Council Highlights - June 19 & June 26, 2023

Committee of the Whole and Regular Council meetings occur on the second, third, and fourth Monday of each month, except for holidays. The Committee of the Whole consists of all members of Council. The Committee of the Whole reviews and recommends an item for approval by Council. The item still requires Council's final approval, which typically takes place at the Regular Council meeting held in two weeks’ time.

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

June 19, 2023 - Regular Council Meeting

Planning Report – 570 Johnston Ave.

The applicant sought a site-specific zoning provision to allow for a high-density residential building in the ‘Core Commercial’ zone of Port Elgin.  The amendment recognized the current setbacks for the existing single detached dwelling and a reduced lot area for that structure. It also recognized an increased front yard setback, and reduced parking requirement for the proposed apartment building.

This was carried.

Planning Report - Draft Plan of Subdivision, East side of Grenville Street North

Launch Property Group Inc. proposed to develop a two-hectare parcel of land in Southampton.  The developer proposed a residential subdivision comprised of nine single detached dwelling lots and one block for future development.

This was carried.

Staff Report - Design Guidelines for Existing Neighbourhoods

The Town prepared the Urban Existing Neighbourhoods Design Guidelines to:

• complement the Town’s ongoing planning work to update the Official Plan,
• support and facilitate the construction of housing that meets the needs of Saugeen Shores, and
• maintain the small-town charm that all residents of Saugeen Shores enjoy, 

This was adopted.

Staff Report - Municipal Housing Allowance

As approved in the 2023 Business Plan, and in accordance with the attached Memorandum of Understanding, the Town would supplement the County administered Municipal Housing Allowance Program by $75,000.

This was carried.

Staff Report- Provincial Planning Statement

The Province continues to make changes to the planning system. In this consultation, the Province seeks comments on the Provincial Planning Statement outlining provincial policy direction on land use planning. The County of Bruce submitted comments that generally align with the Town’s perspective on proposed changes to provincial planning policy.

This was carried.

To learn more, view the Regular Council meeting agenda.

June 26, 2023 - Committee of the Whole 

North Shore Park Train Survey 

On September 2021, a severe storm caused considerable damage to North Shore Park.  The Town did an Initial clean-up while putting further work on hold until there was a decision on the possible return of the historic steam train.

Mr. Scott Pearson had approached the Town with a proposal for bringing the train back to the park. The May 2023 online survey received 2190 votes, with 57% voting yes and 43% voting no to the proposal. This report recommended Council direct staff to work with Mr. Pearson to incorporate the Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad proposal into the master planning process for the park.  It also recommended that staff develop an agreement with Mr. Pearson concurrently for Council consideration.

Both the master park plan and agreement would return to Council for final approval. The process would ensure the appropriate integration of the train and its amenities to complement the park's entire design.

The Committee recommended advancing the master planning process for the North Shore Park, without incorporating a proposal for the historic Port Elgin and North Shore Train.

Light Industrial Water Rate Request

The Committee of the Whole meeting, a report was presented, and Council provided direction to staff to investigate and return to Council with implications of a revision to the Water/Sewer Rate By-law to include a Light Industrial Rate. It was recommended that the current billing system be kept in place, and upon the review and update of the Water and Wastewater Financial Plans and Rate Study in 2024, recommendations will be brought forward to provide Council with a comprehensive review.

This was received for information.

Draft Notice Policy

The Municipal Act, 2001, requires that all municipalities adopt and maintain a policy regarding notices. By-law 109-2002 governing Town notices included references to outdated legislation. This updated policy aligns with current legislation and modern communication methods.

This was recommended for approval.

2024 Business Plan Timelines

This report outlined the steps involved in developing the 2024 Business Plan.

This was recommended for approval.

Introduction to Asset Management

The Town continues to work towards meeting the provincial asset management requirements (as set out in O. Reg 588/17). The Town wis required to submit an updated asset management policy by July 2024, along with the next Asset Management Plan covering all other (non-Core) municipal assets. It is important to ensure the integration of asset management plans and policies in Town decisions.

This was received for information.

South Bruce Peninsula Fire Service Agreement

The municipality of South Bruce Peninsula requested to enter into a Fires Service Agreement with the Town of Saugeen Shores, where the Saugeen Shores Fire Department will respond to emergency incidents specific to an area designated as the half mile strip. The responses will be consistent with the service levels approved in the Establishing Regulatory Bylaw 25-2023.

This was recommended for approval.

Councillor Grace’s Report

Councillor Cheryl Grace (Southampton Ward) attended the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiatives Conference and Annual General meeting.  The report describes Councillor Grace's experience at the conference.

To learn more, view the Committee of the Whole meeting agenda. 

June 26, 2023 - Regular Council Meeting

Committee of the Whole Report

The Committee of the Whole recommended the following to Council:

1. That Council adopt a By-law to authorize entering into a Shared Services Memorandum of Understanding with the Saugeen Shores Police Services Board.
2. That Council receive the 25 Year Amalgamation Recognition report for information.
3. That Council adopt a by-law to authorize the Director, Fire Services to enter into an agreement with the County of Bruce allowing the Saugeen Shores Fire Department to provide emergency response to EMS for specific emergency calls for assistance; and That Council adopt a by-law to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an agreement with the London Medical Sciences Centre for the provision of medical oversight to both the Saugeen Shores Fire Department and Saugeen Shores Police Service.
4. That Council receive the 2022 Municipal Election Overview report for information.
5. That Council approve an additional $485,000 funded through debt financing for the Innovation Park capital development.

These were carried.

Regular Council Meeting added to Council Calendar

Staff recommended adding a Regular Council meeting to the Council Calendar for July 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the Rotary hall (located at 600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin). The purpose is to hold a Public Meeting for a subdivision plan for file S2022-0001 and Zoning By-law Amendment file Z2022-040, a residential development in Southampton.

This was carried.

Aquatic and Wellness Centre Borrowing By-law

This report accompanied a by-law to authorize short-term and long-term borrowing with Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation for the construction of the Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

This was carried.

Update Animal Control By-Law 36-2004 to Expand Access for Dogs on the Waterfront

On June 12, 2023, staff brought a report to Council with the results of the public survey and a recommendation to expand the access for dogs on the waterfront. The public survey results indicate support for this expanded access. At that meeting, Council reviewed the recommendations and directed staff to narrow the scope of the recommendations.

This was carried.

To learn more, view the Regular Council Meeting agenda.