Council Highlights - July 6, 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.
July 6 2026
2026 Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights Quarter 2 Update
The Major Initiatives, Division and Capital Highlights from the annual Business Plan are reported every quarter to update Council and the public on the progress of the annual activities related to the Saugeen Shores Strategic Plan. This report includes the updates for Quarter 2, 2026 and details 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 2 Update report for information.
440 Green Street Encroachment Agreement
The owners of 440 Green Street requested an encroachment agreement to enable their personal use of part of the Town laneway that is situated between two properties they own. The stated purpose was to create an enlarged and fenced residential rear yard. This report sets out the evaluation of the request.
Council approved Option 1: Deny the Request for an Encroachment Agreement contained within the 440 Green Street Encroachment Agreement Report.
Southampton Sewage Pump Station 1, 3 and Forcemain Capacity
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 received the Southampton Sewage Pump Station 1, 3 and Forcemain Capacity report for information.
Municipal Healthcare Asset and Contract Alignment
On October 27, 2025, Council received the Municipal Healthcare Administration Review, which recommended a Phase 2 Foundational Pathway be undertaken in 2026. The Foundational Pathway is a series of five sequential reports designed to provide Council with the analysis, governance clarity, and decision points required to consider the Town’s future role in healthcare-related matters. This report is the third in that sequence and focuses on the Municipal Healthcare Asset and Contract Alignment.
Council received the Healthcare Asset and Contract Alignment report for information.
Ice Allocation Policy
As Saugeen Shores continues to grow and our recreational demands evolve, the need for a fair, consistent, and transparent approach to scheduling our ice facilities has become increasingly clear. The proposed Policy identifies how user groups and ice customers will be prioritized when considering allocation requests for Town-owned ice facilities for each season.
Council approved the Ice Allocation Policy as presented.
Administrative Monetary Penalty System By-law Amendment
This report recommended amending By-law 34-2026 to add Fire Code offences eligible for administrative penalties under the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System. The by-law is included in the By-laws section of the Agenda.
Council adopted By-law 69-2026 to amend By-law 34-2026 respecting the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
Animal Control By-law Update
A review of Animal Control By-law 26-2004 has been completed and recommends amendments to improve clarity, enforceability, and alignment with current municipal practices. The proposed changes were informed by comparator municipalities and public feedback, with a revised by-law will be brought to a subsequent Council meeting for consideration.
Council directed Staff to remove the provisions around Dog Daycare licensing, and to exempt KP Officers and Service Animals from provisions of the by-law.
Council approved the proposed amendments to the Animal Control By-law; and,
Council directed that the revised Animal Control By-law be brought to the August 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting for Council’s consideration.
Animal Shelter Capital Contribution Funding Agreement
This report requested Councils authorization to execute a Capital Contribution Funding Agreement with the City of Owen Sound for continued use of the Owen Sound Animal Shelter for pound services. The agreement is the most practical and cost-effective option identified and includes an annual capital contribution of approximately $9,544.80, which was included in the 2026 Business Plan.
Council authorized the Director, Corporate Services to execute the Capital Contribution Funding Agreement with the City of Owen Sound.
Development Charges Background Study Update
The Development Charges (DC) Background Study is required to support the Town’s Development Charges By-law. This report highlighted minor changes to the Background Study and recommended the Background Study for approval. The DC By-law enacts the rates supported in the Background Study is included in the By-law section of the Council agenda.
Council approved the Development Charges Background Study.
Communications
The following was received for information:
- Municipal Heritage Committee - May 20, 2026 Minutes
- MNP - Town of Saugeen Shores 2025 Audit Service Plan
- Southampton Business Improvement Area Board - May 25, 2026 Minutes
- Port Elgin Business Improvement Area Board - June 2, 2026 Minutes
- Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling Board - April 15, 2026 Minutes - Correction
- Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling Board - May 20, 2026 Minutes
- Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team - Grey-Bruce Primary Care and Health System Update
- Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team - Primary Care Funding Announcement – Frequently Asked Questions
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Strong Mayor Powers Letter
- Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement - Amendments to FIPPA MFIPPA in Bill 97 Fact Sheet
- Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada - Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) Letter
- Township of Athens - Expansion of Strong Mayor Powers Resolution
Council supported the following correspondence:
- Council forwarded Item 12.6.11 Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada - Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14) Letter to Saugeen Shores Police Services for request for comment.
Council Passed the following by-laws:
- By-law 69-2026 - By-law to Amend By-law 34-2026 respecting the Town’s Administrative Monetary Penalty System
- By-law 70-2026 - Town of Saugeen Shores Development Charges By-law
- By-law 71-2026 -By-law to Establish and Appoint Screening Officers and Hearing Officers for the Administrative Monetary Penalty System
- By-law 72-2026 - By-law to Appoint Fire Chief-Rob Atkinson
- By-law 73-2026 - Confirm the Proceedings of July 6, 2026
Business Arising from Closed Session:
Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes of June 22, 2026.
Council discussed matters relative to the CAO Performance Review, BASWR Municipal Service Corporation Business Case, Wilson Habitat Development - Future of Town-Owned Units, and Disposal of 151 South Rankin St., Southampton.
Council provided direction to Staff on the matters discussed and Council adopted the following recommendation
That Council directs staff to notify member municipalities of Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling the following endorsements by Saugeen Shores Council:
That Council endorses the BASWR Municipal Services Corporation (MSC) Business Case including the recommended MSC Governance Model and Principles of Reserved Shareholder Powers; and
That Council endorses proceeding with a Municipal Services Corporation, in principle, as the preferred governance and operating model for Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling; and
That Council endorses the continuation of the existing BASWR Municipal Working Group and the Chief Administrative Officers as the Transition Committee through the implementation planning phase; and
That Council endorses the next steps to publish the public BASWR Municipal Services Corporation Business Case and hold the required public meeting (Town Hall) on July 7th, 2026.
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.