Regular Meeting

Whereas food insecurity is defined as the inadequate or insecure access to food due to financial constraints, a marker of pervasive material deprivation (poverty), and posing a serious public health problem because of its association with higher rates of numerous diseases and chronic health conditions and a higher risk of early death; And whereas chronic stressors like disability, precarious work, and/or the cost-of-living crisis, and acute shocks like COVID-19, illness or eviction, make it more difficult to afford life’s basic needs and live free from poverty; And whereas current social assistance rates are woefully inadequate, making it impossible to afford a healthy diet; and And whereas the Eastern Ontario Health Unit estimates that 1 in 4 households are food insecure; And whereas over 36% of food bank visitors were children; And whereas food banks are not funded by the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario; And whereas Ontario non-profits, including food banks, are collectively experiencing stagnant and declining resources amidst climbing demand, and increased reserve use. Now therefore be it resolved; 1. That Council declare food insecurity an emergency (crisis) in South Stormont; and 2. That Council request the Provincial Government immediately raise social assistance rates to meet life’s basic needs; and 3. That Council request the Provincial and Federal Governments act to address the causes of food insecurity by establishing a Guaranteed Liveable Basic Incom

That the minutes of the May 13, 2026 meeting be adopted as circulated.

That all items under the Consent Agenda be received and filed for information purposes.

That Council receives and accepts the 2025 Financial Statements, as prepared and presented by MNP LLP through delegation on May 27, 2026.

That Council award Tender No. 16-2026 for the rehabilitation of Black River Road, to A.L Blair Construction Ltd. in the amount of $344,279.70; and further, that Council authorizes the Director of Infrastructure Services to sign all necessary documents to give effect to the contract.

That Council accept the recommendations of the Student Bursary Review Group for the selection of the 2026 South Stormont Student Bursary recipients.

That By-law No. 2026-036, being a by-law to amend By-law No. 2020-076, the Township’s Procurement Policy, to incorporate the requirements of the Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025 and the Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 27th day of May, 2026.

That By-law No. 2026-037, being a by-law to repeal By-law No. 2026-018 and to Delegate Certain Powers and Duties to Officers and Employees of the Township of South Stormont, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 27th day of May, 2026.

That By-law No. 2026-038 to adopt, confirm and ratify matters dealt with by resolution, be read and passed in open Council, signed and sealed this 27th day of May, 2026.

That Council adjourn this meeting at 6:22 PM and return to the call of the chair.