The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 6:30 P.m. - 7:30 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
• Justin Duhaime, Councillor
• John Divinski, Councillor
• Cheryl Grace, Councillor
• Bud Halpin, Councillor
• Rachel Stack, Councillor

Staff Members:

• Dawn Mittelholtz, Clerk
• Mark Paoli, Director, Development Services
• Jay Pausner, Manager, Planning and Development
• Candace Hamm, Development Services Officer

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1.

Call To Order

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

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Mayor L. Charbonneau 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

6.

Public Meeting

6.1

Zoning By-law Amendment - Z-2024-054 (Rae)

Council received a Planning Report regarding an application to rezone the lands from Highway Commercial (HC) to Highway Commercial Special (HC-35) with special provisions. The rezoning would recognize a reduced rear yard setback, increased exterior side yard setback, reduced landscaped open space located in the front yard, and reduced parking setback from the street, where Concession 6 shall be considered the front lot line. The rezoning would also identify that certain provisions relating to Accessory Dwelling Units in the Highway Commercial Special (HC-35) do not apply. The effect of the proposed amendments would facilitate the development of a three-storey, 16 residential unit and commercial mixed-use building on the subject lands.

Mayor Charbonneau declared the public meeting open and indicated the purpose of the public meeting.

Mayor Charbonneau asked if any members of the public would like to address Council on this matter.

Ron Davidson, agent for the applicant provided a brief overview of the application.

There were no other members of the public wanting to speak to Council.

There were no additional written submissions. 

Council members had the following clarifying questions:

• A question was raised regarding the number of parking spaces per unit.  It was clarified that there are sixteen (16) parking spaces for the residential units which will be one parking space per unit plus two (2) visitor parking spaces. There are also twenty five (25) spaces for the commercial units.
• A question was asked regarding the landscape area. It was clarified that there will be landscape open space of 6.48 metres which is more greenspace than required.  At the site plan control stage there will be a landscape plan. 
• A question was raised regarding the multiuse pathway, it was clarified that the extent of offsite works haven't been discussed yet.  It can be discussed at the site plan stage. 
• Questions were raised regarding traffic on Concession 6 with the entrance way. It was clarified that the entry and exit should be on a lower class road which in this case is Concession 6.  The County Planner indicated a traffic assessment was completed and that the proposed development and location of the entrance and exit meets the needs of proposed traffic. An entrance off Highway 21 was considered but not chosen.  It was confirmed that the Town engineering staff completed a review and had no concerns.
• Questions were raised regarding the style of the building. It was confirmed by the applicant that it will be a similar style to what we see in the Town currently. 
• A question about timeline was raised. The applicant indicated if approved, it could be started in the fall. 
• Questions regarding snow storage were raised and the proximity to the accessible parking spaces.  It was confirmed that on this site the snow would be removed. Snow storage area was confirmed to be grass. 
• Questions were raised regarding accessibility for the residential units. It was confirmed that in order for the development charges to be waved the units would need to be accessible upstairs, meaning an elevator would be required in the site design and at least 20% of the units would need universal designs. 
• A question regarding the exterior side yard setback was raised, and whether it was necessary. It was clarified by the agent for the applicant that it if the building was pushed to the west, it would be too close to the Goderich Street road allowance and would not allow for enough access for the driveway getting into the parking. 
• Question was raised regarding site plan approvals. It was confirmed that site plans are approved by the Chief Administrative Officer and staff would bring a report for information to Council.
• A question was raised regarding the developer continuing the multi-use path. It was clarified that the offsite works will be negotiated through site plan control. 
• A question was raised regarding the requirement for the address to be on the road in which the driveway is on, it was clarified that there is no requirement for the number to be on the same street as the driveway, but if requested the address can be revised.
• A question was raised regarding the list of questions and comments submitted by Town Staff and whether they were all addressed. Staff indicated that all of the comments were addressed except for the location of the building, with the staff preference being a location closer to Highway 21 than proposed.

In the absence of any further questions, Mayor Charbonneau declared the public meeting closed.

Council had the following comments:

• A comment was made that the developer should consider reconfiguring where the building is located to address the concerns with the setback.
• Comments were received regarding the landscape plan, indicating that it is good to see more landscaping than required. The environmental committee recommended street trees be included in the landscape plans for developments in the Town.
• A request was made to have the trail connection between Lamont Sports Park to be formalized during development with sidewalks.  
• A comment was made that the way the applicant has proposed the commercial parking out front and residential parking at the rear of the building made sense.
• A comment was made that it would be desirous to make the entrance way off Highway 21 not Concession 6.
• A request was made for sidewalk access on the north end of the property. 
• A request that the developer maintain the road allowance at the corner of Highway 21 and Concession 6. 
• A concern around the setback on Highway 21 was raised. Council had previously indicated that they want developments as close to the road as possible. It was suggested to defer the application to allow adjustments to the setback on Highway 21 to make it conform with the Town Zoning By-law. 

• Resolution Number: 120-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That the application be deferred to allow for adjustments to the setback on Highway 21.

  CARRIED
• Resolution Number: 121-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: R. Stack

  Subject to a review of submissions arising from the public meeting:

  That Council approve Zoning By-law Amendment - Z-2024-054 (Rae) and By-law 37-2025.

  DEFFERED

6.2

Local Official Plan Amendment - L-2023-013 and Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2023-050 (Patel)

Council received a Planning Report regarding an application to amend the Town's Official Plan and the Zoning By-law to add site-specific provisions to the Highway Commercial designation and ‘Highway Commercial (HC)’ zone.  The amendments would facilitate a mixed commercial and high-density residential building on the subject lands. The proposed five storey building would consist of a ground floor commercial unit and 27 accessory apartment units on the upper floors.

Mayor Charbonneau declared the public meeting open and indicated the purpose of the public meeting.

Mayor Charbonneau asked if any members of the public would like to address Council on this matter.

Dana Kiefer, agent for applicant, provided an overview of the application. 

There were no members of the public wanting to speak to Council.

There were no additional written submissions. 

Council members had the following clarifying questions:

• A question was raised regarding the height of the building in comparison to the Powerlink building. It was confirmed that this proposed building is 17.5 metres and Powerlink is 17 metres.
• Questions were raised regarding the parking. It was confirmed that parking for the residential apartments will be partially underground (sunk in and covered).  There will be amenity space over a portion of the underground parking, and apartments above the rest.  There are also commercial parking spaces (uncovered) between the building and Goderich St. 
• A question regarding the parking and whether Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations would be permitted in the covered parking. It was confirmed that the EV stations were generally discouraged and the applicant has indicated there is no EV stations added to the parking. There would be the standard fire sprinkler system installed in the parking as per the Building Code.
• Questions were raised regarding storm water management on the rooftop. It was confirmed that it will be through a collection vessel.
• A question was raised regarding the infiltration system. It  was confirmed it runs down the greenspace on the north and south sides of the lot. 
• A question was raised regarding the use of the units. It was confirmed currently the intent is to use the units as rentals. 
• A question was raised regarding the 40% landscaping open space and whether it includes the infiltration gallery. It was confirmed that it is and it will be grassed.

In the absence of any further questions, Mayor Charbonneau declared the public meeting closed.

Council had the following comments:

• A comment was made that buffering is important due to the large size of the building. It is a skinny lot with a facility behind and it is important to make it nice for the neighbours.
• Positive comments were made regarding the innovative features for managing storm water.
• A suggestion was made to utilize greenery instead of fencing to separate the property.
• A concern was raised regarding the use of EV charging stations in underground parking. It was clarified that the Building Code would set the regulations for underground parking. 
• The small front yard setback is required in this development, as some parking is required for the commercial use. It was suggested that it should not be the standard for other developments in the area. 

• Resolution Number: 122-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: R. Stack

  Subject to a review of submissions arising from the public meeting:

  That Council adopt By-law 38-2025, for Local Official Plan Amendment - L-2023-013 (Patel), and that it be forwarded to Bruce County for approval; and

  That Council approve Zoning By-law Amendment - Z-2023-050 (Patel) and By-law 39-2025.

  CARRIED

7.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

8.

Consent Agenda

8.1

Assumption of Services – Westlinks Phases 1A, 1B, 1C and 2A

Council received a report regarding Phases 1A, 1B, 1C and 2A of the Westlinks Subdivision on Plans 3M-241 and 3M-248 that had become eligible for assumption by the Town as the relevant Subdivision Agreement requirements have been met. This is a regular step in the subdivision development process. 

• Resolution Number: 123-2025
  Moved by: R. Stack
  Seconded by: D. Myette

  That Council adopt By-law 40-2025, a By-law to assume services for Phases 1A, 1B, 1C and 2A of the Westlinks Subdivision (41T-2012-02.44) including Fairway Lane, Westlinks Drive, the stormwater management pond, and sewage pumping station.

  CARRIED

9.

Motions and Notice of Motions

10.

Closed to Public

11.

Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

12.

By-laws

12.1

By-law 37-2025 - Zoning By-law Amendment (Rae)

Deferred

12.2

By-law 38 -2025 - Local Official Plan Amendment (Patel)

12.3

By-law 39-2025- Zoning By-Law Amendment (Patel)

12.4

By-law 40-2025 Assumption of Services and Establish Roads as Public Highways (Westlinks)

• Resolution Number: 124-2025
  Moved by: M. Myatt
  Seconded by: D. Huber

  That By-laws 38-2025, 39-2025 and 40-2025 are hereby read a first, second, and third time and finally passed and sealed this 22nd day of April, 2025.

  CARRIED

13.

Confirmatory By-law

13.1

By-law 41-2025 – Confirm the Proceedings of April 22, 2025

• Resolution Number: 125-2025
  Moved by: J. Duhaime
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That By-law 41-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read a first, second, and third time and finally passed and sealed this 22nd day of April, 2025.

  CARRIED

14.

Adjournment

• Resolution Number: 126-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That this Regular Council meeting of April 22, 2025, hereby adjourns at 8:23 p.m.

  CARRIED