Council news: Council supports ‘Buy Canadian’, Durham EMS moving into fire hall

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In a late addition to Monday's council meeting, Mayor Dave Barton offered a report looking for approval for the township to adopt a "Buy Canadian" policy.

Nowhere in his report did Barton specifically mention U.S. President Donald Trump or his threatened tariffs, but it appeared obvious that was the cause of the report.

Barton said such a proposed policy "will prioritize Canadian suppliers and manufacturers for municipal procurement, encourage diversification of non-U.S. sources and establish oversight mechanisms for any significant expenditures involving U.S. manufacturers."

That reference to oversight mechanisms means any expenditure over $1,000 for American goods must be approved by Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Honey "in consultation with the mayor and council."

Barton's report also said that, where Canadian goods or services are not available, the township will seek out non-U.S. suppliers so as to reduce dependence on U.S. manufacturers.

"This policy demonstrates our municipality's commitment to supporting federal and provincial leaders in their efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy," the report said.

Barton asked that the policy be forwarded to all Ontario municipalities with a request that they implement similar policies.

Council unanimously approved the policy in principle.

Councillor Pam Beach said "we need to start this and today is a good day to start."

Barton said the township typically buys locally already where possible, but noted: "This is going to be a very difficult time."

In answer to a question, he said it was perhaps too early to tell if the policy will affect the township budget.

A planned agenda item from Monday’s meeting was a report from fire chief Mike MacDonald to council saying the fire department has entered into a lease agreement with Durham EMS.

The lease on the current EMS station at the Uxbridge hospital is not being renewed and Durham Paramedic Chief Troy Cheseboro approached MacDonald about a year ago about the feasibility of providing two garage bays and a crew room at the Uxbridge Fire Hall. MacDonald's report said a lease agreement has been reviewed and revised with input from the clerk's department and legal. The lease will take effect on March 1 of this year for an initial two-year term.

Finally, seven township employees were recognized Monday for their long years of service. Facilities technician Ed Johnson has been with the township 35 years. Amanda Ferraro, director of community services, has worked for Uxbridge for 25 years. Others recognized were: Darrell Heise, arena attendant; and Bill Rynard, road operations manager - 20 years; Corrinne Morrison, library manager, Mike Roncken, custodian, and Mark Cain, equipment operator- 10 years each.