The Clarington Record

Regular Council Meeting

September 22, 2025

Who was there

Present (6): Granville Anderson, Sami Elhajjeh, A. Foster, Corinna Traill, Willie Woo, Margaret Zwart

Absent (1): Lloyd Rang

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (15 motions)

14 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

That all items listed in Section 7, be approved, in accordance with the Agenda, with the exception of Items 5.1, 6.1, 8.1, 7.1 and 8.2 of the General Government Committee Minutes (Item 8.4).
Moved by Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Zwart
Carried
That the minutes from the General Government Committee meeting dated September 8, 2025, be approved.
Moved by Councillor Woo, seconded by Councillor Zwart
Carried
That the delegation by David Moss, St. Paul's United Church/St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Regarding Winter Warming Centre Extension of Hours, be
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Woo
Carried
In favour (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Traill, Councillor Woo, Councillor Zwart
Whereas Doug MacCheyne has made significant contributions to the Clarington community, particularly through his leadership on the Bowmanville Legion’s Clarington Honours our Veterans Committee; Whereas Doug played a key role in paying tribute to local veterans through the creation of the banner program installed on lamp posts each year from October until Remembrance Day; Whereas Doug also helped the Bowmanville Legion publish a book to honour veterans called “Clarington Honours our Veterans”, which was donated to all local libraries and schools; Now therefore be it resolved that Council direct Staff to install a memorial bench in Bowmanville Rotary Park in memory of Doug MacCheyne; That the fee to install the memorial bench be waived; That the source of funding for the $2,824 to procure and install the bench and plaque be determined by Staff; and That the Bowmanville Legion be notified of Council’s decision. Yes (6) Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo Absent (1) Councillor Rang
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Woo
Carried
In favour (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Traill, Councillor Woo, Councillor Zwart
Whereas democracy is healthy when everyone is able to participate fully and safely and contribute to the well-being of their community; And whereas we are witnessing the dissolution of democratic discourse and respectful debate across all levels of government and in neighbouring jurisdictions; And whereas Ontario’s municipally elected officials are dealing with increasingly hostile, unsafe work environments, facing threats and harassment; And whereas social media platforms have exacerbated disrespectful dialogue, negative commentary, and toxic engagement, which disincentivize individuals, especially women and candidates from diverse backgrounds, from running for office; And whereas better decisions are made when democracy is respectful and constructive and the voices of diverse genders, identities, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, ages and abilities are heard and represented around municipal council tables; And whereas the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s Healthy Democracy Project has identified concerning trends with fewer people voting in local elections and running for municipal office; And whereas, in 2024, female elected representatives from across Halton formed a group called H.E.R. (Halton Elected Representatives), which pledged to speak out against harassment and negativity in politics and call on elected officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct; And whereas H.E.R. Halton has launched a campaign called “Elect Respect” to promote the impor
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
Carried
That Report PUB-010-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council approve the budget from the rate stabilization reserve; That Staff continue to collaborate with VAC Staff to undertake a commemorative garden as presented in May 2025 report and approve $10,000 to facilitate its design and construction; That Staff be directed to proceed with the following: That Soper Creek Park be renamed to Marie Hubbard Park, or alternatively, the Soper Creek Trail to Marie Hubbard Trail; and that $12,000 be allocated for updated signage in the newly designated areas; and That, as part of expanding visual arts programming, staff collaborate with the Visual Arts Centre (VAC) on the design and construction of a deck to support summer theatre and related activities; and that the deck be named in recognition of Marie Hubbard as part of the 50th anniversary in summer of 2026. The estimated cost of construction is $73,500 to $120,750 depending on materials selected. That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-010-25, be advised of Council’s decision.
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Anderson
Withdrawn
That the vote on the matter now be taken.
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Woo
Carried
That Report PUB-010-25, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Council approve the budget from the rate stabilization reserve; That Staff continue to collaborate with VAC Staff to undertake a commemorative garden as presented in May 2025 report and approve $10,000 to facilitate its design and construction; That Staff report back on how to achieve the following two options: That Soper Creek Park be renamed to Marie Hubbard Park, or alternatively, the Soper Creek Trail to Marie Hubbard Trail; and that $12,000 be allocated for updated signage in the newly designated areas; and That, as part of expanding visual arts programming, staff collaborate with the Visual Arts Centre (VAC) on the design and construction of a deck to support summer theatre and related activities; and that the deck be named in recognition of Marie Hubbard as part of the 50th anniversary in summer of 2026. The estimated cost of construction is $73,500 to $120,750 depending on materials selected. That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-010-25, be advised of Council’s decision. Yes (6) Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo Absent (1) Councillor Rang
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Woo
Carried
That Staff investigate and report back on practices in peer municipalities of reporting on expenses of elected representatives and provide options for Clarington Council to consider. Yes (6) Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo Absent (1) Councillor Rang
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Zwart
Carried
That Ann Michelle Tesluk be appointed to the Diversity Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
Moved by Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
Carried
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 , as amended, the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing matters that deal with the following: a matter that deals with labour relations or employee negotiations; a matter that deals with advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations
Moved by Councillor Zwart, seconded by Councillor Anderson
Carried
That the closed session update by Kaela Esseghaier, Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Infrastructure Services, be received for information.
Moved by Councillor Woo, seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
Carried
That By-law 2025-049 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Municipality of Clarington at a regular meeting held on September 22, 2025, be approved
Moved by Councillor Zwart, seconded by Councillor Anderson
Carried
That the meeting adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
Moved by Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
Carried
That Staff investigate and report back on practices in peer municipalities of reporting on expenses of elected representatives and provide options for Clarington Council to consider. Yes (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Traill, Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart Absent (1): Councillor Rang
Moved by Councillor Traill, seconded by Councillor Zwart
Carried

The town’s own record

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