Serge Doucet

The inaugural meeting and induction ceremony for the 2026-2030 term of office focused on the swearing-in process for the newly elected Mayor and Councillors. The ceremony included the national anthem, the formal administration of oaths of office, the signing of official documents, and the conferring of the chain and robe of office to the Mayor. Each council member provided brief remarks following their induction, highlighting their commitment to the community and local governance priorities.

The council meeting addressed several administrative and public safety matters, including the appointment of a deputy mayor and discussions regarding street closures for upcoming seasons. Presentations were given on an energy future initiative and a Holocaust memorial event, with concerns raised about rising anti-Semitic incidents in Canada. Police representatives provided updates on new surveillance systems in the city center, recent drug trafficking and firearm investigations, and a suspicious object incident. Additionally, the council discussed the feasibility and funding of a dedicated traffic patrol unit, noting concerns regarding the financial allocation of fine revenue collected by such units to the provincial government.

The council meeting covered several municipal items, including the indexing of development fees and changes to tariff rights and charges, with both topics set for a public hearing. The council also discussed a proposal to amend zoning plans for a residential building at 75 Botsford Street, focusing on the inclusion of surface parking, the structure's impact on a nearby heritage church, and the consistency of these features with municipal development plans. Further reviews were requested for the council's policy on the annual approval of fee indexing.

The City Council held an extraordinary public meeting to gather feedback from residents regarding a report on crime reduction and prevention presented by a special committee. Key discussion topics included the proposed measures for crime reduction, such as the potential establishment of a minor crime unit, the promotion of municipal bylaw enforcement officers to peace officers, the hiring of social workers, and the use of artificial intelligence-powered cameras for surveillance in crime hotspots. Concerns were raised by residents regarding the effectiveness of these measures, the potential for duplicating existing community policing efforts, and the responsible use of public funds.

The committee discussed and recommended to the City Council the approval of two tentative subdivision projects. The first proposal involves a subdivision on Mountain Road and the realignment of Mount Pleasant Road to improve traffic flow. The second proposal concerns the development of the Sterling Meadows Subdivision, which includes the extension of several streets, the creation of new public streets, the designation of land for public purposes, and the development of a storm water detention pond, subject to specific engineering and design conditions.