Council Meeting Recap – February 9, 2026

Transit Governance Streamlined

On February 9, Council dissolved the Transit Advisory Committee, streamlining transit governance. The Mayor’s Office will nominate a Council member for the new Transit Master Plan (TMP) Working Group, ensuring direct Council involvement. The City is developing the TMP—a multi-year plan focused on service, investments, ridership, accessibility, and finances. The TMP Working Group will handle technical reviews, coordination, and project decisions.

Winter Operations Update

On February 9, Council received a winter operations update from administration. Winter operations extend from November 15 to April 15. This report provided Council with a mid-season update concerning watermain failures, winter maintenance activities, snow management practices, and salt usage to date.

Mayor Attends Bilateral Meetings in Albany

Mayor Towndale attended Canada Heritage/Advocacy Day at the New York State Legislature in Albany, meeting with assembly members to advocate for free trade and strengthen bilateral relations. The Mayor, who is a member of the Border Mayors Alliance, described the meetings as productive.

Encampment – Homelessness Update

Housing Services provided its quarterly Encampment – Homelessness Update for Council, which included the latest available data on the Overnight Warming Centre partnership with the Agape Centre. Attendance for the week of January 22-28 was 97. The Centre is open each evening from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and available to anyone in need of shelter overnight, with priority being given to those in encampments or registered on the By-Names list.

The next Regular Meeting of Council will be held on Monday, February 23, at 7 p.m.