City of Kenora Council Summary for May 17, 2023

This summary is a snapshot of the decisions made by City of Kenora Council at the May 17, 2023 meeting. Please review the Minutes for an official record of the meeting proceedings.

Council supports Food Cycle Science

Council approved supporting Food Cycle Science with an application for funding for the final stage of the food waste reduction challenge with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Council adopts revenue neutral tax ratios for 2023  

Council adopted by-laws to set tax ratios and to set tax rate increases for 2023. View the May 18, 2023 Media Release for more details.

Council approves Harbourtown Centre Business Improvement (BIZ) Board budget request

Council approved the 2023 Business Improvement (BIZ) Board budget of $44,653.37. The role of the BIZ Board is to improve, beautify and maintain lands, buildings and structures in the Harbourtown area, and promote downtown as a business and shopping area. The budget request includes funds for summer flower baskets, winter baskets, the tree lighting event, the holiday trail shopping promotion and other expenses. The BIZ Board levy is included in the City’s 2023 adopted operating budget.

Council supports bail reform resolution by Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FOMO)

Council supported a resolution by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities on bail reform and that the following legislative changes be requested of the Federal Government:

1. Creating a Designation of a chronic persistent offender.
2. Allowing community impact statements at bail and at bail hearings.
3. Creating reverse onus in bail for all firearms offences.
4. All bail-related gun charges go to the superior court for bail release.

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities has been working with the Chief of Police Associations in Northern Ontario on the Bail Reform issue seen in our communities. The resolution is circulating amongst all 444 municipalities in Ontario seeking support for the reform.

Council accepts Fire Services Master Plan

Council received the Fire Services Master Plan as prepared by BEHR Integrated Solutions. Fire Services Master Plan be used as a guiding reference document for Council and staff to develop a strategic approach to the delivery of fire services for the City of Kenora over the next five to ten years.

Council accepts tender submission for fire tanker truck

Council accepted the tender submission from Fort Garry Fire Trucks to purchase a Fire Tanker Truck for $545,942 to replace an older pumper truck. Council also approved an additional $95,942 in internal debt financing to offset the cost of this purchase. There were two bids submitted, with Fort Garry Fire Trucks having the lowest bid.

Council accepts tender submission for street line painting

Council accepted the tender submission from North West Lines for municipal street line painting for $350,000. Council also approved an additional $124,900 from the Roads Reserve Budget to offset the cost of this contract. This project includes painting all roadways, crosswalks, intersections, parking stalls, and parking lots owned by the City.

Council approves additional accessible parking spaces

Council approved two additional accessible parking spaces at the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre. The amendment to the Traffic Regulation By-law 180-2015, Schedule L, increases accessible parking spaces from five to seven to better serve the facility’s patrons.

Council approves food vendor agreement

Council approved an agreement with BDI Ice Cream to provide food vendor services at the Kenora Harbourfront this summer.