By Tessa Swanton (Townson),
Bruce Peninsula Press
Cabot Head Road Operational and Communication Plans Revealed
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Peggy Van Mierlo-West, presented a draft Operational Plan and Communication and Engagement Plan to the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP) Council at the November 24th Council Meeting. The comprehensive plans are subject to amendments based on public, stakeholder, and partner comments.
Cabot Head Road remains closed to the public since 2019 where road washouts and damage were reported over certain sections. Council has received reports from staff over the years outlining road options including legal, environmental, operational, and financial considerations, as noted by the CAO. Council can either reconstruct the road, maintain the closure, or investigate alternatives.
As per Council’s direction from the November 10th Council Meeting, Van Mierlo-West proceeded with developing detailed plans for moving ahead with addressing the road. The Operational Plan summarizes a combined approach allowing vehicular access on the road for authorized users and converting the road to a non-motorized multi-use trail for the public. Authorized vehicles would include municipal staff, emergency services, contractors, and Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory/Friends of the Cabot Head Lighthouse members. The plan explains that authorized users must sign access agreements stating liability, insurance, and operational expectations.
The multi-use trail open to the public “would provide an accessible and environmentally responsible means of visiting the lighthouse and surrounding lands, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and nature appreciation,” as written in Report No. 25-21 from the CAO. The proposed natural surface or gravel trail will feature a kiosk at the access point and signage to guide visitors.
The Communication Plan specifies that engagement will start in January 2026 where the project page will launch on Let’s Talk NBP, the Municipality’s online public engagement website: https://letstalknbp.ca . The project page will include the Operational and Communication Plans, maps, images, history, reports, diagrams, environmental and legal context, frequently asked questions, and a public survey. Information will be distributed on the municipal website, social media pages, and to local media outlets.
Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation Requests $25,000 for Technology Upgrades
April Patry, Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation Executive Director, requested $25,000 from Council to support healthcare technology upgrades, specifically automated dispensing units (ADUs). ADUs improve safety and healthcare by ensuring patients receive medicine quickly and accurately. The dispensers also track inventory and alert pharmacies of low stock while providing nurses with more time to care for patients. The current units must be replaced by end of year at all Brightshores Hospitals. The Foundation hopes to raise $225,000 for two ADUs in Lion’s Head and $392,000 for three units in Wiarton. Patry expressed gratitude to the Municipality, “Your continued leadership will make a lasting difference for patients and staff in our little rural community.”
A quote from Courtney Terryberry, Pharmacy Technician at Lion’s Head and Wiarton Hospitals: “Our current medication management processes are largely manual. While our team works diligently to ensure accuracy, these methods are time-consuming and carry a risk of human error. This can affect both staff efficiency and, more importantly, patient safety. The advanced Automated Dispensary Units will transform how we manage medications—making care safer, faster, and more secure.”
Councillor Aman Sohrab stated, “They’re certainly a worthwhile upgrade over the previous machines. In my mind, there’s no question about the value to them starting to make a big difference in patient care and reducing workloads.”
Council plans to review the request.
Winter Maintenance Snow Removal Requests Reviewed by Council
Council approved winter maintenance service to all of Swan Lake Lane and North Shore Road from number 81-145 on a one-year trial basis. North Shore Road winter maintenance will involve a contractor’s tractor and snowblower. Owners of 224 and 226 Cameron Lake Road Spur also requested snowplow services which were ultimately denied by Council based on the absence of an adequate turnaround.
A November 24th delegation from a North Shore Road owner, not receiving winter maintenance prompted the request to extend maintenance on North Shore Road as they are now residing there full-time. A portion of North Shore Road is too narrow to receive regular winter maintenance by tandem plow truck, so a patrol truck is used instead, which is narrower and smaller. Staff investigated options for plowing up to 145 North Shore Road, however due to factors such the road being too narrow, private landscaping features, retaining walls, and prolonged reverse driving, municipal staff are unable to safely remove snow. However, a private snowplow contractor could blow snow on the road for $250 per removal from the intersection of Channel Road to 145 North Shore Road. As per staff’s recommendation to approve snow removal via a private contractor, Council agreed to hire a contractor at the December 8th Council Meeting and reassess the services next year.
Regarding approving winter maintenance requests, Public Works Manager, Troy Cameron, said, “We try to be consistent. Our recommendations have always been based on the safety of the operator and the public for turnaround. We try to keep it that we can’t recommend it [snow removal services] unless there’s a proper turnaround.”
MNBP Submits Application for Seniors Community Grant
The MNBP has applied for a $25,000 grant released by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility. The Seniors Community Grant is offering funds to municipalities to deliver projects to residents over age 55 that will improve their quality of life by encouraging physical, social, and educational community connection.
Municipal staff propose to partner with Connected Canadians’ Digital Skills Hybrid Engagement package to implement digital literacy programming. Report No. 25-20 from the Parks and Facilities Manager states that the project would deliver 6 iPads for seniors with 1-1 support, two in-person workshops led by instructors, 16 virtual workshops covering digital literacy, and unlimited 1-1 virtual and in-person technology mentorship by Connected Canadians’ technology mentors.
The project aims to address shortfalls in the Municipality surrounding digital confidence amongst seniors. With technology at the forefront of government services, health care, and social connection, the project would provide an incredible benefit to the aging community in NBP.
