The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, April 28, 2025 at 6:30 P.m. - 9:30 P.m.

Council Chambers

600 Tomlinson Drive

Port Elgin, Ontario

Present:

• Luke Charbonneau, Mayor
• Diane Huber, Deputy Mayor
• Mike Myatt, Vice Deputy Mayor
• Dave Myette, Councillor
• John Divinski, Councillor
• Cheryl Grace, Councillor
• Bud Halpin, Councillor
• Rachel Stack, Councillor

Members Absent:

• Justin Duhaime, Councillor

Staff Members:

• Kara Van Myall, Chief Administrative Officer
• Dawn Mittelholtz, Clerk
• Jim Bundschuh, Director, Corporate Services
• Tammy Grove, Municipal Solicitor
• Mark Paoli, Director, Development Services
• Matt Prentice, Director, Operations
• Morgan McCulloch, Deputy Clerk
• Jay Pausner, Manager, Planning and Development
• Josh Planz, Chief Building Official

---

1.

Call To Order

Mayor L. Charbonneau called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Councillor C. Grace read the land acknowledgement. 

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

No pecuniary interests were declared.

4.

Additions, Deletions, Amendments

None.

5.

Adoption of Minutes

5.1

Regular Council Minutes - April 14, 2025

• Resolution Number: 127-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 14, as presented.

  CARRIED

6.

Public Meeting

7.

Open Forum

8.

Delegations

9.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

9.1

2025 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 1 Update

Council received a report regarding the Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights from the annual Business Plan that are reported every quarter to update Council and the public on the progress of the annual activities related to the Saugeen Shores Strategic Plan. The report included the updates for Quarter 1, 2025 and details the 37 Major Initiatives as well as 90 Division Highlights and 40 Capital Highlights. The progress completion is also included as a live feed on the Town website. There are no significant issues being flagged with completing the work program as outlined.

• Resolution Number: 128-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That Council receive the 2025 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 1 Update report for information.

  CARRIED

9.2

No Services Agreement and Easements – Miramichi Shores Land Development Ltd.

Council received a report regarding the Town being the registered owner of an unopened road allowance known as “Shady Lane”. The owner of Block 18, Plan 3M-268 (Miramichi Shores Land Development Ltd.), which abuts Shady Lane, requires access over a portion of Shady Lane for the purpose of ingress and egress to its property. The Town is obtaining a permanent easement over a portion of Block 18 to access the Woodland Trail system. 

• Resolution Number: 129-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Council adopt By-law 42-2025, a By-law to authorize a No Demand for Services Agreement and Easements with Miramichi Shores Development Ltd; and

  That Council adopt By-law 43-2025, a By-law to restrict access pursuant to Section 35 of the Municipal Act.

  CARRIED

9.3

2025 Budget Amendment and Fund Transfer for Townline Road and Peel Street

Council received a report regarding Saugeen Shores and Kincardine identifying urgent repairs required for Townline Road, with a total cost of $320,000, to be shared equally between both municipalities (Town portion is $160,000). Additionally, Saugeen Shores has tendered the Peel Street project, which now requires an additional net $370,000 for necessary drainage improvements. This report outlines the rationale for these budget amendments and seeks approval for the transfer of funds to support both the Townline Road and Peel Street projects.

• Resolution Number: 130-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That Council approve an amendment to the 2025 Capital Budget to include Townline Road Repairs and remove Concession 14;

  That Council approve $160,000 in additional funding for the Townline Road Repairs Project, funded by transfers from 320-86382 Lehnen Street - Mill to Green and 320-86828 Bricker Street - Lloyd to Maple projects; and

  That Council approve $370,000 in additional funding for the Peel Street – Knowles to Lambert project, funded by transfers from 320-86810 Concession 14 Resurfacing and 320-86382 Lehnen St. - Mill to Green projects

  CARRIED

9.4

Sale of Part of Eckford Road Allowance at 536 Eckford Avenue

Council received a report regarding  a recommended By-law to provide the legal pathway towards final sign-off on the building permit at 536 Eckford Avenue. This approach would be consistent with how the Town has dealt with similar situations along Eckford Avenue in the past that was initiated but not completed for 536 Eckford Avenue.

• Resolution Number: 131-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: C. Grace

  That Council direct a by-law be prepared to close and sell the unopened section of Eckford Avenue located adjacent to 536 Eckford Avenue.

  CARRIED

9.5

Proposed Cap for Lottery Licence Fees

As part of the 2024 Division Highlights for Financial Services, a review of certain Fees and Charges was completed and then adopted by By-law 96-2024. This included revised fees for Bingo and Raffle Lottery Licenses to match the legislated maximum of 3% of the total prize value. It is recommended that these fees be capped at a maximum of $450 per licence.

Council discussed the contributions of the not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Saugeen Shores and lowering the maximum lottery licensing fee.

• Resolution Number: 132-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That the By-law be amended to change the cap on Lottery Licence fees in 2025 to $125; and 

  That staff return with options for Lottery Licensing fees for 2026.

  CARRIED
• Resolution Number: 133-202
  Moved by: R. Stack
  Seconded by: D. Myette

  That Council adopt By-law 44-2025, as amended, a By-law to amend By-law 96-2024 to establish Fees and Charges.

  CARRIED, AS AMENDED

10.

Consent Agenda

• Resolution Number: 134-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: R. Stack

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

  CARRIED
• Resolution Number: 135-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Council support the Prince Edward - Lennox and Addington Social Services Committee- Ontario Works Financial Rates Resolution. 

  CARRIED

10.1

Minor Soccer Delegation Follow – Helliwell Park

Phase 1 of the Helliwell Park Master Plan is funded in the 2025 Business Plan and is scheduled to be constructed in Q3/4 of 2025. In a delegation to Council on April 14, 2025, Saugeen Shores United Soccer Club made a commitment to a $500,000 fundraising campaign for soccer facility improvements. Their first priority for a portion of this fundraising is to advance lighting improvements at Helliwell Park from Phase 2 into Phase 1. This Report recommends adding these lighting improvements to the Phase 1 scope of work with this projected additional funding.

• That Council direct staff to amend the budget and scope of work for Phase 1 Helliwell Park to include $350,000 toward field lighting, funded by Saugeen Shores United Soccer Club with $104,000 this year and the remainder by 2030 as outlined.

10.2

Lawn Bowling Club Lease Agreement

The Saugeen Shores Lawn Bowling Club leases Town lands and premises at 34 Victoria Street North in Southampton. The Lease Agreement expired on April 1, 2025, this Lease is for a ten (10) year period, beginning May 1, 2025, and expiring April 30, 2035. The agreement and authorizing By-law are included in the By-laws section of the Council agenda.

• That Council adopt By-law 47-2025, a By-law to authorize a (10) ten-year Saugeen Shores Lawn Bowling Club Lease Agreement between the Town of Saugeen Shores and the Saugeen Shores Lawn Bowling Club.

10.3

2024 Building Permit Activity

2024 was a healthy year for Saugeen Shores building numbers. Although the numbers did not meet the record numbers of 2021 and 2023, Saugeen Shores passed building permits with a total construction value of $144,247,780.00.

• That Council receive the 2024 Building Numbers report for information.

10.4

Communications

• That the following be received for information:

  1. Committee of Adjustment Minutes - February 18, 2025
  2. Municipal Heritage Committee Minutes - February 19, 2025
  3. Municipal Heritage Committee Minutes - March 19, 2025
  4. Saugeen Shores Police Board Minutes - February 19, 2025
  5. City of Peterborough Resolution - Use of X
  6. Prince Edward - Lennox and Addington Social Services Committee Resolution - Ontario Works Financial Assistance Rates
  7. Township of North Glengarry - Rural Roads Safety Resolution

11.

Motions and Notice of Motions

12.

Closed to Public

13.

Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

14.

By-laws

14.1

By-law 42-2025 - Authorize Agreement (Miramichi Shores Land Development Ltd)

14.2

By-law 43-2025- Restrict Access on Shady Lane

14.3

By-law 44-2025 - Amend Fees and Charges (Lottery Licence Fees), as Amended

14.4

By-law 47-2025- Authorize Lease Agreement (Saugeen Shores Lawn Bowling Club)

• Resolution Number: 136-2025
  Moved by: J. Divinski
  Seconded by: D. Huber

  That By-laws 42-2025, 43-2025, 47-2025, and 44-2025, as amended, are hereby read, passed, and sealed this 28th day of April, 2025.

  CARRIED

15.

Confirmatory By-law

15.1

By-law 48-2025 - Confirm the Proceedings of April 28, 2025

• Resolution Number: 137-2025
  Moved by: R. Stack
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That By-law 48-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 28th day of April, 2025.

  CARRIED

16.

Adjournment

• Resolution Number: 138-2025
  Moved by: R. Stack
  Seconded by: D. Huber

  That this Regular Council meeting of April 28, 2025, hereby adjourns at 7:54 p.m.

  CARRIED