Doug Couture

The committee convened to review and approve the meeting agenda. The primary business conducted was a closed session held pursuant to the Municipal Act, which involved a confidential discussion regarding personal matters concerning an identifiable individual.

The committee held a special meeting which included an agenda approval and a transition into a closed session. During the closed session, the committee discussed confidential personal matters regarding an identifiable individual, pursuant to Section 239 of the Municipal Act, before returning to an open session and adjourning the meeting.

The committee nominated a new Chair and Vice-Chair and discussed a heritage permit application for the Wooler Schoolhouse at 62 County Road 5, involving exterior restoration and a new building addition. Members reviewed a draft Heritage Conservation Agreement related to the Heritage Property Tax Rebate Program and addressed the salvage of ornamental structures from a fire-damaged property at 43 Queen Street. Additionally, the committee deliberated on potential future municipal property listings, the development of terms of reference for Heritage Impact Assessments, and resource constraints regarding the identification of at-risk historical properties.

The committee meeting covered a presentation on the 2024 Draft Audited Financial Statements, discussing capital assets and city growth. The committee received several staff reports regarding insurance pools, excess liability, the 2024 insurance and risk management summary, and the 2025 Q1 insurance and risk plan update. Furthermore, the committee reviewed and recommended council approval for the 2024 draft consolidated financial statements for the City, Trust Fund, and Water/Wastewater sectors, while receiving the Public Library and Downtown Business Improvement Area financial statements. Other reports on year-end debt, development charges, reserves, and 2024 investment results were received. The meeting also addressed new business topics including cyber security concerns, software implementation plans for Great Plains Software, and the potential financial impact of the removal of the Federal Carbon Tax.

The committee reviewed a presentation regarding the Division Street Reconstruction Project, specifically discussing roundabout design and traffic lane configurations. Quarterly updates were provided on various economic development and tourism initiatives, including career fairs, business retention programs, and community improvement plans. The committee received an informational report on economic development updates and recommended that Council approve the proposed fee increase for the 2026 Quinte West Pop-ups. Additionally, the committee received resource updates from the Quinte Economic Development Commission and the Trenton Downtown Business Improvement Area regarding upcoming budgets and community projects.