Council Highlights - June 22, 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.
June 22, 2026
Zoning By-law Amendment Recommendation - Z-2026-019 (Bluewater Affordable Housing and Park)
Council heard a presentation on the application to rezone the property from Residential First Density (R1 and R1-84) to Residential Fourth Density (R4-33) with site-specific provisions, Open Space (OS) and Institutional (I-4). If approved, the application would permit the construction of 2 apartment buildings, 8 stacked townhouse buildings and 4 standard townhouse buildings, consisting of a total of 183 rental units intended to meet affordability parameters for moderate and low income households, along with a new approximately 0.8 ha (2 acre) municipal park.
Council approved Zoning By-law Amendment - Z-2026-019 (Bluewater Affordable Housing and Park) and By-law 60-2026; and
Council resolved that no further notice is necessary with respect to the minor change in the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment in accordance with the provisions of Section 34(17) of the Planning Act.
Council directed Staff to report back on potential traffic calming measures for the subject lands and surrounding area; and
Council directed Staff to prepare options for increasing parkland within the development, including consideration of relocating the stormwater management pond; and
Council directed Staff to notify individuals who have submitted email correspondence as of June 22, 2026 regarding the application when the site plan control process is initiated.
Bluewater Affordable Housing Development-Letter of Intent
Council heard a report on the Town's Build Canada Homes application for the Bluewater Affordable Housing Development, a Letter of Intent has been prepared to demonstrate the Town’s intention to enter into an agreement with Margaret Laurence Housing Co-operative in support of the proposed affordable housing project. A formal agreement will be brought forward for Council’s consideration at a later date.
Council adopted By-law 66-2026, a By-law to authorize a Letter of Intent with Margaret Laurence Housing Co-operative.
2026 Spring Business Camp Summary
Council heard a report on the second annual Spring Business Camp, where over 50 employees discussed work trends, needs and resources. Frontline staff insights are crucial in shaping the Town’s Annual Business Plan, ensuring realistic and feasible future plans while involving TEAM Saugeen in corporate decision making.
Council received the 2026 Spring Business Camp Summary report for information.
2027 Business Plan and Budget
Council heard a report outlining the steps involved in developing the 2027 Business Plan, along with the implications of Strong Mayor Powers, the 2026 Municipal Election, and how they intersect with the Town’s traditional Business Plan timeline.
Council received the 2027 Business Plan and Budget report for information.
RZone – Respect and Responsibility Policy and Respectful Workplace Policy Update
As part of the Human Resources Division Highlight for the 2026 Business Plan, Council heard a report on the updated RZone – Respect and Responsibility and the Respectful Workplace policies which establish clear behavioural expectations for both public interactions and internal workplace conduct. The policies promote safe, respectful, and inclusive municipal environments and provide a consistent and transparent framework to prevent and address discrimination, harassment, violence, and other inappropriate behaviour. The Policies are contained in the By-law section of the Agenda.
Council adopted By-Law 64-2026 being a by-law to establish the updated RZone – Respect and Responsibility Policy as presented, replacing the existing RZone Policy and Procedure; and
Council adopted By-Law 65-2026 being a by-law to establish a Respectful Workplace Policy as presented, replacing the existing Workplace Violence, Harassment, and Discrimination Policy.
Town Submission to SPSS Strategic Plan
Council heard a report on the Town's feedback to the SSPS Strategic Planning Committee for development of the 2026-2029 SSPS Strategic Plan. This report outlined comments for Council consideration with the intent to submit comments to the Planning Committee as the Town’s official comments related to the next Strategic Plan.
Council endorsed the comments in this report regarding the 2026-2029 SSPS Strategic Plan; and,
Council directed staff to submit comments to the SSPS Strategic Planning Committee for consideration in development of the new Strategic Plan; and,
Council requested that a Draft of the proposed new 2026-2029 SSPS Strategic Plan return to Council for review prior to approval.
2026 Heritage Conservation Award
Council heard a report from the Municipal Heritage Committee recommending amending Policy POL-CLK-005 to permit up to two recipients annually, with each supported by individual justification. Subject to Council approval, the Committee recommended Scott Good and Randy Schnarr as the 2026 Heritage Conservation Award recipients in recognition of their outstanding and complementary contributions to heritage conservation.
Council approved the amendments to POL-CLK-005 Heritage Conservation Award Policy; and,
Council endorsed the selection of Scott Good and Randy Schnarr as the 2026 Heritage Conservation Award recipients.
Hole-In-One Challenge Delegation Follow Up
The report was prepared in response to the delegation made to Council on January 26, 2026, regarding a proposed recreational activation known as the HoleInOne Challenge. While the proposal was presented as a temporary seasonal activity, it is also an unsolicited request for a new attraction on the Saugeen Shores waterfront.
Council directed staff to decline the proposal to host the Hole-In-One Challenge attraction in Saugeen Shores.
Parking By-Law Amendment
The report recommends Council adopt an amending By-law to implement revised on-street parking regulations throughout the Town. The report makes recommendations to increase parking spaces along Highway 21 in Southampton, includes housekeeping updates to address operational and enforcement matters, introduces parking controls where there are areas of concern and removes outdated bike lane signage. The details of the By-law are included in the By-law section of the agenda.
Council adopted By-law 67-2026, a by-law to authorize amending the Town’s Parking By-law to implement revised on-street parking regulations.
Tara Twins Delegation Follow Up Report
At the May 25, 2026, meeting, Mr. Greig from the Tara Twins presented a delegation to Council outlining a request to host the 2027 U17 Canadian Softball Championship at Lamont Sports Park. This report is a follow-up from the delegation and to provide Council with a recommendation for consideration.
Council approved the request to host the 2027 U17 Canadian Softball Championship at Lamont Sports Park and;
Council approved the 2027 Adult or Other Sports Rate for the tournament as outlined.
Bill 119 Protecting Ontario's Street and Communities Act, 2026 Draft Comments
Bill 119, Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act, 2026, has been released for public review and comment. This report outlines the proposed amendments to the Planning Act, summarizes the potential impacts on the municipality, and presents draft municipal comments for Council’s consideration.
Council endorsed the comments in this report and direct staff to forward them to the Province through the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
Communications
The following was received for information:
- Town of South Bruce Peninsula - Affirming Outdoor Education as Essential Support Resolution
- Municipality of Wawa - Request for Provincial School Board Governance Consultation Process Support Resolution
- Township of Madawaska Valley - Highway 17 Corridor Improvement Project Support Resolution
- City of Richmond Integrated Model for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Resolution
- Prince Edward County - Sustainable Funding for Public Health Units Support Resolution
Council supported the following correspondence:
- 12.5.1. Town of South Bruce Peninsula - Affirming Outdoor Education as Essential Support Resolution;
- 12.5.2. Municipality of Wawa - Request for Provincial School Board Governance Consultation Process Support Resolution; and,
- 12.5.4. City of Richmond Integrated Model for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Resolution.
Council Passed the following by-laws:
- By-law 60-2026 Z19 Bluewater Affordable Housing and Park
- By-law 64-2026 - RZone – Respect and Responsibility Policy
- By-law 65-2026 - Respectful Workplace Policy
- By-law 66-2026 Authorize the Execution of a Letter of Intent with Margaret Laurence Housing Co-operative
- By-law 67-2026 - Parking By-law Amendment
- By-law 68-2026 - Confirm the Proceedings of June 22, 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 15, 2026.
- Council discussed matters relative to the Saugeen Shores Medical Building Administration and Building Update and provided direction to Staff.
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.