Michael Melinyshyn

The Wildland Fire Management Plan for the Municipality of Port Hope details strategies and tactics to mitigate wildland fire risks. It covers preparedness measures, response capacity, wildland firefighting safety, and public prevention education. The plan incorporates recommendations for enhancing operational effectiveness, ensuring community and firefighter safety, and outlines specific guidelines for operations, training, and risk assessment, including the implementation of a FireSmart program.

The Municipality of Port Hope's Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Strategy with an Anti-Oppression Framework serves as a roadmap to foster a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive community where all members have access to resources and opportunities, free from barriers. The strategy focuses on upholding EDI values and operationalizing the Anti-Oppression Framework through 11 foundational steps. These include establishing dedicated EDI oversight, developing an EDI statement and communication strategy, providing mandatory training for staff and council, integrating EDI considerations into all municipal operations and decision-making, engaging with community partners and First Nations for reconciliation, establishing baseline equity data, auditing policies, and supporting inclusive employment standards. The plan aims to identify and remove barriers to equity, promote meaningful reconciliation, create safe and welcoming environments, and build internal capacity and infrastructure for sustainable, community-engaged EDI practices over a four-year period.

This Accessibility Plan outlines specific requirements for the 2026 Municipal Election to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The plan focuses on providing full and equal access for persons with disabilities to all election information and participation opportunities. Key areas addressed include diverse voting methods (telephone, online, in-person Voter Assistance Centres), ensuring accessible Voter Assistance Centres, providing assistance with voting (support persons, service animals, election officials), ensuring accessible communication materials, and managing service disruptions. The overarching goal is to enable all electors and candidates to participate independently and equally.

The committee discussed housing affordability initiatives, including a proposed presentation from The Daniels Corporation. A virtual presentation was held regarding the impact assessment process for the New Nuclear at Wesleyville project, followed by a question and answer session. The committee received the 2025 annual performance reports for wastewater and sewage systems, approved the appointment of a new Deputy Treasurer, and directed the acceptance of a donation for a climate action plan. Additionally, the committee adopted terms of reference for a joint compliance audit committee, made an appointment to the Heritage Business Improvement Area Board of Directors, and approved an updated facility and parks allocation policy. The meeting also included reports on municipal updates, upcoming local events, and a public question period regarding nuclear project impacts and committee agreements.

The committee discussed several heritage applications, including a recommendation for the approval of 36 North Street for window replacements. The 2026 meeting schedule was established. Updates were provided on standing items including cemetery designations, the heritage plaque issuance process, website content migration, and the status of Walton Street district designations. Additionally, the committee resolved to publish the draft heritage webpage on the municipal website and received an update regarding the success of the ACO Port Hope fundraising auction.