Council Highlights - August 10, 2026
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.
August 10 2026
Bluewater Lands Housing and Park Development - Project Update
The Bluewater Lands Housing and Park Development is a complex project with inter-related processes, requirements and timelines. This report provided an overview update on the main project components as well as specific recommendations to activate key next steps.
Council declared the lands described as Parts 4 and 5, Part of Lot 35, Lake Range and Block 107, Registered Plan 3M-246, as surplus to the needs of the municipality; and,
Directed staff to provide public notice of its intent to dispose of the lands; and,
Directed staff to obtain evaluation for the lands prior to disposition.
Operations and Community Services Facilities Review
The Centralized Operations Centre Feasibility Study was included in the 2025 Business Plan as a Public Works Division Highlight. This report summarized the findings and outlined the preferred solution. Recommendations outlined in the Report will be included in future Business Plans for Council consideration.
Council endorsed the Concession 6 Yard as the preferred solution; and,
Directed staff to incorporate the preferred solution into the 2027 Business Plan for consideration.
Southampton Environmental Assessment
Investigations into performance issues with Southampton Sewage Pumping Station 1 and 3 on the Southampton Sewage Collection system have revealed that the performance issues are related primarily to the forcemain, not the sewage pumps. Furthermore, forcemain investigation, and rehabilitation, is prohibitive due to the expense of hauling sewage during work of that nature. A different approach, involving replacement of the low-performing section of forcemain, is recommended.
Council endorsed the preferred alternatives and implementation next steps as outlined in the Southampton Environmental Assessment Report.
Development Charges Reduction Program and Development Charge Rates
The Town had not yet received any communication from the Province regarding its application to the Development Charges Reduction Program (DCRP). Due to potential time limitations on the Town executing any potential agreement under the program, it was recommended that Council authorize the CAO to execute the agreement.
Council authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to execute all documents required for the Development Charges Reduction Program, including authorization to formally commit the Town to a 50% decrease in residential Development Charges from March 30, 2026 rates.
Saugeen Community Tourism Strategy
The Town of Saugeen Shores and Saugeen First Nation co-developed a five-year, comprehensive Tourism Strategy informed by community feedback. The Community Tourism Strategy is founded on connection with a strong focus on sustainable tourism, including water stewardship. This initiative follows the recommendations in the Destination Development Plan and the Friendship Accord (Wiijkiwenydiwaad Miinwa Zgaabiignigan).
Council received the Saugeen Community Tourism Strategy for information.
Municipal Heritage Committee Resolution- 160 Leeder Lane, Provincial Heritage Designation- notice of intention
Council directed staff to proceed with the designation of 160 Leeder Lane, Southampton under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act; and,
Staff were authorized to prepare and publish the required Notice of Intention to Designate and undertake all necessary steps in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act.
Community and Economic Development Update
This report summarized Community and Economic Development initiatives completed from 2024 to 2026 to date. The attached Community and Economic Development Initiatives Report provided project details and measurable outcomes. Together, the report and presentation reflect Council-endorsed priorities, including the Town of Saugeen Shores Strategic Plan, Business Plans, and related development plans.
Council received the Community and Economic Development Update report for information.
Rural Roads Surface Analysis
The Rural Roads Surface Analysis was included in the 2026 Business Plan as a Public Works Division Highlight. This report presented a comparison between gravel roads and surface-treated (tar and chip) roads, including lifecycle costs and operational considerations.
Council received the Rural Roads Surface Analysis report for information.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Policy
The proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Policy provides a framework for the evaluation and approval of proposed third-party electric vehicle charging stations on Town land. The Policy is intended to be used to evaluate third party requests to provide service, as well as the framework for any future procurements to provide stations for public and/or Town fleet use. The 2027 Business Plan will include an Operations Division Highlight to finalize and implement the Policy.
Council received the Proposed Electric Vehicle Charging Station Policy report for information.
Legislation Expansion of “Bring-Your-Own” Alcoholic Beverages
On March 17, 2026, the Ontario Government released a statement titled Ontario Permitting “Bring-Your-Own” Alcoholic Beverages at Outdoor Public Events. The statement announced an amendment to a regulation under the Liquor Licence and Control Act, enabling community and cultural organizations to permit attendees at municipally designated outdoor public events to bring their own alcohol for consumption within designated areas. This report provided an overview of the expanded legislation and did not recommend Council proceed with permitting “Bring-Your-Own” events in the Town of Saugeen Shores.
Council directed staff not to advance the expanded event permit framework associated with the “Bring-Your-Own” Alcohol Beverages Legislation Expansion.
2025 Annual Report-Saugeen Shores Municipal Housing Allowance
As approved in the 2025 Business Plan, the Town increased its supplement to the County administered Municipal Housing Allowance Program from $150,000 to $225,000, to be implemented through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and authorizing By-law.
Council received the 2025 Annual Report-Saugeen Shores Municipal Housing Allowance for information.
Southampton Tennis Club 2026-2036 Lease Renewal
The Lease Agreement between the Town of Saugeen Shores (Lessor/Landlord) and the Southampton Tennis Club (Lessee/Tenant) for operations at 165 Lake Street and a portion of 34 Victoria St., Southampton expires on August 31st, 2026. The parties have negotiated new terms and conditions, as identified in the Lease Agreement attached to By-law 79-2026 in the By-law section of the Agenda.
Council adopted By-law 79-2026, being a By-law to authorize the entering into of a Lease Agreement with the Southampton Tennis Club.
Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee Appointment
This report outlined the next steps required for the appointment of members to the Joint Bruce County 2026 Election Compliance Audit Committee (JCAC), following the establishment of the joint framework under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 (MEA). The appointment by-law was included in the By-laws section of the Agenda for Council’s consideration.
Council adopted By-law 80-2026, being a By-law to authorize the appointment of members to the Joint Bruce County 2026 Election Compliance Audit Committee.
Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2026
On June 2, 2026 , Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2026 (Bill 9) received Royal Assent and was passed into law. Bill 9 amends the Municipal Act, 2001 and introduces a province-wide framework for municipal codes of conduct, Integrity Commissioner oversight, and a process that may result in the removal of elected officials from office for serious code of conduct violations.
Council received the Bill 9, Municipal Accountability Act, 2026 report for information.
Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026
On April 24, 2026, Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures) (Bill 97) received Royal Assent and was passed into law. Among other things, Bill 97 amends the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) with the aim of improving operational efficiency in responding to access requests and modernizing the privacy framework for institutions subject to MFIPPA.
Council received the Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026 report for information.
Communications
The following was received for information:
- 2026-07-26 U17 Saugeen Sting Request
- Bill 97 Amendments to FIPPA and MFIPPA – Fact Sheets for July 1, 2026 In-Force Changes
- Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling Board - June 17, 2026 Minutes
- Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling Board - June 24, 2026 Minutes
- Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling Board - May 20, 2026 Minutes - Correction
- City of Burlington Letter Re Development Charge Reduction Program
- ElectHER Letter - July 13, 2026
- Letter and Sample Resolution from MFOA Regarding OCIF Funding
- Letter from the Honourable Minister Robert J. Flack - Parkland dedication framework
- Motion for Provincial Support, Funding and Coordinated Plans to Combat Tick Borne Diseases
- NII Saugeen Shores Council Report_Q2 2026
- Saugeen Shores Police Service Board Minutes - May 27, 2026
- SMART Annual Letter for 2025
- SMART Board Minutes June 4, 2026
- Support for Town of Iriquois Falls Request Ontario Firefighter Certification Requirements
- SVCA Board Minutes - May 2026
- SVCA Quarter 2 Newsletter 2026
- Township of Puslinch Resolution 2026-171 Supports Stone Mills Opposition to FOI Changes
- Township of Puslinch resolution 2026-202 supporting Halton Hills Modernizing Ontario’s Invasive Plant
Council supported the following correspondence:
- Item 12.10.8 Letter and Sample Resolution from MFOA Regarding OCIF Funding; and,
- Item 12.10.10 Town of Caledon Motion for Provincial Support, Funding and Coordinated Plans to Combat Tick Borne Diseases
Motions and Notice of Motion
Councillor B. Halpin Notice of Motion Regarding Highway 21 Speed Limit between Concession 10 and South Street
The Notice of Motion was introduced regarding Highway 21 Speed Limit between Concession 10 and South Street and will be considered on August 24, 2026.
Council Passed the following by-laws:
- By-law 79-2026 - Authorize Lease with Southampton Tennis Club - 165 Lake St. Southampton and a Portion of 34 Victoria St. Southampton
- By-law 80-2026 - Appoint Citizens to the Bruce County Joint Compliance Audit Committee for the 2026 to 2030 Term of Council
- By-law 81-2026 Animal Control By-law
- By-law 82-2026 - Confirm the Proceedings of August 10, 2026
Business Arising from Closed Session:
Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes of July 6, 2026.
Council discussed matters and provided direction to Staff on 553 Goderich Street Encampment, John Mann v Town of Saugeen Shores, and BASWR Waste Management Agreement.
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.