The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) with the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus (EOWC) have negotiated a 10 year Master Business Internet Agreement (MBIA) with Bell Canada for the provision of high speed internet services to municipalities across Eastern Ontario.  Within Northumberland County this agreement will enable access to high speed fiber connectivity as well as improved high speed DSL at strategic sites across the County.  This initiative complements planned future expansion of the fiber infrastructure within the County and can potentially be leveraged by municipalities and businesses.

  

Council received an update on the planned use of provincial Children's Services Special Purpose Funding and the 2016 Capacity Building Plan for Early Learning Professionals in the County.

  

Additionally, using funds from the Children's Services Reserve, Council approved loaning Cook's School Day Care Inc. $75,000 for renovations to improve safety and make the centre fully accessible.  The funds will be repaid over a 5 year period with interest.

An information report was provided by Matthew Mackenzie, Government Relations Officer and Lindsay Coolidge, Manager of Government and Community Relations from UOIT.  Opportunities reviewed included economic impacts and partnership possibilities, engagement with industry and community organizations, and access to research, students, continuing education and new technologies and processes.  

New Corporate policies:  New Delegation of Powers and Duties Policy, Accountability and Transparency Policy, and Commissioner of Oaths for Taking Affadavits Policy were passed by Council.