Council meeting, July 14, 2025
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price presided. Councillors Marcus Lindqvist, Priya Raman, Tom Beaudry, Grace Whitlock, Arjun Sidhu and Helen Marchetti were present. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk attended. The meeting was livestreamed.
Delegations
A resident from Ward 3 addressed Council to share feedback on the upcoming transit fare changes.
Reports and decisions
Transit fare adjustments — Council reviewed a report on fare updates for Transit. To keep monthly and annual passes unchanged, single-ride fares for adults and youth or seniors will increase. The new fares of $3.75 and $3.25 take effect on July 1, 2025. The motion was Carried.
Downtown business association budget — Council considered the 2025 budget and proposed levy for the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area. After reviewing the spending plan, Council approved the budget and levy. The motion was Carried.
Benchlands Lookout Park trail repairs — Council received an update on the trail rehabilitation project. The City has finished repairing the trails at Benchlands Lookout Park ahead of the busy summer season. Staff thanked the Public Works crew for the quick turnaround. The motion was Carried.
Waste diversion milestone — City Services reported that the East Wrenford Waste Management Facility has reached a 60 per cent recycling diversion rate in the first half of 2025. Council praised the waste reduction program and noted it meets the city's long-term sustainability goals. The motion was Carried.
Zoning amendments and development applications — Council reviewed several requests to update the Zoning By-law. These included approvals for a mixed-use building at 45 Mercer Street, a rezoning at 12 Tamsin Street, and a subdivision at 88 Mill Street. All items were approved to support local development. The motions were Carried.
Parking restrictions on Water Street — Council reviewed a report on temporary parking management along Water Street to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. If you live near the downtown core, you will see updated signs in the coming weeks. The updated restrictions were adopted. The motion was Carried.
Residential tenancies — Council discussed a new framework to support renters in the city. The Residential Tenancies By-law was read a first, second and third reading. The motion was Carried.
By-laws
The following by-laws were passed:
- By-law 2025-094: A by-law to amend Transit System By-law (single-ride fare adjustments)
- By-law 2025-095: A by-law to approve the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Area 2025 Budget and Levy
- By-law 2025-097: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (development of a mixed-use building at 45 Mercer Street)
- By-law 2025-098: Residential Tenancies By-law
- By-law 2025-101: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (rezoning of lot at 12 Tamsin Street)
- By-law 2025-102: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (subdivision of property at 88 Mill Street)
- By-law 2025-103: A by-law to amend Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 (parking restrictions on Water Street)
- By-law 2025-104: a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.