Thread by @LoveWilmot

Township of Wilmot council will be meeting today, starting at 7pm. Read the agenda package at calendar.wilmot.ca//townshipcalen…, watch live at youtube.com/channel/UCcA8f…, or follow the live tweets here 👇

Mayor Armstrong gets things started. Asks for a moment's thought about the progress made during COVID-19. Asks people to support local businesses.

Coun Pfenning reads the land acknowledgement.

No additions to the agenda, nor disclosures of pecuniary interest.

Deputy Clerk Murray states that a couple of delegations (including me) contacted her office to say that the minutes for the June 26 special council meeting were inaccurate. Ms Murray says the amendments will be attached as appendices.

Coun Gordijk says she would also like her comments to be corrected.

Andrew Martin (Manager of Planning/EDO) is giving a report about a zone change application.

Zone Change Application 04/20
Miller Boys Inc. / Dryden, Smith & Head Planning Consultants Ltd.
142 Snyder’s Road West, Baden

He notes that he has received comments from members of the public, and that the Region of Waterloo has not as yet issued their report.

Delegation by Ethan Miller (Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd.), the applicant. He talks about the aging population and the need for senior-friendly housing. Says that the Township of Wilmot is in a position to lead with this issue.

To read the full report and zone change application, see pages 27 to 54 of the agenda package.

Coun Hallman thanks him for sharing his passion.

Coun Fisher asks if there's a plan for snow removal in the winter. Mr Miller says that the architects can answer that question.

Coun Fisher asks for clarification about "The Cafe". Mr Miller: It will be a community hub.

Stephan Mawdsley and Ed van der Maarel (a+ Link Architecture Inc.) are the next delegation to talk about this project.

Coun Gordijk: Asks if there is an option for underground parking?

Mr van der Maarel: We explored two or three options, but the ramp would be so long it remove one of the lots. He says there will be 18 parking spaces, plus two lay-bys. Adds that underground parking would not be possible on a small site.

Next delegation is by John Klassen. Says the development proposal causes concerns for him and his wife, as their property is immediately beside the largest structure that will be going up. Says a lot of sunlight would be blocked out. Mentions windows overlooking his yard.

Mr Klassen says the development as proposed creates issues of privacy, and also mentions noise issues from, potentially, 11 a/c units in close proximity to his property. "Enjoyment of our property would not be there."

Mr Klassen: "We're asking for less units." He says he's concerned about drainage issues, especially as the development would be so close to his property. His real estate agent said that the value of his property could drop because of the proposed development.

Asks council members to vote "no" for this zone change application. Thanks council for its consideration.

No questions from council.

Dawn Mittelholtz (Director of Clerk's Services) reminds the mayor to ask if anyone else wants to address council on this matter.

Coun Gordijk asks Mr Martin if the closer boundary line is due to provincial guidelines about intensification.

Mr Martin describes the different kinds of setbacks, which depend on the types of developments.

The zone change application has been received for information.

Another zone change application:

Miller and Miller Auctions Ltd. / Dryden, Smith & Head Planning Consultants Ltd.
59 Webster Street, New Hamburg

Mr Martin delivers his report.

Coun Pfenning asks Mr Martin if the parking changes will address the issues that have been raised. He says they should, but this can revisited.

Mayor Armstrong asks if there are any objections to changing the order of the agenda items. Coun Gerber asks for the rationale for changing the order. Mayor Armstrong says it is to avoid delegates hanging around during other council business.

Coun Gerber suggests that a heads up be given for similar proposals in future.

Coun Pfenning is now talking about the motion she brought. Asks for the delegation to speak before Coun Pfenning says her piece.

Barb von Hausen is the delegation who is speaking now. Says she lived in Wilmot for 20 years and still lives in Waterloo Region. Ms von Hausen talks about growing up and not feeling accepted because she is gay.

Ms von Hausen recalls a time when her 15-year-old brother was "gay-bashed", and how he was ostracized.

Ms von Hausen: "The entire world is sending a message. We need to understand. We need to learn. We need to vote for strong leaders who will overcome their own fear."

She says she's demanding that the Township of Wilmot stops hiding its Pride flag. Ms von Hausen ends her presentation.

Coun Pfenning thanks Ms von Hausen for her courage in sharing her story.

Coun Hallman also thanks the delegation.

Trisha Robinson and Jala Vicario-Robinson. Jala is the first to speak. Says she is a lesbian and seeks equality for all. Jala says that the rainbow flag on a door signals that she is entering a safe space, especially with her fiancee.

Mentions that when she was holding hands with her fiancee in her hometown, she has faced serious verbal abuse. "I should not have to feel scared in my own neighbourhood."

Flying the Pride flag is a signal that homophobia will not be tolerated. Jala ends her presentation.

Trisha Robinson is speaking now, and says her granddaughter Jala have a deep connection. "What affects Jala also affects me. Jala is my teacher, my guide and my mentor."

Trisha recounts a stories she has been told about the experiences of gay people in the community. "Township council: This is not the time to tip-toe. It is the time for action."

Coun Hallman thanks Jala and Trisha for sharing so honestly with the community.

Coun Pfenning echoes the thanks and for the courage of the delegations.

Coun Fisher talks about his daughter's emotional issues growing up. Things became clearer when she realized she was gay. Says he supports the Pride movement.

Next delegation is John Bailey. Says it's disappointing that this issue has been voted down several times already. "I challenge you to proceed with Coun Pfenning's motion...My Wilmot is inclusive."

Mayor Armstrong asks Coun Pfenning to read her motion, and he says he will be voting on this issue.

Coun Gerber thanks the delegations for sharing their stories, and thanks Mr Bailey. Says he doesn't think that council has not actually voted on this type of motion before.

He reads part of a letter from a resident, noting that many LGBTQ2 students leave the community after they graduate because they do not feel welcome. Says he will be voting in favour of the motion.

Coun Hallman says she was pleased to see other municipalities in Waterloo Region shared Pride graphics on their social media during Pride month. Asks for Pride stickers on township facilities.

Coun Pfenning says she brought this motion because of all the stories she's heard like the ones this evening. Says that she received many private messages of support for the motion. This would be a message that they would be welcome here.

Mayor Armstrong says he will be supporting this and that it is long overdue.

Coun Pfenning requests a recorded vote, as it has been requested by the community.

The motion has been carried unanimously.

Coun Pfenning requests for a Pride flag to be flown for the remainder of July outside the township admin building. Tells Ms Mittelholtz that a Pride flag has been donated to her, and she will pass it on.

Coun Gordijk says she looks forward to the Pride flag flying as soon as possible.

Now we're moving on to Coun Hallman's motion.

First delegation is Cheyanne Thorpe. Reads a land acknowledgement. Thanks Coun Pfenning and Hallman for their advocacy.

She talks about the issues regarding a number of the Prime Ministers who are represented on the PM Path. Ms Thorpe refers to the sports teams that are discarding their controversial names. She is now talking specifically about Sir John A Macdonald.

Asks for the PM Path project to be put on hold until it can be discussed within the community. Notes that their installation was not debated by council or the public in 2016. "We are not interested in erasing history." Suggests moving them to a museum, perhaps Castle Kilbride.

Coun Hallman thanks Ms Thorpe for sharing her story of growing up and raising a family in Wilmot.

Coun Pfenning thanks Ms Thorpe for sharing a number of learning resources.

Next up is Jim Rodger of the Prime Ministers Path Committee. He says that in 2016, Wilmot approached Createscape (which administers the project) and offered to house the PM Path. He talks about the process that brought the project to Wilmot.

Mr Rodger mentions the educational resources that are part of the PM Path project.

He talks about all of the support - financial and otherwise - that this project has received. Stresses that the educational aspects are far from complete. He suggests an additional "Easter egg" on the Sir John A Macdonald statue; a splash of red paint.

Mr Rodger talks about issues with statues in communities around the world.

He mentions Indigenous leaders who have spoken out against "tearing down" problematic statues.

Coun Hallman thanks Mr Rodger for his presentation.

Coun Pfenning says she appreciates the acknowledgement about expanding the learning experience.

Next speaker is Lori Campbell. She says she is inter-generational survivor of the Residential School system, as well as the Sixties Scoop. She points out that Macdonald's policies continue to negatively affect Indigenous people today.

Ms Campbell is giving a detailed history of Mcdonald's actions, and references his anti-Indigenous proclamations.

Macdonald was actions were strategic, not accidental. Describes him as a white nationalist and uses his own words as evidence. Draws a line between Macdonald and the recent presence of Urban Infidels in Baden.

Ms Campbell says the Macdonald statue was rejected by Kitchener council because it doesn't represent the diversity of the community.

She asks if the statue has provided as much educational value as the statue.

Ms Campbell says a consultation is not necessary; take down the Macdonald statue.

Coun Hallman thanks Ms Campbell and says she has a lot to process.

Coun Pfenning says she has a lot to learn.

Coun Gordijk thanks Ms Campbell. Says this isn't the first time she has heard her speak, and she learns more each time.

Next speaker is James Spencer from Baden. Thanks Cheyanne for her leadership on this issue. He says Baden was the third option for these statues, after they were rejected elsewhere. He notes that the previous council accepted the statues without public consultation...

...presumably because they were regarded as apolitically. "All statues are political because they celebrate people."
Mentions that many statues around the world have removed statues following the BLM uprising in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Sorry - should be

Mentions that many countries around the world have removed statues following the BLM uprising in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Mr Spencer gives examples of Macdonald's racist actions and policies. Says that even by the standards of his own time, he was considered an extreme racist, describing Canada as "Aryan".

He asks people to join the Facebook group that is advocating for the removal of the Macdonald statue.

Councillors Hallman and Pfenning thank Mr Spencer for what they've learned from him.

Trisha Robinson is the next speaker. Her grandchild is of Metis heritage. She says being a grandmother is the most important role in her life. She says she grieves that her grandson will never speak his ancestral language. She prays that he will not face racism.

Ms Robinson says the stories she heard from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were so horrific that they made her physically sick.

She says that the statues are beautiful pieces of artwork that were installed with the best of intentions. However, they are getting in the way of healing. "These men did not create this country. There were people here for a thousand years."

Ms Robinson says she is not in favour of further consultation. "This is not our decision." She suggests reaching out to Indigenous leaders and let them come up with a solution that will be presented to council.

Coun Pfenning: "Your voice is a really powerful one in our community. You're showing us how to be an ally in a meaningful way."

Next is John Bailey. Says that pausing the project is the very least that council can do, but it's not enough. Says Mayor Armstrong's words have acted as a dog whistle for white supremacists.

Mr Bailey: The original proposal for the statues stated that there was intended to be educational value. There is nothing on the Macdonald statue that alludes to his dark history. It's clear from the 2016 council minutes that councillors knew about this history.

He notes that these statues were accepted the year after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report.

Mr Bailey says that the negative aspects of Macdonald's story was only added to the Township's website in June 2020.

He mentions that the township has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, and is much more diverse.

Mr Bailey: "It's clear that the statues must be moved indoors."

He urges council to support Coun Hallman's motion. He asks Couns Fisher and Gerber received accurate information about the project. He also asks why the township's website was changed on June 2.

Coun Gerber says the project was accepted at a public council meeting that followed the correct process.

He mentions numerous public presentations by the PM Path, and community groups have donated money.

Coun Gerber lists a number of federal leaders who were also complicit in mistreatment of Indigenous people. Says it paints a grim picture of the country's leaders.

Mr Bailey asks again if Coun Gerber was given a good idea of what the PM Path project would mean.

Coun Gerber: Yes. He says that the leaders also reflects the voters who elected them.

Mr Bailey: Is all that information available on the township's website?

Coun Gerber: I'm not familiar with all the content.

Mr Bailey asks again about the website changes.

Ms Mittelholtz says she took the decision to address the recent paint pouring on the Macdonald statue.

Coun Pfenning says she was not at any of the unveilings.

Coun Hallman says she hasn't, either. She describes her journey of self-reflection is hard. "We have so much work to do."

Next speaker is Rachel Gordon. She talks about racism in our communities. She refers to the special council meeting and that Mayor Armstrong did not condemn Urban Infidels. She lists a number of news headlines that refer to Wilmot's mayor over the past few weeks.

She says that keeping the statues makes it look as if the council is prioritizing the statues over its citizens.

"The media is watching. Your kids are watching. Soon, the whole of Canada will be watching. What story do you want to tell them?"

Next up is Kate Lang. Says she's a white woman married to an Asian man, living in Baden. Ms Lang shares an analogous story about a man who tried to abduct her child while her family were at Kitchener market. She says she hasn't returned there...

...and she understands why Indigenous people are traumatized when they see the Macdonald statue.

Says it is preserving history for some at the expense of others.

She refers to Coun Gerber's comments that other federal leaders have a controversial history and says this is a good reason why these statues should be put in doors.

Next delegation is Dave Caputom, who has been involved with the PM Path project with Jim Rodger since its inception. He says people have contacted him to say he shouldn't speak today because his words would be misinterpreted, and the decision has already been made.

Mr Caputo says he discussed what the greatest shame of the nation is, and the consensus was the residential schools system. He notes that this wasn't taught when he went to school.

He says this isn't about one statue, but the whole path. Every statue in this project has been questioned. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated in support of this project. He talks about the volunteer investment, too.

He says that 1,200 people spontaneously sang "O Canada" when SJam was unveiled. He says that he agrees with Coun Hallman's assessment that the paint pouring was an act of protest, and agrees that the statue shouldn't be covered up when this happens.

Mr Caputo tells a story of meeting a young girl who said she wanted to be the prime minister.

He says that he is against pausing the project, and feels that if it is paused, it will not be restarted.

Coun Pfenning says she doesn't want anyone to feel afraid of rational conversation, and she's pleased that he spoke today.

Next delegation is Dennis and Pat Mighton. Dennis says he was delighted when the statues came to Wilmot. He asks that the project not be paused. Pat praises Coun Hallman for her hard work and passion. She says she spoke to her Ward 1 councillor about her motion.

Pat says it shouldn't be necessary to pause the project for an indefinite amount of time. She says we need a message of inclusivity. "We don't need a motion to do that."

Dennis says the motion as worded is unfair to the PM Path project. He asks how the proposed committee will be recruited. "How will you know when they have all been consulted?"

Dennis has concerns about the specifics of the motion and the proposed consultation. He says passing this motion would be irresponsible.

Pat says that the conversations need to take place with the committee. She says that it will make people think twice before making a community gift.

Dennis: If this motion passes, it might cause irreparable harm to the community.

Coun Hallman thanks the Mightons for speaking with her this weekend, even if they don't agree. The councillor reiterates her position about pausing the project.

Next speaker is Gail Spencer, Baden resident for 31 years. She would like to see the Macdonald statue removed, so she supports the motion. She lists his legacy of residential schools and Indigenous genocide.

Ms Spencer is discussing aspects and steps towards of reconciliation. She says that in Baden there is the possibility to play a role in the process. Suggests that removing the Macdonald statue is an act of reconciliation.

Next delegation is Glen Mathers. Asks if council has considered its responsibility to the artists who created the statues, and the donors who paid for them. If council delays the project, who will pay for the storage?

Asks council not to make a quick and hasty emotional decision on this. Should we hold the whole project hostage when the issue is one statue?

Coun Pfenning says that we've only just begun to have this conversation, so there are a number of questions to consider, including the ones that Mr Mather has asked.

Coun Hallman says a number of delegations have asked to speak again.

Ms Mittelholtz reminds council that there is an 11pm curfew, and there is other council business to conduct.

Coun Hallman says that she is in support of the delegations coming to the floor again.

Cheyanne Thorpe is the first returning speaker. She dismisses the claim that there was a consultation process. She also says that she also objects to the other statues for similar reasons to the Macdonald statue.

Ms Thorpe asks how the $800,000 invested so far in this project could be used towards reconciliation.

Returning speaker is James Spencer in response to Mr Caputo. Says he's also an artist and feels for the artists who created these works. He asks why they needed to be figurative works in an outdoor public space.

He says that the donors "made a bad bet" when they invested in the PM Path. Says we should ask Indigenous groups what they think.

Lori Campbell is back to speak again. Says the PM Path's desired outcome was education, there wouldn't have been as many surprises as this evening. Says that the story of the young girl who wants to be PM is an amazing story, but Indigenous children do not see that.

Ms Campbell says that the problem with the education that is happening now did not happen before. As an educator she hopes that if we know better, we will do better. She hopes this applies to council.

Coun Hallman is reading her motion.

Coun Hallman asks for a recorded vote. Ms Mittelholtz asks for a matter of clarification about the motion.

Coun Pfenning says she's being doing a lot of listening, from residents and delegations. "What's clear is that we have a lot of learning to do." She talks about her family's history, including living in Africa, which has been deeply impacted by colonialism.

"We have done unspeakable horrors to each other." Says that council has to weight a number of factors; which ones take precedence, which take a back seat? "I am a mother who lost child...in a brutally public experience," so she understands what it must be like to be confronted...

...by these symbols of their loss. She draws an analogy - "No one gets to tell me how to grieve or when I should get over it."

Coun Gordijk: It's been hard to hear the words today. "It hurts my heart." She asks Ms Mittelholtz if she should continue to speak, or if she should pause due to the time. There's a motion to continue, which is carried.

Coun Gordijk says she appreciates that the artists had guidelines to create their work, but there was none about consulting the public. We're only talking about the history after the paint was thrown on one, so the educational point is lost.

She mentions that she objected four years ago about the process to bring the statues. "Easter eggs" do not appease anyone. People have to walk past the statues when they come to the admin building.

Quotes Maya Angelou: When you know better, you do better. She says council needs to do better.

Coun Gerber wonders how we come up with a process/procedure. He says he doesn't the motion as the best way to get where we want to go. He says we're in a contractual situation with Createscape, so pausing the project might open up liability. He doesn't want to expose ourselves.

Says that he likes the idea of turning this over to our sister nation. He wonders "how we craft our aspirations" within the motion. He says he wants help codifying that.

Coun Fisher says that with the previous council, we had the best intentions when we brought the statues here. He says that Trisha Robinson's comment about letting councillors taking part in the decision process.

He suggests adding an end date to the pause, which he doesn't object to.

Coun Gordijk says that she doesn't have a problem with pausing the project, because that isn't a cancellation. She says we need to take the time to consider this, through 2021.

Coun Pfenning says she thinks Coun Gerber's contention that we aren't going to see any action anyway is a good reason to pass the motion. She asks for an amendment that would include a deadline. Says we should pay consultants for their expertise.

Coun Hallman has amended her motion, which she is reading now. In part, it suggests a deadline of March 2021, with the possibility of an extension.

A brief procedural discussion about who seconded the amended motion.

Coun Hallman says this can't be rushed. She does not want to "do nothing", and is putting forward the amended motion and deferring it to the next council meeting.

We're now going back to the original agenda.

Patrick Kelly (Director of Finance) says that it would be appropriate to let the auditor Mike Arndt give his presentation about financial statements.

Mr Arndt thanks "Patrick and his team" for their efforts working during COVID-19. Says the township continues to be a leader in financial matters.

"The township continues to be in a strong financial position." Mr Arndt

"For the sixth consecutive year, the township remains debt free."

Coun Gerber thanks Mr Arndt for the work he does throughout the year alongside township staff.

Coun Pfenning thanks Mr Arndt for his patience this evening.

Next item: Master Licensing Agreement with RMOW Outdoor Patios on/within Regional Road Allowances. Harold O'Krafka (Director of Development Services) is giving his report.

Couns Gerber and Gordijk ask questions for clarification on street-scaping designs. Mr O'Krafka responds.

The recommendation is passed.

Mr Kelly with a report about the Financial Impact Analysis (COVID-19) Update II. Says that he is asking for council support to continue lobbying the provincial and federal governments - alongside AMO and FCM - for assistance.

Ashton Romany (Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer) responds to a question from Coun Fisher.

Coun Gordijk asks for colour coding for next year's projects that would show project status due to COVID-19. (There are colours for other statuses.) That would enable residents to see the effect of the pandemic.

And we're adjourned at 11:50pm.