Thread by @LoveWilmot

This evening's regular council meeting begins at 7pm and will include a discussion about the Employment Lands.
Full agenda package, with reports: calendar.wilmot.ca/townshipcalend…
Livestreamed meeting: youtube.com/channel/UCcA8f…
Follow along here 👇 (There may be gaps as I'm a delegation)

Mayor Armstrong gets things underway. He mentions that Wednesday is Pink Shirt Day, for anti-bullying awareness.

Coun Gerber reads the land acknowledgement.

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

Coun Hallman asks the CAO about the strategic plan, and she draws attention to some elements of the minutes from the previous meeting. (She doesn't specify what these are)

Next up: 2021 Municipal Grants. I'll be speaking in a moment on behalf of the Wilmot Terry Fox Run.

Patrick Kelly (Director of Finance) listed this year's community grant recipients, after which I gave a short presentation about the Wilmot Terry Fox Run.

The consent agenda was approved without any items being taken out.

Harold O'Krafka (Director of Development Services) is presenting a report about the Wilmot Employment Lands, which are about 94 acres.

The detailed report starts on page 38 of the full agenda package.

Mr O'Krafka: "This project involves a lot of agencies at different level, which should be noted and is appreciated."

He refers to comments that have been received from residents, which he has addressed and answered directly with them.

Mr O'Krafka: "It will provide jobs for our children, and our children's children for many years to come."

A delegation Robert Sampson is now speaking. He lives on Captain Mccallum in New Hamburg. He says there are many families with young children who have problems with crossing Hamilton and hope they don't get hit by a car. There doesn't seem to be a plan to deal with traffic.

Mr Sampson says that the berm height isn't clear from the presentation/report, and that's a concern for him. He says he hopes his concerns can be addressed in time.

Coun Gordijk asks about the lack of a sidewalk (which Mr Sampson raised). She asks Mr O'Krafka if Hamilton Road that leads to the Pestell development can be made one-way. He says that would require study, but he thinks it might not be feasible.

Mr O'Krafka says he's heard the concerns of Mr Sampson.

Coun Gordijk asks if there is any distinction about the type of sidewalks that could be put in place for industrial areas.

Jeff Molenhuis (Director of Public Works) says that it could be 3m width.

Coun Fisher says this is an exciting time for Wilmot. He asks about time frames, and enquires about interest from companies.

Mr O'Krafka says the approval will come from the Region, in possibly weeks, if not days. He emphasizes the teamwork that went into preparing this plan.

"It's been a staff-level team approach...I do appreciate that."

"We've had interest in these lands for the 26 years I've worked at the Township." He adds that there won't be any problem attracting businesses.

Coun Hallman says she fully supports this as it will help to stop us becoming a bedroom community. It will produce opportunities and jobs.

Coun Pfenning says this is a great opportunity for employment for our community.

Mayor Armstrong says it's been a long process and he's pleased to see it come to fruition.

"It'll be one of the largest employment lots in the Region...We've needed employment opportunities for our residents for a long time. Thank you everybody." Mayor Armstrong.

First recommendation for Badenview Developments Inc. / MHBC Planning: Carried

Second recommendation: New Hamburglrs Inc.: Carried

Next is the Updated Fire Department Establishing and Regulating By-Law. Chief Leeson is presenting his report.

Coun Hallman asks about ongoing training, and education for youth in the community.

Chief Leeson: COVID put a damper on community engagement in 2020. Social media is being used to engage with residents, including videos.

Coun Pfenning says it's clear a lot of work has gone into this, and she thanks the Chief and his fire service.

Mayor Armstrong thanks them, too.

RECOMMENDATION: THAT Council approves the Updated Fire Department Establishing and Regulating Bylaw 2021-10 being a “Bylaw to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department”.

Carried

No notices of motion.

Announcements: Coun Gordijk mentions that today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. She mentions some online events, including a play "Chelsea’s Story". She says that WR has one of the highest percentages of sex trafficking victims in the country.

Coun Gordijk congratulates Fisher Esso in St Agatha on its 60th anniversary.

Coun Hallman says that tomorrow is #NationalAgDay, and she mentions the history of Pink Shirt Day.

We're adjourned at 8:02pm.