Council Highlights - September 22, 2025

September 22, 2025 

Introduction to Development Charges Review

This report introduced the Development Charges Review project and informed Council of the planned steps in the process to update the Development Charges By-law.

This was received for information.

Water and Wastewater Financial Plan

The report discussed Ontario Regulation 453/07 which requires Municipal Owners of Drinking Water Systems to prepare Financial Plans every five (5) years in support of the renewal of the Municipality’s Drinking Water Licence. The rate increases recommended in the Water and Wastewater Financial Plans (4.7% and 2.5% respectively) will be incorporated into the Town’s 2026 Business Plan.

This was carried.

Debt Planning

The report indicated that the Town had a number of current projects requiring debt funding. The report gave an update on the timing of debentures and the Town’s allocation of debt.

This was carried.

Bruce Grey Bulls Delegation Follow Up

At the September 8, 2025, meeting, representatives from the Bruce Grey Bulls presented a delegation to Council outlining a request to deem the organization eligible to be billed at the subsidized minor sports rate for ice rentals for the duration of the 2-year ‘A’ Zone Play Pilot Project. The report was a follow-up from the delegation and to provide Council with background and a recommendation for consideration.

This was carried.

The Battle Event Delegation Follow Up

At the June 23, 2025, meeting, representatives from the Port Elgin Curling Club and the Southampton Curling Club presented a delegation to Council outlining the upcoming curling event “The Battle” taking place at the Community Complex from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026. The report was a follow-up from the delegation and to provide Council with a recommendation to be included the 2026 Business Plan for consideration.

This was carried.

2025 Quarter 2 Variance to Budget

The Variance to Budget report provides Council with a forecast of the financial operating results for the Town as of June 2025. The actual net income through the second quarter of the year is $15.1 million and is $0.1 million higher than budget.

This was received for information.

Saugeen Sparks Training Centre Request for Administrative Workspace

Saugeen Sparks Training Centre (SSTC) requested three administrative workspaces within the Town-owned Business Centre for a one-year term. If approved, the lease would begin on April 1, 2026, and would be considered for renewal before March 31, 2027.

This was carried.

Saugeen Shores Nuclear Response Plan Update

The report was to inform Council of the release of the 2025 Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan (PNERP), and to modernize the Town of Saugeen Shores Nuclear Emergency Response Plan with minor changes.

This was received for information.

Volunteer Firefighter Wages Update

2025 has seen an increase in call volume and training demands which has led to a projected volunteer firefighter wage of approximately $500,000 versus a budgeted amount of approximately $360,000. As it is anticipated this trend will continue, a proposed solution will be brought forward in the 2026 Business Plan for Council’s consideration.

This was received for information.

Mayoral Direction:

• 2025-002: Staff to use five-year average methodology for the assessment growth rate for Annual Tax Calculations, pursuant to subsections 284.3 (b) of the Municipal Act, 2001, and section 7 of Ontario Regulation 530/22.

Mayoral Decision:

• 2025-04: Pre-Budget Approval of $3,485,907 of the 2026 Capital Budget, pursuant to 284.16 of the Municipal Act, 2001, sections 3 and 7 of Ontario Regulation 530/22.

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 relative to litigation, receiving advice subject to solicitor-client privilege from the Town’s Solicitor regarding rectification of title application for a Town owned property.