Council Highlights - April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

2026 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 1 Update

Council received a report on the updates for Quarter 1, 2026 which detailed the 41 Major Initiatives as well as 94 Division Highlights and 27 Capital Highlights. The progress completion is also included as a live feed on the Town website. There are no significant issues being flagged with completing the work program as outlined.

Council received the 2026 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 1 Update report for information.

This was carried.

Bill 98 Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act

On March 30, 2026, the Province of Ontario introduced Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026. This Bill is intended to speed up housing delivery, reduce development costs, and improve transit integration across Ontario. The government is seeking feedback on the proposed legislative changes until May 14, 2026. This report summarized key issues and presents comments for Council’s consideration.

Council endorsed the comments in the report and directed staff to forward them to the Province through the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for consideration.

This was carried.

Healthcare Financial and Subsidy Baseline

On October 27, 2025, Council was presented the Municipal Healthcare Administration Review, which recommended a Phase 2 – Foundational Pathway – to be undertaken in 2026. The Foundational Pathway is a series of five reports that will come forward sequentially. This report, is the first, establishing the financial and subsidy baseline which is a fundamental part of the broader decision-making process.

Council received the Healthcare Financial and Subsidy Baseline report for information.

This was carried.

2026 Municipal and School Board Election Policies and Procedures

The next regular municipal election will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026. This report provides Council with an update on preparations for the election, including key dates, voting method, procedures and communications.

Council received the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election Policies and Procedures report for information.

This was carried.

Chesley St. Docking Committee Lease Renewal

Council received a report on the Lease Agreement between the Town of Saugeen Shores (Lessor/Landlord) and the Chesley Street Docking Committee (Lessee/Tenant) for operations at 1 Chesley Street, Southampton which were set to expire on April 30, 2026. The parties have negotiated new terms and conditions, as identified in the Lease Agreement attached to By-law 40-2026.

Council adopted By-law 40-2026, being a By-law to authorize the entering into of a Lease Agreement with Chesley Street Docking Committee.

This was carried.

Development Charges Treasurer's Statement

The Development Charges Treasurer's Statements are annual financial reports, mandated by Ontario provincial regulation (O. Reg. 82/98), detailing the financial activity and balances within a municipality's development charge reserve funds for a given year.

Council received the Development Charges Treasurer’s Statement report for information.

This was carried.

2025 Preliminary Operating Financials

The Town’s 2025 Operating results show a total surplus of $12.7 million. $4.6 million is attributable to the Tax Stabilization Reserve and the remaining $8.1 million is attributable to other reserves, predominately the Water and Wastewater reserves.

Council received the 2025 Preliminary Operating Financials report for information.

This was carried.

Water Agreement with Saugeen First Nation

The Memorandum of Agreement dated May 2006 between the Town and Saugeen First Nation (SFN) was set to expire on May 30, 2026. The SFN desire to continue to receiving water from the Town’s municipal water system on the terms and conditions contained in the Water Service Agreement.

Council adopted By-law 41-2026, being a By-law to authorize the entering into of a Water Service Agreement with Saugeen First Nation.

This was carried.

Eagle Court Petition/Condominium Services Update

On January 5, 2026, Eagle Court residents petitioned Council for tax relief due to the lack of municipal services on the private road that is part of a condominium development. This report overviews the situation and advises that the current approach of not providing services or assuming private roads, based on cost and precedent concerns, should be maintained.

Council received the Eagle Court Petition/Condominium Services Update report for information.

This was carried.

Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive

In the fall of 2025, the Ontario government introduced and enacted the Buy Ontario Act (Public Sector Procurement), 2025. The Province issued a Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive, with implementation dates of April 13, 2026 for Fleet Vehicles and May 15th, 2026 for Capital Infrastructure.

Council received the Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive report for information.

This was carried.

Communications

The following was received for information:

• BASWR February 2026 Minutes
• Minister Bethlenfalvy - FONOM Letter on Equitable Access to Provincial Infrastructure Funding
• Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive – Phased Implementation Dates
• Municipal Heritage Committee Minutes - March 18, 2026
• Nuclear Innovation Institute 2026 Q1 Progress Report
• Saugeen Shores Police Service Board Minutes - January 21, 2026
• Southampton BIA Board Minutes - February 27 2026
• Township of Oro-Medonte - Support Correspondence from the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS)

The following was supported by Council:

• Goderich Harbour Expansion - Bruce County Lower-Tiers - Letters of Support - 2026-03-05
• Ontario Heritage Organization Development Grant Advocacy
• Source Protection Committee Letter of Concern
• Request for a Comprehensive Review of the Provincial-Municipal Fiscal Framework.