Council Highlights - September 8, 2025

September 8, 2025

Town Innovation Funding Reallocation

In early 2025, Council was informed that the Municipal Innovation Council would wind down, leaving the Town’s annual contribution unspent. To continue fostering innovation, staff launched The Gull’s Nest, where teams presented ideas to improve municipal operations. These proposals will be brought forward in the 2026 Business Plan, and the $30,915 MIC funding is proposed to remain allocated to support future Gull’s Nest events and implementation.

This was received for information. 

Aquatic and Wellness Centre Fundraising Update

At the December 15, 2022, meeting, Council approved $49,948,500 for the construction of the Aquatic and Wellness Centre. Over the past two years, the fundraising team has advanced the Quiet Ask and the Public Fundraising Campaign. This report provided Council with an update on the efforts to date towards achieving the $3,000,000 fundraising goal, donor recognition details, grant opportunities, and construction project progress.

This was received for information. 

Aquatic and Wellness Centre Naming

On Monday, October 23, 2023, long-time community partners Brad and Kathy Pryde kicked off the fundraising for the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre with an incredibly generous donation of $1,000,000. Ongoing conversations and renderings of the naming opportunity for the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre has occurred and it is with excitement and gratitude that this report endorses that the official name of the facility will be the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

This was carried.

Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update

The 2025 Water and Wastewater Master Plan is an update to the 2020 Master Plan and reassesses the impact of growth on water and wastewater treatment capacity, water distribution and storage systems, and the wastewater collection system. Recommendations outlined in the Master Plan will be included in the 2026 Business Plan for Council consideration.

This was carried.

Compensation Review

The Non-Union Salary Administration Policy, as approved by Council on August 14, 2023, and states that a review is to be conducted every four years starting in 2026. The Town completed its last compensation review in 2021. Although the next review was scheduled for 2026, an earlier review in 2025 was recommended. Regular compensation reviews are essential for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive labour market.

This was carried. 

Kincardine Saugeen Shores Healthcare Partnership Update

In April 2024, a report aimed to reestablish a collaborative healthcare relationship between Kincardine and Saugeen Shores, was presented. The report outlined a joint Healthcare Partnership Program, seeking Council endorsement for implementation. In May 2024, Bruce Power provided financial support to this program. This report updated Council on the program’s progress.

This was received for information. 

Waste Services Collection Agreement Renewal

The current waste collection contract is set to expire on September 30, 2025. Renewing the contract for 2 years will provide the Town with the necessary time to complete both the Waste Management Master Plan and the Source Separated Organics Study. These initiatives will help inform future waste collection service models. 

This was carried. 

Communications endorsed by Council:

• Municipality of Tweed Resolution - Sustainable Waste Management

Notice Of Motion – Municipal Accommodation Fee

A Notice of Motion was proposed for Council to reconsider directing staff to have a Municipal Accommodation Fund Implementation Study conducted, funded from the Tax Stabilization Fund. The matter was reconsidered but not endorsed.

This was defeated.

Business Arising from Closed Session

Mayor L. Charbonneau reported that during the Closed to Public Session, Council approved Closed to Public minutes, discussed a plan or instruction to be applied to confidential negotiations relative to Westario Power Inc. that included confidential commercial and financial information supplied to the Town and confidential commercial and financial information belonging to the Town. Council discussed matters relative to litigation, receiving advice subject to solicitor-client privilege from the Town’s Solicitor regarding rectification of title application for a privately owned property, and negotiations with Saugeen First Nation regarding a water supply agreement.