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, Public Works Manager – Troy Cameron, GIS/IT Manager – Kara Smith, Parks and Facilities Manager – Mark Coleman
Others Present: Bruce Peninsula Virtual Care – Elijah Marcella
2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Chairmen – Gord Lang
2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Marketing and Events Chairmen – Andy Dales
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.
2. Approval of the Agenda
#19-01-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the content of the agenda be approved as presented.
Carried
3. Adoption of the Minutes
a. Re: Council Meeting No. 25-18, June 23, 2025
#19-02-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the minutes of Council Meeting No. 25-18, June 23, 2025, be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
4. Public Meeting – Nil.
5. Delegation
a. Bruce Peninsula Virtual Care, Elijah Marcella (Zoom)
Re: Municipal funding for Nurse Practitioner-Led Virtual Care Clinic
Mayor McIver welcomed Elijah Marcella to the Council Meeting.
Elijah Marcella provided an overview of Bruce Peninsula Virtual Care, a Nurse Practitioner-led virtual care clinic and the current impact the program has had on the community since being launched. Mr. Marcella further stated that Nurse Practitioners are unable to bill OHIP for services.
Following the presentation, Mr. Marcella requested $35,000.00 for Bruce Peninsula Virtual Care for two years of subsidized service delivery, resulting in 750 subsidized virtual appointments.
Discussion ensued surrounding services offered through the Virtual Care Clinic and the proposed subsidized pricing.
Mayor McIver thanked Elijah Marcella for his presentation.
b. Gord Lang, 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo Chairmen, and Andy Dales, Marketing and Events Chairmen
Re: 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo
Mayor McIver welcomed Gord Lang and Andy Dales to the Council Meeting.
Mr. Dales noted that the 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26, 2026, on a farm just outside of Walkerton, Ontario. Mr. Dales further noted that the event will include parades, RV campground, concerts, demonstrations, vendors, exhibitors, plowing, and special events.
The Goals and Ambitions for the event include the generation of revenue for local communities, supporting local businesses, and promotion of the agricultural sector.
Mr. Lang stated that approximately 1,800 volunteers are expected to participate in the 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
Discussion ensued surrounding the role of Bruce County Business Development Manager, Jeff Loney, with municipal coordination for the event.
Mr. Lang requested that the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula showcase in the combined Bruce County exhibit. Requests for promotional support for the event were also requested.
Mayor McIver thanked Gord Lang and Andy Dales for their presentation.
6. Consideration of Agenda Items
a. Public Works Manager Report No. PW 25-18
Re: Lion’s Head Drinking Water System Financial Plan #250-301
#19-03-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
THAT Council receives PW 25-18 report titled Lion’s Head Drinking Water System Financial Plan #250-301, and;
THAT Council approve the Lion’s Head Drinking Water System Financial Plan #250-301, including a 5% annual increase to both flat and metered water rates, effective for the duration of the financial plan (2025–2031).
Carried
b. GIS/IT Manager Report No. GIS IT 25-03
Re: Award of Contract for RFP GIS/IT 2025-01 – Fully Managed IT Services
Council asked about the current IT provider for the Municipality. GIS/IT Manager Kara Smith provided an overview of the current IT services utilized by the Municipality and the Fully Managed IT Services offered through MNP Digital.
#19-04-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
THAT Council receives report GIS/IT 25-03 titled “Award of Contract for RFP GIS/IT 2025-01 – Fully Managed IT Services”; AND
THAT Council awards the contract for Fully Managed IT Services to MNP Digital for a five-year term, with an estimated cost of $73,800 in the first year (excluding HST). Ongoing service costs will be funded through the annual operating budget, and a one-time onboarding fee of $20,000 (excluding HST) will be funded from reserves; AND
THAT Council approves the inclusion of $59,000 plus HST in the 2026 budget deliberations for the development of an IT Roadmap.
Carried
c. Building Department Report No. BD 25-06
Re: No Demand for Services Site Plan Control Agreement
Owner: Mr. Donald Mallott and Ms. Kajal Mallott
Con 4 EBR Lot 35 Lot 36, 46 Swan Lake Lane
Assessment Roll No. 4109 620 006 05100 0000
Property Identifier Number (PIN): 33118-0731 (LT)
Council asked for clarification regarding a building permit for a non- municipally serviced road, and for more details on the building. CAO, Peggy Van-Mierlo West, noted the process for similar files.
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, noted that Swan Lake Lane is a municipal road allowance with summer maintenance.
#19-05-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That, the negotiation, and registration of a No Demand for Services Site Plan Control Agreement requested by Mr. Donald Mallott and Ms. Kajal Mallott, owners of the property legally described as Con 4 EBR Lot 35 Lot 36 and located at 46 Swan Lake Lane, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved.
Carried
d. Building Department Report No. BD 25-07
Re: Lift Holding (H) Zone
Owner: Mr. Aaron Fox and Ms. Pragashini Fox
Plan 402 Lots 66, 67, 68 and 69, To be legally deemed as part of 100 Whippoorwill Road
Assessment Roll No. 4109 620 006 28402 0000 and 4109 620 006 28404 0000
Council asked for clarification regarding the lot numbers and sizes.
#19-06-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the removal of the Holding “H” zone requested by Mr. Aaron Fox and Ms. Pragashini Fox of the properties legally described as Plan 402 Lots 66, 67, 68 and 69, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula be approved, and;
The passage of By-law No. 2025-58 being a by-law to lift the Holding “H” zone, at its Council meeting on Monday July 14, 2025.
Carried
e. Building Department Report No. BD 25-08
Re: Deeming By-law
Owner(s): Mr. Aaron Fox and Ms. Pragashini Fox
Plan 402 Lots 64-65, 66-68 and 69, (Former Eastnor Township), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
Assessment Roll No. 41 09 620 006 28400 0000, 41 09 620 006 28404 0000 and 41 09 620 006 28402 0000
PIN No. 33118-0533 and 33118-0534 (LT)
#19-07-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the Building Department proceed to register a By-Law to deem Lots 64 to 69 of Plan 402 (Former Eastnor Township), Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, not to be parts of a registered Plan of Subdivision pursuant to a request submitted by the owners, Mr. Aaron Fox and Ms. Pragashini Fox. These will be consolidated as 100 Whippoorwill Road.
And further that this deeming by-law be presented to Council at its regular meeting on July 14, 2025, and will pass at this meeting as well.
Carried
f. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 25-15
Re: Seniors Active Living Centre Grant Update
Council asked about the eligibility of seniors programming. Parks and Facilities Manager, Mark Coleman, advised that the program is available for any individual age 55+ and that registration can be completed through the Municipality’s Recreation Program Coordinator.
#19-08-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 25-15 regarding Seniors Active Living Centre Grant Update as information.
Carried
g. Parks and Facilities Manager Report No. PF 25-16
Re: RFP Results for Ferndale and Pike Bay Park Playgrounds
#19-09-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That Council receives Parks and Facilities Report PF 25-16 regarding RFP Results for Ferndale and Pike Bay Park Playgrounds as information, and
That Council approves the addition of one bay of swings to the Pike Bay Playground design; and
That Council accepts the proposal from Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited dated June 19, 2025, for the design, supply and installation of new playground and swings equipment at the Ferndale Community Park and Pike Bay Community Park in the total adjusted amount of $175,916.28 + HST.
Carried
h. Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Report No. MLEO 25-07
Re: Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments 2025
#19-10-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receives MLEO Report 25-07 titled Bylaw Enforcement Officer Appointments 2025, and
That Council approves the passage of By-law No. 2025-60 being a bylaw to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, at today’s meeting.
Carried
i. Clerk Report No. C 25-19
Re: Sale of Unopened Road Allowance Policy – Information Report
Discussion ensued surrounding the wording contained within the current Sale of Unopened Road Allowance Policy.
Council engaged in conversations surrounding the retention of road allowances with water access.
A discussion followed regarding the need to clarify that individuals are not permitted to use unopened road allowances adjacent to their property.
#19-11-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council receive staff report Sale of Unopened Road Allowance Policy – Information Report for information.
Carried
#19-12-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council direct staff to bring forward an updated policy for review.
Carried
j. Chief Administrative Officer Report No. CAO 25-11
Re: Q2 2025 Operational Update
Councillor Sohrab inquired about the increase in parking ticket reviews performed by the By-law Department.
CAO Peggy Van Mierlo-West noted that the majority of concerns originated from the Tobermory area, and added that staff conduct a thorough analysis of the events and associated timestamps to ensure a comprehensive and accurate review.
Discussion ensued surrounding the need for user friendly parking machines.
Councillor Golden inquired about the revenue generated from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).
CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West stated that information surrounding the MAT will be incorporated into future operational updates.
Mayor McIver inquired about the increase in planning applications from 2024-2025.
Clerk, Alexandra Croce, noted that the figure includes all applications and inquiries received by the Bruce County Planning Department and the Municipal Office.
Discussion ensued surrounding the upcoming transition of the St. Edmunds Landfill to a transfer station.
Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, noted that the current set up at the site is well suited for the transfer station, however some minor adjustments will have to occur.
#19-13-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
THAT Council receives the Q2 2025 Operational Report as information.
Carried
k. Museum Committee
Re: June 12, 2025, Meeting Minutes
#19-14-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd
Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Museum Committee Meeting No. 25-05, June 12, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
l. Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee
Re: May 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Council asked about the number of climate lenses being utilized by the Municipality. CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, stated that a report will be brought to Council regarding the utilization of the Climate Lens.
#19-15-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the minutes of Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee Meeting No. 25-02, May 22, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
m. Drainage Committee
Re: March 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Discussion ensued surrounding the information contained within the March 27, 2025 Drainage Committee Meeting Minutes.
#19-16-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson
That the minutes of Drainage Committee Meeting No. 25-03, May 22, 2025, and all actions contained therein be approved as printed and circulated.
Carried
7. Other Business
a. Council engaged in a discussion regarding Elijah Marcella’s delegation on municipal funding for a Nurse Practitioner-Led Virtual Care Clinic.
Mayor McIver requested that information from the Peninsula Family Health Team be included within a staff report regarding the request.
b. Councillor Dowd inquired about revisiting licensing for Bed and Breakfast Establishments.
Discussion ensued surrounding the Municipal Zoning By-law, 2002-54, containing a provision which states that Bed and Breakfasts within the Municipality must be licenced, however no licensing program is currently in place for the operations.
CAO, Peggy Van Mierlo-West, stated that a report outlining the potential licensing program will be presented to Council at a later date.
8. Correspondence
a. Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation (Information)
Re: Thank you letter
b. Hon. Robert Black, Senator – Ontario (Information)
Re: Soil Health in Canada
c. Marilyn Bettridge (Information)
Re: Beaver Deceivers
d. Polina and Curtis Lake (Information)
Re: Little Cove ‘Motorized watercraft exclusion zone’
e. Paul Vickers, MPP-Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound (Information)
Re: $72,800 Provincial Grant thru the Ontario Trillium Foundation supports restoration of historic Davis Cabin in Tobermory
f. Grey Bruce OPP Detachment Board (Information)
Re: 2025 Board Approved Budget
#19-17-2025
Moved by Councillor Todd Dowd, Seconded by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden
That the correspondence items a-f be received as information as printed and circulated.
Carried
g. Ruth (Direction)
Re: Host a Coffee Break and Support Alzheimer’s Awareness, Education, and Local Services
#19-18-2025
Moved by Councillor Aman Sohrab, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That Council direct staff to proceed with coordinating a Coffee Break event for Alzheimer’s Awareness with the Alzheimer’s Society
Carried
9. Reading of By-laws
a. By-law 2025-53
Being A By-Law to Appoint a Chief Building Official, Deputy Chief Building Official and Building Inspectors for The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
b. By-law 2025-55
Being a By-law to Amend By-law No. 2002-54, as Amended, Being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula As it relates to the Removal of the Holding (H) Zone Provision – Town Plot Bury WBR Pt Farm Lot 6 RP 3R173 Parts 34 and 35 ; unassigned Rowson’s Road, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
c. By-law 2025-58
Being a By-law to Amend By-law No. 2002-54, as Amended, Being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula As it relates to the Removal of the Holding (H) Zone Provision – Plan 402 Lots 66-69; to be legally deemed as part of 100 Whippoorwill Rd, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
d. By-law 2025-59
Being a By-Law to Deem Registered Plan Lots Not to Be Registered (Lots 64 to 69 of Plan 402; Former Eastnor) Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
e. By-law 2025-60
Being a By-law to Appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and Property Standards Officers for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula
f. By-law 2025-61
Being a By-law to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting of the Corporation of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula Held Monday, July 14, 2025
#19-19-2025
Moved by Deputy Mayor Rod Anderson, Seconded by Councillor Aman Sohrab
That the listed by-laws be given 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reading, and enacted.
Carried
10. Closed Session – Nil.
11. Adjournment
a. Motion to Adjourn
#19-20-2025
Moved by Councillor Laurie (Smokey) Golden, Seconded by Councillor Todd Dowd
That the meeting adjourns at 2:21 p.m.
Carried
