L’Orignal, October 12, 2016

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

To the Warden and Members of Council, United Counties of Prescott and Russell

The Committee of the Whole met in L’Orignal at 9:00 a.m. on October 12, 2016.

Were present: Gary J. Barton, Jeanne Charlebois, Guy Desjardins, Fernand Dicaire, Robert Kirby, Conrad Lamadeleine, Pierre Leroux and François St-Amour, Council Members.

Stéphane P. Parisien, Michel Chrétien, Marc Clermont, Anne Comtois Lalonde, Louise Lalonde, Carole Lavigne, Julie Ménard Brault, and Louis Prévost, Department Heads.

Were absent: Pierre Gauthier, and Andrée Latreille, Clerk.

The report is presented as follows:

1. Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail The Warden informed members that he received a letter from the Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer of the Health Unit (EOHU), expressing his concern about recent reports of the potential closure of the Prescott- Russell Recreational Trail, related to funding concerns. The EOHU is urging County Council to maintain its commitment to the Trail. A similar letter was also sent by City of Ottawa Councillor Stephen Blais.

The Warden asked the Economic Development and Tourism Director to verify whether the UCPR is eligible for funding grants for some sections of the trail. She explained that the majority of capital costs are related to old culverts and a lack of guardrails. As the Trail’s tenant and operator, the UCPR must assume responsibility for its users’ safety.

The Mayor of The Nation suggested that the UCPR respond to the EOHU, as well as Councillor Blais, recalling that the UCPR has made great strides with the paving of road shoulders and that this work is also done for the population’s health and well-being. The Chief Administrative Officer will meet next week with Mr. Allan Fisher of VIA Rail, and prefers to await the outcome of this meeting before responding. A discussion ensued on the trail’s usage across the region, and particularly the difference between its paved and unpaved sections.

The Mayors of Champlain and confirmed that their municipalities would be ready to assume the responsibility and maintenance of their respective sections of the Trail, should County Council decide to cut this expense. This will be raised by the Chief Administrative Officer in his discussions with VIA Rail. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that the Administration acknowledge receipt of the letters from Dr. Roumeliotis and Councillor Blais, pending the outcome of the meeting with VIA Rail.

2. Resolutions regarding dispatch service The Mayor of Russell distributed two resolutions to members regarding the transfer of responsibility for dispatch services from the local municipalities to the UCPR. This is the best option, in his opinion, given the City of Ottawa’s new position on this file. The Mayor of Hawkesbury announced that her municipality has established a committee tasked with preparing a new contract with the six municipalities. She asked that Mr. Leroux’s two resolutions be withdrawn until she can present these new contracts. Secondly, she sought the members’ agreement in appointing the UCPR’s Chief Administrative Officer as a mediator in this matter, to better manage the discussions and negotiations between the municipalities.

The Chief Administrative Officer recommended that Council grant him a few months to work with the six municipalities and find possible solutions. He added that most of the municipalities have already sent their renewal letters to the Town of Hawkesbury. The Mayor of Hawkesbury noted that there would be flexibility in these contracts, to allow an Committee of the Whole - 2 - L’Orignal, Ontario September 13, 2016

extension should the City of Ottawa not be prepared to assume the management of our municipalities’ dispatch services within the next 18 months. In the meantime, the Emergency Services Director could conduct a study of our municipal communication infrastructure, as is required by the City of Ottawa.

The Mayor of Russell requested support for his two resolutions, noting that this process and a regional agreement could take several months to conclude, given the necessary involvement of local councils. The Mayor of Hawkesbury proposed withdrawing both resolutions, pending her municipality’s new agreement proposal. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED to withdraw both resolutions pending the Town of Hawkesbury’s new agreement proposal, that the UCPR’s Chief Administrative Officer act as mediator, if necessary, and that this previous point be noted in the contracts.

3. Delegations at the ROMA Conference The Chief Administrative Officer explained that the deadline for delegation requests with Provincial Ministers during the ROMA Conference is Monday, November 14. He asked members to suggest topics for these delegations. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that the Administration sent a delegation request for County Road 17, Alfred College, and the alarming situation whereby the UCPR’s ambulances are frequently called to respond to various sectors across the City of Ottawa.

4. By-law regarding the Formula Funding Contribution Agreement (OCIF FC-312) The Public Works Director noted that the UCPR must renew its funding agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) regarding the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF). Under this new agreement, the UCPR will receive $319,889 in 2017, $453,815 in 2018 and $703,019 in 2019. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED that the Public Works Director present a By-law for adoption at the next meeting.

5. 2017 Preliminary Budget The Treasurer explained that the Finance Department is preparing an electronic version of the budget document for the members, but there is also the option of a paper copy. Members voiced their preferences. The budget will be sent next week.

6. UCPR Position on the Five-Year Revision of the Official Plan The Planning and Forestry Director met with the members regarding the UCPR’s position on the Five-Year Revision of the Official Plan. This presentation was held in camera as per Section 239(2)e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the Counties. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED to not refuse any requests for hearings and to not take any position regarding the inclusion of aggregate resources in Jessup's Falls area.

7. Adjournment The Committee of the Whole adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

ALL OF WHICH IS RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED.

Guy Desjardins, Chairman

Moved by Conrad Lamadeleine Seconded by François St-Amour

THAT THIS REPORT BE ADOPTED Adopted by Council October 26, 2016

Guy Desjardins, Warden

Andrée Latreille, Clerk