Council Highlights - September 14, 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.
September 14, 2026
Heritage Conservation Award Ceremony
Council presented the Heritage Conservation Award to Scott Good and Randy Schnarr.
Navaratri Community Celebration - Request for Community Event Funding
Council heard a presentation from Hirav Nagori on Navaratri Community Celebration - Request for Community Event Funding.
Council directed Staff to report back with a recommendation on the fee waive request at a subsequent Council Meeting.
Southampton BIA on the SOUTH Sign
Council heard a presentation from Lisa Mills, Coordinator, Southampton BIA on the Southampton BIA on the SOUTH Sign.
2025 Annual Audited Financial Statements
Municipalities are required to prepare consolidated Financial Statements on an annual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for local government. This report introduced the 2025 Annual Audited Financial Statements for acceptance by Council.
Council approved the 2025 Financial Statements.
Municipal Healthcare Regional and Intergovernmental 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 fourth in that sequence and focuses on the Municipal Healthcare Regional and Intergovernmental Alignment.
Council received the Municipal Healthcare Regional and Intergovernmental Alignment report for information.
2026 AMO Recap
Mayor Luke Charbonneau and Councillor Bud Halpin – along with Chief Administrative Officer, Kara Van Myall, Director of Fire Services, Rob Atkinson and Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Jill Roote – attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in Ottawa in August 2026 and spoke with Provincial and Federal Ministry representatives on issues impacting the Town, its’ residents, and businesses. The attached Provincial briefs are provided for information.
Council received the 2026 AMO Recap report for information.
2026 Q2 Variance to Budget
The quarterly Variance to Budget report provides Council with a forecast of the financial operating results for the Town as of June 2026. The actual net income through the second quarter of the year is $6.9 million and is $0.1 million lower than budget.
Council received the 2026 Q2 Variance to Budget report for information.
Southampton Snowmobile Club Trail Access Lease Agreement
The Lease Agreement between the Town of Saugeen Shores (Lessor/Landlord) and the Southampton Snowmobile Club (Lessee/Tenant) governs the Lessee/Tenant use of the Saugeen Rail Trail between the Mill Creek Rail Bridge and Concession 6. The parties have negotiated new terms and conditions, as identified in the Lease Agreement attached to By-law 86-2026 in the By-law section of the Agenda.
Council adopted By-law 86-2026, a By-law to authorize the entering into of a Lease Agreement with the Southampton Snowmobile Club.
Communications
The following was received for information:
- BASWR Board Meeting Minutes July 15, 2026
- County of Peterborough Resolution 129-2026 - Request for Provincial Action on the Accuracy of Municipal Voters Lists
- Letter from the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism - Jan 1 2027 Deadline - 08 06 2026
- Mississauga Resolution - Support for Shelters Housing Woman and Children Experiencing Partner Violence
- Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes - 2026-05-20
- Municipal Heritage Committee Meeting Minutes - 2026-06-17
- Municipality of Wawa Support Resolution RC26131 Finlay's Law - ER Wait Times
- NEMI Resolution 133-06-2026 Provincial Funding and Rural Hospitals
- SSPS and Board 2025 Annual Report
- SSPS Board Meeting Minutes - 2026-07-15
- Striking Committee Minutes - 2026-06-16
- Town of Penetanguishene - Support Resolution Heads and Beds Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes Program
- Town of Whitby Resolution 166-26 Review of the OLT and Enhancing Deference to Municipal Planning Decisions
- Township of Alnwick Haldimand Resolution - Beacons of Light British Home Children and Child Migrants
- Township of Armour Motion 2026-158 Service Areas Highways 11 and 17
- Village of Burk's Falls Resolution 2026-168 Retention of the Oncology Clinic at Huntsville Hospital
Council supported the following correspondence:
- 12.4.2. County of Peterborough Resolution 129-2026 - Request for Provincial Action on the Accuracy of Municipal Voters Lists
- 12.4.3 Letter from the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism - Jan 1 2027 Deadline - 08 06 2026
- 12.4.13 Town of Whitby Resolution 166-26 Review of the OLT and Enhancing Deference to Municipal Planning Decisions
Motions and Notice of Motions
The following Notice of Motion’s were introduced:
- Deputy Mayor D. Huber Notice of Motion Regarding Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Policy
- Deputy Mayor D. Huber Notice of Motion Regarding Quarterly reporting of Awarded Tenders
Council approved Councillor C. Grace Motion Regarding SOUTH Sign Consultation and Relocation:
Whereas Council greatly values the contributions of the Southampton BIA to support Southampton businesses, and the community; and
Whereas Council supports the Southampton community’s desire to maintain downtown Southampton’s traditional character, and
THEREFORE, the Council of the Town of Saugeen Shores directs staff to engage the Southampton BIA and the public to find an appropriate location, and to report back to Council.
Council approved Councillor D. Myette Motion Regarding the Naming of the Bluewater Residential Park:
Whereas the Town of Saugeen Shores Council has adopted a Public Facilities Naming Policy that permits the naming of parks and other municipal facilities after an individuals with a historical connection to the site; and,
Whereas Mr. Ray Fenton, as President of Port Elgin Farms Ltd., the former owner of the Bluewater Lands dedicated the parkland through the Plan of Subdivision that will comprise the Bluewater Lands Neighbourhood Park; and,
Whereas Mr. Fenton's contributions to the community as an educator, principal, business leader, developer, mentor, and philanthropist have had a significant and lasting impact on Saugeen Shores; and,
Whereas Mr. Fenton has provided consent to the use of his name for the purpose of naming the Bluewater Lands Neighbourhood Park; and,
Whereas Council is the approving authority for the naming of public facilities.
Now therefore be it resolved that Council approve the naming of the Bluewater Lands Neighbourhood Park as Fenton Park.
Business Arising from Closed Session:
- Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes of August 10, 2026.
- Council discussed matters and provided direction to Staff on 553 Goderich Street Encampment, and Town v. 2706912 Ontario Inc. (CCV), and Council received Innovation Park Update for information.
Council Passed the following by-laws:
- By-law 86-2026 - Authorize Agreement with the Southampton Snowmobile Club for Trail Segment and Cemetery Property Subject to Permitted Use
- By-law 87-2026 - Appoint Lottery Licensing Officer
- By-law 88-2026 - Confirm the Proceedings of September 14, 2026
To learn more, view the Council meeting agenda.