marimpietri left the meeting at 12:14 a.m. 

    Consent Motion: 

    That based on Closed Report ED-25-57 dated April 30, 2025 concerning an update on disposition of City-owned land, located on the south side of Athol Street East, between Celina Street and Albert Street, City staff be authorized to advance the approach as generally set out in both Section 4.4 and Attachment 5 of said Closed Report.

  • The vote on the recommendation as contained in Item ED-25-57.

    Affirmative (4)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (2)Councillor Giberson, and Councillor McConkey
    Conflict (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (4 to 2)
  • Consent Motion: 

    That the Economic and Development Services Committee select Option 1 as out in Section 4.3 of Closed Report ED-25-58 dated April 30, 2025 concerning the disposition of City-owned land located on the north side of Athol Street East, between Centre Street South and Simcoe Street South.

  • The vote on the recommendation as contained in Item ED-25-58.

    Affirmative (5)Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (2)Councillor Giberson, and Councillor McConkey
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (5 to 2)

    Councillor Marimpietri re-entered the meeting at 12:16 p.m.

    Councillor Kerr assumed the Chair.


  • Moved byCouncillor Marimpietri
    Seconded byCouncillor Nicholson

    Whereas improvements to arterial roads in greenfield areas by the City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham with sidewalks and street lighting frequently occurs only after the completion and occupation of new homes in adjacent plans of subdivision; and,

    Whereas the full completion of parks with park facilities is typically scheduled to occur following the completion and occupation of new homes in plans of subdivision, in alignment with municipal priorities, resource availability, and the need to ensure parks are designed and delivered to meet the unique needs of new communities; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa has a vested interest in ensuring that parks and park facilities reflect community needs, unique local features, and established municipal standards, regardless of whether the development is carried out by the City or by developers; and,

    Whereas there is a need to ensure that the quality, design, and timely completion of parks and parks facilities within new subdivisions are maintained through City oversight; and, 

    Whereas the City’s policies for new planning areas such as Kedron and Columbus require developers to finance and build trails in their subdivisions concurrent with their subdivisions, but the completion of trails by the developers frequently occurs only after the completion and occupation of new homes in plans of subdivision; 

    Therefore be it resolved:

    1. That for all residential plans of subdivision not yet registered and all future plans of subdivision, staff be directed to investigate opportunities for the construction of adjacent arterial roads, trails, sidewalks, street lights and fully completed parks prior to, concurrent with or shortly following the timing of the construction of homes in the subdivision, where practical; and,
    2. That for all residential plans of subdivision not yet registered and all future plans of subdivision, staff be directed to report to the appropriate Committee and Council on any funding implications of constructing adjacent arterial roads, trails, sidewalks, street lights and fully completed parks as early as possible for plans of subdivision; and,
    3. That the annual Mayor’s Budget take into consideration plans of subdivision anticipated to be registered in the following year and consider any budget and staff resources required to complete the City’s portions of roads, trails, sidewalks, street lights and completed parks in and adjacent to said subdivisions; and,
    4. That the Region of Durham be requested to budget and expedite the construction of arterial road improvements concurrent with the registration of adjacent plans of subdivisions.
    Affirmative (7)Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marimpietri, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Carried (7 to 0)

    Councillor Marimpietri assumed the Chair. 


  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Nicholson

    That the Confirming By-law be passed. 

    Carried
  • Moved byCouncillor Nicholson
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That the meeting adjourn at 12:28 p.m.

    Carried