THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

GENERAL COMMITTEE

M I N U T E S

GC-2010-2

The Regional General Committee met on February 4, 2010 at 9:40 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton.

Regional Chair E. Kolb presided.

A. ROLL CALL

B. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GC-23-2010:

That the agenda for the February 4, 2010, General Committee meeting be approved.

D. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

D1. Dr. Wendy Cukier, Associate Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University; Dr. Michelle Goldberg, Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto and Owner of PinPoint Research; and; Laureen Rennie, Project Manager, Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey, Presenting Findings and Recommendations from the Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey

Received

See also Items Related to Human Services – Item HS-A1

Councillor Whitehead arrived at 9:49 a.m.

Laureen Rennie, Project Manager, Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey, stated that the Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey was the first study of its kind to be conducted by the Region of Peel. The purpose of the survey was to fill critical gaps in both local and province-wide data on the success factors and barriers experienced by immigrants in the workforce, as well as, to increase understanding of the under-utilized skills of Peel’s job seekers, particularly of internationally trained individuals. Data was collected over a four-month period from January to April 2009. The eligibility criteria for the survey focussed on people who live in Peel, ages 15 and older that worked or looked for work in Canada within the past ten years.

Dr. Wendy Cukier, Associate Dean, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University, reported that the Region of Peel has the highest labour market participation rate and the largest portion of internationally trained individuals in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) but the Region also has the second highest unemployment rate. She stated that the Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey profiles both immigrant and Canadian-born workers in the Region of Peel, as well as, captures successful job search methods. The survey also looked at barriers to employment and discrimination in the workplace.

Dr. Michelle Goldberg, Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto and Owner of PinPoint Research, provided an overview of the key findings of the Peel Immigrant Labour Market Survey and noted the positive response received about Peel-area work places. She stated that the level of foreign credential recognition is key to immigrant employment and career satisfaction. Dr. Goldberg stated that the survey concluded that the under-utilization of highly skilled immigrants translates into stunted career paths, frustration among the immigrants and missed opportunities for employers and the community. The survey found that respondents identified four key barriers to employment as follows:

• Lack of Canadian work experience (or lack of work experience for Canadian-born individuals) and education that is not recognized;
• Lack of networks, mentors and help to find a job;
• Lack of skills and resources including a lack of language skills, education and work-related skills;
• Discrimination, reported by designated and disadvantaged groups who describe themselves as too old or disabled.

Dr. Cukier outlined a number of recommendations included in the related Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey report listed as Item HS-A1 on the agenda. She noted that the survey also recommends that all levels of government continue to support service delivery systems aimed at integrating internationally trained individuals into the workforce by way of resource investments and to continue developing policy changes and research related to reducing barriers to employment.

Regional Chair Kolb suggested that the results of the Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey be presented to the two local Boards of Trade.

Councillor Groves emphasized the need to recognize the qualifications that immigrants bring with them to Canada. She inquired what further actions are required to lobby the federal and provincial levels of government to recognize foreign credentials.

Laureen Rennie responded that the majority of jobs in the market are not bound by professional qualifications but noted the importance of urging employers, educational institutions and government to work together to streamline the process of recognizing foreign qualifications.

Councillor Parrish suggested that in order to encourage employers to hire immigrants, the federal government could provide an incentive by waiving fees related to health insurance and Employment Insurance. Councillor Parrish suggested that the delegation present their findings to the Immigration Standing Committee in Ottawa, as soon as possible.

Councillor McCallion commended the delegates for the excellent report and survey and suggested that the presentation be made at the Mayors’ Job Summit. She stated that barriers to employment for immigrants and youth will be a key focus of the Mayor’s Job Summit which will be held at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga on February 9, 2010. Councillor McCallion noted that 200 people have registered for the Job Summit and that there are actions that can be taken locally to address barriers to employment.

Items Related to Human Services – Item HS-A1 was dealt with.

HS-A. DEPARTMENTAL

HS-A1. Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey

Received

See also Delegations/Presentations – Item D1

E. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

MA-A1. Proposed Transfer of Region Owned Lands - Road Widenings on the North and South Side of Ebenezer Road Between Regional Road 8 (The Gore Road) and Regional Road 50 (Highway 50) - City of Brampton, Ward 10

RECOMMENDATION GC-24-2010:

That the fee simple interest in lands described as Part of Lot 5 and 6, Concession 10 Northern Division, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Toronto Gore), Regional Municipality of Peel, described as Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 43R-9849 be declared surplus to the needs of the Regional Corporation.

RECOMMENDATION GC-25-2010:

That The Regional Municipality of Peel enter into an agreement for the gratuitous transfer of lands to The Corporation of the City of Brampton described as Part of Lot 5 and 6, Concession 10 Northern Division, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Toronto Gore), Regional Municipality of Peel, described as Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 43R-9849.

MA-A2. Proposed Transfer of Easement to Hydro One Brampton Networks Inc. at Peel Manor Long Term Care Centre, Located at 525 Main Street North - City of Brampton, Ward 5

RECOMMENDATION GC-26-2010:

That a permanent easement interest in the lands described as Part of Lot 9, Concession 1, West of Hurontario Street, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Chinguacousy) Regional Municipality of Peel, more particularly described as Parts 1, and 2 on Reference Plan 43R-33042 be declared surplus to the needs to the Regional Corporation.

RECOMMENDATION GC-27-2010:

That a permanent easement interest be transferred gratuitously to Hydro One Brampton Networks Inc. for the purpose of laying down, installing and maintaining its lines of electric power and service wires and cables and equipment and all appurtenances and accessories thereto on the lands described as Part of Lot 9, Concession 1, West of Hurontario Street, City of Brampton (formerly Township of Chinguacousy) Regional Municipality of Peel, more particularly described as Parts 1 and 2 on Reference Plan 43R-33042.

MA-B. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND CORPORATE SERVICES

MA-B1. Peel Region Official Plan Review - Adoption of Regional Official Plan Amendment Number 25 - Performance Measurement Policies and Planning Act Conformity

RECOMMENDATION GC-28-2010:

That Regional Official Plan Amendment Number 25 – Performance Measurement Policies and Planning Act Conformity, attached as Appendix I to the report of the Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services, dated January 14, 2010, titled “Peel Region Official Plan Review – Adoption of Regional Official Plan Amendment Number 25 – Performance Measurement Policies and Planning Act Conformity”, be adopted;

And further, that no further public meetings related to Regional Official Plan Amendment Number 25 are required as per the provisions of Section 17 of the Planning Act;

And further, that the necessary by-law be presented to Regional Council for enactment;

And further, that a copy of the subject report be forwarded to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, the Town of Caledon, municipalities adjacent to the Region of Peel, and those parties requesting notification;

And further, that notice of decision of adoption of Amendment Number 25 be given in accordance with the Planning Act.

MA-B2. 2010 Temporary Borrowing By-law to Meet Expenses of the Municipality

RECOMMENDATION GC-29-2010:

That a by-law authorizing the temporary borrowing of monies to meet 2010 expenses of the municipality pending receipt of revenues in accordance with Section 407 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, be presented to Regional Council for enactment.

MA-B3. Delegation of Tax Ratio Setting Authority

RECOMMENDATION GC-30-2010:

That the delegation of the tax ratio setting authority to the lower-tier municipalities for both lower-tier and upper-tier purposes for 2010, as authorized under s.310 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, be approved;

And further, that the necessary by-law be presented to Regional Council for enactment;

And further, that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing be requested to make a general regulation designating the Region of Peel as a delegated municipality for 2010.

MA-B4. Report of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC-2010-1) meeting held on January 26, 2010

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RECOMMENDATION AAC-1-2010:

That the minutes of the November 24, 2009 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC-2009-9) meeting, be approved.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION AAC-2-2010:

That the agenda for the January 26, 2010 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, be approved.

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. thenews.pl (Polanski Radio Dla Zagrancy), Article titled “Innovative Disabled Car Project”

Received

5. PRESENTATIONS

Item 5b was dealt with.

b. Lisa Jones, Transportation Accessibility Specialist, Accessible Transportation, Public Works, Providing an Update Regarding Accessible Transportation in the Region of Peel

Received

a. Joel Rieder, Architect, Reinders & Rieder Ltd (RRL), and Ashwani Sinha, Capital Project Manager, Region of Peel, Providing a Review of a Redevelopment Project to Accommodate a New TransHelp Operation at 2 Copper Road - City of Brampton, Ward 3

RECOMMENDATION AAC-3-2010:

That the overview provided to the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on January 26, 2010 by Region of Peel Real Property Asset Management staff regarding the site plan for the Redevelopment Project at 2 Copper Road - City of Brampton, Ward 3, be received;

And further, that the City of Brampton, Planning, Design and Development Department be notified of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee support for the 2 Copper Road redevelopment site plan, as presented on January 26, 2010.

b. Lisa Jones, Transportation Accessibility Specialist, Accessible Transportation, Public Works, Providing an Update Regarding Accessible Transportation in the Region of Peel

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

6. REPORTS

a. Region of Peel Accessibility Planning Specialist Activity Report – International Day of Persons with Disabilities Update (Oral)
Update by Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel

Received

MA-C. EMPLOYEE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

MA-C1. Ontario Works Shelter Renovation, 1767 Dundas Street, 2500 Cawthra Road and 2190 Mavis Road, Projects E08-10326, E08-10327, and E08-10328, Document Number 2009-048T

RECOMMENDATION GC-31-2010:

That the contract (Document 2009-048T) awarded to Lakeside Contracting Inc. for the Shelter Renovation Work at 1767 Dundas Street, 2500 Cawthra Road and 2190 Mavis Road be increased by $37,460.80 (excluding applicable taxes), for a new total commitment of $2,476,820.80 (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008.

MA-D. EXECUTIVE OFFICE

MA-D1. 10 Peel Expansion Project Completion (Formerly Joint Use Facility Project) Now Suites B and C, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton

RECOMMENDATION GC-32-2010:

That the accounting of the overall project costs for the 10 Peel Expansion Project as set out in the report of the Chief Administrative Officer, dated January 15, 2010, titled “10 Peel Expansion Project Completion (Formerly Joint Use Facility Project) Now Suites B and C, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton,” be approved;

And further, that the residual amount of approximately $500,000 remain in the project cost centre 06-5235 and be used to fund additional health and safety requirements and building improvements at 10 Peel Centre Drive.

MA-D2. Report of the Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Committee (IRAC-2010-1) meeting held on January 28, 2010

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION IRAC-1-2010:

That the agenda for the January 28, 2010 Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Committee meeting, be approved.

3. REPORTS

a) Peel Seniors' Low-Income Dental Program Update

RECOMMENDATION IRAC-2-2010:

That the Medical Officer Health undertake a review of current literature to determine what information is required to ascertain the impact of dental health on overall health;

And further, that the Medical Officer of Health report back to a future meeting of the Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Committee with recommendations regarding information that could be collected from Senior’s Low-Income Dental Program participants, to form the basis of a study to determine the impact of dental health on overall health;

And further, that the Medical Officer of Health engage the University of Toronto Dental Program in discussions to determine their interest in conducting such a study, and report back to a future meeting Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Committee with findings.

	b)	Proposed MP/MPP Communications Strategy (Oral)
			Discussion led by David Arbuckle, Manager, Public Policy, Office of Strategic Innovation and Policy

Received

RECOMMENDATION IRAC-3-2010:

That the “Proposed MP/MPP Communications Strategy,” as presented to the Intergovernmental Relations Advisory Committee at its meeting held on January 28, 2010, be endorsed.

c) 2010 Provincial and Federal Pre-Budget Submission

RECOMMENDATION IRAC-4-2010:

That the public policy issues identified in the report of the Chief Administrative Officer, dated January 20, 2010, titled “2010 Provincial and Federal Pre-Budget Submission”, be endorsed;

And further, that staff develop a pre-budget submission based on the identified public policy issues.

d) 2010 ROMA/OGRA Annual Conference

RECOMMENDATION IRAC-5-2010:

That the public policy issues identified in the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated January 19, 2010, titled “2010 ROMA/OGRA Annual Conference,” be endorsed;

And further, that staff develop briefing notes on the identified public policy issues to support discussions with various Ministry representatives at the conference.

4. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS STATUS REPORT AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Discussion led by Lowell Rubin-Vaughan, Intergovernmental Relations Advisor, Public Policy and Planning

a) Federal Government
b) Provincial Government
c) Local Government

Received

MA-E. COMMUNICATIONS

MA-E1. Barbara Karrandjas, Legislative Administrator, Town of Caledon, Letter dated January 6, 2010, Attaching Notice of Motion in Regard to the Collection of Fees from the Toronto and Region Conservation and Credit Valley Conservation Authorities

Referred to Corporate Services

See also Other Business – Item F1

MA-E2. Peter Hume, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Letter dated January 11, 2010, Providing a Review on Progress Made by AMO in 2009

Received

MA-E3. Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Members’ Advisory, dated January 13, 2010, Calling for Municipal Solidarity with Haitian Communities and Earthquake Relief Efforts

Received

See also Item MA-E4

MA-E4. Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Members’ Advisory dated January 18, 2010, Calling on Members to Prepare for Unprecedented Reconstruction Efforts in Haiti

Received

See also Item MA-E3

PW-A1. Derry Road (Regional Road 5) and Kennedy Road Intersection Improvements, Capital Projects 01-4290 and 08-4650, Document 2008-283T – City of Mississauga, Ward 5

RECOMMENDATION GC-33-2010:

That the contract (Document 2008-283T) between the Region of Peel and the City of Mississauga for Derry Road and Kennedy Road intersection improvements be extended to provide for additional paving and installation of retaining walls in the estimated amount of $650,000 (excluding applicable taxes), for a total commitment of $2,237,178.50 (excluding applicable taxes), in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008;

And further, that the required documents be executed by the duly authorized signing officers of the Regional Corporation.

PW-A2. Consulting Services for the Reconstruction of Regional Road 4 (Dixie Road) from Matheson Boulevard to Highway 401, Capital Project 09-4080, Document 2009-343P – City of Mississauga, Ward 5

RECOMMENDATION GC-34-2010:

That the contract (Document 2009-343P) for detailed design, contract administration and construction supervision for the reconstruction of Regional Road 4 (Dixie Road) from Matheson Boulevard to Highway 401, be awarded to Giffels Associates Limited/IBI Group in the estimated amount of $728,630 (excluding applicable taxes), under Capital Project 09-4080, in accordance with Purchasing By-law 63-2008.

Additional Item:

Algonquin Power Energy from Waste Facility Update (Oral)

Received

Dan Labrecque, Commissioner of Public Works, advised that the Algonquin Power Energy-from-Waste Facility was temporarily shutdown for unscheduled maintenance. He stated that Regional staff are working closely with Algonquin Power to ensure that the unscheduled shutdown of the facility will not affect the waste services provided to the residents of the Region of Peel and also to resolve the issue, as soon as possible. Dan Labrecque advised that a staff report will be presented to the Waste Management Committee at its meeting on February 18, 2010 to provide more information about the temporary shutdown of the Algonquin Power Energy-from-Waste Facility and the potential implications to Peel.

HE-A. COMMUNICATIONS

HE-A1. Hazel McCallion, Mayor, City of Mississauga, Letter to Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario dated November 30, 2009, Informing Him that at its Meeting on November 25, 2009, the City of Mississauga Adopted Resolution 0279-2009 Regarding the 900 Megawatt Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant in the Town of Oakville

Received

HE-A2. Sonya Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Memo dated December 14, 2009, Reporting that the City of Brampton, at its Meeting on December 2, 2009, Amended and Passed User Fee By-law 365-2009 to Recover Costs Incurred by Peel Region Public Health for Review and Abatement Work Regarding Identified Marijuana Grow Operations

Received

HE-A3. Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Letter dated December 23, 2009, Advising that 142 Beds at Sheridan Villa, Mississauga, are Eligible for Funding Under the Structural Compliance Premium for Self-Funded Renewal Projects, Policy 2009, which the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Recently Implemented

Received

See also Item HE-A4

HE-A4. John McKinley, Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Letter dated December 23, 2009, Providing Details of the Increase in Base Funding for the Beds at Sheridan Villa, Mississauga, Eligible for Funding Under their Structural Compliance Premium (SCP)

Received

See also Item HE-A3

HE-A5. Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion, Letter dated January 6, 2010, in Response to Regional Chair Kolb’s Letter Regarding Second-hand Smoke in Multi-unit Dwellings

Received

HE-A6. David Balsillie, Task Force Chair, Air Quality Task Force, Southwest Greater Toronto Area, Letter dated January 13, 2010, to Regional Chair Kolb Providing Information on the Creation and Implementation of the Air Quality Task Force for the Southwest Greater Toronto Area (SWGTA)

Received

HS-A. DEPARTMENTAL

HS-A1. Peel Immigration Labour Market Survey

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

HS-B. COMMUNICATIONS

HS-B1. Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Letter dated December 18, 2009, to Regional Chair Kolb Confirming the Award of a Grant in the amount of $105,652 to the Region of Peel as Part of the Municipal Immigration Information Online (MIIO) Program 2009-2010

Received

F. OTHER BUSINESS

F1. Notice of Motion Regarding Provincial Environmental Downloading and its Impact on Food Producing Landowners and Municipalities through their Financial Support of Conservation Authorities

Deferred to the February 25, 2010 General Committee meeting

See also Items Related to Management – Item MA-E1

G. IN CAMERA MATTERS - Nil


ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m.