City Council (Special) - February 4, 2026

High-level summary

The council advanced mayoral new-business items, reaffirmed commitments on Indigenous land acknowledgment and Black History/anti-racism initiatives, and proceeded with procedural approvals including the order paper and bills. Key actions included approving new mayoral items (with specific project and licensing items), adopting the order paper, and introducing/confirming related bylaws.

Five Most Important Topics

1) Acknowledgement of Indigenous land and treaties - The meeting opened with a formal acknowledgment of traditional territories and treaties referenced (Mississaugas of the Credit, Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, Wendat; Treaty 13 and the Williams Treaty). - Quote: "We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations... and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples." - Impact: Establishes an ongoing framework for inclusive governance and recognition of Indigenous land rights in municipal processes.

2) New Business from the Mayor (items with potential local impact) - Items considered included Brewing by the Glass Permit Applications (Wars Wars Brewing Company and another brewery), amending 2022 NY 33.7 (rental housing demolition approval at 241 Redpath Avenue), authorization to release RM37.6 Section 37/45 funds for Seaton Park upgrades, and extension of alcohol service hours for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. - File numbers noted: 2022 NY 33.7, RM37.6. - Quote: "This special meeting has been called... to consider the following new business from the mayor." - Impact: Potential implications for local businesses, housing redevelopment processes, park improvements, and event-related licensing hours.

3) Black History Month and anti-Black racism initiatives - Councillor Thompson and the Chair of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Council highlighted leadership and the city’s 10-year action plan, underscoring equity and inclusion commitments. - Quote: "We have been so proud of the work of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism team, including the 10-year action plan, of which we are anticipating another 10-year plan and commitment." - Impact: Signals ongoing public commitments to equity, Black history, and anti-racism actions that may influence local programs and policies.

4) Adoption of the Order Paper - The order paper was reviewed and adopted, with five items discussed and no items held for further debate. - Quote: "All those in favor of adopting the items on the order paper. All in favor? Any opposed? Carried." - Impact: Clears the procedural pathway for the meeting’s agenda and ensures orderly consideration of items.

5) Introduction of Bills and related bylaw actions - The council introduced and passed bills as part of the agenda. This included the introduction of Bill 131 (by Councillor Matlow) and the introduction of confirmatory bills (by Councillor Mantis) to validate proceedings. - Quote: "We will now proceed back to the first... Oh, we have to do the bills. Okay, let's do the bills." - Bylaw basis noted: Bill 131 declared a bylaw under the City of Toronto Act, 2006; confirmatory bills also referenced for bylaw validation. - Impact: Formalizes governance changes and ensures legal validation of the meeting’s decisions.

Opportunities for Public Input

• No specific public input opportunities were described in these excerpts. The public was welcome to watch online or attend in person.

Motions Passed, Rejected, or Deferred

• Motion to Introduce New Business from the Mayor — Passed.
• Adoption of the Order Paper (RM37.6) — Passed.
• Introduction of Bills — Passed.
• Motion to Excuse Absentees — Passed.
• Motion to Introduce Bill 131 — Passed.
• Motion to Introduce Confirmatory Bills — Passed.

Councillors Present

• Councillor Mley
• Councillor Thompson
• Councillor Chang
• Councillor Matlow
• Councillor Mantis
• Councillor Bradford
• Councillor Shelley Carroll
• Councillor Vince Crosante
• Deputy Mayor Osmo Malik
• Mayor Chow (present; not a councillor)

Note: The list reflects participants named in the provided material. Madam Speaker presided over the meeting.