Part 2: Education Proposal, Climate Update, and Governance Motions – 03/28/2024

Councillor Kate MacNaughton called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order at Shire Hall and set expectations around public participation, livestreaming, and meeting process. Early on, MacNaughton also flagged that she would temporarily leave the chair to deliver the Environmental Advisory Committee annual update, with Councillor Janice Maynard stepping in as chair during that presentation.

The first decision of the day was the agenda. Councillor Phil Prinzen moved the motion to confirm the agenda, seconded by Councillor Bill Roberts. MacNaughton called the vote, and the motion carried as Motion CW-44-2024.

© PEC Council (YouTube)

View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap.

Proposed K-6 Nature-Based School

The deputation was introduced by MacNaughton, and delivered by Claire Telford with Julie Fowler, who explained their plan for a private, nature-based school serving early grades. During questions, Roberts spoke positively about alternative schooling and led with questions about accessibility, including cost and mobility needs. Fowler responded with a draft daily tuition range and described possible steps toward becoming a not-for-profit to support fundraising and subsidized spaces, as well as flexibility like skill-sharing and community supports described in the discussion.

Roberts also asked how the school would align with the Ontario curriculum. Fowler and Telford explained they would work to meet grade benchmarks while using a Waldorf-inspired approach, and noted the program would be an uninspected private school registered with the ministry.

Councillor Sam Grosso questioned how students might transition after grade five, raising the practical issue of moving into senior grades elsewhere. Fowler and Telford answered by describing how comparable schools sometimes expand grades over time, while acknowledging transitions vary by child.

Councillor Phil Prinzen asked two direct questions: expected enrollment and whether the presenters were seeking a formal “ask” from Council. The presenters said there was no specific request, and described a pilot-year target of roughly 16 students, with no intention to grow very large.

Councillor Roy Pennell raised skepticism about what “support” might mean and questioned whether the model would truly be accessible to families across different schooling realities, including transportation factors. Fowler returned to the idea of a community day model and future fundraising options.

Roberts also raised the issue of liability and whether a risk insurance assessment would underpin “risky play.” Fowler answered by referencing forest school risk assessment practices and familiarity of some insurers with that model.

To formally conclude the deputation, Roberts moved that the deputation be received, seconded by Councillor Sam Branderhorst. The motion carried as Motion CW-45-2024.

Environmental Advisory Committee 2023 annual update

Maynard assumed the chair while MacNaughton, as Environmental Advisory Committee chair, delivered the committee’s annual update with support from Angus Ross, Vice-Chair. Their presentation emphasized climate risks, committee activities, and the development of the Climate Action Plan Working Group, including volunteer recruitment and priorities like risk review and applying an environmental lens to County work.

During questions, Councillor Phil St-Jean focused on waste and energy programs. He asked Ross about solid waste diversion, then raised incineration as a possible tool. Ross declined to comment on that specific angle due to a potential conflict of interest, and MacNaughton responded by describing constraints and considerations around alternative materials and approvals.

Branderhorst, speaking while chairing that segment of the discussion later in the meeting, addressed how the County separates infrastructure planning “buckets” and explained how accounting and planning distinctions help avoid unfair comparisons between rural and urban needs during asset planning.

Roberts asked why environmental concerns appear to be losing momentum politically, and Ross answered by pointing to “pocketbook politics” and short election cycles, arguing for ongoing public education and consistent communication. MacNaughton added that decision-makers need to account for long-term costs and evidence.

Maynard raised youth engagement ideas, specifically suggesting outreach through 4-H to reduce pressure on a single youth representative and build a wider youth-led network.

To receive the presentation, Pennell moved the motion, seconded by Councillor Chris Braney. The motion carried as Motion CW-46-2024. At 2:34 p.m., MacNaughton resumed the chair.

Asset management update and ward recreation committee membership

On the Asset Management Plan Update, Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer moved receipt of the report for information, seconded by Branderhorst. The motion carried as Motion CW-47-2024. In questions, St-Jean asked whether staff were relying on software alone for road prioritization, and Director Arryn McNichol, Director of Corporate & Legislative Services explained how the decision-support system uses GIS data, risk and criticality criteria, and staff vetting before producing a recommended capital plan.

On Ward Recreation Committee membership, St-Jean moved the recommended changes, seconded by Maynard, to set a minimum of five and maximum of ten public members and to advance a by-law amendment. The motion carried as Motion CW-48-2024.

To adjourn, Branderhorst moved the motion, seconded by Prinzen, and it carried as Motion CW-49-2024.

What it means for locals

For residents, the practical impact is straightforward: Council formally received a new nature-based school concept into the public record without approving it, advanced ongoing work tied to the County’s climate planning and waste diversion discussions, confirmed that roads and underground infrastructure planning is being shaped by both software and staff review, and expanded ward recreation committee membership limits to bring more locals into entry-level municipal volunteering across the County.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 1:48:57. Due to the length of the meeting, our team was not able to independently review the full recording in its entirety. As a result, we relied on software-generated transcription, automated summarization, and automated recognition of speakers and participants, which may not be entirely accurate. All transcriptions, summaries, and related content are prepared by our team in good faith and on a reasonable best-efforts basis. The content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to support public understanding of the topics discussed. While reasonable efforts have been made to present the information accurately, automated processes may result in errors, omissions, or unintended misinterpretations. This article does not constitute an official, certified, or verbatim record of the meeting, and it should not be relied upon as such. Readers are encouraged to consult original source materials, official minutes, or recordings where available for confirmation or clarification. Questions, requests for clarification, or suggested corrections may be submitted to hello@pecconnect.ca for review and consideration.