Council Highlights - March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

Residential Source Separated Organics

Council heard a report regarding the proposed Source Separated Organics (SSO) Program is intended to reduce landfilled waste and extend the lifespan of the Town’s landfill. The SSO report findings will be integrated into the Waste Management Master Plan and Financial Plan and will present associated costs and a phased implementation strategy in the Town’s 2027 Business Plan for Council’s consideration. This phased approach includes initiating contracted SSO services in 2027, assessing opportunities for municipal partnerships within five years, and reviewing long-term treatment and collection options following the landfill upgrade.

This was carried.

Housing Update to the Community Improvement Plan

One of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives is to complete a comprehensive review of the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to identify and evaluate additional housing-related incentives for potential implementation. The goal is to better support community needs and advance the Town’s housing objectives. This report identifies the programs the Town intends to implement within the HAF timeframe in December 2028.

This was carried.

Waterfront Access Points Review and Work Plan

Council heard a report that proposes targeted maintenance, signage, and delineation improvements to clearly identify and safely manage public beach access points across Saugeen Shores. It prioritizes low-cost, short-term upgrades at established, clear public locations while deferring work where ownership is uncertain. The approach improves access and safety while aligning with environmental stewardship objectives.

This was carried.

Pumpkinfest Sustainability Plan and Funding Request

Council heard a report that Port Elgin Pumpkinfest is requesting one-time funding to support the recruitment of a full-time Coordinator. This funding will provide an overlap between the retiring and new Coordinator and allow for training and role transition.

This was carried.

Municipal Heritage Committee Report - Insurance for Heritage Designated Properties

Council received a request to endorse the letter to the Ministry of Citizen and Multiculturalism and Insurance Bureau of Canada.

This was carried.

Response to Mayoral Direction 2026-001

Mayor Charbonneau provided an overview of the background report to Mayoral Direction 2026-001 which presented potential offsets to the 2026 use of $470,000 from Tax Stabilization Reserve to lower ongoing municipal operations ahead of the preparation of the 2027 Business Plan and Budget.

Communications

Council endorsed the following communications:

• Saugeen Shores Municipal Heritage Committee Letter re Canadian Register of Historic Places;
• Bluewater District School Board Correspondence; and,
• Municipality of North Grenville - Support for Enhanced School Bus Safety

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes and discussed matters and provided direction relative to advice subject to solicitor-client privilege from the Town’s Solicitor regarding the Rent Arrears Report and Q1 General Legal Update.