The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores
Regular Council Meeting
Agenda

Monday, September 22, 2025

6:30 P.m. - 9:30 P.m.

Council Chambers

600 Tomlinson Drive

Port Elgin, Ontario

---

1.

Call To Order

2.

Land Acknowledgement

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

4.

Additions, Deletions, Amendments

5.

Adoption of Minutes

5.1

Regular Council Minutes -September 8, 2025

• Recommendation:

  That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 8, 2025, as presented.

6.

Public Meeting

7.

Open Forum

8.

Delegations

8.1

Heritage Conservation Award Ceremony

8.2

Proposed 2026 Police Service Budget- Diane Huber

9.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

9.1

Introduction to Development Charges Review

This report introduces the Development Charges Review project and informs Council of the planned steps in the process to update the Development Charges By-law.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive the Introduction to Development Charges Review report for information.

9.2

Water and Wastewater Financial Plan

Ontario Regulation 453/07 requires Municipal Owners of Drinking Water Systems to prepare Financial Plans every five (5) years in support of the renewal of the Municipality’s Drinking Water Licence. The rate increases recommended in the Water and Wastewater Financial Plans (4.7% and 2.5% respectively) will be incorporated into the Town’s 2026 Business Plan.

• Recommendation:

  That Council approve the Water and Wastewater Financial Plan (2026 to 2030) prepared by BM Ross and Associates Ltd, dated August 2025; and

  That Council direct staff to submit the Financial Plan to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as required by O Reg 453/07 “Financial Plans;” and

  That Council direct staff to submit this Council Resolution approving the Financial Plan to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

9.3

Debt Planning

The Town has a number of current projects requiring debt funding. This report gives an update on the timing of debentures and the Town’s allocation of debt.

• Recommendation:

  That Council approve Innovation Park (Project #810-86200) be funded through Future Capital Reserve instead of debt funding; and

  That Council approve Port Elgin Harbour St Pump Station Generator, Fuel Supply and Electrical (Project #410-86738) be funded through Wastewater Reserve instead of debt funding.

9.4

Bruce Grey Bulls Delegation Follow Up

At the September 8, 2025, meeting, representatives from the Bruce Grey Bulls presented a delegation to Council outlining a request to deem the organization eligible to be billed at the subsidized minor sports rate for ice rentals for the duration of the 2-year ‘A’ Zone Play Pilot Project. This report is a follow-up from the delegation and to provide Council with background and a recommendation for consideration.

• Recommendation:

  That Council approve the Minor Sports Prime Time and Non-Prime Time rates for the 2025-2027 pilot project for the Bruce Grey Bulls and Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey Association.

9.5

The Battle Event Delegation Follow Up

At the June 23, 2025, meeting, representatives from the Port Elgin Curling Club and the Southampton Curling Club presented a delegation to Council outlining the upcoming curling event “The Battle” taking place at the Community Complex from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026. This report is a follow-up from the delegation and to provide Council with a recommendation to be included the 2026 Business Plan for consideration.

• Recommendation:

  That Council approve a $18,025 allocation from the Community Donation fund (GL 115-67030) towards The Battle event and includes the revenue of $18,025 in the Complex (GL 760-53100) budget in the 2026 Business Plan.

10.

Consent Agenda

• Recommendation:

  That Items 10.1 through 10.5 be approved and received for information.

10.1

2025 Quarter 2 Variance to Budget

The Variance to Budget report provides Council with a forecast of the financial operating results for the Town as of June 2025. The actual net income through the second quarter of the year is $15.1 million and is $0.1 million higher than budget.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive the 2025 Quarter 2 Variance to Budget report for information.

10.2

Saugeen Sparks Training Centre Request for Administrative Workspace

Saugeen Sparks Training Centre (SSTC) is requesting three administrative workspaces within the Town-owned Business Centre for a one-year term. If approved, the lease would begin on April 1, 2026, and would be considered for renewal before March 31, 2027.

• Recommendation:

  That Council authorize the Director, Community Services to execute a one-year lease agreement with Saugeen Sparks Training Centre for administrative use of the Town-owned Business Centre at 559 Goderich Street.

10.3

Saugeen Shores Nuclear Response Plan Update

This report is to inform Council of the release of the 2025 Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan (PNERP), and to modernize the Town of Saugeen Shores Nuclear Emergency Response Plan with minor changes.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive the “Saugeen Shores Nuclear Response Plan” report for information.

10.4

Volunteer Firefighter Wages Update

2025 has seen an increase in call volume and training demands which has led to a projected volunteer firefighter wage of approximately $500,000 versus a budgeted amount of approximately $360,000. As it is anticipated this trend will continue, a proposed solution will be brought forward in the 2026 Business Plan for Council’s consideration.

• Recommendation:

  That Council receive the Volunteer Firefighter Wages Update report for information.

10.5

Communications

• Recommendation:

  That the following be received for information:

  1. Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes- July 9, 2025
  2. SMART Board Minutes - June 20, 2025
  3. SMART Board Minutes - September 5, 2025
  4. Integrity Commissioners Annual Report - September 2025
  5. OMA Thank you Letter
  6. Correspondence from Enbridge Gas- Future of Natural Gas Expansion
  7. West Nipissing Resolution- Moratorium on Aerial Glyphosate Spraying

11.

Motions and Notice of Motions

12.

Mayoral Decisions and Directions

12.1

Mayoral Decision 2025-004 and Direction 2025-002

• Recommendation:

  Mayoral Decision 2025-004: 2026 Pre-Budget Request

  Mayoral Direction 2025-002: Growth Methodology for Tax Calculations

13.

Closed to Public

It is recommended that Council move into a Closed to Public Session:

•  To discuss, provide direction, and receive advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege on a litigation matter relative to conflicting title ownership for a Town owned property.

• Recommendation:

  That Council move into a Closed to Public Session in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, Section 239 (2):

  (e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board; and

  (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose.

   

13.1

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

13.2

Adoption of Closed to Public Meeting Minutes

13.3

Closed to Public Staff Reports

13.3.1

Chappell Sideroad Report

14.

Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

14.1

Resume Regular Council Meeting

• Recommendation:

  That Council arise from the Closed to Public Session and resume the Regular Council Meeting.

15.

By-laws

15.1

By-law 93-2025 - Sale of 536 Eckford Avenue

• Recommendation:

  That By-law 93-2025 is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 22nd day of September, 2025.

16.

Confirmatory By-law

16.1

By-law 94-2025 - Confirm the Proceedings of September 22, 2025

• Recommendation:

  That By-law 94-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 22nd day of September, 2025.

17.

Adjournment

• Recommendation:

  That this Regular Council meeting of September 22nd, 2025, hereby adjourns at ______ p.m.