GCE45 GS40 General Council 46: Dates and Site for February 2026

1. What is the issue?

The meetings of the General Council follow a pattern:  central Canada (GC 41 Ottawa); eastern Canada (GC 42 Corner Brook), central Canada (GC 43 Oshawa), western Canada (GC 45 Calgary). In 2023, Horseshoe Falls Regional Council offered to host the next central Canada General Council. The General Council Executive accepted this invitation and confirmed Deborah Laforet as Chair of the Planning Committee.

Finding a location that can accommodate the variety of events and the number of General Council attendees at an economical price requires research and planning. Staff began exploring options in the fall of 2024. One site offered the best possibility. That site was visited by the Planning Committee and staff in December, 2025. 

2. Why is the issue important?

Determining when and where General Council 46 will be held is important because:

1. Reserving a site now ensures the needed space is available and eases planning;
2. Securing the space early allows for finalization of contracts confirming costs;
3. Setting the dates now will provide participants and planners with timelines well in advance.
    

3. How might the Executive of the General Council respond to this issue? 

The Acting General Secretary recommends that the General Council Executive: 

1. Approve Brock University as the site for General Council 46;
2. Set July 31-August 4 for the in-person sessions of General Council 46;
3. Reserve Brock University for July 30-31 for pre-events and August 5 for a potential post-event;
4. Direct the Acting General Secretary to negotiate a contract with Brock for these dates;
5. Reserve June 3, 10 and 17 for potential online sessions of General Council 46.

4. What will be the impact?

This will ensure space is available at a reasonable rate for General Council 46.

5. How does this proposal help us live into the commitments on equity?

There are a few ways this will help.  All participants will be housed in similar accommodation at a similar proximity to the meeting space. The spaces used for pre-events, the sessions of General Council 46, including both discussion groups and plenary, along with the dining facility are accessible. Though not yet confirmed with the university, it may be possible for the Indigenous church to hold ceremony on some parts of the campus should it so choose.

6. For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council Executive: 

Confirming key details for General Council 46 before the retirement of the Senior Governance Support Lead who carries primary responsibility for the oversight of General Council will afford the next incumbent the opportunity to settle into their role before needing to assist with important decisions.