Notes on the Council Meeting held 13 January 2026
Questions from the public (for issues not on the agenda) – none
SPVM Report – Commandant Gosselin reviewed the year 2025 in relation to crime both for PDQ1 and Baie-D’Urfé. The main focus was in break-in and entry and vehicle theft crimes. For break-ins although PDQ1 had an increase, our town was stable (with 3 residences and 3 commerce incidents). For vehicle theft, both PDQ1 and our town had a decrease (around 35%). In our town there were 16 vehicle thefts compared to 25 in the previous year. Collisions were also down and accidents were mainly material and 2 injuries. Speeding tickets were up significantly with 60 SPVM operations (Morgan, Lakeshore and the autoroute). He concluded that Baie-D’Urfé is considered safe.
Councillor Chartrand asked when most residential break-ins occurred. Answer: end of day specially when the time changes and it is dark before people get home. It is important to ensure that a house looks inhabited or that someone is at home.
Question: for vehicle theft same question. Answer: during the night. Suggest that vehicle be visible, that video cameras be installed and that it has an alarm system.
Councillor Pagé: when are break-in statistics included (break-in attempt without an actual break-in). Answer: if there is any sign of a break-in (like broken glass or other), even if the criminals leave, it is included. A simple house-alarm going off is not complied as a break-in.
Councillors’ Reports
Councillor Brown: gave the report for Baie-D’Urfé Rescue Squad/Sauvetage: In 2025 there was a total of 5,395 volunteer hours which is 424 volunteer hours more than the previous year. This is due to more members and events. 16 members alone did more than 200 hours. Food bank collections provided SADB food bank with donations. Allan’s Hill presence is planned each weekend in 2026 when possible.
VCops: a total of 1,920 volunteer hours for 2025. Members and Citizens were very sad for the passing of Stephen Gruber last year.
Councillor Lowensteyn: Junior council will hold a meeting on the 22nd January and Youth Games night on 30 January.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Ektvedt commented on the success of the new year’s Levee and the presence of a Ukrainian family who came to Canada and were touched by the fact that the Fritz Community Centre was flying a Ukrainian flag in support. The mayor will continue to be part of 2 commissions (Environmental and Water commissions) as well as 2 new commissions namely the “examens des contrats” and “Commission de l’inspecteur général de Montréal” as well as advocating for Baie-D’Urfé’s rights.
Director General – none
Correspondence
Letter by Cameron Black 110 Churchill. The letter covered some concerns and suggestions regarding the Pesticide by-law.
Administration
Software hosting maintenance and support for 2026: $50,239
Finance
Approval of expenses for December 2025 of $ 1,025,979.
The motion of the draft bylaw 1121 concerning tariffs for the year 2026 was filed as well as adopting other fiscal measures.
Parks Recreation and Environment
The bylaw 1106 on pesticides replacing bylaw 958 was discussed and approved by majority (4 voted in favour and 2 voted against namely Councillors Thompson and Chartrand).
Points were raised regarding length and complexity as well as other approaches that councillor Thompson did not agree relating to property inspections. Councillor Lowensteyn explained that the topic in itself was complex and that a communication package would be developed and that the Town expert was available to answer any questions regarding any product. Both citizens and companies had often lied and bypassed the existing bylaws in order to spray pesticides and they will now have to register in order to do business in our town. The mayor also explained that the original reason for requiring a more elaborate pesticide bylaw originated from a company in the Industrial Park, requiring to control infestation or lose their license to produce their products. In other words, include specific situations where a controlled action is required to address a particular problem. The message was and still is “no pesticides”. Sadly, some people and companies have ignored the bylaws year after year. It has been hard to prove legally that pesticides have been sprayed and the bylaw needs more teeth. Some councillors have also suggested that they wish to participate in increased or better communication and this topic is one where they have decided that they want to work on. The bylaw was adopted by majority.
Awarding of contract for professional services to prepare funding for the CCCC Program. This will be for a grant application that must be done by a non-profit for the town. This will be to do a full inventory of our trees and canopy of public trees for the restoration of the public forest areas found in the PTI. Amount $6,644.
Public Security and Traffic – none
Public Works and Town Infrastructures
Approval of the acquisition of a Kubota tractor mower: $101,085.
Regrouping with Montreal for the acquisition of de-icing products for the season at $124.50/metric ton including transport costs.
Town Planning
Appointment of members to the TPAC: chair, vice-chair and substitute councillors. Councillor Thompson, Councillor Lowensteyn and substitute Councillor Pagé (2 years). The 3 present citizen members (Bonin, Cobden and Rinfret) are appointed for a period of 2 years. There are 2 vacant positions (citizens) which will be opened and filled for one year in order to implement a rotation mechanism in order to provide continuity for the committee. Vote passed by majority (5 in favor, 1 against namely Councillor Chartrand.)
Appointment of members of the Demolition committee: 3 members for one year. Councillors Brown, Pagé and Caron. Motion approved.
Citizen Services and Community Affairs
Annual grants for non-profit organizations total $356,041.
Annual grant for 2026 antique car show: $4,500.
Excellence support program: Moira Semiuk horse show at the Agricultural Winter Fair in November $200.
Question Period (for items on the agenda)
Stefan Kufylowicz: comment that excellence support program amounts need to be increased if they are to truly support applicants. Example $300 or more. Additional question as regarding certain insect infestations like the boxwood moth, can we address this with permits? Answer is yes. There is a permit process. The reasons it’s complex is because it is a complex topic. Staff are available to answer questions.
- Ornawka: question regarding community gardens and commercial agricultural aspects of pesticide bylaws. Answer: we do not have an agricultural area. Town staff like Irina can answer questions.
The meeting was adjourned.
Additional note: the special Budget meeting that was held prior to the council meeting, can be viewed on the following link:
The budget and PTI can be found on the Town website: