Council Highlights - December 8, 2025

Final 2026 Business Plan and Budget Report

The report was a culmination of the Municipal 2026 Business Plan and Budget process that was deliberated by Council on November 12 and 26, 2025. If the budget is deemed adopted on December 12, 2025, the Town of Saugeen Shores 2026 Tax Levy will be set at $25,984,488 and will result in an estimated combined blended tax rate increase of 3.82%. When combined with the planned increase in the Future Infrastructure Special Levy and reduction in the Waste Management Fixed Fee, this represents a $202 increase to the average household assessed at $314,000.

Motions were made to move $470,000 from tax stabilization and be applied to the tax levy.  The Tax Levy By-law was deferred to return reflecting the changes in the tax rate.

The 2026 Fees and Charges By-law effective January 1, 2026, was passed.

This was carried, as amended.

Ward Boundary and Council Composition Review Update

Included in the 2025 Business Plan was a Division Highlight to review the Ward Boundaries and Council Composition. Staff conducted a FlashVote to gauge the public interest in undertaking a further review of the Ward Boundaries and Council Composition.

This was received for information.

Municipal Heritage Committee- 18 Huron Street North, Demolition Request

Council received a demolition request from the Municipal Heritage Committee, that the garage and workshop at 18 Huron Street North, a Heritage Property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act by the Town of Southampton By-law Number 98-20, be demolished.

This was carried.

Southampton Arts Centre Board of Directors Appointment

Council received a request to appoint Deputy Mayor Diane Huber, as a Town representative to the Southampton Arts Centre Board of Directors.

This was carried.

Society of United Professionals Condominium 2025 Activity Update

Council received a report that The Society of United Professionals has been supporting the Town’s physician recruitment program since 2014 through a generous investment in two (2) condominiums in Southampton. The accommodations provide housing for medical residents training locally and locum physicians filling temporary roles. This report highlights the condo activity and acknowledges the Town’s gratitude to the Society for its generous contribution to physician recruitment.

This was carried.

Town of Saugeen Shores Tourism Study 2025

Council received a report regarding the Saugeen Shores Tourism Study provides comprehensive insights into visitor demographics, travel patterns, and spending behaviours, offering a baseline and foundation for developing economic development programs and tourism strategies. The study was conducted in 2025 using data from a variety of sources.

This was carried.

Release of Conservation Agreement Re: 21 Snyder Avenue

Instrument No. R249503, an agreement between the former Township of Saugeen, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and Robert Gordon Thede and Maureen Elizabeth Thede can be released from the lands municipally known as 21 Snyder Ave., Saugeen Shores.

This was carried.

Easement with Mill Creek Developments Limited

The Town has an unregistered easement for municipal infrastructure over land owned by Mill Creek Developments Limited. It is desirous to maintain this easement, and as a result, an easement agreement is being negotiated with Mill Creek Developments Limited to permit the registration of the easement in the Bruce County Land Registry Office.

This was carried.

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes, discussed matters relative to the sale of Westario Power to ERTH Power Corporation, received a legal opinion and heard an update on the Shipley Trail relocation project.

Council passed By-law 114-2025 to authorize the sale of Westario Power Inc. to ERTH Power Corporation.