REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES

Monday, June 23, 2025

5:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers and Video Conference

Present:

• Mayor M. Shoemaker, 
• Councillor S. Hollingsworth, 
• Councillor S. Spina, 
• Councillor L. Dufour, 
• Councillor L. Vezeau-Allen, 
• Councillor A. Caputo, 
• Councillor R. Zagordo, 
• Councillor M. Bruni, 
• Councillor S. Kinach, 
• Councillor C. Gardi, 
• and Councillor M. Scott 

Officials:

• T. Vair, 
• R. Tyczinski, 
• K. Fields, 
• S. Schell, 
• P. Johnson, 
• S. Hamilton Beach, 
• B. Lamming, 
• T. Vecchio, 
• M. Zuppa, 
• P. Tonazzo, 
• C. Rumiel, 
• S. Facey, 
• J. King, 
• D. Perri, 
• and N. Maione 

Others:

• S. Zuppa, S. Marchese, K. Pulkkinen

   

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1.

Land Acknowledgement

2.

Adoption of Minutes

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 2, 2025 be approved.

  Carried

3.

Questions and Information Arising Out of the Minutes and not Otherwise on the Agenda

4.

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest

4.1

Mayor M. Shoemaker – Property Sale – 657 Fourth Line East (Rocchetta Holdings Corp.)

Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.

4.2

Mayor M. Shoemaker – Sale of Part 0 Sackville Road and Part 128 Sackville Road (Griffin Group Real Estate Ltd.)

Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.

4.3

Mayor M. Shoemaker – By-law 2025-95 (Property Sale) Part 0 & 128 Sackville Road (Griffin Group Real Estate Ltd.)

Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.

4.4

Mayor M. Shoemaker – By-law 2025-96 (Property Sale) 657 Fourth Line East (Rocchetta Holdings Corp.)

Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.

4.5

Councillor L. Vezeau-Allen – 2025 Arts and Culture Assistance Grants – Late Intake

Founder and ex officio member of Grocer 4 Good

5.

Approve Agenda as Presented

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the Agenda for June 23, 2025 City Council Meeting as presented be approved.

6.

Presentations

6.1

Mayor for a Day

Taylor May Brown was the Mayor for a Day.

Honourable mentions: Charlotte MacKenzie, Jax O'Hara, and Scarlett Douglas

6.1.1

Winner

6.1.2

Honourable Mentions

6.2

2024 Audited Financial Statements

Eric Pino, Partner, KPMG was in attendance.

6.3

Parking Reforms

Ronauq Sabharwal, Project Manager, CIMA+ was in attendance.

7.

Communications and Routine Reports of City Departments, Boards and Committees – Consent Agenda

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that all the items listed under date June 23, 2025 – Agenda item 7 – Consent Agenda save and except Agenda items 7.4, 7.14, 7.17, 7.18, and 7.20 be approved as recommended.

  Carried

7.1

Playground Equipment for Wilcox Park

The report of the Manager of Purchasing was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the Manager of Purchasing dated June 23, 2025 concerning the supply and installation of Playground Equipment for Wilcox Park be received and that the proposal submitted by Park N Water Ltd. at the price of $157,459.25 plus HST be approved.

  Carried

7.1.1

Mayor's Youth Advisory Council Comments

7.2

Beverage Agreement Extension – PepsiCo Beverages Canada

The report of the Director of Community Services was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-108 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.3

Vending Agreement Extension – Meyers Munchies

The report of the Director of Community Services was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-107 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.5

49th Field Artillery Regiment – Canada Day Salute

The report of the Manager of Recreation and Culture was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-97 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.6

Licence to Occupy Agreement – Etienne Brulé Community Garden

The report of the Manager of Recreation and Culture was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-102 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.7

Community Development Fund – Green Initiatives Program Applications 2025 Q1 Intake

The report of the Sustainability Coordinator was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Sustainability Coordinator dated June 23, 2025 concerning Community Development Fund – Green Initiatives Program Applications 2025 Q1 Intake be received and that the recommendations of the Environmental Sustainability Committee to support the Save Our Young Adults (SOYA) Community Garden Project in the amount of $13,492 be approved.

  Carried

7.8

Curb and Sidewalk Program 2025

The report of the Director of Public Works was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the Director of Public Works dated June 23, 2025 concerning the 2025 Curb and Sidewalk Program be received as information.

  Carried

7.9

Landfill Operations and Monitoring 2024 – Environmental Monitoring Committee

The report of the Director of Engineering was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the Director of Engineering dated June 23, 2025 concerning annual operations and monitoring reports for the municipal landfill be received as information.

  Carried

7.10

Contract 2025-5E Lyons Avenue Resurfacing

The report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-104 authorizing execution of Contract 2025-5E and By-law 2025-105 authorizing the intermittent road closure of Wellington Street West from Lyons Avenue to Carmen’s Way from June 24, 2025 to November 14, 2025 are listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.11

Contract 2025-8E Miscellaneous Paving

The report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering dated June 23, 2025 concerning Miscellaneous Paving be received and that the road sections of MacDonald Avenue from Black Road to civic 654, John Street from Bainbridge Street to Carmen’s Way, and miscellaneous patches at the Great Northern Road and Second Line intersection be included in the 2025 Road Resurfacing Program.

  The relevant By-law 2025-106 authorizing execution of Contract 2025-8E is listed under Agenda item 12 and will be read with all by-laws under that item.

  Carried

7.12

2025 Traffic By-law Update – Brock Street

The report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering dated June 23, 2025 concerning Traffic Bylaw Update – Brock Street be received and the recommended amendments be approved.

  Staff will revise the appropriate schedule in the Traffic By-Law which will be brought to Council for approval at a later date.

  Carried

7.13

Peoples Road Reconstruction – Railway Upgrades

The report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Manager of Design and Transportation Engineering dated June 23, 2025 concerning the railway upgrades for Peoples Road Reconstruction be received as information.

  Carried

7.15

Fire Hall 4 – Air Handling Units Fund Transfer Request

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the Assistant Fire Chief dated June 23, 2025 concerning Fund Transfer request for Fire Hall #4 Air Handling Units be received and that funding of $29,600 be reallocated from the Fire 2025 budget for windows.

  Carried

7.16

Residency Requirement Policy for New Department Heads

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the City Solicitor dated June 23, 2025 concerning Residency Requirement Policy for new department heads be received as information.

  Carried

7.19

Sale of 72 Victoria Street (Larry Woolley and Jennifer Woolley)

The report of the Assistant City Solicitor/Senior Litigation Counsel was received by Council.

The relevant By-Law 2025-101 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.21

Intact Public Entities – Claims Handling Agreement

The report of the Risk Manager was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-102 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.22

A-5-25-Z – 33 Nichol Avenue – Amendment Report

The report of the Junior Planner was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-99 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.23

Federal Housing Needs Assessment

• Moved by: Councillor S. Hollingsworth
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Junior Planner dated June 23, 2025 concerning the Federal Housing Needs Assessment be received and that Council adopt the assessment as the City’s sole official housing needs assessment.

  Carried

7.24

Parking Reforms

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that the report of the Director of Planning and Junior Planner dated June 23, 2025 concerning Parking Reforms be received as information.

  Carried

7.25

Building Faster Fund Amended Transfer Payment Agreement

The report of the Junior Planner was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-109 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.4

2025 Arts and Culture Assistance Grants – Late Intake

• Councillor L. Vezeau-Allen declared a conflict on this item. (Founder and ex officio member of Grocer 4 Good)

The report of the Manager of Recreation and Culture was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Manager of Recreation and Culture dated June 23, 2025 concerning 2025 Arts and Culture Assistance Program Grants – Late Intake allocation of funds be approved as follows:

  1. Centre Francophone – $5,000
  2. SSM Chamber of Commerce – $6,000
  3. Sault Community Theatre Centre – $5,900
  4. Algoma Arts Festival Association – $7,000
  5. Over the Rainbow – $6,000
  6. Friends of Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site – $6,000
  7. Living History Algoma – $5,825
  8. Sault Film Festival – $5,000
  9. Sault Malayalee Association – $5,900
  10. The Klub – $6,000
  11. Annie King – $2,090
  12. Christopher Shoust – $2,300
  13. Goldie Barzan – $2,265
  14. Grocer 4 Good – $2,090
  15. Isa Michaud – $2,375
  16. John Paul Chalykoff – $1,980
  17. Josh Norling – $2,300
  18. Matt Warnock – $2,430
  19. Michael Burtch – $1,185
  20. Skye Smith – $2,360
  21. Musical Comedy Guild – $5,000

  Carried

7.14

Hope’s Cradle

The report of the Fire Chief was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Fire Chief dated June 23, 2025 concerning Hope’s Cradle be received as information.

7.14.1

Proposed Amendment

• Moved by: Councillor A. Caputo
  Seconded by: Councillor L. Vezeau-Allen

  Resolved that the report of the Fire Chief dated June 23, 2025 concerning Hope’s Cradle be received and that the matter be referred back to appropriate staff for additional input and information.

  Carried

7.14.2

Correspondence Received

7.17

Police Services Contract Extension Agreement – Prince Township

The report of the City Solicitor was received by Council.

The relevant By-law 2025-98 is listed under item 12 of the Minutes.

7.18

Property Sale – 657 Fourth Line East (Rocchetta Holdings Corp.)

• Mayor M. Shoemaker declared a conflict on this item. (Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.)

he relevant By-law 2025-96 is listed under item 12 of the Agenda and will be read with all by-laws under that item.

7.20

Sale of Part 0 Sackville Road and Part 128 Sackville Road (Griffin Group Real Estate Ltd.)

• Mayor M. Shoemaker declared a conflict on this item. (Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.)

The relevant By-law 2025-95 is listed under item 12 of the Agenda and will be read with all by-laws under that item.

8.

Reports of City Departments, Boards and Committees

8.1

Administration

8.2

Corporate Services

8.2.1

2024 Audited Financial Statements

The report of the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer was received by Council.

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that the report of the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer dated June 23, 2025 concerning 2024 Audited Financial Statements be received and that the financial statements be approved.

  Carried

8.3

Community Development and Enterprise Services

8.4

Public Works and Engineering Services

8.5

Fire Services

8.6

Legal

8.7

Planning

8.8

Boards and Committees

9.

Unfinished Business, Notice of Motions and Resolutions Placed on Agenda by Members of Council

9.1

Free Parking at Marinas for Veterans

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Whereas there are multiple marinas and boat launches in the City of Sault Ste. Marie; and  
    
  Whereas users pay a fee of $7 to launch their boat and park in the lot; and 
    
  Whereas veterans and active members from all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have contributed to the safety, security, and well-being of residents of and visitors to the City of Sault Ste. Marie; and

  Whereas the recreational use of marinas and boat launches helps enhance the quality of life for users; and

  Whereas as a small act of appreciation, the City of Sault Ste. Marie already offers free parking to veterans or vehicles transporting veterans,

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved that staff be requested to implement a process to allow veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces to also access marinas and boat launches within the City of Sault Ste. Marie free of charge beginning with the 2025 season.  

  Carried

10.

Committee of the Whole for the Purpose of Such Matters as are Referred to it by the Council by Resolution

11.

Adoption of Report of the Committee of the Whole

12.

Consideration and Passing of By-laws

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that all By-laws under item 12 of the Agenda under date June 23, 2025 save and except By-laws 2025-95, 2025-96, 2025-98 and 2025-114 be approved.

  Carried

12.1

By-laws before Council to be passed which do not require more than a simple majority

12.1.3

By-law 2025-97 (Agreement) 49th Field Artillery Regiment Canada Day Salute

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-97 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the Agreement between the City and the 49th Field Artillery Regiment to occupy Top Sail Island for the purposes of conducting a gun salute on Canada Day be passed in open Council this 23^rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.5

By-law 2025-99 (Zoning) 33 Nichol Avenue (Jacob McEachern and Lana Perry)

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-Law 2025-99 being a by-law to amend Sault Ste. Marie Zoning By-laws 2005-150 and 2005-151 concerning lands located at 33 Nichol Avenue (Jacob McEachern and Lana Perry) be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.6

By-law 2025-101 (Property Sale) 72 Victoria Street (Larry Woolley and Jennifer Woolley)

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-Law 2025-101 being a by-law to declare the City owned property legally described as LT 165-166 PL 58 AWENGE; SAULT STE. MARIE being civic 72 Victoria Street as surplus to the City's needs and to authorize the disposition of the said property to Larry Woolley, Jennifer Woolley or as otherwise directed be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.7

By-law 2025-102 (Agreement) Intact Public Entities Claims Handling

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-102 being a by-law to authorize the approval of an updated Claims Handling Agreement be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.8

By-law 2025-103 (Agreement) SOYA Community Garden 241 Albert Street East

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-Law 2025-103 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the Agreement between the City and SOYA (Save Our Young Adults) From Drug Abuse for the management of the community garden at 241 Albert Street East (Algoma District School Board) be passed at open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.9

By-law 2025-104 (Engineering) Contract 2025-5E Resurfacing Lyons Avenue

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-104 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the Contract between the City and Avery Construction Limited for the resurfacing of Lyons Avenue from Korah Road to Wellington Street West and Wellington Street West from Lyons Avenue to Carmen's Way (Contract 2025-5E) be passed in open Council on this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.10

By-law 2025-105 (Temporary Street Closing) Wellington Street West 

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-105 being a by-law to authorize the intermittent road closure of Wellington Street West from Lyons Avenue to Carmen's Way from June 24, 2025 to November 14, 2025 to facilitate the resurfacing of Lyons Avenue and Wellington Street West be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025

  Carried

12.1.11

By-law 2025-106 (Engineering) Contract 2025-8E Ellwood Robinson Inc. Miscellaneous Paving

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-106 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the Contract between the City and Ellwood Robinson Inc. for the miscellaneous paving of MacDonald Avenue from Black Road to Civic 654, John Street from Bainbridge Street to Carmens’s Way, and miscellaneous patches at the Great Northern Road and Second Line intersections (Contract 2025-8E) be passed in open Council on this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.12

By-law 2025-107 (Agreement) Meyers Munchies Vending Extension 

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-107 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the Extension Agreement between the City and Meyers Munchies for the vending commission from vending equipment for a period of two (2) years be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.13

By-law 2025-108 (Agreement) PepsiCo Beverage Agreement Extension

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-108 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the Extension Agreement between the City and Pepsico Beverages Canada, a business unit of Pepsico Canada ULC for the supply and delivery of soft drink concession supplies for a period of two (2) years be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.14

By-law 2025-109 (Amendment) Builder Faster Fund Transfer Plan

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-109 being a by-law to amend By-law 2024-110 and to authorize the execution of the Amending Agreement between the City and His Majesty the King in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the Building Faster Fund Transfer Payment Agreement be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.1

By-law 2025-95 (Property Sale) Part 0 & 128 Sackville Road (Griffin Group Real Estate Ltd.)

• Mayor M. Shoemaker declared a conflict on this item. (Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.)

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-95 being a by-law to authorize the sale of surplus property being part of civic 0 Sackville Road, legally described in Part PIN 31561-0158 (LT) and part of civic 128 Sackville Road, legally described in Part PIN 31561-0118 (LT) to Griffin Group Real Estate Ltd. be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.2

By-law 2025-96 (Property Sale) 657 Fourth Line East (Rocchetta Holdings Corp.)

• Mayor M. Shoemaker declared a conflict on this item. (Purchaser is a client of law firm on this matter.)

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-law 2025-96 being a by-law to authorize the sale of surplus property being civic 657 Fourth Line East, legally described in PIN 31510-0131 (LT) to Rocchetta Holdings Corp. be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.4

By-law 2025-98 (Agreement) Police and Prince Township Policing

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor C. Gardi

  Resolved that By-Law 2025-98 being a by-law to authorize the execution of the extension Agreement between the City and The Corporation of the Township of Prince for the provision of policing services to the Township be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.1.15

By-law 2025-114 (Appointment) City Solicitor

• Moved by: Councillor C. Gardi
  Seconded by: Councillor S. Spina

  Resolved that By-law 2025-114 being a by-law to appoint Jeffrey King as City Solicitor be passed in open Council this 23rd day of June, 2025.

  Carried

12.2

By-laws before Council for FIRST and SECOND reading which do not require more than a simple majority

12.3

By-laws before Council for THIRD reading which do not require more than a simple majority

13.

Questions By, New Business From, or Addresses by Members of Council Concerning Matters Not Otherwise on the Agenda

14.

Closed Session

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that this Council move into closed session to discuss:

  • one item concerning acquisition of land by the municipality or local board;
  • one item concerning labour relations or employee negotiations; and
  • two items concerning negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board

  Further Be It Resolved that should the said closed session be adjourned, the Council may reconvene in closed session to continue to discuss the same without the need for a further authorizing resolution. 

  Municipal Act R.S.O.2001 – section 239 (2)(c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board; section 239 (2)(d) labour relations or employee negotiations; section 239 (2)(k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.

  Carried

15.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Councillor S. Spina
  Seconded by: Councillor M. Scott

  Resolved that this Council now adjourn.

  Carried