Council Highlights - June 23, 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.

June 23, 2025

2025 Spring Business Camp Summary

The Town hosted its second annual Spring Business Camp, where 50 employees discussed work trends, needs and resources. Frontline staff insights are crucial in shaping the Town’s Annual Business Plan, ensuring realistic and feasible future plans while involving TEAM Saugeen in corporate decision making.

This was received for information.

2026 Business Plan and Budget

The report outlined the steps involved in developing the 2026 Business Plan, along with the implications of the recently announced Strong Mayor Powers and how they intersect with the Town’s traditional Business Plan timeline.

This was received for information.

Update to AWC Operations and Management Plan and Proposed Fees

The Aquatic and Wellness Centre Operations and Management Plan, along with the proposed fees and charges, will guide the Recreation Division in preparing for opening and ongoing operations at the Aquatic and Wellness Centre. The Plan outlined key areas such as operational objectives, shutdown periods, the participation structure, facility allocation and programming principles, as well as affordable recreation programs. The report highlighted changes from the draft Plan previously presented.

This was carried.

Marine Heritage Society Boat House and Tour Base Agreements

The Marine Heritage Society leases the Boat House near the Coliseum and the Tour Base by the Southampton Harbour. The new five-year agreements begin June 23, 2025 and end May 31, 2030. During this 5-year period all agreements with the Marine Heritage Society will be reviewed and updated as outlined in the 2025 Business Plan. 

This was carried.

Southampton Cenotaph Donation and Pledge Update

The report outlined the obligations of both the Town and the Donor that have requested a return to their donation for the Southampton Cenotaph project. These obligations involve record keeping, tax implications and notification to the Canada Revenue Agency. To avoid the obligation, the Donor may redirect their donation to another Town project.

This was received for information.

Future Infrastructure Special Levy Communications Report

During the Council Business Plan and Budget deliberations in November 2024, Council requested that staff create an insert for the 2025 tax billing to help residents better understand the Future Infrastructure Special Levy.

This was received for information.

Communications:

Council endorsed the following:

• County of Bruce Staff Report- Proposed Bill 17: Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025
• Watson and Associates- Bill 17 Comments for Regulatory Registry

 Mayoral Direction:

• 2025-01: The CAO and Director, Corporate Services to prepare the proposed 2026-2034 Business Plan and Budget, and the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law