City Council Meeting Summary (General Issues Committee Budget Meeting, November 24, 2025)

• High-level summary: The committee approved the agenda and minutes, extended the presentation time for the 2026 water budget, and proceeded with the 2026 water budget presentation. The discussion emphasized a needs-based approach, climate resilience in infrastructure, and affordability considerations, with no final budget decision recorded in this segment.

• File Numbers/Bylaws discussed:

  • File Number: Item 7.1 (2026 Water Budget)
  • No specific bylaw numbers cited in this section.

• Key quotations from participants:

  • “Moved by counselor McMeakin, seconded by counselor Cooper to adopt the minutes. Show of hands, please.”
  • “This year's budget continues to be needs-based, maintaining a strong focus on delivering safe and reliable water, wastewater, and stormwater services.”
  • “The proposed 5.82 rate increase supports this needs-based budget while acknowledging the economic pressures residents continue to face.”
  • “Committee will be provided an opportunity to ask questions after the conclusion of both presentations.”

• Opportunities for public input:

  • Public consultation details are not explicitly outlined in this portion. Residents may have opportunities during broader budget discussions or future meetings. Check upcoming announcements or contact the Clerk for input channels.

• Councillors present at the meeting:

  • In Chambers: Mayor Horvath; Ted McMeakin, Rob Cooper, Alex Wilson, Tom Jackson, Craig Kasar, Matt Francis, Tammy Wang, Cameron Crutch
  • Virtually: Brad Clark, Jeff Bey, Mark Tatterson, Mike Spedaphora
  • Note: LC McCrae provided updates; Mike Zigeric presented the water budget.

• Motions and outcomes: 1) Motion to Accept Agenda — Outcome: Passed unanimously; next steps: proceed with the agenda as presented. 2) Motion to Approve Minutes (September 11, 2025, and November 17, 2025) — Outcome: Passed unanimously; minutes adopted. 3) Motion to Extend Time Allotment for Presentations — Outcome: Passed unanimously; next steps: extended presentations on the 2026 water budget. 4) 2026 Water Budget Presentation — Outcome: Presentation delivered; no final decision or vote noted in this section; next steps: committee questions and deliberate further.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed (2-3 sentences each, with quotes where relevant)

1) Proposed 2026 Water Budget and its place in the 10-year plan - The presentation emphasizes a needs-based approach to water, wastewater, and stormwater funded through a multi-year capital program. Quote: “This year's budget continues to be needs-based, maintaining a strong focus on delivering safe and reliable water, wastewater, and stormwater services.” File reference: Item 7.1 (2026 Water Budget). Public input opportunities were not explicitly outlined in this segment.

2) Rate Increase and Affordability Considerations - The committee discussed the proposed 5.82% rate increase to support the needs-based budget, balancing infrastructure needs with residents’ economic pressures. Quote: “The proposed 5.82 rate increase supports this needs-based budget while acknowledging the economic pressures residents continue to face.” Public affordability concerns were acknowledged as part of deliberations.

3) Climate Resilience and Infrastructure Renewal - The budget underscores resilience through infrastructure renewal and modernization to withstand climate impacts. Quote: “The budget reinforces the city's continued commitment to infrastructure that enhances safety and well-being and supports resilience in the face of climate change.” File reference: 2026 water budget presentation; no separate bylaw number cited here.

4) Public Input and Committee Question Period - The meeting allocates time for committee members to ask questions after presentations, signaling ongoing discussion and scrutiny. Quote: “Committee will be provided an opportunity to ask questions after the conclusion of both presentations.” Public input mechanisms for residents were not detailed in this portion, though broader budget processes typically include later opportunities.

5) Public Process and Next Steps for 2026 Budget Deliberations - The water budget presentation proceeds with questions and further debate planned, indicating continued work on financing, timing, and potential adjustments. Next steps include continued questions and deeper discussion at future meetings.

Public Input Opportunities (contacts or channels) - Not explicitly listed in this section. Residents should monitor upcoming General Issues Committee sessions or the city’s official channels for public input opportunities. For direct inquiries, contact the City Clerk’s office.

Motions, Titles, and Outcomes - Motion: Accept Agenda — Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion: Approve Minutes (Sept 11, 2025 and Nov 17, 2025) — Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion: Extend Time Allotment for Presentations — Outcome: Passed unanimously. - Motion: 2026 Water Budget Presentation — Outcome: Presentation delivered; no final decision or vote recorded in this segment; next steps: committee questions and further deliberation.

Councillors Present - Mayor: Horvath - In Chambers: Ted McMeakin, Rob Cooper, Alex Wilson, Tom Jackson, Craig Kasar, Matt Francis, Tammy Wang, Cameron Crutch - Virtual: Brad Clark, Jeff Bey, Mark Tatterson, Mike Spedaphora

If you’d like, I can tailor this further (e.g., emphasize affordability, climate resilience, or public input channels) or format it with different emphasis or length.