Committee · Q3 2026
Governance & Priorities #05
Aug 18, 2026
Recorded present
Kimberly Smith · Amber Aglukark · Kuthula Matshazi · Methusalah Kunuk · Romeyn Stevenson
Recorded absent
Solomon Awa · Harry Flaherty · Simon Nattaq · Kyle Sheppard
DECISIONS AND ISSUES
- Stevenson asked three questions about the planned Astro Hill redevelopment's loss of family-sized units, then opposed the recommendation.
- Aglukark asked whether taxi-fare increases could depend on service evaluation and how public complaints would enter that review.
- Approved minutes name the Astro Hill recommendation vote: Aglukark, Kunuk and Matshazi for; Stevenson opposed. The planning report lists 118 units, while the minutes discussion refers to 110; the difference remains unresolved.
- Committee requested a multi-year by-law review scope and budget.
- October 5 written voting review: 4 additions, 1 already indexed, 2 procedural entries.
- GP 26-43: Romeyn Stevenson left remotely for a declared conflict and returned via teleconference after the vote.
- GP 26-45: Romeyn Stevenson left remotely for a declared conflict and returned via teleconference after the vote.
- See /votes/current-coverage/2026-committees for the original sources and attribution limits.
- October 5 Q3 attendance reconciliation adds the City’s explicit report statuses. The grid does not establish item-specific ballots.
TIMESTAMPED AUDIO QUESTIONS
Which financial system is the City considering, and what process will select it?
- Answer on record
- Finance said selection work was still early; a consultant or University of Waterloo students might assist, with initial budget provision planned.
What is being done to collect the City's long-standing or bad tax debt?
- Answer on record
- Finance distinguished historic arrears from current collections and cited recent collection rates around 95–98 per cent.
Is earlier council direction to resolve historic debts still receiving attention?
- Answer on record
- Administration said the older files were being pursued with the CFO, Planning and City legal counsel.
How many three- or four-bedroom units are in the two Creekside Village buildings proposed for replacement?
- Answer on record
- The developer said all 20 existing units were three- or four-bedroom homes.
What discussions occurred with Planning about the two new buildings having no three- or four-bedroom units?
- Answer on record
- The developer cited recent applicant demand, cost and the broader Astro Hill unit mix; Stevenson said he could not support the proposal.
After those 20 homes are removed, how many three- and four-bedroom units remain in the Astro Hill portfolio?
- Answer on record
- The developer estimated 52, or about 10 per cent of its units.
Is the earlier direction to seek an immediate territorial-law change for remote in-camera participation still clear?
- Answer on record
- Administration acknowledged the clarification; the motion then before committee concerned electronic document delivery, not remote participation.
Could fare increases be tied to an evaluation of the service provided by taxi companies?
- Answer on record
- Administration took the proposal with the other requested Vehicle for Hire by-law changes; no decision was made on the wording.
How can public complaints and safety concerns be carried into the City's evaluation of taxi operators?
- Answer on record
- Administration said the feedback would inform draft amendments, subject to legal, operational and privacy review.
The complete recording was reviewed from start to adjournment. Routine chair prompts, connectivity checks, voting prompts and comments without a substantive question are excluded.
PRIMARY RECORD
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This page is an index, not a substitute for the underlying record.
RECORD RULE
Unknown is not zero
A blank motion or question count means that layer has not been audited for this meeting. It does not mean no motions were moved or no questions were asked. Attendance names reproduce the City’s quarterly grids unless another basis is stated.