Council meeting, November 13, 2023
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price presided over the meeting. All seven councillors were present: Marcus Lindqvist (Ward 1), Priya Raman (Ward 2), Tom Beaudry (Ward 3), Grace Whitlock (Ward 4), Arjun Sidhu (Ward 5), and Helen Marchetti (Ward 6). City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk attended to support the proceedings.
Delegations
A resident from the Benchlands neighbourhood spoke in favour of the proposed transit priority lanes on Tamsin Street, highlighting the need for reliable bus service. A representative from the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area addressed the council regarding the new permitted uses at 142 Mercer Street and 100 Water Street, asking for clear signage and pedestrian safety measures.
Reports and decisions
- Transit Funding and Priority Lanes: Council directed staff to develop an advocacy plan to secure provincial funding for Wrenford Transit, following concerns about potential route cuts. The council also approved the installation of dedicated transit priority lanes along Tamsin Street to keep buses moving through downtown. Carried 7-0.
- Affordable Housing Strategy: The council adopted a new strategy focusing on six key priorities to increase housing supply, support developers, and protect tenants. A density bonus was approved for a new development on 88 Mill Street to encourage affordable units. Carried 6-1 (Councillor Sidhu opposed).
- Transit Fare Assistance: The council voted to make the transit fare assistance program permanent for eligible residents, ensuring long-term access to affordable public transportation. Carried 7-0.
- Cultural Grants: Council approved $4.2 million in grants to support 92 local arts and culture organizations across Wrenford, recognizing the sector's role in the city's economy. Carried 7-0.
- Waste Management Review: Staff were directed to begin a city-wide review of waste collection schedules, diversion programmes, and by-law enforcement for the 2023–2027 term. Carried 7-0.
By-laws
The following by-laws were read a second time and passed:
- By-law 2023-160: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (permitted uses at 142 Mercer Street)
- By-law 2023-161: A by-law to amend Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 (transit priority lanes on Tamsin Street)
- By-law 2023-163: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (density bonus for affordable housing on 88 Mill Street)
- By-law 2023-164: A by-law to amend Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151 (transit fare assistance program)
- By-law 2023-165: A by-law to appoint By-law Enforcement Officers for the 2023–2027 term
- By-law 2023-166: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (permitted uses at 100 Water Street)
- By-law 2023-169: a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. You can view the full agenda and vote records on the Council page.