Members Present: Mayor – Milt McIver, Deputy Mayor – Rod Anderson, Councillor – Todd Dowd, Councillor – Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Councillor – Aman Sohrab
Staff Present: Chief Administrative Officer – Peggy Van Mierlo-West, Clerk – Cathy Addison, Deputy Clerk – Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron, Fire Chief – Jack Burt, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman, Municipal Law Enforcement Officer – Curtis Bekking
Others Present: Norm North, Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee Chair, Mike Campbell (Zoom)
Note: Members of Council and staff were present in the Municipal Office Council Chamber and the meeting was held via zoom, an electronic platform, for members of the public to view.
Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
Approval of the Agenda
#09-01-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
Adoption of the Minutes
Re: Council Meeting No. 25-06, February 10, 2025
#09-02-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 25-06, February 10, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
Re: Special Council Meeting No. 25-07, February 10, 2025
#09-03-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Special Council Meeting No. 25-07, February 10, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
Public Meeting – Nil.
Delegation
Norm North
Re: Bird Relocation Program
Norm North appeared in person for the February 24, 2025, Council Meeting.
Mayor McIver welcomed Norm North to the Council Meeting.
Mr. North provided Council with a presentation surrounding the trends observed with Canadian Geese migratory patterns. It was stated that the population of Canadian Geese in Southern Ontario is growing due to the increased population and the simultaneous decrease in migratory game bird hunting permit sales.
An overview of alternative mitigation strategies was provided to Council. These included goose strings, dogs, shoreline naturalization, egg management, and short-distance translocation.
Mr. North stated that short-distance translocation is the most effective mitigation strategy.
It was noted that Canadian Geese molt all of their flight feathers at once. During this 40 day timeframe the birds are unable to fly. Mr. North stated that the translocation round up occurs during this time, where birds are walked up ramps and into trailers for relocation.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed translocation area, the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Mr. North stated that the utilization of short-distance translocation reduces the number of birds returning to the original location. However it was noted that the effectiveness of the program will not be observed immediately, it may take a few years.
Discussion ensued surrounding the influx of Canadian Geese within the Lion’s Head Harbour throughout the year.
Mr. North stated that the transmission of the avian flu within Canadian Geese does not pose a threat for the community, as diseases in migratory birds seems to affect a few birds as opposed to the entire flock.
Discussion ensued surrounding the cost associated with the short-distance translocation.
Mr. North stated that $8 per bird is utilized as a guidance. It was noted that Mr. North’s services are in addition to this guidance.
Discussion ensued surrounding the application for a relocation required to utilize the service.
It was noted that it may take a few years before the desired result is achieved surrounding goose populations in Lion’s Head.
It was further noted that only a portion of the flock would be relocated to maintain a population for the Lion’s Head Harbour.
Mayor McIver thanked Norm for his presentation.
Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee, Mike Campbell (Via Zoom)
Re: Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula 2023 Annual Emissions Report
Mike Campbell appeared online via Zoom for the February 24, 2025 Council Meeting
Mayor McIver welcomed Mike Campbell to the Council Meeting.
Mike Campbell provided an overview of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula’s 2023 Annual Emissions Report and Emissions Reduction Strategy, prepared by the Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee. The following was stated:
· The report was prepared to assist the Municipality in assessing its progress towards meetings its commitment to reduce its corporate Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 20% between the years 2020-2030.
· An overview of the changes in municipal emissions from 2020 (Buildings and Facilities) and 2021 (Fleet) to 2023 was provided.
· Buildings and Facilities produce roughly three quarters of the Municipality’s corporate emissions.
· It was noted that several upgrades to Municipal Facilities occurred in 2024 and are anticipated in 2025.
· Fleet emissions dropped by 14.6% from 2021 levels.
· It was noted that fleet emissions are variable depending on the amount of snow plowing and road maintenance that are completed each year.
· Strategies for moving forward to a 20% reduction by 2030 were presented to Council. These includes capital improvements to buildings and facilities and procurement of electric vehicles.
· An overview of Municipal Initiatives in recent years was presented to Council.
o Conversion to LED lighting: Tobermory Airport building, Tobermory Library branch, St. Edmunds Museum, Old MTO Shed in Tobermory. This month – Stokes Bay CC, Rotary Hall, Lion’s Head Library Branch, Ferndale Information Centre. (completed)
o Removal of oil fired hot water tanks and conversion to electric: Lion’s Head Marina and Campground, Lion’s Head Arena. (completed)
o Rotary Hall: new insulation (completed) and basement windows (to be completed by year end)
o New insulation and windows for Eastnor Roads Shed. (completed)
o Garage doors weather stripping replacement. (in progress).
o Installation of Cold Climate Heat Pumps: The Meeting Place (completed) and Tobermory Community Centre to provide more efficient heating and cooling.. (in progress)
o Street lights conversion to LED as need for repair/replacement occurs. (ongoing, need to confirm what’s done)
o Purchase of 3 new Honda CRV Hybrid SUV’s instead of full size gas powered pickup trucks 6.2 L/100km vs. 11 L/100km. (complete)
o Purchase and phase in of electric grass trimmers. (Testing one unit this year).
o Purchase of electric powered John Deere Gator UTV for grounds maintenance (complete)
o New water reservoir hanging baskets and street planters in Tobermory and Lion’s Head – reduces daily watering to 1 to 2 times per week. (complete)
· An overview of recommendations from the Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee was presented to Council.
It was noted that staff are currently creating an Asset Management Plan which will facilitate the integration of the Energy Conservation Measures from the 2022 audits into overall capital planning.
Discussion ensued surrounding the utilization of the Climate Lens by staff.
It was noted that staff regularly utilize the Climate Lens regarding procurement.
Mayor McIver thanked Mike Campbell for his presentation.
Consideration of Agenda Items
1. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 24-04
Re: 2024-2025 Lion’s Head Drinking Water System Inspection Report
#09-04-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 25-04 titled 2024-2025 Lion’s Head Drinking Water Inspection Report; and
That Council directs staff to advise the system users through the Municipal Ad in The Bruce Peninsula Press that the Inspection Report is available for viewing on the Municipal Website.
Carried
2. Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 25-03
Re: Parking Bylaw Amendment – Survey Results
Discussion ensued surrounding the effectiveness of reservation parking and the customizability of the system for each location.
It was noted that although residents are required to reserve a parking spot if they wish to attend the area, parking is free for residents within the associated time frames for each location.
It was noted that public education surrounding the utilization and requirement of the reservation systems will be required.
Discussion ensued surrounding the recommended implementation of a reservation system on Carter Road.
It was noted that the reservation system would not be implemented on Carter Road at this time.
Council stated that discussions with Parks Canada surrounding the impacts of tourism on Big Tub Road should occur.
It was noted that a report with further information surrounding Parks Canada and the Big Tub Lighthouse will be presented at a later date.
#09-05-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
THAT Council receives MLEO Report 25-03 2024 Parking Bylaw Amendment – Survey Results, for information.
THAT Council approves amending the Municipal parking season from May 15th to September 15th, and;
THAT Council approves adding a right-turn arrow at the Bay Street and Peninsula Ice Cream intersection, along with no-stopping signs, and;
THAT Council approves designating the middle parking spaces at Tobermory Community Centre as 30-minute parking, and;
THAT the construction of additional parking on Big Tub be deferred pending further discussion and public input, and;
THAT a reservation system be implemented at Dyers Bay parking lot, and;
THAT a reservation system be implemented for one season at the Borchart Road to investigate effectiveness.
Carried
#09-06-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council approves the implementation of a reservation parking system on Big Tub Road for a trial period.
Carried
3. Clerk Report No. C 25-04
Re: Owner: Bruce Trail Conservancy
Applicant: Donald Anderson
Concession 9 EBR Pts Lot 18 and 19 RP R190 Parts 1; to 8 (Lindsay)
Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
4109660003199000
#09-07-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council directs staff to submit to the County of Bruce Planning and Economic Development Department, the Municipality’s position of no comment with regards to the lot addition by owner Bruce Trail Conservancy and applicant Donald Anderson, for the property legally described as Concession 9 EBR Pts Lot 18 and 19 RP R190 Parts 1; to 8 (Lindsay), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, and
That Council approves the imposition of conditions of granting of consent as follows:
1. That the owner enter into an Agreement with the Municipality, if deemed necessary by the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, to satisfy all the requirements, financial or otherwise of the Municipality, which may include, but shall not be limited to, the provision of parkland (or cash-in-lieu of land), roads, installation of services, facilities, drainage and the timing and payment of a development charge.
2. That a Reference Plan (survey that is registered) be completed and a copy filed with the Municipal Clerk and a digital copy (preferred) or a hard copy be filed with the Approval Authority, or an exemption from the Reference Plan be received from the Approval Authority.
3. That the Municipality provide written confirmation to the Approval Authority that the municipal conditions as imposed herein have been fulfilled.
4. That, pursuant to Section 53(42) of the Planning Act, the ‘Certificate of Consent’ be affixed to the deed within two years of the giving of the Notice of Decision. (Note: Section 53(43) of the Planning Act requires that the transaction approved by this consent must be carried out within two years of the issuance of the certificate (i.e., Stamping of the deed)).
5. That the applicant pays the applicable County of Bruce consent certification fee at the time of certification of the deeds.
6. That the application is for a lot addition only; and, that the lands to be severed be merged under the same ownership as the abutting lands, as shown on the attached Schedule and that Subsection (3) or (5) of Section 50 of the Planning Act, apply to any subsequent conveyance. The lawyer shall provide an undertaking to consolidate the pins for the property parcels upon registration of the consent(s).
7. That the owner provide an Archaeological Assessment that has included engagement with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation in accordance with its process and standards, has been completed by an archaeologist licensed in the province of Ontario and has been confirmed by the appropriate Ministry to have been accepted into the Ontario Public Register of Archaeological Reports; and
8. That the owner satisfy the approval authority that recommendations of the archaeological assessment (if any) have been or will be implemented
Carried
4. Clerk Report No. C 25-05
Re: Appoint a Marriage Commissioner
#09-08-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives C-25-05 report to with regards to appointment of a marriage commissioner; and
That By-law No. 2025-23 be adopted, by Council, to Authorize Marriage Commissioners to Perform Civil Marriage Solemnization Services by the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, at the March 10, 2025, regular Council meeting.
Carried
5. Clerk Report No. C 25-06
Re: Owner/Applicant: John (David) Almack
Agent: Ron Davidson Lane Use Planning Consultant Inc.
Legal Description: PLAN BURY PT FARM LOT 1 EBR (former St. Edmunds)
15 Almack Beach Lane, Almack Beach Lane & No Civic Address
File Numbers: B-2025-011, B-2025-012 & Z-2025-005
It was noted that the report was deferred to the March 10, 2025, Council Meeting.
#09-09-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council directs staff to submit to the County of Bruce Planning and Economic Development Department, the Municipality’s noted comments pertaining to access and turning range for emergency service vehicles with regards to the severing a parcel of land, by the owner John (David) Almack and agent Ron Davidson Lane Use Planning Consultant, for the property legally described as Plan Bury Pt Farm Lot 1 EBR (former St. Edmunds), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
That Council approves the imposition of conditions of granting of severance as follows:
1. That the owner enter into an Agreement with the Municipality, to satisfy all the requirements, financial or otherwise, which may include, but shall not be limited to, the provision of parkland, cash-in-lieu of land, roads, installation of services, facilities, drainage and the timing and payment of a development charge.
2. That a Reference Plan be completed and a copy filed with the Municipal Clerk and a digital copy or a hard copy be filed with the Approval Authority, or an exemption from the Reference Plan be received from the Approval Authority.
3. That the Municipality provide written confirmation to the Approval Authority that the municipal conditions as imposed herein have been fulfilled.
4. That, pursuant to Section 53(42) of the Planning Act, the ‘Certificate of Consent’ be affixed to the deed within two years of the giving of the Notice of Decision. (Note: Section 53(43) of the Planning Act requires that the transaction approved by this consent must be carried out within two years of the issuance of the certificate (i.e., Stamping of the deed)).
5. That the applicant pays the applicable County of Bruce consent certification fee at the time of certification of the deeds.
6. That the Clerk of the Municipality provide written confirmation to the Approval Authority that Zoning By-law Amendment file Z-2025-005 is in force and effect.
And that Administration has reviewed the request for comments and noted the following be included;
Based on NFPA 1147 Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Wildland, Rural, and Suburban Areas the following conditions apply:
The length of the roadway into the property is greater than 91 meters (300 feet). Due to the length of the roadway a turnaround shall be provided having no less than a 120 ft (36.6 m) outside diameter as per the provisions in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard, 1147 Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Wildland, Rural, and Suburban Areas.
5.2.17.1 Every dead-end roadway more than 300 ft (91 m) in length shall be provided at the closed end with a turnaround having no less than a 120 ft (36.6 m) outside diameter of the traveled way.
Deferred
6. Clerk Report No. 25-07
Re: Owners: John (David) Heather Almack and Pamela Madill
Agent: Ron Davidson Lane Use Planning Consultant Inc.
Legal Description: Town Plot Bury EBR Block 1 PT – 17 Almack Beach Lane (John Almack & Pamela Madill)
Town Plot Bury EBR Pt Farm; Lot 1 RP 3R2492 Part 1
19 Almack Beach Lane (John & Heather Almack)
File Numbers: B-2025-016 and B-2025-017
#09-10-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council directs staff to submit to the County of Bruce Planning and Economic Development Department, the Municipality’s position of no comment with regards to the two easement applications for the owners of 17 Almack Beach Lane, John Almack and Pamela Madill and the owners of 19 Almack Beach Lane, John and Heather Almack and agent Ron Davidson Lane Use Planning Consultant, for the properties legally described as Town Plot Bury EBR Block 1 PT – 17 Almack Beach Lane, and Town Plot Bury EBR Pt Farm; Lot 1 RP 3R2492 Part 1, 19 Almack Beach Lane,(St. Edmunds), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula; and
That the Council approves the applications and makes the following conditions of approval:
1. That the owner enter into an Agreement with the Municipality, to satisfy all the requirements, financial or otherwise of the Municipality, which may include, but shall not be limited to, the provision of parkland, or cash-in-lieu of land, roads, installation of services, facilities, drainage and the timing and payment of a development charge.
2. That a Reference Plan be completed and a copy filed with the Municipal Clerk and a digital copy or a hard copy be filed with the Approval Authority, or an exemption from the Reference Plan be received from the Approval Authority.
3. That the Municipality provide written confirmation to the Approval Authority that the municipal conditions as imposed herein have been fulfilled.
4. That, pursuant to Section 53(42) of the Planning Act, the ‘Certificate of Consent’ be affixed to the deed within two years of the giving of the Notice of Decision. (Note: Section 53(43) of the Planning Act requires that the transaction approved by this consent must be carried out within two years of the issuance of the certificate (i.e., Stamping of the deed)).
5. That the applicant pays the applicable County of Bruce consent certification fee at the time of certification of the deeds.
Carried
7. Accounts Payable Voucher
Re: January 2025
#09-11-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives approved Accounts Payable Voucher for January 2025, in the amount of $681,314.59.
Carried
Other Business – Nil.
Correspondence
1. Friends of the Lion’s Head Library (Information)
Re: Community Grant Funds
2. Sources of Knowledge (Information)
Re: Sources of Knowledge Forum – May 2-4, 2025
#09-12-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council directs the correspondence from Sources of Knowledge to staff for review.
Carried
3. Spruce the Bruce (Information)
Re: Spruce the Bruce Information Sessions
4. Proclamation – Autism Ontario (Information)
Re: World Autism Day 2025
#09-13-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council supports the following Proclamation from Autism Ontario.
Whereas:
World Autism Day is recognized on April 2, 2025, in Canada. Autism Ontario is one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community, and the work we do helps all autistic individuals and families in their communities have access to meaningful support, information, and connections — not only on April 2 but every day throughout the year.
Whereas:
Autism impacts more than 135,000 individuals in Ontario, representing 1 in every 50 Canadian children and youth. It not only influences the lives of autistics but also their friends, families, and communities. It’s crucial for us to raise awareness, and acceptance, provide support and promote a more inclusive society.
Whereas:
Autism is a diverse spectrum that varies widely among individuals. Each person’s experience with autism can change over time. This evolving journey highlights the uniqueness of every autistic individual, emphasizing the need for understanding and support tailored to their specific needs.
Whereas:
Autism Ontario is the leading source of information and referral on autism, and since 1973, has been providing support, information, and opportunities for thousands of families and individuals across the province.
Whereas:
Autism Ontario is devoted to raising public awareness about autism and addressing the everyday challenges faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who work alongside them. We urge everyone to recognize and celebrate the unique differences and needs of others, fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals can participate fully in activities and discussions. Together, we can create a society that values and includes everyone.
Now Therefore:
BE IT RESOLVED that I, (insert Mayor name or designate), do hereby recognize April 2 as World Autism Day while committing to embrace awareness and acceptance today and every day throughout the year.
Carried
5. Resolution – Peterborough County (Information)
Re: Proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian Goods
#09-14-2025
That Council supports the following Resolution from Peterborough County.
Whereas the federal government is currently in negotiations with the U.S. government on their proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the U.S.; and
Whereas Premier Doug Ford has outlined several plans to combat the impact the proposed tariffs would have on Ontario including Fortress Am-Can which focus on strengthening trade between Ontario and the U.S. while bringing good jobs back home for workers on both sides of the border; and
Whereas the federal government has also outlined several ways to address the current relationship with the U.S. including establishing the Council on Canada-U.S. relations to support the federal government as it negotiates with the U.S on tariffs; and
Whereas trade between Ontario and the United States is very important to our residents and local economies and requires all levels of government to work together in the best interest of those residents; and
Whereas according to data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, across Ontario municipalities are expected to spend between $250 and $290 billion on infrastructure in the next 10 years; and
Whereas municipalities have traditionally treated all procurements from trade partners equally and fairly; and
Whereas municipalities can assist in the Team Canada effort to combat tariffs and support businesses in our procurement for capital and infrastructure programs; and
Whereas there are trade barriers between Canadian provinces.
Therefore, be it resolved that, the County of Peterborough supports the provincial and federal governments on the measures they have put in place in response to the proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and ask that they take any and all measures to protect the interests of Ontario in any upcoming trade negotiations;
And that federal and provincial governments remove any impediments to municipalities preferring Canadian companies and services for capital projects and other supplies;
And that the provincial and federal governments take action to remove trade barriers between provinces as a response to US tariffs and support Canadian businesses.
And that the CAO be directed to bring back a report detailing a temporary purchasing policy that integrates and addresses these concerns;
And that County Economic Development & Tourism Division be directed to implement a “Buy Local Peterborough County, Buy Canadian” campaign to encourage residents and businesses to purchase locally made and Canadian goods and services.
Carried
#09-15-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That correspondence items 1,2, & 3 be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
Reading of By-laws
By-law 2025-09
Being a By-Law to Establish the Retention Periods for Certain Documents and Records to be kept by the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
By-law 2025-16
Being A By-Law to Adopt a Policy for Asbestos Management in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
By-law 2025-27
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, February 24, 2025
#09-16-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
Closed Session – Nil.
Adjournment
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#09-17-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the meeting adjourns at 2:15 p.m.
Carried
