Council Highlights - January 15 & 29, 2024

Committee of Whole and Council meetings generally occur on the second and fourth Monday of each month, except for holidays. The Committee of Whole consists of all Council members and recommends an item for Council approval. This typically takes place at the next Council meeting held in two weeks’ time.

Visit www.SaugeenShores.ca/Meetings to see all meeting dates, agendas, minutes and webcasts.

Committee of the Whole and Regular Council Meetings are open to the public through in-person attendance or virtual viewing on the Town’s YouTube Channel.

Regular Council Meeting (Planning Matters) - January 15, 2024

Affordable Housing on Town-Owned Lands Policy

At the December 18, 2023, meeting, Council supported the preparation of a policy that enshrines several guiding principles for affordable housing on Town-owned lands. Approving this policy will help the Town make decisions on proposals to build affordable housing.

This was deferred.

Easthampton Phase 1 Subdivision Agreement and Lifting of Holding Provision

The vacant lands located north of Southampton’s High Street – along Grenville Street North – are zoned for residential development. They are subject to a Draft Plan of Subdivision and the developer is prepared to enter into a Subdivision Agreement to develop nine single-detached dwelling lots.

This was carried, and the by-law to sign the agreement was adopted.

To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.

Committee of the Whole Meeting -- January 29, 2024

Council Remuneration Review

As part of the 2023 Business Plan, Council endorsed hiring a consultant to complete a Council Remuneration Review. The Town retained Gallagher Benefit Services Group Inc. for review. It included ten comparator municipalities and used a holistic approach to remuneration including base remuneration, per diem rates, and insurance benefits.

This was recommended for approval, with amendments.

Asset Management Policy Update

Council first adopted the existing Town of Saugeen Shores Asset Management Policy in 2019, requiring an update in 2024. The Town has reviewed and updated this policy to ensure it complies with current legislation and continues to align with the Corporate Strategic Plan.

This was recommended for approval.

To learn more, view the Committee of Whole meeting agenda

Regular Council Meeting -- January 29, 2024

Committee of the Whole Report

The Committee recommended the following:

That Council approve the Continuing Education Policy.
That Council receive the Winter Conditions Road Closure Location Inquiry report for information.

These were carried.

Accessibility Plan 2024-2028

The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, as established by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, requires municipalities to develop a multi-year accessibility plan every five years. The Accessibility Plan must outline the municipality’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and meet the requirements established under the Regulation. The Accessibility Advisory Committee reviewed the proposed 2024-2028 Accessibility Plan and recommended it for Council's approval.

This was carried.

2024 Budget Follow-Up

Council identified a discrepancy between the drafted Municipal Budget By-law 3-2024 and Resolution 10-2024. The Council Resolution number 10-2024 incorrectly identified the Southampton Business Improvement Area (the SBIA) Levy as $57,500 and By-law 3-2024 correctly identified the Levy as $58,700. The discrepancy is equal to the SBIA’s request to transfer $1,200 into reserve. Council considered the adoption of By-law 3-2024, which includes the correct SBIA levy of $58,700.

This was approved.

The Beachside Café Lease Agreement

The lease agreement for the Town-owned lands at the Port Elgin Main Beach -- where the Beachside Café is located -- expired on December 31, 2023. Council discussed the renewal of the Beachside Café lease agreement for five (5) years to expire December 31, 2028, with similar terms as the previous lease.

This was carried.

Chantry Senior’s Centre Lease Agreement

The lease agreement with the Board of the Chantry Seniors Centre in Southampton expired on December 31, 2023. Council discussed the renewal of the agreement for five (5) years to expire December 31, 2028, with similar terms as the previous lease.

This was carried.

To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.