MINUTES

Corporation of the City of Cambridge

Council Meeting

Meeting #:
Date:
, 5:30 p.m.
Location:
Council Chambers
Council Members In Attendance:
  • Councillor Shwery - Ward 1, 
  • Councillor Devine - Ward 2, 
  • Councillor Kimpson - Ward 3, 
  • Councillor Earnshaw - Ward 4, 
  • Councillor Roberts - Ward 5, 
  • Councillor Cooper - Ward 6, 
  • Councillor Hamilton - Ward 7, 
  • Councillor Ermeta - Ward 8, 
  • and Mayor Liggett 
Staff Members in Attendance:
  • David Calder - City Manager, 
  • Hardy Bromberg, Deputy City Manager - Community Development, 
  • Yogesh Shah, Deputy City Manager - Infrastructure Services, 
  • Cheryl Zahnleiter, Deputy City Manager - Corporate Enterprise, 
  • Sheryl Ayres - Chief Financial Officer, 
  • Danielle Manton - City Clerk, 
  • Jennifer Shaw - Deputy City Clerk, 
  • Rachel Latour - Administrative Assistant, 
  • Bryan Boodhoo - City Solicitor, 
  • and Lesley Head - Director of Recreation and Culture 
Others in Attendance:

  • Alana Russell - Director of Communications; Karen Pepper - Director, Mayor and Council Operations and Initiatives; J. Matthew Blevins - Senior Planner, Reurbanization; Sarah Austin - Manager of Development Engineering; Michael Launslager - Director of Economic Development; Alix Aitken - Manager of Recreation and Culture; Olu Ojikutu - Director of Risk and Facilities; Lisa Whelan - Recreation Coordinator - Special Events; Jacqueline Hannemann - Senior Planner; Ryan Hoeksma - Energy & Sustainability Specialist; John Mattocks - Manager of Municipal By-law Compliance; Rutvik Shah - Network Administrator and Darren Hutchings - Network Administrator 

     

1.
Meeting Called to Order

 

The meeting of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge is held in Council Chambers and is live streamed to the City of Cambridge website. Mayor Liggett welcomes everyone present and calls the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.

2.
Indigenous Territory Acknowledgement

 

3.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

 

None. 

4.
Presentations

 

4.1
Jane Hennig and David Mash, Volunteer Waterloo Region re: Current State of Volunteering

This item has attachments. 
1.Volunteer Waterloo Region Delegation Slides.pdf
2.How You Can Help.pdf

4.2
Jennifer Shaw, Deputy City Clerk re: 24-045-CRS Comprehensive Public Notice Policy

This item has attachments. 
1.Public Notice Presentation - September 17 2024.pdf

4.3
Jacqueline Hannemann, Senior Planner re: 24-095-CD Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive

This item has attachments. 
1.OR07-24 - 245 Riverbank Drive Council Presentation.pdf

4.4
Dan Currie, MHBC Planning re: 24-095-CD Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive

 

Note: This presenter did not present at the meeting.

4.5
Matthew Blevins, Senior Planner - Reurbanization re: 24-052-CD City Owned Sites – Affordable Housing Concepts

This item has attachments. 
1.August 6 2024 City owned sites council presentation.pdf

5.
Delegations and Consideration of Related Reports

 

6.
Closed Session

 
  • Motion:24-250
    Moved byCouncillor Kimpson
    Seconded byCouncillor Earnshaw

    That in accordance with section 239 (2) (b), (e), (f), and (k) of the Municipal Act, 2001, Council to convene in Closed Session at 4:43 p.m. to consider the following subject matters:

    (b)  personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Advisory Committee Appointments);

    (e)  litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board (Confidential Legal Opinion) (Proposed Settlement Offer);

    (f)  advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose (Confidential Legal Opinion) (Proposed Settlement Offer);

    (k)  a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board (Proposed Settlement Offer). 

    In Favour (8)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Absent (1)Councillor Hamilton
    Carried (8 to 0)

7.
Rise from Closed

 
  • Motion:24-251
    Moved byCouncillor Devine
    Seconded byCouncillor Ermeta

    THAT Council rise from the Closed Sessions held on September 17, 2024 and reconvene in Open Session at 5:36 p.m. 

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

8.
Consent Agenda

 

Councillor Hamilton joined the meeting at 5:38 p.m.

  • Motion:24-252
    Moved byCouncillor Kimpson
    Seconded byCouncillor Devine

    THAT the September 13, 2024 Council Information Package be received;

    AND THAT staff be directed to bring the Proposed Noise By-law to Council as soon as November 2024 outlining the proposed new by-law and Exemption procedure;

    AND FURTHER THAT staff be directed to include the Event Listing as a standing item on all Council Information Packages, distributed every two weeks and approved at Council, and that the listing highlight any new events added for the remainder of the year. 

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Motion:24-253
    Moved byCouncillor Kimpson
    Seconded byCouncillor Hamilton

    THAT all items listed under the heading of Consent Agenda for September 17, 2024 be adopted as recommended with item 8.4 pulled to be voted on separately.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.
Consideration of Reports

 

9.1
Corporate Services

 

9.1.1
24-057-CRS Citizen Appointments to Advisory Committees

This item has attachments. 
1.24-057-CRS Citizen Appointments to Advisory Committees.pdf
2.24-057-CRS Appendix A - Advisory Committee Appointment Policy.pdf
3.24-057-CRS Appendix B - Committee Vacancies.pdf
  • Motion:24-254
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Cooper

    THAT Report 24-057-CRS Appointments to Citizen Advisory Committees be received;

    AND THAT Confidential Appendices “C”, “D”, and “E” to Report 24-057-CRS be received and remain confidential;

    AND THAT the following individuals be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the term of Council ending November 14, 2026: Tara Small and CJ Janzen as voting members;

    AND THAT the following individual be appointed to the Arthur White Sports Bursary Fund Committee for the term of Council ending November 14, 2026: Joshua Obaigbena and Michael Goldberg as a voting member;

    AND THAT the following individuals be appointed to the General Appeals Advisory Committee for the term of Council ending November 14, 2026: Simon Weresch as an alternate member;

    AND THAT the City Clerk be directed to notify all successful and unsuccessful applicants;

    AND FURTHER THAT Council-Appointed Citizen Members to the City’s advisory committees who do not submit their signed Code of Conduct form within the first month after their appointment has been made shall forfeit their membership on the committee to which they have been appointed.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.1.2
24-045-CRS Comprehensive Public Notice Policy

This item has attachments. 
1.24-045-CRS Comprehensive Public Notice Policy.pdf
2.24-045-CRS Appendix A - Comprehensive Public Notice Policy.pdf
  • Moved byCouncillor Kimpson
    Seconded byCouncillor Shwery

    THAT Report 24-045-CRS Comprehensive Public Notice Policy be received;

    AND THAT _____ metres be established as Council’s preferred circulation radius for all Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment notices;  

    AND THAT the Chief Planner be directed to report back to Council by the end of the first quarter of 2025 with a plan and timeframe for implementation of the preferred circulation radius for Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment notices that includes consideration of any necessary policy changes;

    AND THAT the Public Notice Policy and templates attached as Schedule A to Report 24-045-CRS be approved.

    AND FURTHER THAT the City Clerk be delegated the authority to update the templates, as required, to ensure compliance with changes in legislation.

  • Motion:24-255
    Moved byCouncillor Kimpson
    Seconded byCouncillor Shwery

    THAT Report 24-045-CRS Comprehensive Public Notice Policy be received;

    AND THAT the Public Notice Policy and templates attached as Schedule A to Report 24-045-CRS be approved.

    AND FURTHER THAT the City Clerk be delegated the authority to update the templates, as required, to ensure compliance with changes in legislation.

    AND THAT the Chief Planner be directed to report back to Council at the October 8th meeting on next steps and cost analysis for the templates and staff resources. 

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.1.3
24-036-CRS Proposed Expansion for Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area

This item has attachments. 
1.COMBINED - 24-036-CRS Proposed Expansion for Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area.pdf
2.24-036-CRS Appendix A - Proposed Expansion for Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area – Proposed Expanded Boundary Map.pdf
3.24-036-CRS-Appendix B- Notice of Intention to Expand the Downtown Cambridge BIA.pdf
  • Motion:24-256
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Hamilton

    THAT Report 24-036-CRS Proposed Expansion for Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area be received;

    AND THAT Council authorize the Clerk to provide a notice of intention to enact a by-law to expand the boundary of the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area as shown in Appendix “A” of report 24-036-CRS Proposed Expansion for Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area;

    AND FURTHER THAT the Clerk be directed to provide a summary report with results from the notice of intention to enact a by-law to expand the boundary of the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area following the conclusion of the legislated timeframe as per the Municipal Act, 2001.

    AND THAT the Downtown BIA be encouraged to collaborate with City Clerk to amplify the notice of intention to enact a by-law to expand the boundary of the Downtown Cambridge Business Improvement Area to tenants. 

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.2
Corporate Enterprise

 

9.2.1
24-012-CRE Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 2024 Funding Agreement

This item has attachments. 
1.24-012-CRE-Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 2024 funding agreement.pdf
  • Motion:24-257
    Moved byCouncillor Cooper
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    THAT Report 24-012-CRE Cambridge Chamber of Commerce 2024 Funding be received;

    AND THAT Council direct staff to enter into a funding agreement with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce approved by the City Solicitor, for the purpose of providing basic visitor information services.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.2.2
24-013-CRE Arena Elevator Replacements

This item has attachments. 
1.24-013 - CRE - Arena Elevator Replacements.pdf
  • Motion:24-258
    Moved byCouncillor Hamilton
    Seconded byCouncillor Roberts

    THAT Report 24-013 Arena Elevator Replacements be received;

    AND THAT Council approve a capital project to replace the passenger lifts at Galt Arena Gardens and Hespeler Memorial Arena with full-size elevators with a budget of $1,500,000;

    AND FURTHER THAT the recommended capital project be funded through the Capital Works Reserve Fund.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.3
Community Development

 

9.3.1
24-095-CD Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive

This item has attachments. 
1.24-095-CD - Recommendation Report - OPA and ZBA - 245 Riverbank Drve Sept 9_Clean Copy.pdf
2.24-095-CD - Appendix A - Concept Plan.pdf
3.24-095-CD - Appendix B - Public Comments.pdf
4.24-094-CD Appendix C - Int Ext Circulation List.pdf
  • Motion:24-259
    Moved byCouncillor Shwery
    Seconded byCouncillor Ermeta

    THAT Report 24-095-CD – Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive be received;

    AND THAT Council refuse the proposed Official Plan Amendment with site specific policies, and the Zoning By-law Amendment with site specific provisions to permit increased density from 40 to 55 units per net residential hectare;

    AND THAT Council is satisfied that the requirements for a public meeting in accordance with subsections 17(15) and 34(17) of the Planning Act have been met;

    In Favour (9)Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.3.2
24-114-CD New Capital Project Request - 85 Boxwood Drive Site Servicing

This item has attachments. 
1.24-114-CD New Capital Project Request 85 Boxwood Site Servicing.pdf
  • Motion:24-260
    Moved byCouncillor Shwery
    Seconded byCouncillor Hamilton

    THAT Report 24-114-CD New Capital Project Request - 85 Boxwood Drive Site Servicing be received;

    AND THAT a new capital project for the site servicing of 85 Boxwood Drive be created;

    AND THAT the new capital project be fully funded through external recovery from the property owner;

    AND FURTHER THAT the Director of Engineering and Chief Financial Officer be delegated authority to execute a Financial Agreement with the property owner, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.3.3
24-052-CD City Owned Sites – Affordable Housing Concepts

This item has attachments. 
1.24-052-CD - City Owned Sites - Affordable Housing Concepts.pdf
2.24-052-CD - Appendix A - Excerpt from Council Minutes - April 27 2021 (002).pdf
3.24-052-CD - Appendix B – Report 21-018(CD) Affordable Rental Housing – City Owned Land.pdf
4.24-052-CD - Appendix C – City Surplus Sites Visualizations.pdf
5.24-052-CD - Appendix D – Map of 0 Bishop Street N showing development constraints.pdf

Upon request, each clause of the staff recommendation was voted on separately. 

  • Motion:24-261
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    THAT Report 24-052-CD City-owned Sites – Affordable Housing Concepts be received;

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Motion:24-262
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    AND THAT Council direct staff to not advance any further work on the 0 Dando Avenue site due to the land acquisition requirements needed for a feasible development option;

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Motion:24-263
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    AND THAT Council direct staff to not advance any further work on the 0 Bishop Street site due to the lack of developable land on the property;

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)
  • Motion:24-264
    Moved byCouncillor Devine
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    AND THAT Council direct staff to not advance any further work on the 10 Ethel street;

    AND THAT staff be directed to report back to Council on the potential sale of three residential lots at 10 Ethel Street. 

    In Favour (8)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Opposed (1)Councillor Hamilton
    Carried (8 to 1)
  • Motion:24-265
    Moved byCouncillor Kimpson
    Seconded byCouncillor Devine

    AND THAT Council direct staff to not advance any further work on the 1580 Queenston Rd/Scout House site at this time.

    In Favour (8)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Opposed (1)Councillor Hamilton
    Carried (8 to 1)
  • Motion:24-266
    Moved byCouncillor Cooper
    Seconded byCouncillor Shwery

    AND THAT Council direct staff to initiate Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications for 25 Chalmers Street S to increase the maximum permitted density, permit mixed-used development and to add a maximum permitted height of four-storeys and minimum required parking rate of 1.25 spaces per unit to advance the Low-Rise Apartment with future phase and municipal facility Development;

    In Favour (8)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Opposed (1)Councillor Hamilton
    Carried (8 to 1)
  • Motion:24-267
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    AND FURTHER THAT Council direct staff to initiate Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications for 0 Grandridge Drive to redesignate the property to High Density Residential with a permitted maximum density of 116 Units Per Hectare (UPH) and a reduction in parking to facilitate a four-storey apartment building with a maximum of 50 units.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

9.4
Infrastructure Services

 

9.5
Office of the City Manager

 

10.
Other Business

 

11.
Motions

 

11.1
Motion re: Permanent, year-round conversion of Main St between Ainslie St and Water St to a pedestrian-only area

This item has attachments. 
1.Main St closure.pdf
  • Motion:24-268
    Moved byCouncillor Cooper
    Seconded byCouncillor Earnshaw

    WHEREAS the continued revitalization of our downtown cores as well as their promotion as inviting tourist destinations and gathering areas is important to this council and our valuable core businesses.

    WHEREAS an important part of our strategic plan is to embrace and celebrate our city’s unique character while promoting and encouraging a wide range of destinations and activities that capitalize on the beauty of our rivers and heritage buildings.

    WHEREAS Two of the lead strategic actions identified in the Cambridge Strategic Plan are to create and activate spaces that offer things for people to do, and to establish our core areas as attractive destinations.

    AND WHEREAS Section 2.6.3 of Cambridge’s Official Plan stipulates that Community Core Areas, including downtown Cambridge, will be planned with features including opportunities for unique experiences, such as cultural events, recreation, and specialty shopping and dining, in support of tourism and other functions.

    WHEREAS the incredibly successful seasonal road closure of this section of Main St has received overwhelming support from the community and Downtown Cambridge BIA, hosting numerous attractions such as family fun days, live music, latin dance nights, markets, childrens activities, and many more community building and tourist-friendly activities.

    AND WHEREAS this council wishes to build on this success by opening this area to the myriad of tourism friendly, community-building possibilities that would come with a year-round pedestrian-friendly gathering area.

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that staff be directed to prepare a report to Council for the permanent, year-round conversion of Main St between Ainslie St and Water St to a pedestrian-only area, including the financial implications, to be brought forward with the 2025 Budget and Business Plan. 

    In Favour (9)Councillor Shwery, Councillor Devine, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, and Mayor Liggett
    Carried (9 to 0)

12.
Notices of Motion

 

13.
Correspondence

 

13.1
Robert Howe, Goodmans LLP re: 24-095-CD Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive

This item has attachments. 
1.Letter to City Council re deferral request Intermarket Applications 24-095-CD - September 12, 2024.pdf

13.2
Caroline Berch re: 24-095-CD Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive 

This item has attachments. 
1.Caroline Berch re Riverside Park.pdf

13.3
Jackie Boyce re: 24-095-CD Recommendation Report – Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment – 245 Riverbank Drive

This item has attachments. 
1.Jackie Boyce_Redacted.pdf

13.4
Anne and William Dodd re: 24-085-CD Recommendation Report - Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment - 245 Riverbank Drive

This item has attachments. 
1.William Dodd_redaced.pdf

13.5
Hugh Fox re: Motion re: Permanent, year-round conversion of Main St between Ainslie St and Water St to a pedestrian-only area

This item has attachments. 
1.Main Street Closure - Minutes_Redacted.pdf

14.
Motion to Receive and File

 
  • Motion:24-269
    Moved byCouncillor Devine
    Seconded byCouncillor Shwery

    THAT all presentations and correspondence from the September 17, 2024, Council meeting be received.

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

15.
Consideration of By-laws

 

16.
Confirmatory By-law

This item has attachments. 
1.24-088 - September 17 Confirmatory By-law.pdf
  • Motion:24-270
    Moved byCouncillor Earnshaw
    Seconded byCouncillor Shwery

    Being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the City of Cambridge

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)

17.
Adjournment

 
  • Motion:24-271
    Moved byCouncillor Roberts
    Seconded byCouncillor Kimpson

    THAT the Council meeting does now adjourn at 9:20 p.m. 

    In Favour (9)Councillor Devine, Mayor Liggett, Councillor Hamilton, Councillor Ermeta, Councillor Cooper, Councillor Kimpson, Councillor Earnshaw, Councillor Roberts, and Councillor Shwery
    Carried (9 to 0)
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