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, Parks and Facilities Manager-Mark Coleman, Acting Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer-Curtis Bekking
Others Present: Bruce County Senior Planner – Jennifer Burnett
1. Call to Order and Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
a. 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.
Councillor Sohrab declared a pecuniary interest regarding the first portion of the Closed Session meeting— b) which pertained to personal matters about an identifiable individual, relating to the Museum Coordinator position.
2. Approval of the Agenda
#15-01-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Adoption of the Minutes
a. Re: Council Meeting No. 25-13, April 25, 2025
#15-02-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 25-13, April 25, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
b. Re: Council Meeting No. 25-14, April 29, 2025
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Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 25-14, April 29, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
4. Public Meeting – Nil.
5. Delegation – Nil.
6. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Jenn Burnett, Bruce County Senior Development Planner
Re: Applications – S-2023-008 & Z-2023-010 Dylan Earl
Mayor McIver welcomed Bruce County Senior Development Planner, Jenn Burnett, to the Council Meeting.
Bruce County Senior Development Planner, Jenn Burnett, provided an overview of Applications – S-2023-008 & Z-2023-010, the following was noted;
· The proposal is to create a 7-lot privately serviced residential subdivision on a 5.48-hectare waterfront property. The proposed lots will front onto Simpson Avenue and Corey Crescent;
· No new roads will be constructed.
· An amendment to the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Zoning By-law proposes to change a portion of the property from ‘RU2’ to ‘R2’ and a special R2 zone to prohibit development.
· A Public Meeting was held on November 27, 2023, and it was identified that additional information was required to assess compliance of the development with Provincial Policy and County Official Plan policies.
· Studies required by the Official Plan have been submitted to demonstrate that the development can occur with mitigation measures to protect the natural environment.
· A servicing plan was submitted in support of the application and indicates that the
development will be serviced by private individual on-site wells and septic systems.
· The site was designed around the natural heritage features and most of the property will remain undeveloped, with large areas being rezoned for no development or site alteration.
· There is an associated tree retention and preservation plan which delineates tree clearing areas and development envelopes.
· The conditions of draft approval require that the subdivision agreement implement the mitigation measures outlined in the environmental impact study.
· A Coastal Impact Study to assess the severity of natural coastal hazards and to establish the flood-proofing standard for the proposed development was submitted in support of the application.
Bruce County Senior Planner, Jenn Burnett, stated that the Environmental Impact Study for the application can be viewed anytime online. She further noted that an Advisory Clause would be registered for the properties to ensure that potential buyers are aware of the development restrictions associated with the lots.
Discussion ensued surrounding the sizing of the lots as well as the environmental sensitivity associated with the site.
Ms. Burnett stated that the lots sizes are consistent with the provisions outlined with the Municipality’s Zoning By-law.
Ms. Burnett stated that the recommendation contained within the report for Applications – S-2023-008 & Z-2023-010 contained an error concerning the fire number for the property. She clarified that the recommendation should reflect 25 Simpson Avenue as opposed to 35 Simpson Avenue.
Discussion ensued surrounding the studies completed for Applications – S-2023-008 & Z-2023-010.
Discussion ensued surrounding the deferral of the report until further clarification can be provided on the ‘no development’ context of the zoning and number of lots.
Discussion ensued surrounding compliance with the provisions of the Site Plan Control Agreement.
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Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the motion is deferred to a later date where further clarification can be provided on the ‘no development’ context of the zoning and number of lots.
Carried
#15-05-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
It has been demonstrated that the proposed applications are consistent with the Provincial Planning Statement 2024, the Bruce County Official Plan and has regard for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Zoning By-law. It is recommended,
THAT Council approve Zoning By-law Amendment Z-2023-010 and the necessary by-law be placed on an upcoming Council agenda for adoption; and,
THAT Council support the Conditions of Draft Approval for Plan of Subdivision file S-2023-008 for lands described as TP BURY WBR PT BLK 13, further identified as 25 Simpson Avenue.
Deferred
b. Jenn Burnett, Bruce County Senior Development Planner
Re: Application Z-2024-024 for Steve Levack
Bruce County Senior Development Planner, Jenn Burnett, provided an overview on Application Z-2024-024, the following was noted;
· This application was considered at a Public meeting on June 10, 2024. The application proposes to amend the Northern Bruce Peninsula Zoning By-law by changing the zoning of the subject lands from ‘C1-a-b-h’ to a ‘C1-special site-specific zone to permit a rental cottage and a private park that includes a walkway and sitting/observation area.
· The park is intended to be used for passive recreation by guests of the rental cottage and of the Blue Bay Motel at 32 Bay Street.
· The application also proposes to remove the “h” symbol which restricts the use of the property to residential and to remove the ‘b’ symbol which addresses yard setbacks for the C1 zone.
· The decision on the application was deferred pending the submission of comments from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and comments noted by Municipal staff that needed to be addressed.
· Comments have been submitted by the MTO, the applicant has addressed Municipal comments and a site plan agreement has been drafted by municipal staff and reviewed by the MTO.
· The subject property is adjacent to the Chi-Cheemaun launch area and MTO along with the Owen Sound Transportation Company require that no water-based activities are permitted.
· In response to comments related to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the owner provided an Accessibility Review report conducted by LISA ISAAC HR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (LIHR). AODA requirements are to be addressed through the site plan agreement with the municipality.
· A private park is a permitted use in the C1 zone. To minimize any impact to the neighbors, the area permitted for the park has been scoped down to a 650 sq. m. landscaped sitting area for the purposes of passive recreation.
· The operation of the site, including garbage, washroom and hours of operation are regulated in the site plan agreement.
Discussion ensued about the provisions contained within the Site Plan Control Agreement, including a requirement for a 2 metre high board fence and restriction on water-based activities.
Council asked about the washroom facilities for the park.
Council requested to review the Site Plan Control Agreement prior to finalization by staff to ensure that items such as fencing, restriction on water-based activities, and accessibility standards are included.
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Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-2024-024 by Steve Levack, for lands described as TOWN PLOT BURY EBR PT LOTS;45 TO 47 NS FRONT RP3R 292; PARTS 2,3 & 6 & RP 3R474; PART 3 (Tobermory) and addressed as 2 Front Street, be approved.
Carried
#15-07-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the draft Site Plan Control Agreement for lands described as TOWN PLOT BURY EBR PT LOTS;45 TO 47 NS FRONT RP3R 292; PARTS 2,3 & 6 & RP 3R474; PART 3 (Tobermory) and addressed as 2 Front Street, be presented to Council for review.
Carried
c. Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 25-02
Re: Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments 025
#15-08-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives MLEO Report 25-05 titled Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments 2025, and
That Council approves the passage of By-law No. 2025-45 being a bylaw to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, at today’s meeting
Carried
d. Chief Administrative Officer Report No CAO 25-07
Re: Parking Recommendation Report
Discussion ensued surrounding the demand for parking within Tobermory.
Councillor Golden inquired about the possibility of the Municipality proceeding with the rezoning of the municipal property at 213 Big Tub Road to Open Space.
Chief Administrative Officer, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, stated that the rezoning for the site is currently underway.
Councillor Dowd inquired about alternative sites for the proposed gravel parking lot closer to the downtown core.
Discussion ensued surrounding the feasibility and potential locations for the alternative site.
Councillor Golden stated the importance of ensuring that a parking area is created at 3 Centennial Drive due to the traffic issues resulting from vehicles parking at the Tobermory Welcome Sign.
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Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives CAO 25-07 titled Parking Recommendation Report, and;
That staff proceed with the approved demolition of the building located at 3 Centennial Drive in 2025, and;
That funding be included within the 2026 budget deliberations for a gravel parking lot, washroom facilities, and shuttle service located at 3 Centennial Drive, and;
That, staff begin monitoring parking revenue performance post-2026 to build reserves for a permanent facility at 3 Centennial Drive, and;
That, the expansion of the 213 Big Tub Road project be placed on hold and await further Council direction through the Strategic Planning Process.
Carried
7. Other Business – Nil.
8. Correspondence
a. Keep the Bruce Clean and Green (Information)
Re: Request for Council
b. Doug Pokupec (Information)
Re: Zoning By-law Amendment File No. Z-2024-024
c. Resolution – Town of Plympton-Wyoming (Information)
Re: Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers
d. Resolution – Town of Cobalt (Information)
Re: Opposition to Strong Mayor Designation for the Corporation of the Town of Cobalt
e. Resolution – City of Stratford (Information)
Re: Opposition to Strong Mayor Designation for the City of Stratford
#15-10-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the correspondence be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
9. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2025-42
A By-Law to Authorize a Physician Recruitment Agreement Between the Municipality and Dr. Claire Bodkin
b. By-law 2025-43
A by-law imposing special annual drainage rates upon land in respect of which money is borrowed under the Tile Drainage Act.
c. By-law 2025-45
Being a By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
d. By-law 2025-46
Being A By-Law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of The Corporation of The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, May 12, 2025
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Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
10. Closed Session
#15-12-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council move into a closed meeting at 2:37 p.m. with the CAO and Clerk in attendance pursuant to Section 239 (2) of The Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, for the following reasons: b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Museum Coordinator Position); and c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (proposed Community Centre and Library property).
Carried
a. Council reconvened from Closed Session at 3:18 p.m.
Mayor McIver reported out that Council met in closed session with the CAO and Clerk in attendance to discuss b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees (Museum Coordinator Position); and c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (proposed Community Centre and Library property). Council approved the Closed Session Minutes from April 14, 2025 and direction was given to the CAO.
11. Adjournment
#15-13-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the meeting adjourns at 3:20 p.m.
Carried
