Council Highlights - May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

Public Meeting: Development Charges Update

At the March 23, 2026 Council Meeting, Council gave feedback on draft Development Charges (DC) rates. A statutory Public Meeting was required to move forward in setting a new Development Charges Background Study and By-law, including new rates for Development Charges. Council heard a report that delivers a number of options for consideration on setting new DC rates and amending existing exemptions from Development Charges. Finalization of the DC Study and By-law will be brought forward at a future date.

Council approved Option #1 for implementing the new Development Charges rates; and, Council directed staff to bring back implementation options to a future Council meeting for further consideration.

This was carried.

Compensation Review Project Update

Council heard a report, as part of the Human Resources Major Initiatives in the 2026 Business Plan, Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc. conducted a comprehensive compensation review. This included an external market analysis of non-union and union roles, pay equity, and Council remuneration in accordance with relevant Town policies. The report recommended that Council approve the compensation review, effective July 1, 2026.

Council approved the update to the Town of Saugeen Shores Non-Union Salary Administration Policy; and, Council approved the recommendations by Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc. for the Non-Union and Union Compensation Review; and Council directed staff to implement the compensation review effective July 1, 2026.

This was carried.

Recommendations regarding Council remuneration were deferred.

Stafford Street Project Plan Amendment

Council heard a report that the Town was required to initiate emergency repairs after a sanitary main failure was experienced on Stafford Street between Elgin Street and Mill Street on April 18, 2026. As a result of this failure contractors were dispatched and priority was moved to the Stafford Street repairs. Due to this collapse, an additional $618,846 in capital funding is required. This report outlines the rationale for budget amendments for these repairs.

Council approved $618,846 toward the funding of the amended Stafford Street Project Plan, funded 45% from Future Capital Reserve, 30% from Water Reserve, and 25% from Wastewater Reserve.

This was carried. 

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council heard Legal Advice in relation to Saugeen Ojibway Nation Correspondence.

Steudle Easement Agreements

Roger Steudle and Michele Steudle requested that the Town of Saugeen Shores accept a permanent utility easement over Parts 2, 4 and 6 on Plan 3R-10922, and accept access easements for inspection purposes only over Parts 1, 2, and 3 on Plan 3R-11033 and Parts 1 and 2, on Plan 3R-10922, in order to satisfy conditions contained within a Provisional Consent dated June 17, 2024 to finalize a severance of their land.

Council adopted By-law 47-2026, being a By-law to authorize entering into easement agreements with Roger Steudle and Michele Steudle.

This was carried. 

Communications

The following was received for information:

1. 2026 Generic Proceeding to Review the Model Franchise Agreement
2. Dennis Curley Bruce Rd 25 and Ridge Street Correspondence
3. Lynn Thede Regarding Moore Bridge Correspondence
4. MECP Requirements for waste disposal site service area and fill rate changes
5. Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands - Chip and Tar Support Resolution
6. Nuclear Innovation Institute 2025 Annual Report
7. Objection to Resolution No. 2026/02/02-31 - Proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority
8. Regional Municipality of Waterloo - Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Support Resolution
9. Southampton BIA Minutes - March 26, 2026
10. The Resolution — ELECT RESPECT

The following was supported by Council:

1. The Resolution — ELECT RESPECT
2. Objection to Resolution No. 2026/02/02-31 - Proposed Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority