Council Highlights - August 11, 2025

Council 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.

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.

August 11, 2025 

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 was included for discussion. The program will be included in the proposed 2026 Business Plan for consideration.

This was received for information.

New Fire Station Location

The location criteria of the new Port Elgin Fire Station are 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 decided to defer the report for consideration of other locations and public consultation.

This was deferred.

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 recommended two - on the southwest and northwest corners - to accommodate all commemorated names.

This was defeated.

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.

This was carried.

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.

This was carried.

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

With the introduction of Strong Mayor Powers on May 1, 2025, an amendment to the Procedural By-law is needed to include a place in the Order of Business for Mayoral Directions and Decisions.

This was carried.

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.

This was carried.

Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act Resubmission of Comments

The 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.

This was carried.

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.

This was carried.

Southampton Tennis Club Agreement

The purpose of the report was to provide Council an opportunity to review the scope of work for municipal investment in facility improvements at the Southampton Tennis Club. The report outlined 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.

This was carried.

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.

Business Arising from Closed Session

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.

There was a recommendation coming out of the Closed to Public Session relative to the Organizational Considerations.

Recommendation:

That Council rise and report and approve the following recommendations:

1. 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;
2. Direct staff to incorporate into the 2026 Business Plan finance automations of $30,000 annually from 2026 to 2029 for Council consideration;
3. 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;
4. Pre-Budget Approval of $95,000 in annual wages and benefits for the 2026 AP / AR Coordinator; and
5. Direct staff to incorporate into the 2026 Business Plan a Financial Analyst position at $127,000 including benefits for Council consideration.

This was carried.

To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.