Council Highlights - January 5, 2026

January 5, 2026

Westario Power Sale Update

Council heard an update to the Town of Saugeen Shores from Wally Malcolm, Interim President and CEO of Westario Power and Ron Clark, Partner, Aird Berlis LLP regarding the sale of Westario Power to ERTH Power Corporation.

This was received for information.

143 Knowles Lane Encroachment Agreement

Council heard a report regarding an encroachment agreement that is recommended to allow an existing deck to be replaced. The deck is attached to a house that has encroached onto the shore road allowance for a long time.

This was carried.

Perkins Encroachment Application

This was removed from the agenda on consensus.

High Street Speed Limit and Stop Signs Bylaw

On November 25, 2024, Council approved the final design for High Street, which included the installation of all-way stop controls at key intersections, a posted speed limit of 30 km/h, bike symbols on the roadway, and additional safety features along High Street. This report brings forward the required by-law for Council’s consideration to implement these measures.

This was carried.

Housekeeping Amendments to the Procedural By-law

Council received a request to approve a By-law to Amend the Procedural By-law, as presented

This was carried.

Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling (BASWR) 2026 Budget Approval                

Council received a report regarding the BASWR joint collaboration involving seven lower tier municipalities within Bruce County for waste / recycling collection and disposal. Under the Municipal Act, 2001, BASWR’s annual budget requires approval by each member municipality. The 2026 budget reflects changes due to the new Extended Producer Responsibility program for Blue Box materials starting January 1, 2026. Council is being asked to approve the BASWR 2026 budget.

This was carried.

Communications endorsed by Council:

1. Town of Wasaga Beach - Advocacy for Funds to Effectively Manage Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

2. Westlinks Subdivision - Petition to Council - was referred to staff to prepare a staff report.

Notice of Motion

A Notice of Motion and Motion to Consider without notice, were brought forward requesting a reconsideration of the amalgamation into the “Huron Superior Regional Conservation Authority”.

These were carried.

Mayoral Direction

2026-01

Mayor Charbonneau directed the Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer to develop a financial plan for the Mayor, outlining options for eliminating the Town’s $470,000 reliance on the Tax Stabilization Reserve to fund ongoing operations as approved in the 2026 Business Plan and Budget. The Mayor directed staff to identify possible future year operational changes with the potential to reduce the overall cost of municipal operations for consideration by the Mayor prior to the start of the 2027 Business Plan and Budget process.

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes and gave direction to staff with respect to organizational considerations.