Council Highlights - January 13 and 27, 2025

January 13, 2025

Planning Report - Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2024-066 (Mackintosh)

The purpose of the Zoning By-law Amendment is to facilitate a severance which will be considered by the County at a later date. The Zoning By-law Amendment would reduce the 'minimum lot area' for the severed parcel and reduce the 'minimum exterior side yard' to permit a larger dwelling on the severed lot than otherwise allowed. 
This was carried.

Draft Cultural Heritage Master Plan

The Draft Cultural Heritage Master Plan (CHMP) was presented outlining the key recommended actions to conserve cultural heritage resources in Saugeen Shores. Members of Council provided feedback to be included when the Plan returns.
This was carried.

Site Plan Control Area By-law Amendment – Business Park (BP) Zone

The Town of Saugeen Shores’ current Site Pan Control Area By-law does not include lands zoned Business Park (BP). An amendment is proposed that will allow the Town to require land within the BP zone to be subject to the Site Plan Control approval process. 
This was carried.

Removal of Holding Provision – Woodlands Phase 3

The holding provision can be removed from the subject lands, as Section 41 of the Planning Act no longer allows for developments that will be 10 residential units or less to be subject to Site Plan Control, and the servicing allocation for Phase 3 of the Woodlands Subdivision (S-2021-002) has been completed to the satisfaction of the Town. 
This was carried.
 
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.

January 27, 2025

Property Tax Assessment Errors Response

The Municipal Act limits the municipality’s ability to cancel or refund property taxes more than two years prior to an application being made. Council decided to authorize staff to refund for MPAC palpable errors that are more than two (2) years prior to a resident’s Section 358 application for applications that would be less than $1,000. Above $1,000, the appropriate mechanism remains for the property owner to seek further relief through an application to the Assessment Review Board.
This was carried.

Proposed New Sign By-law

The current Saugeen Shores Sign By-law was passed in 2015 and amended in 2017. A new draft Sign By-law is presented for Council’s information and discussion. The by-law will be brought back, incorporating feedback from Council.
This was carried.

The Town of Saugeen Shores Brand Refresh

The Town of Saugeen Shores has historically lacked a comprehensive brand narrative and brand guide, relying solely on a visual identity (logo). Over the past several months, two community engagement workshops were conducted to gather input on developing a comprehensive brand narrative for Saugeen Shores. This report presents the resulting brand narrative and the accompanying brand guide that outlines its execution. The Brand Refresh will be brought to Council with information on the proposed roll-out and approval of the proposed brand.
This was received for information.

Shipley Avenue Area Culverts Inspections

The Town’s Public Works and Engineering Divisions inspected Shipley Avenue's major drainage culverts and outlets 22, 23 and 24 on October 24, 2024. This report highlights the current conditions and issues observed and notes the future needs of these assets. This review was requested during the Council’s discussions on the updated Town Master Drainage Plan for 2024.
This was received for information.

Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan Approval

The draft Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan was presented to Council during the December 9, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting. Minor changes to the formatting and some of the introductory content have been updated based on feedback. The action items and overall reduction target remain consistent with the initially proposed draft plan.
This was carried.

Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 – Commenting Period

Bill 241, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, has had its first reading and is referred to the Standing Committee. A consultation period has been announced and concludes on February 10, 2025. This report highlights the proposed changes and makes some suggestions for amendment. The evolution of this legislation will continue to be monitored and where appropriate, future reports will be brought forward to Council.
This was carried.

Source Separated Organics Resolution

Whereas at the November 27, 2024, Regular Council meeting, Council passed resolution 292-2024: “That Council direct staff to develop a motion for Council to consider a request to Bruce County to coordinate Source Separated Organics.”; and 
Whereas the Town of Saugeen Shores has included a Source Separated Organics Feasibility Study in the 2025 Business Plan, to inform the Environmental Assessment Study for the Landfill Optimization by examining ways to increase diversion; and 
Whereas the transition date of the Blue Box recycling program to Circular Materials Ontario responsibility is January 1, 2026, and this affects all the lower tier municipalities in Bruce County; and  
Whereas Bruce County has historically had a role in Waste Management long-term planning and coordination including, but not limited to, hosting the Waste Management Sub-Committee, and preparing the County’s Long Term Waste Management Plan, currently in draft form, which addresses both Blue Box Transition and Source Separated Organics. 
Now Therefore be It Resolved that the Town of Saugeen Shores formally requests that Bruce County Transportation and Environmental Services Department coordinate Blue Box Transition Planning and Source Separated Organics issues with the lower-tier municipalities, via the Waste Management Sub Committee; and
That this resolution be forwarded to all municipalities in Bruce County.
This was carried.

Council endorsed the following items under Communications:

• Town of Aylmer – Opposition to Provincial Legislation on Cycling Lanes and Support for Municipal Authority in Transportation Planning Resolution
• Municipality of Kincardine – Property Taxation Implications Related to Non-Market Valuation of Electricity Industry Properties Resolution

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session Council approved Closed to Public minutes, discussed a plan or instruction to be applied to negotiations relative to a confidential amending agreement with Dr. Khan that is a personal matter about an identifiable individual, provided instructions to be applied to negotiations on behalf of the municipality regarding a Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Partnership Update, and discussed matters relative to litigation and advice subject to solicitor-client privilege on confidential matters.

Council adopted one resolution arising from the Closed to Public Session:

That Council adopt By-law 12-2025, a By-law to authorize a confidential amending agreement with Dr. Shaji Khan.

This was carried.
 
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.