The Regional General Committee met on November 14, 2002 at 9:35 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton.

Regional Chair E. Kolb presided.

A. ROLL CALL

B. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Councillor DiMarco arrived at 9:36 a.m.

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GC-204-2002:

That the agenda for the November 14, 2002 General Committee meeting be approved.

D. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

D1. Brian Finamore, Chaplain, St. Francis Xavier Secondary School; Lavanya Sivasubramaniam; John Denny, Student Volunteers, St. Francis Xavier Secondary School; and Donna Nadolny, Manager, Health Planning, Region of Peel Health Department Regarding Secondary School Student Community Involvement

Received

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

Brian Finamore commended the Region for providing exceptional volunteer opportunities for Secondary School Students and encouraged them to continue offering its valuable support. Council also heard from two students who are avid volunteers in the program. Both students were enthusiastic about their experiences and eager to continue contributing to the community through the volunteer program.

Council praised the students for their contributions and for their caring for others in the community. Brian Finamore was thanked for his leadership in the program. The delegation was encouraged to make similar presentations to the area municipal Councils.

Councillor Iannicca arrived at 9:37 a.m.
Councillor Fennell arrived at 9:43 a.m.
Councillor Seglins arrived at 9:55 a.m.

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

HS-A1. Secondary School Student Community Involvement

Received

See also Delegations/Presentations - Item D1

D2. Ernst Braendli, Brampton Environmental Community Advisory Panel Providing Information on the Control of West Nile Virus in the Region of Peel

Withdrawn

E. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Chaired by Councillor I. Sinclair

PL-A. Administration

PL-A1. Report of the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee Meeting (IMPSC-2002-7) held on October 31, 2002

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-16-2002:

That the Commissioner of Planning provide an update on the population and employment analysis undertaken by Hemson Consulting;

And further, that the agenda for the October 31, 2002, Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee meeting be approved as amended.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

4. REPORTS

a. Regional Official Plan Strategic Update (ROPSU) Transportation Planning

RECOMMENDATION IMPSC-17-2002:

That the Transportation Planning Work Plan, dated September 26, 2002, for the transportation planning stream of ROPSU be approved, as amended;

And further, that the funding for the Transportation Planning Work Plan be available from Capital Budget Number 02-7511.

b. Terms of Reference for the Inter-Municipal Planning Subcommittee

Received

c. Contract Consultation Planner for Regional Official Plan Strategic Update (ROPSU)
Presentation by Nick Tunnacliffe, Commissioner of Planning

Received

Additional Item

d. Peer Review of Hemson Report (Oral)

Received

PL-B. Planning Policy and Research

PL-B1. Oak Ridges Moraine Conformity Amendment - Update

Received

PL-B2. 2001 Census Release: Population, Population Density, and Age and Sex

Received

PL-B3. State of the Environment Atmosphere Report 2002
Presentation by Nick Tunnacliffe, Commissioner of Planning, Quentin Hanchard, Planner, Planning Policy and Research and Paul Callanan, Manager, Environmental Health

RECOMMENDATION GC-205-2002:

That the "State of the Environment: Atmosphere Report 2002" be received;

And further, that Regional Council refer the recommendations contained in the report of the Commissioner of Planning, dated October 29, 2002, titled "State of the Environment Atmosphere Report 2002" on improving air quality to the Regional Air Quality Working Group for review;

And further, that the "State of the Environment: Atmosphere Report 2002" Summary and Technical reports be provided to the City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) for information;

And further, that copies of the "State of the Environment: Atmosphere Report 2002" Summary report be made available to local schools and libraries in Peel, and agencies that contributed to its creation at no cost;

And further, that the "State of the Environment: Atmosphere Report 2002" Summary and Technical reports be made available on the Region's website.

RECOMMENDATION GC-206-2002:

Whereas the number of air quality monitoring stations in Peel has decreased significantly;

And whereas accurate data is critical locally and Regionally;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Region of Peel request the Ministry of the Environment to re-instate the existing network of site-specific and pollutant-specific air quality monitoring stations and re-evaluate the need for additional air quality monitoring stations in the Region of Peel, to provide sufficient data for future analysis of changes in air quality.

PL-B4. 2002 Peel Children's Water Festival

Received

PL-B5. Halton Region 2002 Official Plan Review

RECOMMENDATION GC-207-2002:

That the report of the Commissioner of Planning, dated October 30, 2002, titled "Halton Region 2002 Official Plan Review" be received and endorsed by Council and forwarded to the Regional Municipality of Halton as the Region of Peel's initial response to the Halton Region 2002 Official Plan Review;

And further, that copies of the subject report be forwarded to the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the Town of Caledon for information;

And further, that planning staff be directed to monitor the progress of the Halton Region Official Plan review with the intent of reporting further to Council on any aspects that may impact on the interests of the Region of Peel in consultation with area municipalities;

And further, that Halton Region be requested to reconsider its forecasting assumptions about the extent of Peel growth displacement to Halton Region in the context of the current Peel/Mississauga/Brampton/Caledon forecasts.

Other Business - Item F1 was dealt with.

F1. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation (ORMC) Act

RECOMMENDATION GC-208-2002:

Whereas the Province has passed legislation titled, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation (ORMC) Act, which stipulates implementation deadlines and requirements for the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan [ORMCP]:

• Sets out the ORMCP as a regulation [Sec. 3]
• Requires all Official Plans to be in conformity with the ORMCP. [Sec.7 {1} & {2}]
• Sets out that the ORMCP prevails in the case of conflict between the ORMCP [Sec. 8]
• Sets out severe penalties for contravention's [Sec. 24]
• Sets out amendment procedures entirely distinct from the provisions of the Planning Act without any public notice and open ended requirements. [Sec. 11 & 12]
• Sets aside the Statutory Powers & Procedures Act. [Sec.21]

And whereas the public may have difficulty in understanding the difference between land use requirements under the Planning Act and the ORMC Act and ORMCP, the different legal status of policies, the different amendment procedures and the lack of appeal mechanisms;

And whereas the provisions of the legislation constitute a unique and unprecedented challenge for implementation for the Region of Peel Official Plan and the Town of Caledon Official Plan, and Zoning By-law;

Therefore, be it resolved that legal and planning staff research and report the implications of integrating the provisions of the ORMC Act and ORMCP into the Region of Peel Official Plan (ROP) and the Town of Caledon Official Plan (OP) and Zoning By-law as a consequence of the apparent incompatible provisions between the Planning Act and new legislation, and recommend viable options for achieving compliance with the ORMC Act and ORMCP;

And further, that Regional Chair Emil Kolb be directed to meet with Chris Hodgson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to address the above-mentioned issues.

PL-C. Development Planning Services

PL-C1. Appeal of Springdale Subdivisions

RECOMMENDATION GC-209-2002:

That Regional staff attend the Ontario Municipal Board hearing in connection with various appeals of plans of subdivision by landowners within the Springdale area of Brampton to protect the Region's interest.

See also Item PL-D2

PL-D. COMMUNICATIONS

PL-D1. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated October 4, 2002, Advising of the City of Brampton's Response to the City of Toronto's Draft Official Plan

Received

PL-D2. Wendy Cooke, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated October 22, 2002, Regarding the City of Brampton's Resolution Concerning Increase in the Springdale Transportation Cap and Allocation of Capacity to Chinguacousy Farms Limited

Received

See also Item PL-C1

PL-D3. Steve Shaw, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), Letter dated October 28, 2002, Responding to the Petition from the Residents of Meadowvale Village Regarding Aircraft Noise

Received

Chaired by Councillor K. Mahoney

HS-A. INTERDEPARTMENTAL

HS-A1. Secondary School Student Community Involvement

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

SOCIAL SERVICES

HS-B. General Services

HS-B1. Progress Report on 211 Study for Peel

Received

HS-B2. Canada's Innovation Strategy - Funding the Skills Agenda for Peel Regional and Community Services

RECOMMENDATION GC-210-2002:

That the report of the Commissioner of Social Services, dated October 3, 2002, titled "Canada's Innovation Strategy - Funding the Skills Agenda for Peel Regional and Community Services" be forwarded to the Federal Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, supporting the direction of Canada's Innovation Strategy, and requesting the following priorities be addressed in her Department's role:

1. The development of flexible funding mechanisms to support urban multi-sectoral labour development partnerships that bring additional skilled and retrained workers into the local labour force;

2. Ensuring that urban multi-sectoral skills development initiatives are sustainably funded to provide necessary supports for "at risk" populations, whether or not they are receiving federal income support funding;

3. Linking Early Childhood Development supports to effective Child Care programs and supports, to both enhance the development base of young children and promote their parents' attachment to the labour market, especially those at high risk of unemployment;

And further, that the Region's submission to the Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues be forwarded to the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, drawing attention to the importance of these issues to the Federal Government's Innovation Strategy;

And further, that the letter to the Minister, with a copy of the subject report be forwarded to the Ontario Municipal Social Service Association, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Federation of Canadian Municipalities for information.

HS-C. Children's Services

HS-C1. Health and Safety Funding for Child Care Services

Received

HEALTH

HS-D. Environmental Health

HS-D1. West Nile Virus - 2002 Summary and 2003 Prevention and Control Program
Presentation by Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health

RECOMMENDATION GC-211-2002:

That the 2003 West Nile Virus Prevention and Control Program for the Region of Peel include surveillance, public education, mosquito habitat reduction, selective mosquito larvaciding, and a contingency plan for mosquito adulticiding;

And further, that the Medical Officer of Health convene and chair a Regional Mosquito Control Task Force consisting of representatives of regional, area municipal governments, the Ministry of Environment and conservation authorities, to advise on and coordinate mosquito control activities for 2003;

And further, that the Commissioner of Health and Medical Officer of Health report to Regional Council on detailed plans for mosquito control in the Region by February 2003, including areas to be included in larvaciding, methods to be used, and associated costs;

And further, that the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care be requested to conduct research on the effectiveness of mosquito control measures for the prevention of West Nile Virus infection in Ontario;

And further, that the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care be requested to enhance provincial capacity and timeliness of laboratory testing for West Nile Virus.

Councillor McCallion departed at 12:05 p.m.

RECOMMENDATION GC-212-2002:

That Regional Council ask the Federal Minister of Health to take all possible steps to foster the rapid development of a safe, effective human vaccine against West Nile Virus.

HS-D2. Working with the GTA Clean Air Council

Received

HS-D3. Public Disclosure of Food Safety Performance in Food Premises

Received

HS-E. Health Planning

HS-E1. Smoking and Pregnancy in the Region of Peel, 2001 Report

Received

HS-F. Healthy Lifestyles

HS-F1. Dental Program Update and Proposed Future Directions

Received

HS-G. Family Health

HS-G1. Universal Screening for Violence Against Women, Follow Up

Received

HS-H. COMMUNICATIONS

HS-H1. Terri Brenton, Legislative Coordinator, Office of the City Clerk, City of Brampton, Letter dated October 21, 2002, Regarding Emergency Management Committee Recommendation EM040-2002 Requesting that a Heat Emergency Plan be Prepared

Referral to Health recommended

HS-H2. B. Anthony G. DiMarco, Chairman of the Lorne Park Residents Association, Notice dated September 17, 2002, Regarding West Nile Virus Control and related Press Clippings

Received

See also Item HS-D1

RECESS

General Committee recessed at 12:27 p.m.

General Committee reconvened at 1:05 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Chaired by Councillor M. Morrison

PW-A. Engineering and Construction

PW-A1. Watershed Monitoring Program for Humber River, Etobicoke Creek and Mimico Creek, Project 02-1696, Region of Peel

RECOMMENDATION GC-213-2002:

That the Region of Peel approve funding for the Regional Watershed Monitoring Program to be carried out by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) under Project 02-1696 in the amount of $200,000, funded from the Water Capital Financing Stabilization Reserve;

And further, that the status of Project 02-1696 be changed from pending to approved.

PW-A2. Cost Comparison of a Pedestrian Overpass Versus the School Board Reinstating the Busing Program, Regional Road 14 (Steeles Avenue) East of Hartford Trail / Orchard Drive - City of Brampton, Ward 3

Received

PW-B. Water and Wastewater Treatment

PW-B1. Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF) Grants

RECOMMENDATION GC-214-2002:

That the feasibility study relating to the Integrated Fixed-Film Activated Sludge (IFAS) Demonstration for Cost-Efficient Wastewater Treatment, as generally outlined in the report of the Commissioner of Public Works, dated October 17, 2002, titled "Water and Wastewater Treatment Division, Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF) Grants" be undertaken;

And further, that staff be authorized to negotiate all necessary agreements with GMEF in order to receive a grant of $100,000 for the study;

And further, that the Commissioner of Public Works be authorized to sign all necessary documents and agreements relating thereto or required by GMEF in order to receive the funds, and to take such other action required or permitted to be taken or done under the agreements.

PW-C. Waste Management

PW-C1. Central Community Recycling Centre / Leash Free Dog Park Relocation

RECOMMENDATION GC-215-2002:

That the Leash-Free Dog Park currently located on Battleford Road (Municipal Address 6300 Millcreek Drive) be relocated to a 2.8 acre parcel of land on Meadowvale Blvd. (Municipal Address 2715 Meadowvale Blvd.) conditional upon the Region of Peel obtaining all necessary approvals to locate and construct a Community Recycling Centre (CRC) at the Battleford Road site;

And further, that the necessary funds, in the amount of $65,000, for Project 99-6507 be provided from the Waste Management New Capital Reserve (R1145);

And further, that the required documents be executed by the Region's duly authorized signing officers.

PW-C2. Third Quarter Waste Management Tonnage Report

Received

PW-C3. Leaf and Yard Waste Composting

RECOMMENDATION GC-216-2002:

That Contract 97PT-013 with All Treat Farms Limited for the purposes of transferring, hauling and composting leaf and yard waste materials from the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga be extended for a two year period with options for two additional one year periods;

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

PW-C4. Report of the Waste Management Subcommittee Meeting (WMSC-2002-6) held on November 7, 2002

1. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

RECOMMENDATION WM-18-2002:

That Councillor Bissell be appointed as Chair of Waste Management Subcommittee for a term of 18 months, July 1, 2002 to November 30, 2003;

And further, that Councillor Morrison be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Waste Management Subcommittee for a term of 18 months, July 1, 2002 to November 30, 2003.

2. Declarations of Conflicts of Interest

3. Approval of Agenda

RECOMMENDATION WM-19-2002:

That the agenda for the November 7, 2002, Waste Management Subcommittee meeting be approved.

4. Delegations

5. Waste Management Updates

a) Community Recycling Centre Network - Proposed Capital Cost Savings

Referred to Staff for additional information

b) Community Recycling Centre Network - The Transtor System

RECOMMENDATION WM-21-2002:

That the "Transtor system" be incorporated into the design of the South West (Clarkson) Community Recycling Centre, and incorporated into the existing system at the Central East (Brampton East) Community Recycling Centre as a pilot project, and that if successful, this system be incorporated into the design of all future Community Recycling Centres.

c) Terms of Reference for the Waste Management Subcommittee

Received

6. Communications

a) Lorne McCool, City Manager, City of Brampton, Letter dated October 2, 2002, Responding to the Region of Peel's Comments Regarding the City of Brampton's Waste Management Review Report Dated July 23, 2002

RECOMMENDATION WM-22-2002:

That staff report on the leaf collection contract and reimbursements/ subsidies received by the local municipalities.

Additional item

5d) Diaper Recycling (Oral)

RECOMMENDATION WM-23-2002:

That staff report on a waste collection policy as it relates to the collection and recycling of diapers.

PW-D. COMMUNICATIONS

PW-D1. J. D. Leach, City Clerk, City of Vaughan, Letter dated October 18, 2002, Requesting Inter-Regional Service Connections

Referred to Public Works

PW-D2. Denis Kelly, Regional Clerk, York Region, Letter dated October 18, 2002, Providing York-Peel Water Feedermain Project Update

Received

PW-D3. Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA), Providing Highlights from the OGRA Board of Directors' Meeting Held on September 26, 2002

Received

PW-D4. Rae Horst, General Manager, Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC), Letter dated October 15, 2002, Advising of CVC's Resolution 82/02 Concerning Permits to Take Water for Commercial Purposes

Referred to Public Works

PW-D5. Chris Stockwell, MPP, Minister of the Environment, Letter dated October 31, 2002, Responding to Peel's Resolution Number 2002-833 Regarding the Land Application of Biosolids in the Region and the Nutrient Management Act, 2002

Referred to Public Works

Additional Item

Orenda Road Yard (Oral)

Received

Councillor Bissell requested staff to investigate the large number of tires scattered across the Orenda Road Yard.

 

Chaired by Councillor R. Whitehead

CORPORATE SERVICES

MA-A. Legal Services

MA-A1. Ontario Municipal Board Decision in the Matter of Minor Variance Application at 5560 McAdam Road, Mississauga

Received

MA-B. Clerk's

MA-B1. Report of the Court of Revision (COR-2002-1) held on October 24, 2002

Received

MA-C. Ambulance and Emergency Programs

MA-C1. Report of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee Meeting (EPSC-2002-3) held on November 7, 2002

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-12-2002:

That the agenda for November 7, 2002 Emergency and Protective Services Committee meeting be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) Bryan Weaver, Assistant Emergency Co-ordinator, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Regarding ARES Activities and the Donation of Decommissioned Peel Regional Ambulance Services (PRAS) Vehicles to ARES

Received

b) Norma Prior, Branch Manager, St. John Ambulance, Brampton Branch, Regarding St. John Ambulance Activities and the Donation of a Peel Regional Ambulance Services (PRAS) Vehicle to St. John Ambulance

Received

Item Related to Peel Regional Ambulance Services - Item 4e was dealt with

e) Disposal/Donation of Decommissioned Ambulances

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-13-2002:

That two decommissioned ambulances be donated to the non-profit organization of Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES);

And further, that one decommissioned ambulance be donated to the non-profit organization of St. John Ambulance (SJA);

And further, that the Region of Peel dispose of the remaining twelve decommissioned vehicles via a public auction house;

And further, that proceeds from the auction be deposited in the Ambulance Program Working Fund R1212;

And further, that an internal procedure for the timely disposal of future decommissioned vehicles and related equipment, in accordance with the Purchasing by-law, be drafted and presented to the Emergency and Protective Services Committee (EPSC) for consideration.

4. PEEL REGIONAL AMBULANCE SERVICES

a) Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Additional Funding Announcements

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-14-2002:

That staff prepare and submit a business case for increased base funding for the ambulance program from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care immediately;

And further, that copies of the submission be circulated to members of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee;

And further, that staff prepare a motion for presentation at the November 14, 2002 General Committee meeting to send to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care regarding the issue of funding from the Ministry, as well as the impact of provincial policy on ambulance service costs, such as those related to hospital emergency department delays;

And further, that a representative from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care be invited to the next meeting of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee.

b) Hospital Emergency Department Delays - Update

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-15-2002:

That Council support ongoing dialogue and discussions with Peel Health Partners in addressing hospital emergency department delays at area hospitals and the initiation of a Transfer of Care Protocol between the Region of Peel and area receiving hospitals;

And further, that the Region of Peel support the Halton-Peel Emergency Services Network recommendations contained in their February 2002 "Review of the Halton-Peel Local Agreement for the Patient Priority System" and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care be so advised.

c) 2002 and 2003 Coverage Plan

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-16-2002:

That the emergency medical coverage enhancement plan of 336 weekly additional system hours for 2003 be approved subject to 2003 budget approval.

d) 2003 Fleet Management Planning

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-17-2002:

That a contract with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Emergency Health Services Branch be entered into for the purchase of seven (7) ambulances, three (3) Emergency Response Vehicles, and related patient transportation and medical equipment in 2003 for a total approximate value of $1,090,000, including applicable taxes, subject to Regional Council approval of the 2003 Capital Budget;

And further, that the necessary funds for this purchase be provided from Capital Project No. 01-7900 upon approval of the 2003 Capital Budget;

And further, that a spare to front-line ambulance ratio of a minimum of one spare to two front-line ambulances be adopted;

And further, that this ratio be phased in as soon as reasonably possible;

And further, that the contract with Rowland Auto Electric Inc. be extended for an additional year for the maintenance and repair of Peel Regional Ambulance Services fleet commencing January 1, 2003 and continuing until December 31, 2003 pending successful price negotiation for the next year. The estimated contract value is $550,000.

e) Disposal/Donation of Decommissioned Ambulances

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

f) Ambulance Contract Service Review

Received

g) News Release: From the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 8, 2002, Regarding the New Flu Control Standard Established by the Province

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-18-2002:

Whereas the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) previously legislated all paramedics to be immunized against influenza on an annual basis unless medically contraindicated;

And whereas the MOHLTC has repealed this legislation and now requires operators to ensure that between October 31 to March 31 of each year unimmunized paramedics do not provide patient care in the local service area surrounding an influenza outbreak;

And whereas the MOHLTC communications centre has the sole accountability and responsibility to oversee, control and direct the deployment of ambulances and paramedics to responses;

And whereas the MOHLTC is accountable for the review of the standards of practise as defined in the Communicable Disease Standard as well as the Patient Care and Transportation Standard as made under Regulation 257/00 made under the Ambulance Act;

Therefore, be it resolved that the MOHLTC, in consultation with the operators, be requested to develop a standard of practise which provides the most appropriate and prompt response by an ambulance;

And further, the MOHLTC ensure that the Ministry communication centres be directed to monitor and deploy the most appropriate ambulance during a declared outbreak of influenza;

And further, that the Region of Peel requests the Provincial Government to review this standard with all Ministries responsible for first response programs;

And further, that a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Ontario;

And further, that the area municipalities of the Region of Peel be made aware of this standard in order to adopt adequate protocols with their first response teams to ensure the safety of their residents and staff;

And further, that a copy of this resolution be circulated to all Upper Tier Municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSAB) in Ontario through the Chair of The Association of Municipal Emergency Medical Services of Ontario (AMEMSO), to the Co-chairs of the Land Ambulance Implementation Steering Committee (LAISC), and to Peel area MPP's.

5. EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

a) 9-1-1 Awareness Week, December 9 to 13, 2002

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-19-2002:

That the week of December 9 to 13, 2002, be proclaimed "9-1-1 Awareness Week" in the Region of Peel (the Region);

And further, that the emergency communicators throughout the Region be commended for their exemplary dedication to public safety.

6. POLICE SERVICES BOARD PROTOCOL

7. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MEETINGS

The next meeting of the Emergency and Protective Services Committee is scheduled for February 20, 2003 at 9:30 a.m.

8. OTHER BUSINESS

a) The Volunteer Firefighters Employment Protection Act, 2002

RECOMMENDATION EPSC-20-2002:

That the Emergency and Protective Services Committee recommend that the Regional Council provide support for Bill 30 which provides the opportunity for professional firefighters to offer to serve as volunteer firefighters in other fire services on their own time;

And further, that all Peel MPPs be encouraged to support Bill 30 in its final reading.

See also Other Business - Item F2

Councillor Dale departed at 2:05 p.m.
Councillor Fennell departed at 2:05 p.m.

FINANCE

MA-D. Corporate Finance

MA-D1. Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Pooling Update (Oral)
Presentation by Dan Labrecque, Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance and Ed Zamparo, Manager, Financial Policy & Strategic Analysis

This item was dealt with later in the meeting

MA-D2. Conference Grants - Eligibility Criteria

RECOMMENDATION GC-217-2002:

That the request for $1,000 in funding in support of the 2002 Ontario Armed Robbery Conference be denied;

And further, that the matter of adopting formal evaluation criteria for conference sponsorship/grants be referred to the Grants Ad hoc Committee for discussion at its December 5, 2002 meeting;

And further, that a report with appropriate recommendations be brought back to a future Council meeting.

MA-E. COMMUNICATIONS

MA-E1. Allan Gotlieb, Chairman, Ontario Heritage Foundation (OHF), Letter dated October 4, 2002, Regarding Ontario Heritage Foundation's Young Heritage Leaders Program 2002

Received

MA-E2. News Release: From the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), dated October 16, 2002, Regarding Legal Victory over Sprint Canada Inc. on the Issue of the Authority of Municipal Government to Levy Taxes on the Gross Revenues of Telecommunications Carriers

Received

See also Items MA-E4 and MA-E8

MA-E3. Roger Anderson, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Durham, Letter dated October 17, 2002, Supporting Peel's Position on the Repair, Maintenance and Testing of Large Water Meters

Received

MA-E4. News Release: From the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 25, 2002, Regarding the Appeal of a CRTC Decision that Denies Municipalities the Right to Charge Licence Fees for the Use of Municipal Right of Ways by Telecommunications Companies

Received

See also Items MA-E2 and MA-E8

MA-E5. News Release: From the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated October 25, 2002, Regarding Added Concern about the Devolution of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS)

Received

MA-E6. Frederick Biro, Executive Director, Peel Police Services Board (PPSB), Letter dated October 25, 2002 Providing the VCOM Group Annual Report

Received

MA-E7. Linda Mailer, Council Coordinator, City of Mississauga, Letter Dated October 28, 2002, Regarding Resolution 0297-2002 on the City of Mississauga's Response to the Citizens' Task Force on the Future of Mississauga

Received

MA-E8. News Release: From the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), dated October 29, 2002, Regarding an FCM Appeal of CRTC Right of Ways Ruling

Received

See also Items MA-E2 and MA-E4

Other Business - Item F2 was dealt with

F2. Motion from the Emergency and Protective Services Committee (EPSC) Requesting Increased Funding from the Ministry of Health and the Impact of Provincial Policy on Ambulance Services

RECOMMENDATION GC-218-2002:

Whereas the recently announced increase in the Provincial share of funding for ambulance services across Ontario has not resulted in the full contribution of 50% of the cost of ambulance services that was the Provincial commitment following the downloading of these services;

And whereas even with this additional funding, the Region of Peel will be receiving only 33% of its anticipated 2003 cost for ambulance services;

And whereas the Region of Peel assumed land ambulance service delivery January 1, 2001 as required by the Province of Ontario and implemented an immediate increase in system hours to meet the anticipated impact of downloading;

And whereas the Region of Peel is particularly deserving of an increase in the level of Provincial funding in the light of the service demands and related circumstances that exist in Peel and which are recited in this resolution;

And whereas the Region of Peel has been legislated to meet a performance time standard from 1996 a year in which Peel experienced a call volume which has since increased by more than 50%;

And whereas when the Region of Peel assumed land ambulance service delivery on January 1, 2001, it experienced an immediate increase in demand for service by 17% over that experienced by the Ministry Services in the prior year as a result of system changes due to downloading;

And whereas the Region of Peel is experiencing one of the fastest growth rates in the Greater Toronto Area, 835,000 residents in 1996 to 1,006,000 in 2002 a growth increase of 20% which continues to contribute to the call demand increase;

And whereas the Region of Peel immediately introduced an increase in system hours to meet the demand for service by adding 32,953 hours in 2001/2002 and an additional 17,520 hours for 2003;

And whereas the Region of Peel has assumed the responsibility to provide ambulance coverage for the largest international airport in the country which was previously covered by other services;

And whereas the Region of Peel is recognized as having the highest ratio of emergency response calls to non emergency transfers in the Province at 96% of entire call volume;

And whereas the Region of Peel inherited an aging fleet as a result of downloading and had to immediately reinstate two ambulances at a substantial cost and has since decommissioned 15 ambulances and emergency response vehicles to date (28% of its total fleet) due to age and mileage accumulation;

And whereas the Region of Peel has been diligent in providing resources to meet the increased demand for service, despite the lack of full cost sharing committed to by the Province of Ontario;

And whereas the Region of Peel has been working with the ambulance communications centre to ensure adequate deployment of resources to meet the demand for service;

And whereas the emergency departments in the receiving hospitals in Peel are experiencing severe overcrowding and delays in admitting that has resulted in significant delays in transferring patients to the care of these hospitals tying up paramedic resources and having the effect of reducing the number of available ambulances by the equivalent of 2 ambulances on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but in actual fact reducing the numbers even more at times of peak demand;

And whereas the Region of Peel has committed valuable resources to train paramedics to the level of advanced care in order to provide the highest level of care for its residents and to replace advanced care paramedics lost to the system as a result of the downloading;

And whereas the Region of Peel Ambulance Service providers have collectively bargained their paramedics wage rates which are consistent with comparable rates elsewhere in the Province and the Province has not recognized this increase above the rate authorized for funding;

And whereas the Region of Peel inherited facilities from the Ministry of Health which were poorly maintained and poorly located to meet the demand for service and has had to replace or refurbish some of these facilities;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Government of the Province of Ontario and in particular the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care be requested to immediately provide additional funding to the Region of Peel in the amount of 50% of Peel's true cost of delivering Land Ambulance Services in recognition of the increase in demand for service to vehicle enhancements and replacement, wages, training of paramedics, administration costs and facilities;

And further, that the base funding subsidy be increased annually to continually reflect the current demand for service in recognition of population growth in the Region of Peel;

And further, that the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care be requested to develop measures to ensure that hospital delays are minimized in order to increase the availability of paramedic services in Peel;

And further, that the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care not hold the Region of Peel accountable for response time compliance until matters surrounding communications, resources and funding have been resolved;

And further, that the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care direct staff from Emergency Health Services Branch to enter into discussions with the Region of Peel immediately to address the funding shortfall;

And further, that a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care be made available to address Regional Council and answer questions related to the funding and delivery of land ambulance service;

And further, that a copy of this resolution be circulated to the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Health and all Peel Area MPPs.

See also Items Related to Management - Item MA-C1

Items Related to Management - Item MA-D1 was dealt with

MA-D1. Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Pooling Update (Oral)
Presentation by Dan Labrecque, Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance and Ed Zamparo, Manager, Financial Policy & Strategic Analysis

RECOMMENDATION GC-219-2002:

That the presentation of the Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance regarding Greater Toronto Area Pooling provided to General Committee on Thursday, November 14, 2002 be presented to the area municipal Councils;

And further, that the Regional Chair and the three area municipal mayors meet to discuss an action plan.

F. OTHER BUSINESS

F1. Motion from Councillor Ian Sinclair Regarding the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation (ORMC) Act

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

F2. Motion from the Emergency and Protective Services Committee (EPSC) Requesting Increased Funding from the Ministry of Health and the Impact of Provincial Policy on Ambulance Services

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

G. IN CAMERA MATTERS
Chaired by Regional Chair E. Kolb

Committee moved In Camera at 2:20 p.m.

G1. The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

G2. The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

Committee moved out of In Camera at 2:38 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:38 p.m.