The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, May 20, 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:

• Kara Van Myall, Chief Administrative Officer
• 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

Vice Deputy Mayor Myatt 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

7.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

7.1

Strong Mayor Powers Implementation

Council received a report regarding the Town of Saugeen Shores joining 214 other municipalities in being designated by the Province as having Strong Mayor Powers on May 1, 2025. The report provided Council and the public with information on these powers and outlined the intended approach the Town will take to implement the changes.

John Mascarin provided an overview of the Strong Mayor Power legislation.

Council discussed the report, legislation and asked John Mascarin and the Clerk clarifying questions around time lines, conflicts of interest,  staff resources, funding, resources or training to be provided to Council, the new Budget process, and delegating authority back to the CAO, staff and Council.

• Resolution Number: 151-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That Council receive the Strong Mayor Powers Implementation report for information.

  CARRIED

7.2

Cultural Heritage Master Plan Final Draft and Implementation

Council received a report regarding the draft Cultural Heritage Master Plan (CHMP) they received on January 20, 2025, and provided comments. The draft was posted for final public comments and was brought to Council for final consideration.

Council discussed the proposed Cultural Heritage Master Plan and its implementation. Third party designation applications were discussed as Council had raised concerns with this at the previous meeting.  It was indicated that a policy will be brought forward to Council to assist with heritage designations. It was suggested that in the interim prior to a policy being implemented, that all heritage designations would come to Council prior to being pursued by the Municipal Heritage Committee. 

• Resolution Number: 152A-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: C. Grace

  That the main motion be amended to include "while a policy for heritage designations is being developed that all designations are to be brought to Council before they are pursued by the Municipal Heritage Committee." 

  CARRIED
• Resolution Number: 152B-2025
  Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: R. Stack

  That Council adopt the Cultural Heritage Master Plan; and

  That while a policy for heritage designations is being developed that all designations are to be brought to Council before they are pursued by the Municipal Heritage Committee. 

  CARRIED, AS AMENDED

7.3

Bluewater District School Board Administrative Procedure for Holding Zones and Holding Schools

Council received a report regarding the Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) who adopted Administrative Procedure Holding Zones and Holding Schools (AP 3101- D) on November 27, 2024. The report outlined the procedure and potential future impacts to the Town.

A suggestion was made to invite BWDSB representatives to meet with Council to provide updates and have a discussion regarding Holding Zones and Holding Schools.

Council indicated that the Town of Saugeen shores opposes holding zones that would move students to schools outside of Saugeen Shores.  

 

• Resolution Number: 153-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That Council endorse the comments in this report and instruct staff to forward them to the Bluewater District School Board.

  DEFEATED

8.

Consent Agenda

• Resolution Number: 154-2025
  Moved by: J. Divinski
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Item 8.1 is approved and received for information.

  CARRIED

8.1

Hampton Woods Rental Agreement

As part of the Subdivision Agreement for Hampton Woods, the developer agreed to provide at least 11 dwellings to be available as rental. An agreement was required to be executed with the Town to affirm this requirement.

• That Council authorize the Director, Development Services to enter into a 10-year Rental Agreement with Hampton Woods Development Inc. in relation to requiring at least eleven 11 dwelling units within the Hampton Woods Subdivision.

9.

Motions and Notice of Motions

10.

Closed to Public

11.

Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

12.

By-laws

13.

Confirmatory By-law

13.1

By-law 56-2025 - Confirm the Proceedings of May 20, 2025

• Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That By-law 56-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 20th day of May, 2025.

  CARRIED

14.

Adjournment

• Resolution Number: 156-2025
  Moved by: J. Duhaime
  Seconded by: D. Myette

  That this Regular Council meeting of May 20, 2025, hereby adjourns at 9:41 p.m.

  CARRIED