Council Meeting No. 25-12 commenced following the adjournment of Source Protection Authority Meeting No. 25-01
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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 – Alexandra Croce, Deputy Clerk – Lindsay Forbes, Treasurer – Teresa Shearer, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron, Fire Chief – Jack Burt, Committee and Planning Coordinator – Bob Stewart, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman, Bylaw Enforcement Officer – Curtis Bekking
Others Present: Delegation – Megan Myles
1. Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
a. Following the adjournment of Source Protection Authority Meeting No. 25-01, Mayor McIver called the meeting to order at 1:11 p.m. and Council members were reminded to disclose any pecuniary interest and the general nature thereof that may arise during the meeting.
2. Approval of the Agenda
#12-01-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Adoption of the Minutes
a. Re: Council Meeting No. 25-11, March 24, 2025
#12-02-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 25-11, March 24, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
4. Public Meeting – a. Nil.
5. Delegation
a. Megan Myles
Re: Tobermory Active Transportation Plan
Megan Myles appeared in person for the April 14, 2025, Council Meeting.
Ms. Myles gave a presentation on the Tobermory Active Transportation Plan. The following was noted;
· The Tobermory Active Transportation Plan was developed in 2022 by students at the University of Guelph.
· The recommendations within the plan aim to address challenges observed within the Tobermory area regarding ongoing traffic and congestion issues.
· The results of a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (S.W.O.T) Analysis for the Tobermory Area were presented to Council.
· The location of existing sidewalks within Tobermory were reviewed.
· The vision of the Tobermory Active Transportation Plan was presented.
· A review of the public outreach and community consultation process was provided.
· The following recommendations were included within the Tobermory Active Transportation Plan;
o Continue to pedestrianize areas around Little Tub Harbour
o Expand network of shared use pathways
o Install traffic signal and crosswalk at Highway 6 and Hay Bay Road
o Pilot a seasonal shuttle system
o Pilot a bike/e-bike rental program
o Update policies to support active transportation
Following the conclusion of Ms. Myles’ presentation, Councillor Golden stated that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula has been assured by the Ministry of Transportation that a traffic light will be installed at the intersection of Hay Bay Road and Highway 6. She added that an e-bike rental pilot program is currently available through the Tobermory Meeting Place, and that the Parks and Facilities Department is collaborating with the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce on installing additional bike racks and way-finding signage.
Councillor Golden further commented on the recent changes to Little Tub Harbour due to the creation of the green space in the location of the former Peacock’s Foodland. She noted that the creation of this space promotes a more pedestrian friendly area.
Councillor Golden further stated that Council has commenced preliminary discussions surrounding the potential use of the former Tobermory Primary Place Daycare Building (3 Centennial Drive, Tobermory).
Mayor McIver referred to previous Council deliberations surrounding several recommendations contained within the Tobermory Active Transportation Plan.
Councillor Dowd inquired surrounding proposed alternatives to shared paths due to the associated cost and space requirement.
Discussion ensued surrounding the proposed recommendations contained within the Tobermory Active Transportation Plan.
Mayor McIver thanked Megan Myles for her presentation.
The delegation ended at 1:41 p.m.
6. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 25-09
Re: Tender PW-2025-03 – Micro Surfacing
#12-03-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 25-09 titled Tender PW 2025- 03 – Micro Surfacing; and
That Council awards the Micro Surfacing Tender to Duncor Enterprises Inc. for the amount of $472,880.00, excluding HST.
Carried
b. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 25-10
Re: Tender PW 2025-02 – Surface Treatment
#12-04-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Public Works Department Report PW 25-10 titled Tender PW 2025- 02 – Surface Treatment, and;
That Council awards the Surface Treatment Tender to Walker Construction Ltd. for the amount of $628,175.20, excluding HST.
Carried
c. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 25-12
Re: Spring Creek, Heron Point Road, and Cherry Hill Road Bridge Replacements
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, stated that he would like to contact Northern MAT and Bridge, to receive a firm quote for the three proposed structures. He further noted that a report would be brought back to Council once the quote was received.
Discussion ensued surrounding the ability for other alternative companies to submit quotes for the modular bridges.
#12-05-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives PW 25-12 report titled Spring Creek, Heron Point Road and Cherry Hill Road Bridge Replacements; and
That Council authorizes Administration to negotiate with Northern Bridge and Mat to get pricing for the Spring Creek, Heron Point Road and Cherry Hill Road Bridge Replacements
Carried
d. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 25-10
Re: RFQ Results for Pickup Truck Purchase
Discussion ensued surrounding the compatibility of an electric vehicle within the scope of the Request for Quote (RFQ).
#12-06-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 25-10 regarding Request for Quotation Results for Pickup Truck Purchase as information; and
That Council approves the quotation from Moynes Ford for one (1) new 2025 Ford F150 XL Regular Cab 4×4 Pickup with 8 ft box in the amount of $59,607.18 inclusive of delivery, licencing, fees and HST.
Carried
e. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 25-11
Re: RFQ Results for Ice Resurfacer and Ice Edger Replacement
Treasurer, Teresa Shearer, left the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
Discussion ensued surrounding the Request for Quotation (RFQ) Results for the Ice Resurfacer and Ice Edger Replacement.
Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, stated that the RFQ was released due to the operational and performance lifespan associated with the current machine and the higher degree of reliability required due to increased utilization of the ice surface located at the Lion’s Head Community Centre and Arena.
#12-07-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 25-11 regarding RFQ Results for Ice Resurfacer and Ice Edger Replacement as information; and
That Council waives Purchasing Policy section 5.4.1 requirement to tender and exempts the purchase order for a new electric Ice Resurfacer and Ice Edger per section 5.4.2.4 as a single source purchase due to the advantages of the noted rationale; and
That Council accepts the quotation dated March 26, 2025, from Resurface Corporation and authorizes staff to issue a purchase order for one (1) new Olympia Millenium E Ice Surfacer and Ice Edger in the total amount of $156,770.00 + HST.
Carried
f. Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 25-04
Re: Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments 2025
#12-08-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives MLEO Report 25-04 titled Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments 2025, and
That Council approves the passage of By-law No. 2025-39 being a bylaw to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, at today’s meeting.
Carried
g. Deputy Clerk Report No. DC 25-04
Re: Short-term Accommodation Licensing – Revised By-law
Council engaged in a discussion regarding the information contained within Deputy Clerk Report No. DC 25-04 Re: Short-term Accommodation Licensing – Revised By-law.
Deputy Clerk, Lindsay Forbes, stated that By-law 2025-34, A By-Law to Establish a By-law to Manage Short Term Accommodations for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, is a new By-law which combines the previous amendments to By-law 2021-84, contained in By-law 2023-49 and By-law 2024-47 and recent direction surrounding amendments to the Licensing Program from Council.
Discussion ensued surrounding the non-transferability of current Short-term Accommodation Licences.
Deputy Clerk, Lindsay Forbes, stated that the current provision requiring new property owners to obtain a new licence following the sale of a previously licensed dwelling better supports accountability, and transparency for the Short-term Accommodation Licensing Program.
#12-09-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Report No. DC 25-04 Re: Short-term Accommodation Licensing – Revised By-law; and
That Council supports the passage of By-law 2025-34, A By-law to Establish a By-law to Manage Short-term Accommodations for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, at it’s regular meeting on May 12, 2025.
Carried
h. Clerk Report No. C 25-11
Re: Request for Comments – Create a vacant land condominium with 23 lots/blocks
File No: S-2023-009
Owner/Applicant: Arrowcross Corporation
Agent: MHBC Planning
Legal Description: Island 72 (former Lindsay Township)
Roll No. 41-09-660-001-35300-0000
Discussion ensued surrounding the Municipality’s comments regarding the roadway dimensions to accommodate emergency vehicles.
Discussion ensued surrounding the inclusion of a private road within the proposed plans.
Discussion ensued surrounding the requirement of the condo corporation to uphold the requirements contained in the agreement with the Municipality.
#12-10-2025
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 comments to create a vacant land condominium with 23 lots/blocks submitted by the agent, MHBC Planning, on behalf of the owner/applicant, Arrowcross Corporation, for property legally described as Island 72 (former Lindsay Township), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula; as follows, for the purpose of a vacant land condominium:
1. The Municipality requires 5% cash-in-lieu of parkland.
2. The Municipality recognizes the private ownership status of the road, thus absolving itself from any obligations related to road maintenance, snow removal, garbage services, or recycling pickup.
3. Prior to initiating any road construction activities, it is imperative to submit a traffic control plan to the Public Works Manager for evaluation and approval. This plan should encompass detailed construction truck routes that clearly delineate the course from the main arterial road to the construction site. The Municipality and developers/engineer consultants are required to do a pre and post construction review and assessment of the traffic route of construction vehicles to determine if any damages to the traffic route infrastructure have occurred due to construction activities.
4. During the implementation of construction activities, it will be imperative to require a security deposit to mitigate potential damages incurred to municipal roads. The deposit amount shall be set at 3% of the total cost associated with the road construction project.
5. It is of utmost importance for the Owner/Applicant to carry out a thorough verification process to confirm that the designated road area has adequate dimensions to accommodate the necessary turning radius for emergency vehicles. Moreover, the Owner/Applicant must ensure that private driveways are kept in optimal condition to guarantee convenient access.
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.
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.
6. Block 22 will be designated as an Open Space common element and also serves as an official fire access route.
7. “As Built” drawings will be mandatory and must be provided in a digital format no later than 30 days of substantial completion.
8. Building permits will not be granted until 95% of the private road has been completed.
9. The right-of-way shall be a minimum width of 20 meters.
10. That the owner provide a Stage 3 and possible Stage 4 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.
11. Per Schedule K of by-law 2006-32 being a by-law to Authorize an Agreement for the Development of Greenough Harbour Subdivision – “Block 62 shall be deemed to the Municipality as land that should not be developed.”
Carried
i. Museum Committee
Re: February 4, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Discussion ensued surrounding the importance of maintaining the main goals and objectives of the Museum Committee with the recent introduction of new policies and procedures.
Deputy Mayor and Museum Committee Council Representative, Rod Anderson, assured Councillor Golden that the heart of the Museum Committee remains unchanged.
#12-11-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Museum Committee Meeting No. 25-02, February 4, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
j. Chi Cheemaun Festival Committee
Re: February 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes
#12-12-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Chi Cheemaun Festival Committee Meeting No. 25-02, February 18, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
k. Drainage Committee
Re: February 28, 2025, Meeting Minutes
#12-13-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the minutes of Drainage Committee Meeting No. 25-02, February 28, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
7. Other Business
a. Councillor Dowd inquired about the potential to receive a delegation from Hydro One surrounding the recent Ice Storm.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, stated that staff would reach out to Hydro One surrounding the request.
Councillor Dowd inquired about the potential fire risk associated with the fallen trees during the recent ice storm.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that information will be circulated to the public surrounding the importance of removing brush and dead foliage to mitigate the associated fire risks.
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, stated that landfill fees will be waived for brush until May 10, 2025, due to the impact of the recent ice storm.
Councillor Golden inquired about the status of the electric vehicle chargers located at the Tobermory Community Centre.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, noted that ChargeQuest has advised staff that the units will be operational for the 2025 tourism season.
Councillor Sohrab inquired about a timeline associated with the repair of several streetlights in Tobermory.
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, stated that he would contact the contractor regarding the inquiry.
b. Motion to appoint an alternate Council Representative to the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce
#12-14-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council accepts the resignation of Councillor Sohrab as the Council representative for the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce; and
That Council supports the assumption of the position by Councillor Golden.
Carried
8. Correspondence
a. Paul Vickers, MPP – Bruce-Grey- Owen Sound (Information)
Re: Ontario announces new and expanded seniors active living centre programs in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
b. Western Ontario Wardens Caucus (Information)
Re: Letter to Prime Minister Carney and Premier Ford
c. Susan Ribeiro (Information)
Re: Concern surrounding requirement to have Property Manager/Responsible Person contact information posted at the end of the associated STA’s laneway
d. Gencay Topkaya (Information)
Re: Concern regarding new by-law requirement for posting personal contact information of STA Property Manager
e. Tyler Casselman (Information)
Re: Short-term Accommodation By-laws
#12-15-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That correspondence items # a-e be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
f. Bruce Men’s Shed (Direction)
Re: Proposed venture between the Municipality and the Bruce Men’s Shed
#12-16-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula direct staff to review the request to build a structure on Municipal property from the Bruce Men’s Shed, and present a report to Council at a later date for consideration.
Carried
9. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2025-33
Being a By-Law for a Service Agreement between Municipal Support Services Inc. and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
b. By-law No. 2025-37
Being a By-law to execute an Agreement with the St. Catharine’s Fire Services and the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula for Emergency Communications and Dispatch Services
c. By-law 2025-39
Being a By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
d. By-law 2025-40
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, April 14, 2025
#12-17-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
10. Closed Session
a. Closed Session
#12-18-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That Council move into closed meeting at 2:29 p.m. pursuant to Section 239 (2) of The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons: c) A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality (Arena Update); and b) Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal employees (HR Updates)
Carried
11. Reconvene from Closed Session to Resume Council Meeting
#12-19-2025
That Council reconvenes from Closed Session at 3:03 p.m. and resumes the Council meeting.
Carried
a. Mayor McIver reported out that Council met in closed session with the CAO and Clerk in attendance and approved the minutes from the March 10, 2025, closed session meeting, and discussed a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality, specifically regarding an Arena Update, and personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal employees, specifically regarding HR Updates. Direction was given to the CAO.
12. Adjournment
#12-20-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the meeting adjourns at 3:05 p.m.
Carried
