Council meeting, November 10, 2025
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price, 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.
Delegations
A resident from the Kingfisher neighbourhood spoke regarding the expansion of the winter shelter program. The Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Association submitted a brief supporting the approved operating budget.
Reports and decisions
Remembrance Day Transit Service
Staff recommended adjusting transit routes for the upcoming holiday. Council approved By-law 2025-154, which establishes a Sunday schedule for Wrenford Transit on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to accommodate Remembrance Day ceremonies. Carried 7-0.
Downtown Business Improvement Area Budget
The Downtown Wrenford BIA presented its 2026 operating plan. Council reviewed the proposed levy against property taxes and approved the $315,000 budget. Carried 7-0.
Vacant Home Tax
To address the housing shortage, Council reviewed the proposed tax framework for unoccupied residential units. By-law 2025-160 was introduced and passed on first reading, with a final vote scheduled at the December meeting. Carried 6-1.
Park and Facility Use
Parks & Recreation staff presented a revised fee schedule and booking policy for municipal parks and recreation facilities. By-law 2025-162 was adopted to modernize rules and update rental rates. Carried 7-0.
Heritage Designation
Heritage staff recommended protecting a historic building on Mercer Street. By-law 2025-163 was introduced to designate the property under the Official Plan. Carried 7-0.
Winter Parking Prohibition
Infrastructure staff reminded residents of the overnight parking ban. By-law 2025-164 was passed to officially suspend on-street parking on main roads from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., December 1 to March 31. Carried 7-0.
Social Services Funding
Community Services reported on the Safe Nights Wrenford program. With temperatures dropping, the City is adding 15 temporary beds. By-law 2025-166 authorizes the agreement with the Director of Social Services to fund the expansion. Carried 7-0.
Water Quality and Waste Services
Staff presented the 2025 Water Quality Report, confirming all tap water meets provincial safety standards. Waste Services confirmed the Northgate Drop-off Depot is open for seasonal household hazardous waste collection through the end of the program.
By-laws
- By-law 2025-154: 2025 Remembrance Day Transit Service By-law
- By-law 2025-156: A by-law to amend Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151 (Downtown Business Improvement Area)
- By-law 2025-160: Vacant Home Tax By-law
- By-law 2025-162: Park and Facility Use By-law
- By-law 2025-163: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (Heritage Designation)
- By-law 2025-164: A by-law to amend Traffic and Parking By-law 2014-075 (Winter Parking Prohibition)
- By-law 2025-166: A by-law to authorize an agreement with the Director of Social Services
- By-law 2025-167: a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.