The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

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Nuclear Innovation Institute
620 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:
  • 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
  • Kristan Shrider, Director, Community Services
  • Jill Roote, Manager, Strategic Initiatives
  • Daniel Waechter, Treasurer/CFO
  • Larry Gill, Manager, Operations
  • Sarah Bonderud, Deputy Clerk

1.
Call To Order

 

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

2.
Land Acknowledgement

 

Councillor J. Duhaime read the land acknowledgement. 

3.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

 

Councillors B. Halpin and D. Myette declared pecuniary interests in Item 10.5 stating that they are members of the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre (SSTC) Board.

4.
Additions, Deletions, Amendments

 

4.1
Amended Description for Item 12

 
  • Resolution Number:001-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:M. Myatt

    That the description for why Council move into a Closed to Public Session is amended to include that Council discuss a position or instruction to be applied to any negotiation carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality relative to a confidential matter regarding 2706913 Ontario Inc.

    CARRIED

5.
Adoption of Minutes

 

5.1
Regular Council Minutes - December 9 and 16, 2024

This item has attachments. 
1.Regular Council Minutes - December 9, 2024.pdf
2.Regular Council Minutes - December 16, 2024.pdf
3.Committee of the Whole minutes - December 9, 2024.pdf
  • Resolution Number:002-2025
    Moved by:J. Divinski
    Seconded by:D. Myette

    That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meetings of December 9 and December 16, 2024, and note and file the Committee of the Whole minutes of December 9, 2024, as presented.

    CARRIED

6.
Public Meeting

 

7.
Open Forum

 

None

8.
Delegations

 

8.1
Fay Eggleston, 2024 Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard Award Recipient

 

On behalf of Council, Mayor L. Charbonneau recognized Fay Eggleston for receiving the 2024 Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard Award by Parachute. 

8.2
Donna Andrew - Property Tax Correction

This item has attachments. 
1.Property Tax Correction Delegation.pdf

Council heard a delegation from Donna Andrew regarding a property tax correction request. Council directed staff to return with a report regarding the tax correction relating to the mentioned properties. 

8.3
Kristy Andre, United Way Bruce Grey and June Van Bastelaar, Southampton Rotary - Coldest Night of the Year

This item has attachments. 
1.Coldest Night of the Year Letter.pdf
2.Coldest Night of the Year Presentation.pdf

Council heard a delegation from Kristy Andre of United Way Bruce Grey and June Van Bastelaar of the Southampton Rotary regarding the annual Coldest Night of the Year event scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.  

9.
Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

 

9.1
Investment Policy

This item has attachments. 
1.Investment Policy.pdf

The purpose of the Investment Policy is to set out guiding principles for the management of the Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shore’s surplus funds and investment portfolio.

  • Resolution Number:003-2025
    Moved by:M. Myatt
    Seconded by:C. Grace

    That Council adopt By-law 03-2025, a By-law to authorize the Town’s Investment Policy.

    CARRIED

9.2
Encroachment Policy Update

This item has attachments. 
1.Encroachment Policy Update.pdf
2.Draft Encroachment Policy.pdf

The Town’s Encroachment Policy was last updated in 2015 and is due for review. The concepts of the Policy have not altered significantly, but it reaffirms that encroachments are not permitted unless there is a demonstrated need. The Policy also outlines responsibilities, alternative remedies, and how an application may be considered.

It was suggested that the title of the Policy be amended to  Encroachments on Town-Owned Land Policy. 

  • Resolution Number:004-2025
    Moved by:D. Myette
    Seconded by:B. Halpin

    That Council adopt the Encroachment Policy.

    CARRIED

10.
Consent Agenda

 

Items 10.1, 10.2, and 10.5, were considered separately. 

  • Resolution Number:005-2025
    Moved by:R. Stack
    Seconded by:D. Myette

    That items 10.3, 10.4, 10.6, and 10.7 be approved and received for information.

    CARRIED, AS AMENDED

10.1
Business Licensing By-law Update

This item has attachments. 
1.Business Licensing By-law Update.pdf
2.Proposed Business Licensing By-law Update - Redlined Version.pdf
3.Proposed Business Licensing By-law Update - Clean Version.pdf

This report proposes an updated Business Licensing By-law to be considered by Council. The intent of the update is to reflect the values of the Town and promote fair and transparent business practices that protect the interests of residents and visitors. A By-law reflecting these changes will be brought to the next Council meeting for approval.

Council made the following suggestions to the proposed Business Licensing By-law:

  • Remove the requirement of a licence for businesses occurring on private property.
  • Review the sale of fireworks.
  • Review refreshment vehicle licensing regulations for locations near local businesses during special events, while giving consideration for local charities and not-for-profit fundraising.
  • Include a table of what is regulated elsewhere when the By-law returns to Council.
  • Resolution Number:006-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:D. Myette

    That Council receive the Business Licensing By-law report for information.

    CARRIED

10.2
Condominium Garbage and Recycling Status

This item has attachments. 
1.Condominium Garbage and Recycling Status.pdf
2.Table 1 Summary of Site Status.pdf
3.Figure 1 Port Elgin Condominium Site Locations.pdf
4.Figure 2 Southampton Condominium Site Locations.pdf

In April 2024, a delegation from Bruce County Corporation #42 (Eagle Court at Westlinks) was received by Council. The delegation requested curbside pickup of garbage and recycling on their private road. The status of condominium garbage and recycling pickup by Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling (BASWR), under contract with the Town, has been reviewed and it has been determined that the status quo will remain for 2025. The status quo includes considerable variation in practice and a report will be brought forward in 2025 to outline various options for Council’s consideration in the 2026 Business Plan.

  • Resolution Number:007-2025
    Moved by:M. Myatt
    Seconded by:J. Duhaime

    That Council receive the Condominium Garbage and Recycling Status report for information.

    CARRIED

10.3
2024 Accessibility Update

This item has attachments. 
1.2024 Accessibility Update.pdf

The Town completed various initiatives and projects in 2024, that were either accessibility driven or had an accessibility improvement component involved. This report is to provide Council with an update on the work being completed for their awareness.

10.4
Committee Report - CDM Plan and the Final Budget Report 2025

This item has attachments. 
1.Committee Report - CDM Plan and the Final Budget Report 2025 .pdf
  1. That Council receive the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan report for information.
  2. That Council approve the 2025 Town of Saugeen Shores Business Plan to include:
    1. 2025 Operating Budget with net operating income of $11,707,244;
    2. 2025 Capital Expenses of $10,315,369 (net of revenue, debt proceeds and the increased Special Levy);
    3. 2025 proceeds from debt of $44,047,727; and,
    4. 2025 debt-driven increase to Reserves of $1,391,874; and further,

That Council increase the Town of Saugeen Shores Tax Levy for 2025 to be set at $1,650,332 to a total of $24,494,116;


That Council increase the rate-based dedicated Future Infrastructure Special Levy by $512,558 to a total of $988,291;


That Council approve the BIA levies for 2025, set at $66,000 for the Port Elgin BIA and $58,700 for the Southampton BIA;


That Council pass the Fees and Charges By-Law establishing the 2025 Fees and Charges at the December 9, 2024 Regular Council Meeting; and,


That Council pass the Tax Levy By-law establishing the 2025 Tax Rates at the January 6, 2025 Council meeting.

10.5
Committee Report - SSTC and Pumpkinfest One-Time Funding

This item has attachments. 
1.Committee Report - SSTC and Pumpkinfest One-Time Funding.pdf

Councillors B. Halpin and D. Myette having declared pecuniary interests regarding the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre (SSTC) did not take part in the discussion or subsequent voting. 

  • Resolution Number:008-2025
    Moved by:R. Stack
    Seconded by:J. Divinski

    That Council direct staff to include $30,000 toward SSTC / Pumpkinfest as one-time funding from the Tax Stabilization Reserve.

    CARRIED

10.6
Committee Report - Requesting the Province to Support Family Physicians Resolution

This item has attachments. 
1.Committee Report - Requesting the Province to Support Family Physicians Resolution.pdf
2.City of Toronto - Requesting the Province to Support Family Physicians Resolution.pdf

That Council endorse the resolution from the City of Toronto regarding requesting the Province to Support Family Physicians; and


That this resolution be forwarded to Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

10.7
Communications

This item has attachments. 
1.Committee of Adjustment - August 26, 2024 Minutes(1).pdf
2.Committee of Adjustment - September 16, 2024 Minutes(1).pdf
3.Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit - 2025 Budget Contribution Request.pdf
4.Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism – Pioneer Cemetery Response Letter.pdf
5.Ministry of Natural Resources - Minister's Direction on Conservation Authorities Fees Letter.pdf
6.Enbridge Gas - Natural Gas Policy Consultation.pdf
7.City of Guelph - Enable Municipalities to Charge Fees for Use of Municipal Property by Gas Utilities Resolution.pdf
8.Northern Ontario Women's Caucus - Workplace Violence and Harassment Equality Resolution.pdf
  1. Committee of Adjustment - August 26 and September 16, 2024 Minutes
  2. Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit - 2025 Budget Contribution Request
  3. Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism – Pioneer Cemetery Response Letter
  4. Ministry of Natural Resources - Minister's Direction on Conservation Authorities Fees Letter
  5. Enbridge Gas - Natural Gas Policy Consultation
  6. City of Guelph - Enable Municipalities to Charge Fees for Use of Municipal Property by Gas Utilities Resolution
  7. Northern Ontario Women's Caucus - Workplace Violence and Harassment Equality Resolution 

For Item 10.7.3, it was requested to extend another invitation to MPP Lisa Thompson for her to attend the Pioneer Cemetery site, and to include the Minister in this invitation. Staff were directed to prepare a letter for the Mayor to send to MPP Lisa Thompson.

  • Resolution Number:009-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:J. Divinski

    That Mayor Charbonneau send a letter of support to Enbridge Gas regarding the Natural Gas Policy.

    CARRIED
  • Resolution Number:010-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:M. Myatt

    That Council endorse the resolution from the City of Guelph to enable municipalities to charge fees for the use of municipal property by gas utilities.

    DEFEATED

11.
Motions and Notice of Motions

 

12.
Closed to Public

 

It is recommended that Council move into a Closed to Public Session to discuss a confidential matter regarding 2706913 Ontario Inc., that includes commercial or financial information, supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization, advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, and and a position or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality; provide direction on a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality with the Victorian Order of Nurses; and commercial or financial information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization and commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value relative to a confidential matter involving Westario Power Inc.

  • Resolution Number:011-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:J. Duhaime

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

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

    (i) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization;

    (j) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; or

    (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.

    CARRIED

12.1
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

 

12.2
Adoption of Closed to Public Meeting Minutes

 

12.3
Closed to Public Staff Reports

 

12.3.1
Confidential Matter Involving 2706913 Ontario Inc.

 

12.3.2
Agreement with Victoria Order of Nurses

 

12.3.3
Confidential Matter Involving Westario Power Inc.

 

13.
Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

 

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session Council approved Closed to Public minutes, discussed a confidential matter regarding 2706913 Ontario Inc., provided direction on a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality with the Victorian Order of Nurses, discussed a confidential matter involving Westario Power Inc., and passed a procedural resolution to extend the meeting beyond 11:00 pm. 

It was recommended to adopt By-law 06-2025 to authorize entering into a confidential Agreement with the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada – Ontario Branch (VON) to provide a Nurse Practitioner clinic in Saugeen Shores.

  • Resolution Number:012-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:C. Grace

    That Council adopt By-law 06-2025 to authorize entering into a confidential Agreement with the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada – Ontario Branch (VON) to provide a Nurse Practitioner clinic in Saugeen Shores.

    CARRIED

13.1
Resume Regular Council Meeting

 
  • Resolution Number:013-2025
    Moved by:R. Stack
    Seconded by:J. Duhaime

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

    CARRIED

14.
By-laws

 

15.
Confirmatory By-law

This item has attachments. 
1.By-law 05-2025 Confirmatory - January 6.pdf
  • Resolution Number:015-2025
    Moved by:J. Duhaime
    Seconded by:C. Grace

    That By-law 05-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read, passed and sealed this 6th day of January, 2025.

    CARRIED

16.
Adjournment

 
  • Resolution Number:016-2025
    Moved by:D. Huber
    Seconded by:J. Divinski

    That this Regular Council meeting of January 6, 2025, hereby adjourns at 11:22 p.m.

    CARRIED
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