Council meeting, January 26, 2026
Attendance
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price and 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. No regrets were received.
Delegations
A resident from Ambrel Lake spoke about the new winter trail and asked for continued maintenance through February. The Downtown Wrenford BIA submitted a written brief on spring events and requested support for the Harvest on Mercer festival.
Reports and decisions
- Winter trail grooming: City Manager Robert Eng reported that crews began grooming the loop at Ambrel Lake Park on January 21. The trail is ready for you to use for skating, walking, and cross-country skiing. Staff will keep the trail plowed weekly until the thaw so you have a safe route. Carried 7-0.
- 2027 budget engagement: Council approved the public engagement schedule for the 2027 operating budget. You can share input starting in February through online surveys and neighbourhood meetings. Carried 7-0.
- Ambrel Lake Road zoning: Staff presented the proposal to update zoning for the property on Ambrel Lake Road to allow a mixed-use community facility. Council approved the draft by-law to amend the Zoning By-law. Councillor Whitlock opposed the amendment, citing traffic concerns. Carried 6-1.
- Public art commission: Council approved a new sculpture for Centennial Gardens, funded through the Signature Projects Fund. The installation is scheduled for April. Carried 7-0.
- Transit fare assistance: Council reviewed the draft amendment to the Transit System By-law to expand fare assistance. The committee deferred the decision to the next meeting for more financial analysis. Deferred.
By-laws
The following by-laws were passed:
- By-law 2026-002: A by-law to amend Zoning By-law 2016-040 (rezoning of property on Ambrel Lake Road)
- By-law 2026-005: a by-law to confirm the proceedings of this meeting
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.