TAMRMS#: B06
9.1
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Bylaw 22/2025-Master Rates Bylaw and Other Bylaws (2nd and 3rd Reading)
Presented by: Atul Saini, Financial Controller, Financial & Strategic Services
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
1. That Bylaw 22/2025, being a bylaw to amend the Master Rates Bylaw and various other bylaws under which fees, rates and charges are set, be read a second time.
2. That Bylaw 22/2025 be amended by deleting “510” and replacing it with “610” in section 8 (Pre-app meeting (inter-departmental)) of Schedule E.
3. That the following postponed motion be approved:
PM-25-008
That fire services bylaw 21/2002 schedule “A" be amended (from $0) to include a charge of $250 for second false alarm at the same site within a 12 month period.
4. That Bylaw 22/2025 be read a third and final time (as amended).
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SUMMARY
The purpose of the report is to bring forward Bylaw 22/2025 for 2nd and 3rd reading. Two amendments are proposed - one by administration to correct a clerical error (motion #2) and one postponed motion submitted by Clr. Killick (motion #3).
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
At the September 2, 2025 Regular Meeting of Council the following motion was approved:
BL-25-025
That Bylaw 22/2025, being a bylaw to amend the Master Rates Bylaw and various other bylaws under which fees, rates, and charges are set, be read a first time.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
On September 2, 2025, Administration presented Council with recommendations related to the fees contained in Bylaws to be in effect as of January 2026. Administration recommended that some fees be amended, and others remain the same. The proposed changes were detailed in the attachment titled Master Rates Amending Bylaw 22/2025. Council members were given the opportunity to provide postponed motions for amendments to the fees presented by Administration to be debated on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. There was a postponed motion submitted by Council.
The notice of motion was:
That fire services bylaw 21/2002 schedule 'A' be revised ( from $0 ) to include a charge of $250 for second false alarm at the same site within a 12 month period.
Administration’s response:
If this motion is approved, some properties will be charged a $250 fee when they have a second false fire alarm within a 12-month period.
The potential budget impact is difficult to predict at this time; therefore, no adjustments have been made to the 2026 budget. The updated bylaw 21/2002 schedule 'A' can be found in the attachment titled “Master Rates Amending Bylaw 22-2025”.
Administration’s recommendation would be to not approve this motion at this time with the understanding that Fire Services will look into potential adjustments of the fire false alarm deterrent structure in 2026 as the Fire Services Bylaw and the fees/rates get reviewed. The current structure allows for a $650, $975 and $1,300 fee for the 3rd, 4th, 5th and subsequent false alarms but tracking and billing processes have not yet been implemented at this time. Administration recommends further review on the billing of these fees prior to rates being increased.
If Council still wishes to approve this change, Recommended Motion #3 needs to be passed.
Administration has identified an error in Schedule E - Development Fees, Item #8 (Pre-Application Meeting - Interdepartmental) in Bylaw 1/82. The correct fee should be $610 vs $510 presented on September 2, 2025.
The updated bylaw 1/82 Master Rates Schedule E - Development Fees is included in the attachment titled “Master Rates Amending Bylaw 22/2025”.
If Council wishes to approve this correction, Recommended Motion #2 needs to be passed.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
N/A
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Amendment of the fees as detailed in the attachment will generate an incremental $271,800 in Municipal Operating Revenue which has been incorporated into the 2026 Proposed Budget. This will provide funding for the delivery of various municipal programs and services while continuing to support the City’s user pay philosophy.
Compliance & Legal:
The Master Rates Bylaw is updated annually.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
ALTERNATIVE 1: Do nothing
Financial:
If Bylaw 22/2025 is not approved, the estimated $271,800 in Municipal Operating Revenue will not be incorporated into the 2026 Proposed Municipal Operating Budget. Additionally, if not approved, this will be contrary to the City’s user pay philosophy and will not provide expected funding for the delivery of various municipal programs and services.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks
None at this time
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Report Date: September 16, 2025
Author(s): Atul Saini
Department: Financial & Strategic Services
Department Director: Anne Victoor
Managing Director: Diane McMordie
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher