Council Highlights - September 28, 2026

September 28, 2026  

Pumpkinfest 

Council heard a presentation from Joanne Robbins on Pumpkinfest.   

43 Grosvenor St N Southampton Heritage Designation 

Council heard a presentation from Dian Wise and Douglas Wise on a heritage designation application for 43 Grosvenor Street North in Southampton.  

Pedestrian Safety 

Council heard a presentation from Peter Stanley on Safe Crossing for all Residents and Visitors of Saugeen Shores.  

2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan Report Out 

The Strategic Plan Report Out report summarizes progress made from 2023 – 2026 on the four pillars and eleven directions in the Town’s Strategic Plan. It highlights key initiatives, projects, partnerships, service improvements, and performance measures used to track progress over the term of Council. These accomplishments show how the Town has advanced Saugeen Shores’ priorities and provide a strong foundation for future planning and decision making. 

Council received the 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan Report Out report for information. 

Transportation Master Plan Update 

The Transportation Master Plan Update provides a long-term strategy to guide transportation decisions and investments to 2046. The Plan responds to forecast growth, community feedback, safety concerns, and the need for improved mobility options. It recommends a balanced approach that includes road, intersection, pedestrian, cycling, transit-supportive, traffic management, and emerging mobility improvements. 

Council received the Transportation Master Plan Update report for information. 

Pioneer Cemetery Path Forward 

The Pioneer Cemetery project has stalled due to considerable difficulty securing funding from the province. There is currently $1,550,000 in capital expense and $750,000 in anticipated grant funding in the Business Plan for this project, for a net capital cost of $800,000 that could be utilized for other Town projects. 

Council approved the Southampton Pioneer Cemetery Remediation project to be closed at the end of the 2026 fiscal year. 

Bluewater Lands Method of Disposal 

On August 10, 2026, Council passed a resolution declaring Town-owned lands described as Parts 4 and 5 as identified on the attached draft Reference Plan as surplus. This report clarifies points that have been raised over various meetings and outlines the disposal options for Council’s consideration and direction. 

Council directed staff to proceed with a long-term lease as the method of land disposal for the Bluewater Lands Housing Development and directed staff to negotiate an agreement in the form of a lease to return to Council for adoption by By-law. 

Municipal Heritage Committee Resolution- 43 Grosvenor St N, Provincial Heritage Designation - notice of intention 

The Municipal Heritage Committee (MHC) is bringing forward the recommendation to proceed with designation of 43 Grosvenor St N, Southampton. 

Council directed staff to proceed with the designation of 43 Grosvenor Street North, Southampton under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, and authorized staff to prepare and publish the required Notice of Intention to Designate and undertake all necessary steps in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act. 

BASWR / Waste Management Agreement 

The Town of Saugeen Shores has been working with BASWR member municipalities to finalize the Master Services Agreement with Waste Management of Canada Corporation. It is recommended that Council pass a By-law for Saugeen Shores to execute the Agreement with Waste Management on behalf of the Town as part of the Joint Services Undertaking. 

Council approved By-law 92-2026, a by-law to enter into a Master Services Agreement with Waste Management of Canada Corporation, in order for Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling to provide recycling services in Saugeen Shores. 

Council also directed staff to provide correspondence to the BASWR Board requesting the authorization of the payment of the municipal legal fees to negotiate the Agreement with Waste Management be paid for by BASWR, utilizing the projected 2026 surplus from the contract with Waste Management. 

Employee Recognition and Appreciation Policy 

As a Human Resources Division Highlight for the 2026 Business Plan, a review was completed of the Town of Saugeen Shores’ Employee Recognition Policy and Program. The amended Employee Recognition and Appreciation Policy establishes a clear and consistent framework for recognizing and appreciating employees while better aligning recognition practices.  

Council adopted By-Law 93-2026 being a by-law to establish the updated Employee Recognition and Appreciation Policy. 

Comments on Proposed Contents of Regulations under the Municipal Accountability Act, 2026 

The Ministry of the Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is seeking feedback on proposed regulations to Establish a Standardized Municipal Code of Conduct; Municipal Integrity Commissioner Processes and Education and Training Requirements. This report outlines potential comments for submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) for consideration. 

Council endorsed the comments in this report, directing staff to forward them to the Province through the Environmental Registry of Ontario. 

Southampton Wastewater Treatment Plant Funding Plan 

The Southampton Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) upgrade project provincial funding model has allowed for a contingency amount. The funding model will allow for a grant up to $17,976,250.00, on a total construction cost of $24,625,000.00. It is proposed to expand the scope of the Phase 1 project to fully utilize the entirety of current grant funding. This will allow the Town to advance the planned upgrades in accordance with both the Town’s 10 Year Business Plan and the Class Environmental Assessment recommendations. 

Whereas Council is able to improve public communication, awareness and access to information and municipal records through the adoption of a Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Policy; and, 

Whereas this policy would be distinct from the purpose, process, fees and timelines inherent within the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; and, 

Whereas this policy has the potential to enhance transparency, improve public participation in local democracy and provide for proactive management of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests; and, 

Whereas a Routine Disclosure policy would enable the public to have access to appropriate information and records outside of the formal statutory FOI process when no exemptions apply via an approved customer service tool; and 

Whereas an Active Dissemination policy would establish an automatic framework for the quick, consistent and efficient publishing or release of information without the need of a FOI request and, 

Whereas Council has the responsibility to encourage service improvements and customer-service models that provide clarity, consistency, timely responses and communication that respects Council decisions, public interest and requests; and, 

Whereas it is desirable for Council to work toward implementing policies that empower staff response opportunity to enhance and streamline public access to some information; and, 

Whereas a Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Policy would support a more flexible, timely and informal manner of providing information and responses while simultaneously enabling a high degree of public trust in collaboration with the more structured, formal, costly and time-lined process, when and as required, via the legislated FOI process. 

Now therefore be it resolved that Council direct Staff to prepare a staff report regarding the preparation of a Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Policy for Council’s consideration. 

Council approved Deputy Mayor D. Huber’s motion regarding Quarterly reporting of Awarded Tenders: