The Corporation of the Town of Saugeen Shores

Regular Council Meeting Minutes

Monday, August 11, 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
• 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
• Ed Melanson, Director, Fire Services/Fire Chief
• Mark Paoli, Director, Development Services
• Matt Prentice, Director, Operations
• Jill Roote, Manager, Strategic Initiatives
• Morgan McCulloch, Deputy Clerk
• Ruhul Amin, Manager, Engineering Services
• Amanda Monaghan, Community Development Officer
• Adam Parsons, Manager Parks and Facilities
• Lyndsay Binning, Manager, Human Resources HR

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1.

Call To Order

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

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Councillor B. Halpin read the land acknowledgement. 

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and Nature

Councillor C. Grace declared a pecuniary interest on Item 11.1  stating that she owns a cottage that is rented on a short-term basis which would be considered transient accommodations.

4.

Additions, Deletions, Amendments

By majority consensus of Council, Item 9.3 was moved to before Item 9.1.

5.

Adoption of Minutes

5.1

Regular Council Minutes - July 7, 2025 and July 14, 2025

• Resolution Number: 207-2025
  Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: R. Stack

  That Council adopt the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 7,2025 and July 14, 2025, as presented.

  CARRIED

6.

Public Meeting

7.

Open Forum

5.1. Catherine Tolton - Item 9.3 Southampton Cenotaph Upgrade Project

5.2  John Willets - Item 9.3 Southampton Cenotaph Upgrade Project 

5.3  Connie Barker - Item 9.3 Southampton Cenotaph Upgrade Project 

5.4  Ralph Lynch - Item 9.3 Southampton Cenotaph Upgrade Project 

8.

Delegations

8.1

Pumpkinfest Update- Doug Court and Joanne Robbins

8.2

Sparks Training Centre - Rob Stanley and Kenneth Kilday

8.3

Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo- Andy Dales and Gord Lang

9.

Report of Municipal Officers / Committees

9.1

Laneway Real Estate Review – Resource Analysis

The report outlined the resources required for an inventory and strategic review of laneways, that would result in Town policy direction about disposition that would be specific to laneways. A two-year plan to complete the project is included for discussion.

The report was for information and will return during the 2026 Business Plan Meetings. 

• Resolution Number: 208-2025
  Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: R. Stack

  That Council receive the “Laneway Real Estate Review – Resource Analysis” report for information.

  CARRIED

9.2

New Fire Station Location

The location criteria of the new Port Elgin Fire Station is based on firefighter response times, municipal property ownership, minimal environmental impact, and appropriate property size. The location of 640 Mill Creek Road, Port Elgin, was presented for Council’s consideration as the preferred location in advance of design and engineering scheduled for 2026.

Council discussed the proposed location of 640 Mill Creek Road, Port Elgin for a new Fire Station.  Questions were raised regarding the proposed location and alternate location options were suggested.  Council deferred the Motion to allow staff to return with other location options and to complete public consultation. 

• Resolution Number: 209-2025
  Moved by: M. Myatt
  Seconded by: D. Myette

  That Council defer the Main Motion for the consideration of location options and public consultation.

  CARRIED
• Resolution Number: 210-2025
  Moved by: J. Divinski
  Seconded by: J. Duhaime

  That Council approve the location for a new Port Elgin Fire Station at 640 Mill Creek Road.

  DEFFERED

9.3

Final Design for the Southampton Cenotaph Upgrade Project

The Cenotaph Ad Hoc Committee recommended that Council approve Option 1 from the R.J. Burnside report, which enhances the High and Huron Street intersection to honour veterans of Southampton and Saugeen First Nation. While the recommendation proposed one memorial wall, Burnside now recommends two - on the southwest and northwest corners - to accommodate all commemorated names.

Council had the following comments:

• Concerns were raised with the proposed memorial walls including their size, colour, lighting, placement, and where the granite is being sourced from.
• Concerns were raised that the Southampton Legion was not in favour of the design.
• A suggestion was made for several designs options to come forward for Council to choose from.
• It was noted that the Cenotaph Ad Hoc Committee included local representatives, including from the Legion, and the designs in the report are based on the Ad Hoc Committee recommendations after consideration of several options.
• It was suggested that potential alternate locations of the Cenotaph should be discussed prior to finalizing the design. 

Staff noted that if the Cenotaph was to be revitalized and included in the High Street Reconstruction Project construction, decisions would need to be made at the meeting.  If no decision was made, it would need to be removed from the High Street Project phase to allow that project to continue. It could be reconsidered at a future date. 

It was suggested that community could come up with ideas and return to Council at a later date to present them.

• Resolution Number: 211-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That Council approve the Final Design for the Southampton Cenotaph Upgrade Project.

  DEFEATED

9.4

Administrative Compliance System Pilot

An Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) or Administrative Compliance System (ACS) provides an alternative framework that will enable Saugeen Shores to issue, review, and resolve minor By-law infractions through administrative processes, without the need for formal court proceedings and the associated costs. It was recommended to approve a pilot to investigate the merits to such a program on a limited scope.

• Resolution Number: 212-2025
  Moved by: D. Huber
  Seconded by: J. Duhaime

  That Council approve the development of an Administrative Compliance System pilot program for Council’s consideration in the fourth quarter of 2025.

  CARRIED

10.

Consent Agenda

• Resolution Number: 213-2025
  Moved by: R. Stack
  Seconded by: M. Myatt

  That Items 10.1 through 10.7 be approved and received for information.

10.1

Heritage Property Demolition Request for 317 High Street

In early July, the Town received an application for a demolition permit for 317 High Street. This is a Heritage Property with the heritage designating by-law including all structures built prior to the 1990 designation. In accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA), Council is to seek the advice of the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee on such requests.

• That Council refer the Heritage Property Demolition Request for 317 High Street to the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee.

10.2

Striking Committee - Procedural By-law Amendment for Mayoral Decisions and Directions

• That Council adopt a by-law to amend Procedural By-law 87-2025.

10.3

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest Request for Administrative Workspace

Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is requesting one administrative workspace within the Town-owned Business Centre for a one-year term.

• That Council authorize the Director, Community Services to execute a one-year lease agreement with Port Elgin Pumpkinfest for administrative use of the Town-owned Business Centre.

10.4

Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act Resubmission of Comments

This report provides the Town of Saugeen Shores an additional opportunity to comment on Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 (Bill 9), by resubmitting the January 27, 2025, report to the commenting period and providing additional comments to the Province. Bill 9 proposes amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001, among other legislation, to include certain requirements for Codes of Conduct, training for Council and Local Board Members, and introduce an Integrity Commissioner of Ontario.

• That Council endorse the comments in this report and forward them to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for inclusion in the consultation; and

  That Council endorse the July 3, 2025, deputation of the AMCTO President and the July 18, 2025 written submission from the AMO President.

10.5

Animal Control Update

Since February 2025, the Town has been utilizing the Owen Sound Animal Shelter (OSAS) on an interim basis for pound services in addition to the animal control services they were already providing. An agreement with OSAS for the next five (5) years is a cost effective and convenient pound services solution. To reflect the changes with the Animal Control contract, and to meet the growing needs of the community, the Town will be conducting public engagement and bringing forth an updated Animal Control By-law at a later date. 

• That Council adopt By-law 75-2025, a By-law to authorize an Agreement with the Owen Sound Animal Shelter;

  That Council adopt By-law 76-2025, a By-law to amend the 2025 Fees and Charges By-law; and

  That Council approve an amendment to the 2025 Business Plan Budget for $5,200 for Animal Control Services, funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve.

10.6

Southampton Tennis Club Agreement

The purpose of this report is to provide Council an opportunity to review the scope of work for municipal investment in facility improvements at the Southampton Tennis Club. The report outlines a summary of the scope of work, and recommends an agreement be executed between the Town of Saugeen Shores and the Southampton Tennis Club to authorize the Town’s contribution of $50,000 in 2025, and $50,000 in 2026. 

• That Council adopt By-law 77-2025, a By-law to authorize a (2) two-year Funding Agreement between the Town of Saugeen Shores and the Southampton Tennis Club.

10.7

Communications

• That the following be received for information:

  1. Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes - November 13, 2024
  2. Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes - April 30, 2025
  3. Saugeen Shores Police Services Board Minutes - May 21, 2025
  4. Saugeen Shores Police Services Board Minutes- June 18, 2025
  5. Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling Minutes- June 18, 2025
  6. Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Minutes- March 20, 2025
  7. Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Minutes- May 15, 2025
  8. Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board Resolution- Review and Reform of Provincial Offences System
  9. Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board Resolution- Reinstatement of Provincial Funding
  10. County of Bruce Staff Report - Decline of Local Revenues from Ontario's Electricity Infrastructure
  11. Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan Resolution- Bill C-2 Section 77.5(1)
  12. City of St. Catharines Resolution - Elect Respect Pledge
• Resolution Number: 214-2025
  Moved by: J. Divinski
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That Council Support the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan Resolution - Bill C-2 Section 77.5(1). 

  DEFEATED

11.

Motions and Notice of Motions

11.1

Notice of Motion- Municipal Accommodation Fee

The Notice of Motion was amended to include a Motion to Reconsider. The Motion will be considered at the September 8, 2025 Council Meeting.

12.

Closed to Public

It is recommended that Council move into a Closed to public sessions to discuss confidential matters about identifiable individuals and labour relations or employee negotiations on two matters:

• 2025 CAO Performance Review; and
• Organizational Considerations.

• Resolution Number: 215-2025
  Moved by: R. Stack
  Seconded by: D. Myette

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

  (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; and

  (d) labour relations or employee negotiations.

  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

2025 CAO Performance Review

12.3.2

Organizational Considerations

13.

Report and Business Arising from Closed Session

13.1

Resume Regular Council Meeting

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes, and discussed confidential matters about identifiable individuals and labour relations or employee negotiations on two matters – the CAO Performance Review and Organizational Considerations.

• Resolution Number: 216-2025
  Moved by: J. Duhaime
  Seconded by: R. Stack

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

  CARRIED
• Resolution Number: 217-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: R. Stack

  That Council approve a Pre-Budget Approval of $50,000, funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve for Purchasing Software and the incorporation of $11,000 of associated annual licensing costs;

  That Council direct staff to incorporate into the 2026 Business Plan finance automations of $30,000 annually from 2026 to 2029 for Council consideration;

  That Council approve a Pre-Budget Approval of $142,000 in annual wages and benefits for a Senior Financial Process Analyst Two-Year Contract to be partially offset by $100,000 by the delay in the implementation of the Financial Platform;

  That Council approve a Pre-Budget Approval of $95,000 in annual wages and benefits for the 2026 AP / AR Coordinator; and

  That Council direct staff to incorporate into the 2026 Business Plan a Financial Analyst position at $127,000 including benefits for Council consideration.

  CARRIED

14.

By-laws

14.1

By-law 75-2025 - Authorize Agreement (Owen Sound Animal Shelter)

14.2

By-law 76-2025 - Amend 2025 Fees and Charges By-law (Animal Control Fees)

14.3

By-law 77-2025 - Authorize Funding Agreement (Southampton Tennis Club)

• Resolution Number: 218-2025
  Moved by: D. Myette
  Seconded by: D. Huber

  That By-law 75-2025, 76-2025 and 77-2025 are hereby read, passed, and sealed this 11th day of August, 2025.

  CARRIED

15.

Confirmatory By-law

15.1

By-law 78-2025 - Confirm the Proceedings of August 11, 2025

• Resolution Number: 219-2025
  Moved by: B. Halpin
  Seconded by: J. Divinski

  That By-law 78-2025 being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores is hereby read, passed, and sealed this 11th day of August, 2025.

  CARRIED

16.

Adjournment

• Resolution Number: 220-2025
  Moved by: C. Grace
  Seconded by: B. Halpin

  That this Regular Council meeting of August 11, 2025, hereby adjourns at 10:35 p.m.

  CARRIED