Special Council Meeting

THAT the draft agenda presented to Council for the Special Meeting and dated the 19th of February, 2020 be hereby adopted as circulated.

WHEREAS reliable, high speed, affordable access to the Internet and e-connectivity is imperative for the Municipality of East Ferris' residents, businesses, non-profit organizations and visitors; AND WHEREAS internet and e-connectivity are changing how humans interact with each other and with the world at large, as well as being a driving force for the current and future economy; AND WHEREAS internet and e-connectivity create opportunity for increased innovation for consumers, businesses, agriculture, government; education, social and health development; AND WHEREAS municipalities that prioritize and provide access to advanced internet infrastructure such as fibre, are surpassing those that do not in terms of social, economic, and knowledge development; AND WHEREAS the Municipality of East Ferris must plan and prioritize for the deployment and adoption of this infrastructure including but not limited to pursuing collaborations and partnerships in the efforts to effectively achieve greater access to affordable high-speed internet throughout the region; AND WHEREAS much of the Municipality of East Ferris does not have access to greater than 5MBps internet service, which is well below the CRTC standard of 50/10 Mbps; AND WHEREAS the Municipal Council of the Municipality of East Ferris acknowledges that access to the internet and e-connectivity is a crucial part of our community mission to promote public safety, health, well-being and prosperity in order to improve the quality of

THAT this meeting proceeds to In-Camera session at 9:03 a.m. in order to address a matter pertaining to: Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board.

THAT Council adjourn this In-Camera session at 9:36 a.m. and return the Special Meeting of Council.

THAT we do now adjourn this meeting at 9:37 a.m.