Council

That the minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council held on February 20, 2024 be adopted.

That the minutes of the Closed Meeting of Council held on February 20, 2024 be adopted.

That the balance of the report (Items 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.10) dated March 25, 2024 containing Items of Correspondence be received for information.

That Item 6.5 (“City of Cambridge – Catch and Release”) of the Correspondence Report be endorsed.

That Item 6.9 (“Town of Aurora – Legislative Amendments to Improve Municipal Codes of Conduct and Enforcement”) of the Correspondence Report be endorsed.

That the General Government Committee Report dated March 18, 2024 be adopted. Town of Ajax Council Meeting – March 25, 2024

That the Summary of Advisory Committee Activities Report dated March 25, 2024, as attached to the meeting agenda be received for information, and that the recommendations contained therein be

That the Regional Councillors’ Reports of March 25, 2024 be received for information.

WHEREAS Ontario Works financial assistance rates have been frozen since 2018 and economic challenges and inflationary pressures are disproportionately impacting vulnerable residents by contributing to increasing income insecurity, housing unaffordability, homelessness and food insecurity; AND WHEREAS a basic income program can ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing income inequality and financial instability; AND WHEREAS Ontario Works recipients receive a $200 income exemption compared to a $1000 income exemption for recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program; AND WHEREAS improved financial stability would result in improved social, economic and health outcomes for our community’s most vulnerable residents and increase opportunities for vulnerable residents to contribute to and invest in their local economies; AND WHEREAS the Social Assistance Modernization program was introduced by the province with the intention of reducing the administrative burden on municipal Service System Managers, including the Regional Municipality of Durham, to prioritize efforts to provide intensive stability supports to vulnerable residents; AND WHEREAS administrative efficiencies for municipalities have not been realized under the Social Assistance Modernization program; AND WHEREAS the Social Assistance Modernization program has resulted in unintended consequences including delays to processing applications and the elimination of essential Town of Ajax Council Meet

WHEREAS the Town of Ajax is facing a rapidly aging population, with the percentage of individuals over 65 making up 13% of the overall population according to the 2021 census data, up from 7.3% in 2001; AND WHEREAS many Canadians want to age in place in their own home and community, which requires appropriate health and social supports and services to facilitate independent living; AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Health, through its Home Care Modernization initiative, is seeking innovative in-home care delivery models; AND WHEREAS the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model provides a comprehensive medical and social service delivery system using an interdisciplinary team approach to coordinate all preventive, primary, acute and long-term care needs; AND WHEREAS the PACE model of care is being delivered successfully in other municipalities, including Burlington where the PACE Community Hub is celebrating its fifth anniversary; AND WHEREAS the PACE model of care is being implemented in Oshawa this year at 155 King Street West; AND WHEREAS implementation of the PACE program in Ajax would benefit residents, while alleviating demands on local hospitals and related healthcare institutions; Town of Ajax Council Meeting – March 25, 2024 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: Ajax Council supports the Region of Durham expanding the PACE program into the Town of Ajax; and, A copy of this motion be sent to the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Minister of Health, Patrice Barnes, MPP

That Council defer consideration of the Notice of Motion respecting Amendments to the Code of Conduct to the April 15, 2024 Council meeting.

That By-law number 17-2024 and By-law numbers 19-2024 to 25-2024 be read a first, second and third time and passed.

That By-law number 26-2024 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Ajax at its meeting held on March 25, 2024, be read a first, second and third time and passed.

That the March 25, 2024 meeting of the Council of the Town of Ajax be adjourned (3:08 p.m.)