City of Kenora Council Summary for December 20, 2022

This summary is a snapshot of the decisions made by City of Kenora Council at the December 20, 2022 meeting. Please review the minutes for an official record of the meeting proceedings.

Council approves the 2023 meeting calendar

Council approved the meeting calendar for 2023. Committee of the Whole meetings will take place on the second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. and Council meetings will take place on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m.

The calendar can be found on Kenora.ca/MayorandCouncil or the meeting portal https://kenora.civicweb.net/Portal/.

Council adopts a new public notices by-law

Council approved a new public notices by-law. The new by-law meets new and existing legislation. It provides guidance for the municipality where public notice is mandated or suggested. It outlines the forms of notice and the methods and times for giving notice.

Council approves a contract extension for conventional transit services

Council approved a one-year contract extension with First Student/Transit Canada to continue the operation of the City’s conventional transit system until December 31, 2023. This will give time for the City to conduct a Micro Transit Study to determine an optimal transit solution for Kenora, and the study will explore ride-sharing, on demand services, and mobility service options.  A service recommendation will be prepared from the study so that Council can make a decision for the service in 2024.

Council presents Citizen Recognition Award

Council presented a Citizen Recognition Award to Celynn Alcock, recognizing years dedicated to operating the Kenora Cat Shelter. Celynn was nominated for opening up her home to provide a space for cats until a permanent home can be found. Her work is all volunteer and done through donations from the community. Congratulations to Celynn for her outstanding contribution to the community.

Council appoints Fire Chief and CEMC

Council appointed David Pratt as Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) for the City of Kenora. Fire Chief Pratt takes over from Kent Readman, who returned to his home community in Southern Ontario to assume the role as Fire Chief there in December. Fire Chief Pratt has served as the Deputy Fire Chief since March 2022.

Council accepts Coker Road update and approves budget

Council accepted an update report on the state of Coker Road and approved $55,600 + HST to the 2023 municipal capital budget (in advance of the 2023 budget approval) for geotechnical work on Coker Road. Approving the budget for this work secures an agreement with Stantec to complete the geotechnical drilling required to determine the best long-term option for this area of the road.

Council appoints Treasurer

The City of Kenora's long standing Treasurer, Charlotte Edie, is retiring at the end of December. Taking over the role of Treasurer, is Ryan Marsh. Ryan comes to us with a wealth of municipal experience in Winnipeg.

Council approves agreement by-laws

Council approved by-laws to finalize project agreements for:

• Ministry Tourism, Culture and Sport – Kenora Canada Day Funding - $14,082
• Minister of Infrastructure - Recreation Centre Rehabilitation Project - $4,999,999
•  Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Funding Agreement Amendment – Lake of the Woods Museum – date changes

The projects had been accepted previously by Council. The final approval is for administrative purposes.