Oshawa City Council

Minutes

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

Mayor Carter called the meeting to order and stated that all members of Council were participating from the Chamber except Councillor Marimpietri who was 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.

Councillor Giberson declared a conflict of interest on Report ED-25-30 regarding the Proposed City-Initiated Amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 to Implement Protected Major Transit Station Areas that was considered at a meeting of the Economic and Development Services Committee at which he was absent. Councillor Giberson declared the conflict as he is an Officer and Director of Mosaic Non-Profit Housing, which has expressed an interest in the property affected by the proposed amendments. 

Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+) and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+) and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+) and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Mayor Carter recognized Heather Adams, Jillian Kane, Rebecca Salim and Jim Hamilton for their quick action in an emergency situation at the YMCA on January 3, 2025.

None 

  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That pursuant to CNCL-25-16 dated March 26, 2025, concerning the 2026 budget timetable and engagement opportunities:

    1. That Council reduce the time period as set out in subsection 7(3) of O. Reg. 530/22 to pass a resolution making an amendment to the proposed budget from 30 days to 27 days; and,
    2. That Council reduce the time period as set out in subsection 7(10) of O. Reg. 530/22 to override the head of Council’s veto of an amendment to the proposed budget from 15 days to 14 days.
    3. That Council approve the public engagement opportunities as set out in Section 4.2 
      of this report.
  • Amendment:
    Moved byCouncillor Giberson
    Seconded byCouncillor Marks

    That the motion be amended to add the following as Part 4:

    'That Council direct staff to recommend a weeknight date during the weeks of November 10 and 17 for a Special meeting of Council on the 2026 budget to hear from members of the public who may be unable to attend a Friday morning meeting.'

    Affirmative (5)Councillor Giberson, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (5)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Lost (5 to 5)
  • Amendment:
    Moved byCouncillor McConkey
    Seconded byCouncillor Neal

    That the motion be amended to add the following as Part 4:

    'That the November 28, 2025 budget meeting be a committee of the whole meeting.'  

    Councillor McConkey and Councillor Neal withdrew the motion to amend.  


  • Amendment:
    Moved byCouncillor Nicholson
    Seconded byCouncillor Neal

    That the motion be amended to add the following as Part 4:

    'That Council recommends a budget increase target of not more than 4% in 2026.'

    Affirmative (6)Councillor Chapman, Councillor Gray, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (4)Mayor Carter, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Kerr, and Councillor Lee
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (6 to 4)
  • The vote on Parts 1 to 3 of the recommendation as contained in Item CNCL-25-16.

    Affirmative (8)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (2)Councillor Neal, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (8 to 2)
  • The vote on Part 4 of the recommendation as contained in Item CNCL-25-16.

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

    That all items listed under the heading of Public Consent Agenda for the City Council Meeting dated March 31, 2025, be adopted as recommended except for the following: 

    Items CF-25-14 and CF-25-21 from the Twenty-seventh Report of the Corporate and Finance Services Committee; and, 

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

    Items SF-25-11 and SF-25-15 from the Twenty-fourth Report of the Safety and Facilities Services Committee; and,

    Report CNCL-25 -19. 

    Carried
  • That the minutes of the City Council meeting held on February 24, 2025 and March 7, 2025, be adopted.

  • That based on Report CO-25-07 dated March 12, 2025 concerning the selection of the 2025 Oshawa Community Legend Award recipient:

    1. That the Community and Operations Services Committee select Nominee 2 as the 2025 Oshawa Community Legend Award recipient from the list of nominations presented in Confidential Attachment 2 of said Report; and,
    2. That the list of items received by the 2025 Oshawa Community Legend Award recipient be revised in accordance with Section 4.2 and Attachment 1 of said Report; and,
    3. That the 2025 Oshawa Community Legend Award be presented to the selected recipient at a future meeting of Council.
  • That Report CO-25-08 dated March 12, 2025 being the Community and Operations Services Committee's Outstanding Items List Status Report for the first quarter of 2025 be received for information.

  • That based on Report CO-25-09 being a report from the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee concerning the Request for Report on Accessibility of Rest Areas with Accessible Benches in Outdoor Parks and Trail, the following be referred to staff for a report:

    "That the Facilities Management Services department prepare a report for the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee on the accessibility of rest areas with accessible benches in the outdoor parks and trails of Oshawa, on the grounds of city facilities and inside city facilities, with an assessment of the following:

        1. Number present; and
        2. Frequency along paths, trails or walkways." 
  • Whereas the Purchasing By-law, requires Council approval of Professional and Consulting Services contract awards greater than $100,000; and,

    Whereas funding has been approved in 2025 for Project 40-0009 Official Plan Review in the amount of $450,000, inclusive of non-rebateable H.S.T.; and,

    Whereas Report ED-24-113 directed staff to issue a Request for Proposal to undertake the Growth Management Study component of the Official Plan Review; and

    Whereas Procurement issued a Request for Proposal (R.F.P.) C2024-115 for Growth Management Study Consultant; and,

    Whereas two (2) bids were received (publicly posted on the City’s website at Oshawa's Bids and Tenders) and opened by Procurement on January 28, 2025; and,

    Whereas proposals were evaluated on qualification, experience, proposal quality, project deliverables, technical response, and price; and,

    Whereas the evaluation team unanimously scored the bid received by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. as comprehensive, thorough, addressed all requirements of the R.F.P, is the highest-ranking proponent and best satisfied the City’s requirements; and,

    Whereas the proposal received from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. in the amount of $399,200 plus H.S.T. ($406,226 including non-rebateable H.S.T.) for Growth Management Study Consultant;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item CF-25-15, the Manager, Procurement award a contract to Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. in the estimated amount of $399,200 excluding H.S.T. for C2024-115 for Growth Management Study Consultant.

  • That based on Report CF-25-16 dated February 26, 2025, the Oshawa Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champions Awards program be approved.

  • Whereas in 2021 Council approved project 40-0057 Mobility Hub Transportation and Land Use Study and project 73-0459 for Central Oshawa Hub Infrastructure Improvements in the amounts of $175,000 and $358,000 respectively, for a total amount of $533,000, including non-rebateable H.S.T.; and,

    Whereas Procurement issued Request for Proposal (R.F.P.) C2022-006 Central Oshawa Major Transit Station Area Plan; and, Whereas on March 28, 2022, Council approved Report FIN-22-31 to award a contract to Parsons Inc. (Parsons), as well as additional funding of $123,865 including non-rebateable H.S.T., to complete the Integrated Major Transit Station Area Study for Central Oshawa (the “Integrated M.T.S.A. Study”); and,

    Whereas the total approved budget of $656,865 has been committed for the planned scope of work; and,

    Whereas on June 24, 2024, Council approved Report ED-24-72 and directed staff to expand the scope of work with Parsons for a transit priority investigation, resulting in further design updates, additional stakeholder engagement, and project extension; and,

    Whereas the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources has unexpectedly required Parsons to complete an Air Quality Assessment for the First Avenue and McNaughton Avenue Environmental Assessment component of the Integrated M.T.S.A. Study; and,

    Whereas the additional scope of work and assessment represents an additional cost of $63,681 including non-rebateable H.S.T.; and,

    Whereas Finance Services has confirmed that the additional cost of $63,681 including non-rebateable H.S.T. can be funded from the Transportation Development Charges Reserve Fund and the Growth-Related Non-DC Reserve;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item CF-25-17, an additional $63,681 including non- rebateable H.S.T., be funded from the Transportation Development Charges Reserve Fund and the Growth-Related Non-DC Reserve be approved.

  • That Report CF-25-19 dated March 2025 being the Corporate and Finance Services Committee Outstanding Items Status Report for the First Quarter of 2025, be received for information.

  • Whereas the Town of Whitby is advancing the detailed design of a new and major east-west roadway in South Brooklin between Cochrane Street/Highway 7 and the City of Oshawa West Limits (see Attachment 1); and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby is referring to this new roadway as the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway; and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby has inquired about the City of Oshawa’s interest to participate and collaborate to extend the scope of work including the detailed design for Phase 3 of the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway easterly to Thornton Road, to connect with the Britannia Avenue West Extension; and,

    Whereas the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway project is currently divided into the following four phases of construction:

    • Phase 1: From Ashburn Road to the future Garden Street Extension;
    • Phase 2: From Garden Street Extension to Anderson Street;
    • Phase 3: From Anderson Road to the eastern Town of Whitby limit; and,
    • Phase 4: From Cochrane Street/Highway 7 to Ashburn Road; Whereas, the Town of Whitby is currently constructing Phase 1, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2025; and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby is currently constructing Phase 1, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2025; and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby is moving forward with the detailed design work for Phase 3 through a Front-Ending Agreement with area developers; and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby is estimating a cost of approximately $2.4 million for the detailed design of Phase 3 of the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway, which is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025, with a target completion date of December 2025; and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby is anticipating to commence the Construction of Phase 3 in 2026; and,

    Whereas the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway is the westerly connection to Britannia Avenue West in the City of Oshawa; and,

    Whereas the Britannia Avenue West extension, approximately 400m from Thornton Road North to the Town of Whitby easterly limit (see Attachment 2), is currently scheduled within the capital program in 2031 as project 73-0484 Britannia Road West from West City Limit to Thornton Road North; and,

    Whereas the estimated budget for the detailed design for the Britannia Avenue West extension west of Thornton Road North is approximately $570,000; and,

    Whereas there are no approved funds in the 2025 Mayor’s budget for the detailed design of the Britannia Avenue West extension; and,

    Whereas collaboration with the Town of Whitby is crucial for advancing the connection of Britannia Avenue West to the Mid-Block Arterial roadway; and,

    Whereas the City can take advantage of cost savings through economies of scale by advancing the detailed design for the Britannia Avenue West extension as part of the Town of Whitby’s Phase 3 works for the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway; and,

    Whereas the Town of Whitby requires City of Oshawa Council approval and commitment prior to expanding their scope of work of Phase 3 of the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway to include the detailed design for the Britannia Avenue West extension west of Thornton Road North; and,

    Whereas currently there are uncommitted funds available in the Transportation Roads D.C. Reserve and the Growth-Related Non-D.C. Reserve Funds;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Report CF-25-20 dated March 3, 2025, concerning the Britannia Avenue West Extension West of Thornton Road North:

    1. That Council approve the advancement of the detailed design for the Britannia Avenue West extension as part of the Town of Whitby’s Phase 3 works for the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway; and,
    2. That Council approve the funding of $570,000 to advance the detailed design for the Britannia Avenue West extension as part of the Town of Whitby’s Phase 3 works for the Mid-Block Arterial Roadway, to be funded through a combination of funds from the Transportation Roads D.C. Reserve and the Growth-Related Non-D.C. Reserve Funds.
  • That based on Report ED-25-26 dated February 26, 2025 concerning an application under the Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan at 39 Athol Street West:

    1. That the application submitted by Independent Project Managers on behalf of Central Clear View Developments Inc. under the City’s Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan for an Increased Assessment Grant for the development of a 16-storey, 172-unit residential condominium apartment building at 39 Athol Street West be approved in general accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and that the Increased Assessment Grant be a total amount of $3,418,613.50 to spread over a 9-year period; and,
    2. That the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, be authorized to enter into an agreement with Central Clear View Developments Inc. under the City’s Urban Growth Centre Community Improvement Plan to implement Part 1 above, in a form and content satisfactory to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor.
  • Whereas the existing building located at 827 Gordon Street and known as the former Cedardale Public School (the “Subject Site”) is currently identified as a designated property on the City’s Register of Properties of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest (the “Register”) under Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.18 (the “Ontario Heritage Act”); and,

    Whereas on September 3, 2024, Weston Consulting, on behalf of 2835731 Ontario Inc. (the “Owner”), submitted a Zoning By-law Amendment application consisting of five (5) blocks of 67 townhouses and the preservation of the original portion of the former Cedardale Public School (“Zoning By-law Amendment Application”); and,

    Whereas on November 22, 2024, Weston Consulting, on behalf of the Owner, submitted an application to alter the Subject Site pursuant to Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act (the “Section 33 Application”) in keeping with the proposal outlined in the aforementioned Zoning By-law Amendment application; and,

    Whereas on January 21, 2025, staff confirmed that all requisite materials had been submitted as part of the Section 33 Application and deemed the application to be complete; and,

    Whereas Council is required to either approve, approve with terms and conditions, or refuse the Section 33 Application by no later than April 21, 2025 in accordance with the 150-day timeline outlined in Section 33(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,

    Whereas pursuant to the exception outlined in Section 33(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act, the municipality and the property owner can enter into an agreement to waive and/or extend this timeline; and,

    Whereas staff believe that the Section 33 Application would be most appropriately considered alongside the Zoning By-law Amendment Application which is still in process and may not resolve prior to April 21, 2025; and,

    Whereas, on February 4, 2025, Weston Consulting, on behalf of the Owner, agreed in writing in extending the timeline to consider the Section 33 Application to coincide with Council’s consideration of the Zoning By-law Amendment Application;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item ED-25-27 dated February 26, 2025 concerning the process to extend the timeline associated with an application made under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act concerning the former Cedardale Public School at 827 Gordon Street:

    1. That the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and Director, Planning Services be authorized to enter into an agreement with the property owner of 827 Gordon Street to waive or extend the 150-day timeline to consider an application submitted under Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, in accordance with Section 33(7) of the Ontario Heritage Act, to coincide with Council’s consideration of the submitted Zoning By-law Amendment application; and,
    2. That staff be directed to report back to the Economic and Development Services Committee in Q3 2025 concerning appropriate opportunities to advance amendments to the Delegation of Authority By-law 29-2009, as amended, to allow the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the Director, Planning Services to enter into agreements with property owners to waive and/or extend various timelines prescribed under the Ontario Heritage Act.
  • Whereas at the February 3, 2025 Economic and Development Services Committee and Planning Act Meeting, the Committee considered Report ED-25-20 and recommended to Council:

    “That pursuant to Report ED-25-20 dated January 29, 2025, concerning the Detailed Design for the One-Way to Two-Way Conversions for Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street:

      1. That Council endorse, in principle, the detailed designs for converting Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street to two-way operations that would require changes to pavement markings and signage only; and,
      2. That staff be authorized to post the detailed design on the City’s website; and,
      3. The staff investigate options for the conversion of Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street in 2025 and report back to the March Economic and Development Services Committee.”

    Whereas Project 20-40-0054, Two-way Street Conversion Study, was approved for $100,000 to undertake a Feasibility Study of converting Albert Street and Celina Street to two-way traffic operations; and,

    Whereas Project 21-40-0061, Two-way Street Conversion Study, was approved for $50,000 to undertake a Feasibility Study of converting Brock Street and Colborne Street to two-way traffic operations; and,

    Whereas Project 23-74-0157, Two-way Street Conversion Study, was approved for $250,000 for the detailed design for the two-way conversion of Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street and,

    Whereas in 2023, the remaining budgets from Project 20-40-0054 and Project 21-40-0061 were transferred to Project 23-74-0157; and,

    Whereas in 2024, an additional $100,000 was approved for Project 23-74-0157 in the Mayor’s Budget; and,

    Whereas in 2024, staff identified an opportunity to undertake the detailed design in-house, rather than requiring consultant assistance, resulting in considerable cost savings; and,

    Whereas total expenditures of approximately $127,000 have been assigned to Project 23-74-0157 to date, primarily relating to the completion of the Feasibility Studies; and,

    Whereas Project 23-74-0157, Two-way Street Conversion Study, has a remaining approved budget of approximately $370,000; and,

    Whereas by using pavement markings and signage only, Report ED-25-20 identified that the cost of converting Brock Street East, Colborne Street, Albert Street, and Celina Street is approximately $400,000; and,

    Whereas Project 23-74-0157 does not have sufficient budget to facilitate the conversion of Brock Street East, Colborne Street, Albert Street, and Celina Street in 2025; and,

    Whereas additional coordination is required with the Region of Durham for the design of the traffic signals along Albert Street, and Celina Street;

    Therefore be it resolved that pursuant to Item ED-25-33 dated March 3, 2025 concerning the one-way to two-way conversions for Albert Street, Celina Street, Brock Street East, and Colborne Street:

    1. That subject to the approval of Part 2, City staff continue to coordinate with the Region of Durham to finalize the design of traffic signals along Albert Street, and Celina Street required for the conversion to two-way traffic operations; and,
    2. That the additional budget required for the conversion of Albert Street, and Celina Street to two-way traffic operations be referred to the 2026 Mayor’s Budget for consideration; and,
    3. That $25,000 from Project 23-74-0157 be approved for the conversion of Brock Street East and Colborne Street in 2025; and,
    4. That staff develop a communications plan to communicate the conversion to area residents.
  • That based on Report ED-25-34 dated February 26, 2025 concerning applications to amend the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94 at 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East:

    1. That the application submitted by JKO Planning Services Inc. on behalf of 1000645992 Ontario Ltd. to amend the Oshawa Official Plan (File: OPA-2024-02) to permit a maximum residential density of 681 units per net hectare (276 u/ac) at 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East be approved, generally in accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and the necessary by-law be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor; and,
    2. That the application submitted by JKO Planning Services Inc. on behalf of 1000645992 Ontario Ltd. to amend Zoning By-law 60-94 (File: Z-2024-02) to rezone 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East to an appropriate PSC-A (Planned Strip Commercial) Zone subject to special conditions to permit the proposed building featuring 167 apartment units and 90.95 square metres (979 sq. ft.) of commercial floor space on the ground floor be approved, generally in accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and the necessary by-law be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor; and,
    3. That, in accordance with Section 34(17) of the Planning Act and notwithstanding that the Zoning By-law Amendment proposed in Report ED-24-90 dated September 4, 2024 presented at the public meeting of September 9, 2024 differs to some degree from the proposed amendment recommended to be approved by City Council pursuant to Part 2 of this Recommendation, such differences are not substantial enough to require further notice and another public meeting.
  • That pursuant to Report ED-25-35 dated February 26, 2025, the application submitted by the Regional Municipality of Durham on behalf of the Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation to amend the Oshawa Official Plan (File: OPA-2024-07) to permit the development of a 6-storey apartment building and a 4-storey stacked townhouse building featuring a combined total of 165 units on lands comprising 419 to 451 Christine Crescent and the abutting City-owned Christine Crescent road allowance be approved, generally in accordance with the comments contained in said Report, and the necessary by-law be passed in a form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, and the City Solicitor.

  • That pursuant to Report ED-25-36 dated February 26, 2025, the Economic and Development Services Department be authorized to initiate the statutory public process under the Planning Act for Council to consider proposed City-initiated amendments to the Oshawa Official Plan and Zoning By-law 60-94, generally in accordance with Attachment 1 to this Report.

  • That based on Item ED-25-37 being a report from Heritage Oshawa concerning the Windfields Farm/Northern Dancer Cemetery participation at Doors Open 2025, the following be received for information:

    'Whereas Doors Open 2024 was an outstanding success; and,

    Whereas the former Windfields Farm/Northern Dancer Cemetery were a part of that success;

    Therefore be it resolved:

    That the Doors Open Committee open the Windfields Farm/Northern Dancer cemetery to the public during Doors Open 2025.'

  • That Report ED-25-38 dated February 26, 2025 being the Economic and Development Services Committee's Outstanding Items List Status Report for the first quarter of 2025 be received for information.

  • That Correspondence ED-25-39 from Elaine Wright requesting a street naming to honour Irvine Harrell and Correspondence ED-25-40 from Rich Weisz requesting a street naming to honour George Weisz be referred to staff for a report. 

  • That based on Report SF-25-14 dated March 12, 2025, Council approve a by-law in a final form and content acceptable to the City Solicitor and the Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Department to further amend Pool Enclosure By-law 79-2006, as amended, to implement technical amendments as detailed in Section 4.4 of said Report. 

  • Whereas Open Air Burning By-law 73-2012, as amended (“By-law 73-2012, as amended”) regulates all open air burning within the City of Oshawa to ensure public safety and environmental protection; and,

    Whereas consultations have been made with the Diversity, Equity and Reconciliation Division, specifically the Indigenous Relations Advisor; and,

    Whereas Sacred Fires are integral ceremonies to Indigenous culture, serving as a spiritual gathering place for wellness, healing and prayer; and,

    Whereas articles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (U.N.D.R.I.P.) and the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (T.R.C.) Final Report recognize the importance of supporting Indigenous Peoples’ right to access Sacred Fire ceremonies; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa has made commitments to recognizing U.N.D.R.I.P. and the T.R.C. Calls to Action as the framework for the City’s reconciliation efforts through CNCL22-48; and,

    Whereas clarity regarding specific types of fires in By-law 73-2012, as amended, is necessary to prevent misinterpretation by the public and to support enforcement efforts; and,

    Whereas the proposed amendments include changes to Section 2 to enhance the definition and regulation of Sacred Fires to provide clear guidance on its meaning and to recognize the cultural and spiritual significance while ensuring proper safety measures; and,

    Whereas the proposed amendments to Section 3.2 clarify that Sacred Fires do not require a Fire Permit but must adhere to appropriate safety considerations;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item SF-25-16 dated March 12, 2025, Council approve a by-law in a final form and content acceptable to the Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Department and City Solicitor, to further amend Open Air Burning By-law 73-2012, as amended, to include definitions and regulations for Sacred Fires as generally set out in Attachment 1 of said Item. 

    1. Whereas the Noise By-law 112-82, as amended (“Noise By-law”) is a by-law to prohibit noises likely to disturb the inhabitants of the City of Oshawa (“City”); and,
      Whereas at its April 29, 2024 meeting, City Council directed staff to review Noise By-law 112-82, as amended, as it relates to construction noise; and,
      Whereas staff conducted municipal benchmarking of sixteen (16) lower and single-tier municipalities, including Durham Region lakeshore municipalities, to assess and compare the City’s Noise By-law construction noise standards against comparator standards; and,
      Whereas fifteen (15) of sixteen (16) municipalities benchmarked regulate construction noise in the same manner as the City, meaning construction noise is prohibited from some point in time in the evening each day to some point in time the following morning, with prohibited times being less restrictive or in-line with the City’s existing prohibited times; and,
      Whereas staff consider the City’s Noise By-law regulatory standards to be aligned with municipal best practice and appropriate for the regulation of construction noise;
      Therefore Item 11 regarding a review of Noise By-law 112-82, as amended, as it relates to construction noise be removed from the Safety and Facilities Services Committee's Outstanding Items List; and,
    2. That the remainder of Report SF-25-18 dated March 12, 2025 being the Safety and Facilities Services Committee's Outstanding Items List Status Report for the first quarter of 2025 be received for information.
  • It is recommended to City Council:

    Whereas effective May 1, 2017,  pursuant to Subsection 286(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, the municipality appointed Michelle Bretherick as Deputy Treasurer for the Corporation of the City of Oshawa with all the powers and duties of the treasurer under any Act through By-law 31-2017; and,

    Whereas Michelle Bretherick retired from the Corporation of the City of Oshawa effective March 31, 2025; and,

    Whereas it is necessary to repeal By-law 31-2017 immediately following her retirement;

    Therefore be it resolved that Council pass a by-law to repeal By-law 31-2017 appointing Michelle Bretherick as Deputy Treasurer of the Corporation of the City of Oshawa.

  • It is recommended to City Council: 

    Whereas the Office of the City Clerk is held by Mary Medeiros pursuant to By-law 136-2019; and,

    Whereas the Office of the Deputy City Clerk is held by Laura Davis pursuant to By-law 136-2019; and,

    Whereas it is appropriate to appoint an Acting Deputy City Clerk in the event both the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk are unable to carry on their duties through illness or otherwise, and;

    Whereas at its meeting of December 16, 2024, Council appointed Felicia Bianchet as Acting Deputy City Clerk effective December 16, 2024 until April 1, 2025; and,

    Whereas it is recommended to extend this appointment until July 31, 2025,

    Therefore, based on Item CNCL-25-18 dated March 31, 2025:

    1. That Felicia Bianchet be appointed as Acting Deputy City Clerk of the Corporation of the City of Oshawa effective April 2, 2025 until July 31, 2025; and,
    2. That the aforementioned Acting Deputy City Clerk shall have all the powers and duties of the City Clerk under the Municipal Act and every other Act in the event both the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk are unable to carry on their duties through illness or otherwise; and,
    3. That the necessary by-law be passed in the final form and content satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

(Implements Council direction of February 24, 2025, through Report CF-25-12 of the Twenty-fifth Report of the Corporate and Finance Services Committee to revise the current facility rental cancellation fee and registration cancellation fee.) 

(Implements Council direction of March 31, 2025, through Report ED-25-34 of the Forty-fifth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee to add a site-specific policy to permit a maximum residential density of 681 units per hectare on lands located at 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East.)

(Implements Council direction of March 31, 2025, through Report ED-25-34 of the Forty-fifth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee to change the zoning for the lands generally located at 121, 125 and 131 Bloor Street East from PSC-A (Planned Strip Commercial) to PSC-A(22) “h-102” (Planned Strip Commercial).)

(Implements Council direction of March 31, 2025, through Report ED-25-35 of the Forty-fifth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee to add a site specific policy to permit a maximum residential density of 211 units per hectare on lands that consist of the Christine Crescent road allowance and lands municipally known as 419 to 451 Christine Crescent.)

(Implements Council direction of March 31, 2025, through Item CNCL-25-17 to repeal By-law 31-2017 appointing Michelle Bretherick as Deputy Treasurer of the Corporation of the City of Oshawa)

(Implements Council direction of March 31, 2025, through Item CNCL-25-18 to appoint Felicia Bianchet as Acting Deputy City Clerk of the Corporation of the City of Oshawa effective April 2, 2025 until July 31, 2025)

(Implements Council direction of January 27, 2025, through Item CO-25-02 from the Twenty-second Report of the Community and Operations Services Committee to include in the 40km/h Area Program, the speed limit on all streets and courts identified be reduced to 40 km/h) 

  • Councillor Neal declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+) and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.)
  • Consent Motion: 

    Whereas the Purchasing By-Law 80-2020 requires Council approval to award contracts greater than $2,000,000; and,

    Whereas Procurement issued Request for Tender (R.F.T.) C2024-063 for Janitorial Services for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend for an additional four (4) one-year terms, subject to favourable service and pricing; and,

    Whereas the R.F.T. allowed for the contract to be awarded in whole or part (by City Facilities, Recreation Facilities, and Seniors Facilities) based on the best overall value for the City; and,

    Whereas twenty-nine (29) bids were received (publicly posted on the City’s website at Oshawa's Bids and Tenders) and opened by Procurement on December 12, 2024; and,

    Whereas the bid received from Clean Crysta Services Inc. in the annual amount of $502,328 plus H.S.T. (City Facilities $205,748 and Recreation Facilities $296,580) is the lowest complaint bidder for City and Recreation Facilities and meets the requirements of the tender; and,

    Whereas the bid received from Corporate Mirror Inc. in the annual amount of $44,736 is the lowest complaint bidder for Seniors Facilities and meets the requirements of the tender; and,

    Therefore, be it resolved that based on Item CF-25-14:

    1. That the Manager, Procurement be authorized to award contracts to Clean Crysta Services Inc. and Corporate Mirror Inc. in the amount of $502,328 and $44,736 respectively, plus H.S.T. for C2024-063 Janitorial Services; and,
    2. That the Manager, Procurement be authorized to extend the contract an additional four (4) one-year terms, subject to favourable service and pricing.
  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item CF-25-14. 

    Affirmative (9)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Conflict (1)Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Consent Motion: 

    That Correspondence CF-25-21 dated February 24, 2025 from Jeff Davis requesting a Comprehensive Legal Services Report, be received for information. 

  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item CF-25-21 

    Affirmative (8)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (2)Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (8 to 2)
  • Councillor Neal declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+) and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.)
  • Consent Motion: 

    Whereas an artwork by Jon Colwell (“Stay True”), and an artwork by Meaghan Claire Kehoe (“One Fish Two Fish”), were installed at Oshawa recreation facilities, (“Stay True” at South Oshawa Community Centre and “One Fish Two Fish” at Northview Community Centre) in May 2024 as part of the City’s 2024 “Public Art in Oshawa” event; and,

    Whereas the “Public Art in Oshawa” event was offered as part of the City’s centennial celebration program which received Council approval through CNCL-23-95; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa’s Public Art Task Force recommended the direct invitation of both artists for the exhibition opportunity; and,

    Whereas in April 2024, the City entered into an agreement with each artist to provide artwork for temporary exhibition; and,

    Whereas the agreement for the exhibition of “Stay True” will expire on May 20, 2025, and the exhibition of “One Fish Two Fish” will expire on May 18, 2025; and,

    Whereas the artists Jon Colwell and Meaghan Claire Kehoe have shown interest in extending the exhibition of their temporary artworks; and,

    Whereas City staff in the Recreation Services branch have noted that the temporary artworks have received positive public attention and are appreciated at both recreation facilities; and,

    Whereas the Public Art Task Force endorsed an extension of the exhibition period of the temporary artworks at their meeting on January 14, 2025; and,

    Whereas the City of Oshawa’s Public Art Policy specifies that Council is responsible for “approving the related budget, expenditures and sites” of public artworks; and,

    Whereas the temporary artwork’s site has already received Council approval through CS-17-11, the budget for extension requires Council approval, and this cost can be accommodated through the existing Business and Economic Development Services operating budget;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item ED-25-25 dated March 3, 2025 concerning extending the exhibition period of artworks at Northview Community Centre and South Oshawa Community Centre:

    1. That the artist fee of $2,500.00 for an extension of up to three years of the temporary artwork “Stay True” by Jon Colwell at South Oshawa Community Centre be approved; and,
    2. That the artist fee of $2,500.00 for an extension of up to three years of the temporary artwork “One Fish Two Fish” by Meaghan Claire Kehoe at Northview Community Centre be approved; and,
    3. That the Director, Business and Economic Development Services, be delegated authority to execute an agreement with each artist to extend the exhibition period of the temporary artworks for up to three years each, resulting in the temporary artwork being removed on or before May 18, 2028 (“One Fish Two Fish”) and May 20, 2028 (“Stay True”).
  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item ED-25-25 

    Affirmative (9)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Conflict (1)Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Consent Motion: 

    Whereas Lodging House Licensing By-law 94-2002, as amended (“Lodging House Licensing By-law”) regulates Lodging Houses in the City of Oshawa (“City”) to ensure compliance with municipal and provincial standards related to health and safety through the licensing of lodging houses; and,

    Whereas with the exception of establishing tiered and escalating Administrative Penalties, the Lodging House Licensing By-law has not been updated since it was approved on October 21, 2002; and,

    Whereas staff regularly review the City’s by-laws to identify opportunities to enhance municipal regulatory standards and have identified a need to undertake the following technical amendments to the Lodging House Licensing By-law:

    • Update references to current legislation and municipal by-laws;
    • Implement minor typographical amendments (e.g. references to outdated position titles, renumbering, etc.);
    • Align administrative and appeal processes with similar Council approved by-laws (e.g. Business Licensing By-law 122-2024, Vehicle-for-Hire 31-2022, etc.);
    • Align standards with the City’s Property Standards By-law 1-2002, Zoning By-law 60-94, and other applicable municipal by-laws and provincial legislation; and,
    • Remove outdated processes and replace with Lean concepts;

    Therefore be it resolved that based on Item SF-25-11 dated March 12, 2025, City Council approve a by-law in a final form and content acceptable to Legal Services and the Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Department to implement technical amendments to Lodging House Licensing By-law 94-2002, as amended.

  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item SF-25-11. 

    Affirmative (8)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (2)Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (8 to 2)
  • Consent Motion: 

    That Report SF-25-15 dated March 12, 2025 concerning the communication relocation project be received for information.

  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item SF-25-15. 

    Carried
  • Councillor Neal declared a conflict on this item. (Councillor Neal declared a conflict of interest as he sits on the Board of Directors for the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre (OSCC55+) and did not take part in discussion or voting on the matter.)
  • Consent Motion: 

    It is recommended to City Council:

    1. That in accordance with Report CNCL-25-19, dated March 26, 2025, the Strategic Workforce Planning: 2026-2029 Staff Resourcing Forecast Phase II (“the Plan”), as outlined in Attachment 1, be approved in principle; and
    2. That the future staffing positions as outlined in the Plan be presented, when appropriate, through future budget submissions as part of the City’s regular budget planning process or separate reports as appropriate; and
    3. That the Growth Related Operations Facility Needs Assessment (G.R.O.F.N.A.) study be updated; and
    4. That staff engage a consultant to perform a service level review to ensure City services are being delivered in the most fiscally responsible manner and are in alignment with the objectives of the Oshawa Strategic Plan.
  • Moved byCouncillor McConkey
    Seconded byCouncillor Nicholson

    That Report CNCL-25-19 be referred to the Corporate and Finance Services Committee meeting of April 3, 2025. 

    Affirmative (4)Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (5)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Lee
    Conflict (1)Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Lost (4 to 5)
  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Report CNCL-25-19. 

    Affirmative (7)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (2)Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Nicholson
    Conflict (1)Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (7 to 2)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That all items listed under the heading of Closed Consent Agenda for the City Council Meeting dated March 31, 2025, be adopted as recommended except for the following: 

    Items ED-25-28 and ED-25-41 from the Forty-sixth Report of the Economic and Development Services Committee; and,

    Item CNCL-25-15. 

    Carried

See Matters Excluded from the Consent Agenda 

  • CNCL-25-15 - Civic Property Development Reserve (Ward 4)

    The vote on Part 1 of Item CNCL-25-15 to reconsider Council's decision of November 22, 2021 regarding Report DS-21-22 concerning a Funding Strategy to acquire certain Highway 407 East Surplus lands using the Civic Property Development Reserve. 

    Affirmative (7)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (3)Councillor McConkey, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (7 to 3)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That the meeting recess and reconvene in a session closed to the public pursuant to Section 239 (2)(c) of the Municipal Act consider to consider Items ED-25-28 and CNCL-25-15 which concerns the proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land; and, Section 239 (2) (h) and (k) of the Municipal Act to consider Report ED-25-32 which concerns information explicitly supplied in confidence to the City by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any of them; and, 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.

    Affirmative (8)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (2)Councillor McConkey, and Councillor Neal
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (8 to 2)
  • Moved byCouncillor Giberson
    Seconded byCouncillor Gray

    That the meeting recess for 10 minutes. 

    Carried

    The meeting recessed at 10:58 a.m. and reconvened at 11:07 a.m. with all members of Council present in the Chamber except Councillor Marimpietri who was absent.

    Also in attendance were the 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, Engineering Services, the Director, Planning Services and F. Bianchet and K. Christopher, Council-Committee Coordinators. 

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

    Council entered closed session at 11:07 a.m.

    Closed meeting discussions took place.  


  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That Council rise from closed session and report. 

    Carried

    Council rose from closed session at 11:40 a.m. 


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

Members of Council discussed Item ED-25-28 regarding the Potential Acquisition of Land on Olive Avenue.

Members of Council questioned the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services concerning Item ED-25-28.

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

Members of Council discussed Item ED-25-32 regarding the Proposed Modifications to Fisher Street and Avenue Road at Simcoe Street South as a result of the Oshawa-to-Bowmanville GO Rail Extension.

Members of Council questioned the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services concerning Item ED-25-32.

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

Members of Council discussed Item CNCL-25-15 regarding the Civic Property Development Reserve.

Members of Council questioned the Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services and the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services concerning Item CNCL-25-15.

The Commissioner, Corporate and Finance Services and Commissioner, Economic and Development Services, responded to questions from Council.

This concludes the closed meeting summary.

  • Consent Motion:

    That pursuant to Closed Item ED-25-28 concerning the potential acquisition of land on Olive Avenue, the Commissioner, Economic and Development Services Department, be authorized to proceed as outlined in said Closed Item.

  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item ED-25-28. 

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

    That based on Report ED-25-32 dated February 26, 2025 concerning proposed modifications to Fisher Street and Avenue Road at Simcoe Street South as a result of the Oshawa-to-Bowmanville GO Rail Extension:

    1. That Council support in principle the recommendation for road modifications as outlined in said Closed Report; and,
    2. That staff be directed to advise Metrolinx and the Region of Durham of Council’s direction.
  • The vote to adopt the recommendation contained in Item ED-25-32 

    Affirmative (9)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor McConkey, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (1)Councillor Nicholson
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Carried (9 to 1)
  • Consent Motion: 

    1. That Council reconsider its decision of November 22, 2021 regarding Report DS-21-22 concerning a Funding Strategy to acquire certain Highway 407 East Surplus lands using the Civic Property Development Reserve; and,
    2. That the identified funding in the Civic Property Development Reserve be used as a funding source for the Rotary Park Redevelopment project as outlined in the 2025 Capital Budget.
  • The vote to reconsider Council’s decision of November 22, 2021 previously Carried.

    The vote on Council's decision of November 22, 2021 regarding Report DS-21-22 concerning a Funding Strategy to acquire certain Highway 407 East Surplus lands using the Civic Property Development Reserve . 

    Affirmative (3)Councillor McConkey, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Nicholson
    Negative (7)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, and Councillor Lee
    Absent (1)Councillor Marimpietri
    Lost (3 to 7)

    Councillor McConkey left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. 


  • The vote on Part 2 of the recommendation as contained in Item CNCL-25-15. 

    Affirmative (8)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (1)Councillor Neal
    Absent (2)Councillor Marimpietri, and Councillor McConkey
    Carried (8 to 1)
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Lee
    1. That staff investigate the feasibility, estimated cost and timing to implement a dedicated bike lane on Mary Street North, between Adelaide Avenue East and Taunton Road East, while maintaining existing on-street parking; and,
    2. That staff investigate the feasibility, estimated cost and timing to add an appropriate cycling facility North of Taunton Road East that will connect to Simcoe Street North by way of Mary Street North, Ormond Drive and Glovers Road.  
    Affirmative (8)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor Neal, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Negative (1)Councillor Gray
    Absent (2)Councillor Marimpietri, and Councillor McConkey
    Carried (8 to 1)
  • Moved byCouncillor Chapman
    Seconded byCouncillor Giberson

    That the confirming By-law be passed. 

    Affirmative (9)Mayor Carter, Councillor Chapman, Councillor Giberson, Councillor Gray, Councillor Kerr, Councillor Marks, Councillor Neal, Councillor Nicholson, and Councillor Lee
    Absent (2)Councillor Marimpietri, and Councillor McConkey
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Moved byCouncillor Kerr
    Seconded byCouncillor Neal

    That the meeting adjourn at 11:55 a.m. 

    Carried