Council Highlights - April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

Water/Wastewater By-law Update–Implementation and Procedural Framework

Council heard a report, proposing a Water and Wastewater By-law which consolidates three existing by-laws to modernize the Town’s water and wastewater system administration. This report updated Council on implementation, with a focus on tenant billing and account management. The by-law and related fees will be presented on May 11, 2026.

This was carried.

Administrative Compliance System Report

Council heard a report, The AMPS/ACS pilot program which was approved by Council in 2025 but was delayed due to administrative issues at the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office. To move forward, the pilot now includes offences under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Ontario Fire Code, Clean Yards, and municipal tree-related requirements. The necessary by-laws to establish the AMPS program and amend the Clean Yards By-law have been included in the By-laws section of the agenda.

This was carried.

Active Transportation Wayfinding Signage Strategy

Council heard a presentation from Sean Kelly and Alex Feenstra on behalf of the consultant team, pl.ural. The Town of Saugeen Shores is developing an Active Transportation Wayfinding Signage Strategy to improve navigation for pedestrians and cyclists with clear, consistent, and accessible signage. This initiative supports the Town’s Bicycle Friendly Community status and follows recommendations from the Bicycle Friendly Community ad hoc Committee and the Transportation Master Plan.

This was carried.

Surplus Lands – Wilson Developments Affordable Housing Project

The Wilson Developments affordable housing project is proposed on lands owned by the Town. The lands were reviewed relative to the Town Sale and Other Disposition of Lands Policy and it has been confirmed that the lands are not needed for the Town’s current anticipated needs. Council needs to formally declare the subject land surplus to the Town’s needs in order to sell the land to Wilson Developments.

This was carried.

2025 Closed Carry-Forward Capital Projects

Total project capital spending in 2025 was $57,831,666 of which $24,524,613 is attributed to the Future Capital Reserve, and the balance is attributable to other reserves as shown in the Reserve Contribution Report attachment. The $57,831,666 of spending compares to a budget of $103,224,691 resulting in an underspent variance of $45,393,025. This variance is comprised of carry-forward budget of $45,148,537 to enable the completion of projects that are staying open, and a surplus to budget of $244,488 on projects that are closing.

This was carried.

Council received the following communications:

• Bruce C Community Newsletter - March 2026
• Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force 2025 Annual Report
• Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force 2026 Collective Impact Framework
• Municipality of St. Charles - Small Northern New Residential Property Tax Class
• SCVA Correspondence - Freshet and Watershed Wide Flood Watch
• SCVA Correspondence - Conservation Authority Amalgamation
• SCVA Quarter 1 Update
• SMART Meeting Minutes - February 13, 2026
•  Southampton BIA Board Minutes - October 23 2025
• Southampton BIA Board Minutes - November 27 2025
• Southampton BIA Board Minutes - January 23, 2026
• Township of Papineau-Cameron Resolution - Ontario Veterinary College

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes and discussed matters and provided direction to Staff regarding the Saugeen First Nation Water Supply Agreement.