Council Highlights - April 14, 2025
Subscribe
Back to SearchCouncil meetings occur on the second, third, and fourth Monday of each month (the third Monday of the month is to discuss and consider planning and development matters). If a regular meeting falls on a public or civic holiday, the Council meets at the same hour on the next day that is not a public or civic holiday.
Visit www.SaugeenShores.ca/Meetings to see all meeting dates, agendas, minutes and webcasts.
Members of the public can watch Council Meetings in person or on the Town’s YouTube Channel.
Please note that these highlights are provided for your information but are not a substitute for Minutes approved by Council. The Minutes approved by Council are the official record of the meeting.
April 14, 2025
Splash City Fun Park Delegation Follow up
The Report was prepared to provide Council with a follow up from the December 9, 2024, delegation regarding the operation of an inflatable water park at the Port Elgin main beach. The recommendation was for staff to continue to negotiate with the proponent and that Council authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to enter into an Agreement with Splash City Fun Park Inc. for the operation of a water park beginning in 2025.
This was defeated.
Opposition to Amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 to Strong Mayor Powers
On April 9, 2025, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the expansion of Strong Mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, including the Town of Saugeen Shores. This expansion, effective May 1, 2025, aims to help municipalities deliver on provincial priorities such as building homes, transit, and other infrastructure. The Mayor was directed by Council to send correspondence to the Ministry in opposition to the Town being included in this expansion of Strong Mayor Powers, that the correspondence be circulated to all municipalities across Ontario, and for the Mayor to research options with staff on the delegation of these powers if it comes into affect on May 1, 2025.
This was carried, as amended.
New Sign By-law
On January 27th, 2025, a Draft Sign By-law was brought forward to Council for review. The By-law incorporates comments that were discussed on January 27th, 2025, and subsequent analysis and review.
This was carried.
Ridge Street at Bruce Road 25 Stop Sign By-Law
With the Goderich Street Resurfacing project underway, Ridge Street will be designated as an alternate detour route leading to Road 25. This report sought Council’s approval for the installation of a Stop Sign on Ridge Street at its intersection with Road 25, ensuring safe traffic flow during this period.
This was carried.
Cenotaph ad hoc Committee Report and Recommendations
On December 16, 2024, Council approved the creation of a Cenotaph ad hoc Committee whose primary goal was to review the four options presented in the RJ Burnside report and provide Council with recommendations for the revitalization of the Southampton Cenotaph. This report confirms those final recommendations.
This was carried.
Park Washroom Design Concepts
This report outlines a design concept for park washroom buildings that are scalable in size from one pod (room) to eight plus pods with options for traditional block construction or a less expensive prefabricated construction. A concept for Lamont Sports Park (a larger 6-8 pod traditional block building) and Helliwell Park (scaled down 2-4 pod) are outlined as well as a prefabricated construction design.
This was received for information.
Road Naming Policy
The 2025 Business Plan included a Road Naming Policy as a Division Highlight for the Clerk’s Division. The intent of the policy is to govern the naming or renaming of Town Roads and provide a list of acceptable names.
This was carried.
StopGap Community Ramp Program Policy Review
The intention of StopGap is to create a world where every person can access every space, raising awareness and removing barriers. The Town’s StopGap Community Ramp Program aims to improve accessibility in the municipality by providing free or low-cost deployable ramps to businesses with single-stepped storefronts, which can prevent access for individuals with mobility challenges, including people using wheelchairs, mobility devices, or strollers. This Policy is reviewed every five years.
This was received for information.
2024 Closed Carry-Forward Capital Projects
Total project capital spending in 2024 was $39,099,347 of which $10,778,412 is attributed to the Future Capital Reserve, and the balance is attributable to other reserves as shown in the Reserve Contribution Report attachment. The $39,099,347 of spending compares to a budget of $82,610,938 resulting in a variance of $43,511,591. This variance is comprised of carry-forward budget of $43,839,535 to enable the completion of projects that are staying open, and a small overage to budget of $327,944 (1.7%) on projects that are closing.
This was received for information.
Business Arising from Closed Session
Deputy Mayor D. Huber reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes. Council discussed negotiations with Westario Power and discussed matters relative to negotiations regarding an Amending Agreement with SON. Council then adopted a by-law to authorize signing the Amending Agreement with SON.
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.